COLLEGE CORNER
From Ms. Werner, College Couselor,
Kristine.Werner@earj.com.br
The first “virtual visit” of a college admissions counselor to EA took place on Monday when University of British Colombia gave us a presentation by Internet. We experienced mixed success with it as it was also a first time run for the college doing it. When we did the live communication over the computer, there was a 12-second delay with the satellite transmission, by VOIP phone it sounded like a robot, and by Skype it sounded like they were talking underwater. There is definitely room for improvement before it becomes a common tool for long distance recruitment. This shows that at this point we still like to have that real live person from the college enthusiastically telling us about their programs to draw an interested crowd.
The application process itself has gone digital with online applications which makes it more expedient and more efficient for our students to apply from afar. College websites offer a wealth of information that answer nearly every question and often include virtual tours and blogs making it easy to glean information. We do also still receive the glossy college booklets and brochures to place in the Library along with various SAT prep books and other college information. Resources available on the College Board website for parents as well as students (www.colllegeboard.com) range from SAT test signup and practice questions to information on a multitude of colleges as well as financial aid leads. The Princeton Review website (www.princetonreview.com) provides infinite information about the application process and about hundreds of colleges and even includes a career identification test.
Fortunately for EA students, we are often on the itinerary of college admissions counselors on their recruitment trips with 40-50 of them passing our way each year to interact with our students. This is a privilege not all international schools or even schools in the U.S. enjoy. In fact, we already know we will host the College Counseling Tour here next September 11 for the Council of International Schools. So my advice to students is, if you want to still meet and hear these great admissions counselors in person, show up for their presentations when they are on campus! Otherwise, they may all start trying the “virtual visits” instead. Parents, you are also always welcome to attend and we will keep you informed of them via the weekly Extra Edition.
PSAT Results and Information
Meeting
10th and 11th graders have a meeting during homeroom on Thursday, February 12 at 11:15 in the auditorium to receive PSAT results and start the college advising process. Parents are invited. Mrs. Werner will have a question session for the parents following her presentation to students.
Senior Scholarship Program
All Seniors who are Brazilian nationals are invited to a session with Fundação Estudar on Monday, February 16, in the Library during homeroom. Their representative from Sao Paulo will present the Foundation’s scholarship program for universities abroad in any major, or for universities in Brazil for Business, Economics, or Engineering. The criteria to grant scholarships are based on outstanding grades and school/community leadership. The amount of the grants reflects financial need. Recent EARJ recipients include Carolina Cooper (class of 2007) and Julia Averbuck (class of 2008) who both are studying at Yale. Interested Juniors may also come to listen. Check out their website: www.estudar.org.br
