Do you feel like no one hears your voice? Despite that, do you still think and speak passionately? Worst of all, do you need an activity for college applications but secretly dread it?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then welcome to Unit-E. 

Unit-E is a professional, non-profit, student run magazine across all international schools in Beijing. Yes, it is an activity for college applications and character development and CAS – but our true purpose is to amplify the voices of Beijing students. In the spring of 2010, two students from Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) and International School Beijing (ISB) gave birth to Unit E, and grew it to all international schools in Beijing. Students participated as artists, writers, designers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

Students, teachers, and parents agree on their favorite part of Unit E – its community. We build a community of readers and writers that inspire and empower each other through art and writing, learn from each other’s experiences and mistakes, and network, socialize, or gain new perspectives. Every year a team graduates, and every year a team begins a new journey within and without Unit-E.

In 2022, Unit-E have daily articles on WeChat and Instagram accounts as well as paper print issues every two months. Our funding comes from associated schools in Beijing, for whom we advertise in print. We have student representatives in Beijing City International School (BCIS), ISB, DCB, Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), Harrow, Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS), Pakistan Embassy College Beijing (PECB), and more, webbing a diverse social network of multiple languages, cultures, and aesthetic sensibilities.

We have five columns to cover every bit of creativity, fun, love, talent, niche, and argument possible: Creative, Academics, Chillax, Student Opinion, and Happenings.

The Creative column includes art, music, photography, dance, poetry, short stories, diaries, personal essays, memoirs, and journals. We help you gain inspiration from and learn about adolescent artistic expression.

The Academics column is every student’s handbook. How to excel in school? How to study for IB/AP/A-level exams? How to study for SSAT and SAT? How and where to intern, become leaders, and do charity work? How to choose universities, agents, and counselors? We have valedictorians and progressing students to answer you. 

The Chillax column is fashionable, fabulous, and fun. We provide a reliable firsthand guide for students in Beijing on where to have a girl’s night out, a romantic date, a shopping spree, what to wear, how to relax, where to eat… it goes on. 

The Student Opinion column is of course, opinionated, and therefore encourages students to be bold and confident. We argue for ourselves in respectful and beneficial ways about relevant issues within Beijing and the international community. 

The Happenings column reflects the wider context——how we students fit in a world that’s ever-changing. From law to economy to movies to galas to royal families, we have everything——do you want to know the latest gossip? Yes, but first, tea at Unit-E.

We are also absolutely thrilled to announce our current recruitment!

Anyone in Beijing with passion and curiosity can join. Based on your interest, you can be an editor, designer, marketing representative, writer, artist, or musician!

Submit your applications to Editor In Chief 2015053040@mybcis.cn, and work to be published through the QR code below——we already have many members, so be quick or give the opportunity to someone else.

 We look forward to hearing from you!

Images: Unit-E

There is no question that COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. Schools are closed, students are having to learn remotely through a variety of means. Adjustments to time and family life have had to been made. Social distancing, quarantines, stores and restaurants closed, and lots of bad news. It is hard to keep one’s head focused on the future. But that is what is necessary.

Here are a few things to remember:

1. It could be worse. The actions that most countries are taking are helping to resolve the pandemic that is beginning to work. China has drastically improved the situation to the point where things are beginning to get back to normal-ish.
2. The old adage One Day at a Time is an important one to live by. While the world seems to be crumbling, it is not. What you can do is focus on what you need to do today – school work, projects etc… Do your best.
3. Use your time wisely, avoid procrastination. Set a schedule to get things done. Schoolwork, exercise, read, write stories, play games with your family (not computer games, but good old fashion ones or create something new.) Being active and engaged keeps you on task. In other words, keep busy!
4. Keep balanced. Manage your time wisely, don’t overindulge.
5. Avoid negativity. There is nothing worse for the psyche than negativity. It wears you down, brings on depression, bad habits and can grow into a vicious cycle. Make a gratitude list – small things that you are grateful for – a roof over your head, food on the table, good health, your education, a loving family and good friends. Keep it simple.
6. Create positivity – instead of focusing on the not so good things, create change. Think of your family, your home, your neighbors, your community. What positive things can you do? Remember there are people worse off than you. They need your good energy.
7. Be creative. Think of ways you can engage your left brain. Try something new, research or investigate topics that have always interested you but maybe you haven’t had the time.
8. This too will pass. It may get worse in places, but as we have seen there is change coming. Don’t have regrets that you didn’t do well or get something done. You cannot blame a virus or the circumstances. There is only you.

A lot of the above is not only personal but about school. Remember that how you do through these circumstances is important. Many of you have applied to boarding schools or university. With the recent news standardized test scores – e.g. ACT, SAT, TOEFL, IB exams, A Levels and possibly take-home exams for AP, schools, and colleges will need to rethink their side of admissions. What we do know is that how you manage this time, before the end of the semester/term will be the most important validation. KEEP YOUR GRADES UP, in other words. Schools will be looking closely at your grades and COVID-19 is not an excuse (generally speaking).

If you are going to apply next year to schools, the same applies. But there are other things you should be doing if you are about to enter the admission cycle.

1. Research schools and research them deeply. Be broad and wide at first, then narrow over time.
   1. Attend virtual tours and admission sessions
   2. For schools that you are interested in, click on the More Information tab in admissions so that you get on their radar.
   3. Talk to current students or alumni
2. Prepare for standardized tests even though they have been postponed.
   1. Take a Duolingo English Test – many schools have added this to their English requirements either as a replacement for TOEFL or IELTS or add additional information.
3. If you are a junior, you can start working on your application:
   1. Open a Common Application account if you are planning to apply to the US. Other countries you need to wait awhile. Make sure you are opening an account for the next admission cycle 2020-21.
   2. Start thinking about or writing your personal statement. I strongly recommend avoiding – How I Survived COVID – 19 as a topic. But instead, think about some of the factors that lead to change in you. Be a little more creative and thoughtful. It will be an overused topic.
4. Build your resume starting from the Grade 9 equivalent to now: sports, clubs, organizations, other activities, and interests.
   1. Think about how these interests have changed, guided and developed you
   2. Why do you do them? Because you are good at them or genuinely interested.
   3. What have they provided you?

You have the ability to make your world right-side up. Don’t allow it to be upside down. Human intelligence has solved far greater problems and issues. Be part of the change even if it is in a small way. Work now and you will be better prepared for the future.

Stay safe, be healthy and as always remain grateful.

Hamilton Gregg is the founder of International Educational Consulting and has worked in education since 1985. He helps students and their families understand their personal and educational needs and find the right school to meet their requirements. If you are a student or parent who would like to ask Gregg a question on our blog, please email hsgregg45@gmail.com

Photos: Unsplash, Hamilton Gregg

Parents and students at schools around Beijing received a shocking notice yesterday that the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) cancelled their May IB Diploma Programme examinations due to COVID-19. Likewise, Cambridge Assessment announced that they too would be cancelling Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level, Cambridge International AS & A Level, Cambridge AICE Diploma, and Cambridge Pre-U.

The IBO website stresses that the cancellation of the exams is due entirely to the safety and fairness for its students and schools. “As an organization, it is critical for us to ensure that the options we provide our global community of IB World schools are based on compassion for our students and teachers and fairness for the difficult circumstances our students and educators are experiencing. We are grateful for your patience and consideration. As a result, the IB with considerable advisement from stakeholders across the globe including schools, students, universities and official bodies has determined the most responsible and ethical way forward.”

As a result, the exam that was originally scheduled between April 30 and May 22 will no longer be held. IBO states that, “Depending on what they registered for, the student will be awarded a Diploma or a Course Certificate which reflects their standard of work. This is based on students’ coursework and the established assessment expertise, rigor and quality control already built into the programs.”

As schools, parents, and students wrap their minds around this historical decision, the IBO has updated their list of FAQs to reassure those who are affected that life, and their college career, will continue as normally as can be.

At the moment, Cambridge Assessment has not yet announced how they will provide guidance to schools or how students will receive their grades, but will update the information as soon as possible, as well as offer support and resources for schools, teachers, and students on their website.

We spoke with Hamilton Gregg, founder of International Educational Consulting and contributing writer for beijingkids, on how the cancellation of IB exams will impact students.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.

I have been in education since 1986 working in schools in the US, Korea, Japan, and China. I have mostly been a college counselor but held different positions – Dean of Students, Academic Dean, AP/IB Coordinator at various schools. For the last ten years, I have also been an Independent Educational Consultant. I have held leadership positions in the International Association of College Admission Counselors Int’l (ACAC), been on committees for the National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC), and I am currently on the Board for the Independent Educational Consulting Association (IECA). Currently, I work part-time as College Advisor for Harrow Beijing and work as well with Shang Nancy Friends as partner and lead consultant.

Students and parents were just notified that IB exams will be canceled this year. What does that mean for students and their academic career?

In these trying and new times, everyone is having to adjust. As organizations like College Board, ETS, IELTS, IB, and the A Level exam boards respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has caused a disruption to exam invigilation. Unfortunately, this has meant that in the case of SAT, IELTS, and most recently IB, exams for this Spring have been cancelled.

These cancellations have most definitely upset the admissions cart. Students who have been planning to take any of these exams are now wondering what does this mean.

Focusing on IB, this means most likely that a student’s internal school grades now bear all of the weight in the final assessment of a student. For students, please remember that in the case of US schools, IB results really only determine two main things.

Results are used to ensure that you have met the conditions under which you were admitted and that you perform to the standards expected by that university. Results are used to award academic credit.

As it pertains to #1, this is why internal grades will now have more weight. So, despite a student’s school-specific procedures of conducting “school” online, it is terribly important that students continue to show up online, do homework and other assignments and other important school tasks. Perform at the highest level expected, using the virus is not an excuse to not work to one’s full potential.

To the final point of the question, colleges and universities are not going to hold students accountable for the cancelation of exams. Through all of the emails I have been receiving from universities, every one of them has indicated that they will work with students, and ensure fair and appropriate accommodations. In short, a student’s admission decisions will not be affected. Poor internal grades may have undesired effects, however.

Instead of an exam, this year the IB Diploma or DP Certificate will reflect the standard work of students. Is this a more fair decision than basing a student’s score on one exam?

“The IB will use a range of evidence to award the Diploma or course certificate including coursework already completed by the student…. Where the IB has 50% of a student’s assessment components for any given subject, there is a long-standing process—the missing mark procedure, which can be used. The missing mark procedure allows us to estimate how a student would have performed on any missing assessment component (like an examination paper) based on the other elements of the assessment they have completed.” IB.org

It is hard to tell if this is fair or not. Certainly, an exam is typically a relatively accurate representation of a student’s ability. You will note my hesitancy due to the fact that some students perform better under different circumstances. It is fair to evaluate a student based on components received and making an “estimate” on performance can be a bit tricky. However, if we assume the cumulative nature of learned material, student and teacher assessments and other materials, it should be possible to “guesstimate” how a student might perform on an exam within reason.

I am still a bit hesitant to say if this is fair or not. It all sounds reasonable and most likely IB has spent a great deal of time considering this decision plan and how they will go about determining a particular mark in each subject. I am sure there will be some students who will be satisfied and others who won’t.

Should students view this as a hurdle in their college application?

Absolutely not, in the case of Seniors. As mentioned previously, if a student is performing at their best, given the circumstances, colleges will be understanding.

The real hurdle is the emotional and psychological effects this event is having on students. Mental health, particularly depression and helplessness, as well as time management, will be some of the hurdles students need to be aware of. This is a time of crisis and some rise to the challenge while others do not. It is important that all students be aware of their own circumstances as well as those of others. I recommend creating virtual communities online, study groups just as if you were at school. Acting as if you were going to take IB exams. Check-in with classmates and encourage everyone to do their best. This is an opportunity to come together, as best as possible.

Are there any other challenges you predict high school upper-class students will face this year?

Yes, there are some, but from the sounds of improvements around China, schools are beginning to open slowly. This is a good sign and should bring some hope to everyone that we will get through this.

Will COVID-19 affect any other aspects of college applications?

COVID-19 has changed a lot of things and this may affect Junior students more. We may see more schools go test-optional. We have already seen schools adopt Duolingo as an English assessment. Virtual college presentations and school visits are and may become the new normal. This may change the overall recruitment process colleges and universities use. AP and TOEFL are considering online assessments that students can take at home. Lots of possible changes.

What I hope will not happen is the person to person interaction that makes education so invigorating and valuable. Being a bit of an old school person, online education has never appealed to me. Face-to-face interaction is more engaging and I think more promising than what can happen over the Internet. But that is just me.

Photos: ibo.org

Flights canceled, borders closed, health care strikes, ethnic discrimination, test kit shortages, epidemic or pandemic – there is a crisis and navigating the complexities of the Coronavirus will take caution, patience, and flexibility. The virus had terrible timing to hit during the largest movement of people on the planet and combined with poor oversight, the virus has now spread to 23 countries with 17,000 lab-confirmed cases and over 360 deaths. In comparison to other infections, this virus is still in its infancy. SARS only hit 8,098 people and MERS only about 2,500. The H1N1, otherwise known as Swine Flu, killed 285,000 which is still less than the normal flu which occurs every year. Approximately the flu sends about 700,000 people to the hospital every year according to the CDC.

Now the Coronavirus is getting the attention it deserves in China, and across the rest of the world major precautions are in effect. Having been in the States for the last three weeks on school visits, most schools were operating business as usual. Please know that schools are taking appropriate actions by providing support to current students. Many boarding schools are encouraging students to monitor their health, requesting students to stay healthy and if not feeling well visit the school infirmary or doctor.

With several holidays coming up (Presidents Day and Spring Vacation), schools are also providing solutions for Chinese students who may otherwise have no place to go. Schools will either allow students to stay on campus or provide tours or other opportunities so students have solutions. Obviously, students will not be able to travel home. Please know that schools take your child’s health and welfare seriously.

As many have heard, there has been an increase in racism and bullying usually sparked by fear and anxiety. Schools are taking the necessary precautions to ensure that students feel safe. Diversity is an important part of a school’s culture, and ensuring students’ emotional wellbeing is paramount. All schools do not tolerate any form of racism or bullying. Faculty have been instructed to be alert to any behavior that is not supportive to the overall community, making sure that students feel safe. Students are also encouraged to let trusted faculty know if they feel unsafe in any way, either by word or deeds.

Looking ahead, families currently seeking places in the US for summer school or for placements in the coming school year, it is important to not let emotions and fear deter future plans. Schools will not decrease or close admission to summer programs or to next year’s class for Chinese students. The same can be said of colleges and universities.

Having said that, it is also prudent to have several plans in place. Plan A should be to remain focused on moving forward with the current course of action. Plan B may most likely involve being flexible with summer plans in the event that restrictions remain in place, particularly if a summer program requires a student visa (F1).

As with any crisis, it is important not to fall prey to rumor. Anxiety creates fear, fear creates supposition, supposition creates misinformation, misinformation creates more anxiety. Rely only on trusted sources of information. While schools do not want to be bombarded with phone calls and email, they are posting updated information on their websites. Please be aware that if you have a student at a school currently, they too are feeling anxious. Be supportive and help them focus on what they need to do – be healthy, do well in school. If you are anxious, they will be more so. Please know they are safe and well-taken care of. That is what schools do. You have entrusted your child to their care, they take that responsibility very seriously.

Be safe, stay healthy. Be united in maintaining calm and we, all of us, will get through this together.

Hamilton Gregg is the founder of International Educational Consulting and has worked in education since 1985. He helps students and their families understand their personal and educational needs and find the right school to meet their requirements. If you are a student or parent who would like to ask Gregg a question on our blog, please email hsgregg45@gmail.com

Photos: chinausfocus.com, itv.com, Hamilton Gregg 

When I was a student, according to my teachers, only two criteria mattered to have you considered an attractive candidate for a job in the future. One, you had to either be a lawyer, doctor, engineer, architect or involved in some field of the hard sciences. Two, you had to have a degree from abroad. Though the first criteria has mostly fallen by the wayside, it is still a commonly held belief that a degree acquired in a foreign country, especially the US, Canada, the UK, or other high profile Western European or Australian universities is worth its weight in gold in the ever increasingly competitive global employment market. Even though in the recent years, Chinese institutions have increasingly become popular with applicants globally, American and British institutions still reign supreme, being a favorite destination for not only Chinese nationals, but also expatriate families based in Beijing.

Tomer Rothschild

However, in the recent past, said institutions have gotten bad press globally, for their exorbitant prices and complicated application processes. Those wishing to successfully apply would have to jump through an endless series of bureaucratic hoops just to qualify, let alone be accepted. Or so it has been said. There are countless organizations the world over helping students make their dreams come true by assisting them to successfully enroll into their courses and foreign universities of choice. They take the guesswork out of the application process by providing concise and up-to-date information on what universities are looking for. Co-founded by Tomer Rothschild, Elite Scholars of China (ESC) strives to make Beijing students’ application and college experiences as memorable as possible.

The Elite Scholars of China team

What is your background in education and how long have you and your company been working in Beijing/ China?

I began working in university admissions in 1993, when I was a Senior Interviewer at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. I continued serving as an alumni interviewer for Wesleyan in Asia and in the USA for many years. I also served as an alumni interviewer for University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where I completed my MBA. After many years of sitting across the table to interview and evaluate students on behalf of schools, I decided I wanted to sit side-by-side with students and help them in this process. In 2010, together with my business partner and wife, Stacy Palestrant, we founded our company, Elite Scholars of China (ESC). Since then, we have worked with over 1000 families to plan their educational path and successfully gain admission to the most selective universities in the US, Canada and UK.

Why should students in China consider international universities as opposed to Chinese Universities?

This of course, is a matter of subjective preference, rather than an arena of absolute truths. And yet, there are many Chinese students who are motivated to study in the USA. Currently, there are roughly 360,000 Chinese students studying in America, comprising 1/3 of all foreign students in the country. Many of them have chosen to study abroad because of their desire to widen their horizons, expose themselves to a new educational philosophy, and educate themselves for a global workplace. In terms of different educational philosophies, it is important to note that compared to China, American universities offer considerably more latitude: students do not have to decide their academic major when they apply, they are free to choose their major based on their interests, as well to take many classes outside of their academic major. In short, American universities encourage students to take charge of their own education, to explore their intellectual and academic interests, and to be the architects of their own educational destiny.

What are some of the main countries/ universities your company works with?

The majority of ESC students go to study in the US, with the remaining students going to either UK or Canada.

For those who have no idea where to start, what is the first step to successful entry into an international university?

The first step is usually a high school that helps prepare its graduates attend a university overseas. While not a necessary condition for studying abroad, an international high school is a great first step since it places a student in the correct environment, with appropriate curriculum, English language training, and timeline. Fortunately, Beijing has a dizzying variety of many excellent international high schools and international programs within local high schools that can help prepare students for this pathway. Besides schooling, I believe a student should have advanced English language skills, self-awareness of why they want to study abroad in a university, and familiarity with the different requirements and processes for different schools.

What are some of the ways in which parents and students can ensure they stand out as attractive candidates to an admissions officer?

This is more critical for admission to highly selective American universities than for other schools who choose students based solely on merit or test scores, because at these very selective American institutions, “standing out” becomes an issue for several reasons. First, these schools have massive application volume. Second, the schools are not simply looking for top students with high test scores, rather they are also looking for student diversity across multiple factors, including academic areas of interest, personal background and activities, and personal qualities. Ironically, the advice that students commonly receive to “Be Yourself” is actually very accurate, although as an instructional tool it’s too vague to be helpful. In terms of “Be Yourself”, I would encourage students to engage in activities and academic and intellectual pursuits that they find intrinsically interesting, and to thoughtfully reflect on these activities and pursuits, so that they can express themselves clearly to university admission officers through interviews and application essays.

What are some of the challenges associated with admission into an international university that most applicants don’t stop to consider?

For selective American university admission, I think that while many families focus on standardized tests, a greater factor towards success may be the student’s approach to time. The student’s ability to remain organized, use time effectively by allocating time well among all the competing demands of school and activities, and not procrastinate are likely greater contributing factors to success than simply getting a higher test score. It’s a long marathon, with many things to do, so students need to pace themselves and stay focused.

Would you break down the process from start to finish in as brief a way as possible and the time each step takes to be completed?

For American universities, it looks like this – In late October of Grade 12, we have the first deadline: Early Decision (or Early Action or other variations). Around January 1 of Grade 12, the next deadline occurs: Regular Decision.

Before either of these deadlines, students must submit the following materials:

1. Standardized tests (SAT or ACT)
2. Language Test (TOEFL) depending on certain criteria
3. SAT subject tests (usually 2 or 3 subjects, according to their choice)
4. Other test scores, including AP, IB or A Level depending on their school curriculum
5. Academic Transcript – the student’s school provides this for grades 9-12
6. Letters of Recommendations – the student must request this from her school teachers and school counselor to complete and submit this
7. Personal Statement – an essay the student writes, at a maximum length of 650 words
8. Supplement Essays – each school has different requirements for these
9. Activity List – this list of no more than 10 activities is like a student’s CV, and reflects their involvement in school activities and other engagements throughout high school
10. Application Form – about 10 pages to fill out
11. Interview – either by school’s alumni interviewer or admission officer, or by a third-party interviewing company

Most students begin working on their standardized tests some time in Grade 10, and usually finish in the beginning of Grade 12. Grade 11 is a very busy period for students in terms of testing and school activities. Finally, the essays can also take considerable time, so many students begin brainstorming those in the summer before Grade 12, and continue writing them until the deadlines.

What have been some of your company accomplishments when it comes to this line of work?

We have helped over 1000 students to successfully complete this process, so fortunately there is much of which to be proud, including having guided students to admission offers from famous schools like Harvard, Stanford, MIT and Cambridge/Oxford, as well as every one of the top 50 American universities and liberal colleges. These achievements are indeed significant. Equally satisfying are the process itself and the individual stories – witnessing a student’s growth as she explores her interest in microbiology, or helping a student articulate his budding interest in the intersection of economics, foreign aid, and political science. Helping students discover their intellectual interest, navigate this confusing process, and aiding parents who may be anxious or confused is very rewarding. Finally, because we stay in touch with our students for many years after high school, we can witness their long-term growth, incredible maturation and transformations. I have helped our alumni find jobs, apply to graduate school, and even get married – I officiated at the wedding of one of our alumni students in 2018!

What are your goals for the year 2020?

Keep on doing what we are doing at ESC! We have many families that rely on us, so I try to stay focused on my work, staying close to the needs of our families and students. Personally, I like spending time with my wife and three children. Finally, I have become addicted to the shocking stimulation of winter swims 冬泳 at Houhai, so I want to do more of these in 2020!

Photos: Courtesy of ESC

There has been some controversy whether or not 2020 is not only the New Year, but also the new decade. Some think we have embarked on the next decade while others believe it actually starts next January. What we all know is that we are in a new year and with that comes a new round of admissions items.

Some students who applied ED or EA to university had pre-Christmas presents of positive decisions coming their way. Others may have to wait while decisions are still being made or they have been deferred. Just a reminder – a Deferral is not a Denial. You are still very much in the game even though the news was a bit disturbing. While you may feel a bit of Bah Humbug, you can still win that race if you are keen to do so.

As we are now about to enter the second week of January a whole new set of deadlines come starting next week. EDII for many schools and if you are applying to boarding school your applications are also due at the same time – January 15. It’s time to put the last tweaks on your essays, make sure all of your test scores have been sent and if requested, interviews.

The good news is that you are almost done, aside from the seemingly eternal wait. What is critical at this time of the year, one might say the Winter Blues, is that you stay focused. Focus on your academics and extra-curricular activities, revise for upcoming exams – IGSCE, A2, IB or AP, whatever your particular case may be. This is particularly true for students who were deferred or denied in the early rounds of college applications.

Being denied can definitely throw you for a serious downward loop. Remember, don’t take a denial as a personal affront. No doubt you put together a fantastic essay, did all the right things, and had amazing test scores. But, somehow your application didn’t cut the final round. It hurts, definitely. Time to move on. Do not spiral out of control, please! You are better than that and most likely your expectations were a bit off target. Know this, the world is still revolving and you are OK. There are still great schools, if your list is appropriate, who will take you.

If you did get in, this is not the time to rest on your laurels and let the world slide by. Remember that that university is expecting you to bring home the results that you presented in the application process. US universities, unlike UK universities, do not state clearly in their decisions (actually they do, but you might not have read that part of the congratulation letter) that the offer is conditional. Just know that it is; the conditions being that you finish your Senior year presenting final results that match your predicted and previous semester’s grades. Basically, you aren’t done until you’re done.

For everyone in the application process, know that there is a right, good fit school for you. It may not be the one you truly hoped for when you were dreaming, but learning and living in any school will provide you with the academic and life experiences that will change your life if you are open to making your education wherever you go!

Hamilton Gregg is the founder of International Educational Consulting and has worked in education since 1985. He helps students and their families understand their personal and educational needs and find the right school to meet their requirements. If you are a student or parent who would like to ask Gregg a question on our blog, please email hsgregg45@gmail.com

Photos: time.com, thoughtco.com, unsplash

Over the next couple of weeks, universities will be releasing their decisions on Early Decision and Early Action. As the dates creep closer and ever faster, no doubt anxiety is building as students wonder whether or not they will be accepted to those primary target schools. Of course, each and every student has high hopes for these impending notifications.

If you have applied Early Decision and are admitted – Congratulations!
You are now done, completely with your college application process. What a HUGE relief! Lest you think you are entirely done, PLEASE remember that you need to complete your Senior year with the grades (predicted or otherwise) that were sent along with your application. “You ain’t done until you’re done” with high school. As is always the case, any admission is based on you completing your high school with the same enthusiasm and excellence you showed throughout.

If you applied and were accepted Early Action – Phew!
The stress is off and you now know that you will be going to university next year. That is a huge burden to take off your shoulders. But, that also means that you most likely have other applications to complete if you have not completed them yet. If not, get on with it! Now! While there is the fire of confidence in your head.

If, in either case, ED or EA you were Deferred, congratulations are also in order.
While it may feel like a denial, it is not. Far from it. A deferral just means they really want you to take a little more time to prove yourself to them. What does that mean? Most likely they want to see the end of your first semester grades (Mid-Year Report). Hopefully, they are on target or better than the end of Junior year. They may want to know more about what you have done since you sent your application (did you mention that you were starting a club or working on a project? – they may want to know how that turned out). They may want to know if this school is still your #1 Choice and why is it still #1 now that you have been deferred. Schools may also want some further information from your school.

A Deferral is not the end. It is just a continuation of the application. Students in this situation still have the chance of admission, you just need to keep waiting. There is a myth that a deferral is the death knell, but it is not and you are still very much in the game. Keep playing, and playing with gusto.

Now on to the not so good news – the Denial.
First of all, students need, no must, know that this is not a rejection of you as a person. Most likely you did everything right: great grades, scores, recommendations and so forth. But, somehow, someway your application did not have the wee little thing to overcome the ultimate hurdle to get the acceptance. Be aware that there are most likely thousands of students with similar profiles as yours who also did not get in. This is the nature of the beast. Unfortunately, not everyone gets to win, even the best and the brightest. Small consolation, I know, but also know that your life is not over just because you did not get into your Top Choice. If you have put together a solid list of schools, you will be just fine. Life will go on. But if you crash and burn because you put too much expectation on getting in, then you need to get on with focusing on your other applications and school.

As is clearly evident by this post, life is comprised of success and challenge. This is just the beginning of those experiences that life will bring along its pathway. How you manage and cope with both the successes and possible failures are the core of developing resilience, internal confidence, and self-esteem. For certain the only truly bad outcomes are the terminal ones. How we make, to use a somewhat trite phrase, “lemonade out of lemons” shows our true character.

Hamilton Gregg is the founder of International Educational Consulting and has worked in education since 1985. He helps students and their families understand their personal and educational needs and find the right school to meet their requirements. If you are a student or parent who would like to ask Gregg a question on our blog, please email hsgregg45@gmail.com

Photos: Hamilton Gregg, unsplash

There has been a lot going on behind the scenes of college admission over the last couple of months. There have been some major changes to what colleges and universities can do during the admission season.

Most students may be completely unaware of what the National Association of College Admission Counseling is, and the organization’s purpose. NACAC, as it is commonly referred to, is the umbrella organization that represents universities and counselors, primarily in the US but there are many international members – both schools and universities. Schools and universities who are members agree to abide by NACAC’s Code of Ethics and Professional Practices (CEPP). This code of ethics basically tries to keep admission practices fair and on a level playing field focused primarily on students. But there are also certain rights given to students. For the past year or so, NACAC has been engaged in a lawsuit by the US Justice Department regarding competition among colleges for students – basically a fair trade issue. At the last NACAC Conference this last September the CEPP underwent certain changes which change how colleges and universities can act. Every student going forward – this current Senior class and future classes applying to the US – need to be aware of the changes.

So why is this important? Here is what you need to know as a student:

Changes to Early Decision: Previously colleges could not provide any incentives for students to apply early decision; for example, special housing, enhanced Financial Aid or special scholarships. NOW, and effective this year, colleges can offer students incentives to apply ED. It is important to remember that applying ED is a serious commitment to a specific school and for very personal reasons. This change can affect how a student perceives a college and be enticed by these incentives. It is important that any student who receives requests from any college speak with their college counselor immediately to get advice on the decision-making process and evaluate these offers.

May 1 Reply Date: Once you have been admitted, decided on which college you will attend, and enrolled you must make your final decision by May 1. Previously, colleges needed to respect the May 1 deadline and not try to make any effort to change students’ minds. NOW, colleges can reach out and extend offers to you. This may make things a bit confusing. Why? Because those offers may have financial or other incentives for you to change your mind. In common speak, this is called “poaching.”

Transfer Students: The same applies to transfer students who may receive offers from another school(s) once they have enrolled in a new university.

What makes this more complicated is that schools can reach out at any time to make offers of this sort. This may impact an international students’ ability to obtain a F-1 Student Visa. For example, let’s say a student chooses to enroll in College X and pays the deposit May 1. In late August or even later, student receives an offer from another College Y with some financial or other incentives. If they take that offer, they will of course lose their deposit at College X but now try to change their visa status so they may attend College Y. There will not be enough time to arrive for the start of classes.

While we all hope that at least for this year colleges and universities will respect the previous CEPP and the ethical guidelines prior to September 2019, and that schools will respect the integrity of a students’ interests in the admission process, we need to be aware that universities are a business and financial considerations may trump good behavior.

Hamilton Gregg is the founder of International Educational Consulting and has worked in education since 1985. He helps students and their families understand their personal and educational needs and find the right school to meet their requirements. If you are a student or parent who would like to ask Gregg a question on our blog, please email hsgregg45@gmail.com

Photos: Hamilton Gregg, unsplash

Now that we are in the midst of application season, students applying for schools – boarding and university – are evaluating and re-evaluating their school choices. Many aspiring students take their aspirations when they build their list of schools, hoping beyond hope to reach their Dream School. But then the testing comes – SSAT, SAT, ACT, TOEFL/IELTS, and their list is confronted by the stark reality that their goal is now beyond reach – or is it?

At a recent conference, a panel discussion with several universities and Bob Schaeffer from FairTest.org presented about how schools that are test-optional/flexible are seeing not only an increase in applications, but more importantly no adverse decline in the quality of students nor their overall performance once in school. Fair Test lists all the schools that currently do not require test scores in evaluating students. There is a fair number of schools and lest one think that good schools are not on the list, one only needs to look to the University of Chicago! But one should also know there are over 1,000 colleges and universities which no longer request scores.

It is important to thoroughly research each school that offers this benefit before committing, as some schools may have this policy for domestic students only and there may be other caveats in place. But in the end many schools have considered a few of the following questions to determine that test scores add little value in determining whether a student is prepared for the rigors of academics at their school:

• Do the tests really have predictive validity at this institution?
• Does that validity hold for all ethnic, age, and income groups as well as for both men and women?
• Do the tests add anything significant to what admissions officers already know about applicants?
• Are test score requirements deterring potential applicants who would make suitable students?

For schools that have decided “no” to those questions, the benefits have outweighed any downside. Let’s consider the first question – do tests really predict performance? In a test-based culture where test prep runs to the extremes, one could easily conclude that students outperform the value of the test. Students become hypersensitive to their scores and constantly compare their scores to others. Which creates a vicious cycle of adding to the money machine of test prep. Schools and colleges (boarding and universities) know that the value of test scores is diluted in the frantic score race.

But what is the race for? The highly competitive race to get into one’s dream school. Then we come to the next question which addresses validity focused on income among other criteria. It goes without saying that families with more income have more money to spend on test prep. Without being too focused on some of the issues of this question there are certain types of students who do do better on standardized tests because of the benefits of living in higher income areas – better schools, better opportunities. By moving to test optional, schools can place more value on relevant aspects of a student’s application – performance in school.

Which brings us to a point that is never really talked about but inherently present – many students are enrolled in AP, IB and A Level programs at schools here. Each of these programs are considered college level in terms of their content and expectations. So, if a student is successful in achieving high grades in college-level courses, why would one need to take a 3 hour and 45-minute test to validate something they have already validated by being academically successful?

So back to the main topic of this piece – if scores don’t match what should a student do? Re-evaluate and look at a wider set of schools. Most importantly focus on the programs and courses schools offer. Check out schools that are test-optional. Know the requirements but in the end, your list of schools should have a good balance of reach, core, and foundation. It is always important to keep expectations reasonable as there are no guarantees in admission to any university of any caliber.

Hamilton Gregg is the founder of International Educational Consulting and has worked in education since 1985. He helps students and their families understand their personal and educational needs and find the right school to meet their requirements. If you are a student or parent who would like to ask Gregg a question on our blog, please email hsgregg45@gmail.com

Photos: courtesy of Hamilton Gregg, unsplash