For Canadians applying to universities in the US, UK, Ireland and Australia

1. “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you
can become it” by William Arthur Ward
A GUIDE TO COLLEGE
COACHING

2. What to expect ...
 Gain an overview of the admission process for colleges in the
US, UK, Ireland and Australia
 Learn how to effectively research and evaluate highly selective
universities
 Develop a résumé that emphasises your own strengths and
talents
 Create a realistic college application list
 Gain a thorough knowledge of how to complete your own
college applications
 Refine your skills for writing personal statements
 Participate in mock interviews

3. Features of U.S. Colleges...
 Campus size varies from  Quality education
small to medium to large  Engaging faculty
 Location can be rural, small  Unique programmes
town or large city
 Advantage of a Liberal Arts
 Many offer extensive study education
abroad options
 A very few offer direct entry
 Others offer undergraduate professional programmes
research opportunities
 Self-designed
 Specific colleges are chosen majors, combined
because of single sex programmes, dual degrees
education or particular are possible
religious affiliation
 Colleges are both private and
 Prestigious Reputations state owned, impacting fee
structures and financial aid

4. British Universities...
 Numerous choices of campus size, location and programming
 Entry is subject/degree specific
 May enter professional degree programs directly from high
school
 Not all professional degrees gained will be recognized in
Canada
 May apply to only four/five schools
 UCAS is the principal route of entry
 Preliminary pre-test scores may be required
 Prestigious reputations

5. Irish and Australian Universities...
 Fewer schools and locations to choose from than the UK
 High quality of education
 May enter professional degree programs directly from high
school
 Some professional degrees will be recognized in Canada
 Expect the academic calendar to differ from that in North
America

6. A Successful College Application
Process...
 Must be student driven  Accurate and open dialogue
 Selections should come from throughout the process is vital
careful, guided research  Each student is a unique
 Note that rankings can be individual with unique
misleading and inaccurate strengths and abilities
 High school marks, course  To be aware of one’s own
rigour, SATs, personal weaknesses early and learn
statements, extracurricular how to overcome them is
activities are all important crucial
 Hidden factors can play a role
in acceptances

7. Factors in Selecting a College...
Things to consider... And...
 Academic programme:  Attrition, retention, graduation
content, structure, features, el acceptance rates, career
ective flexibility placement services
 Facilities: availability to
 Academic rigour and balance
undergraduates, quality, maint
 Selectivity: freshman profile enance, development
 Size:  Financial Aid: need
campus, classes, seminars, fe based, need blind
atures  Scholarship availability
 Campus ethos  Desire to participate in
 Diversity:
extracurricular activities while
maintaining required GPA
academic, cultural, religious
affiliation

8. Create a timeline...
 For US College Applications: Include PSAT registration dates;
SAT I registration, preparation classes, international testing
dates; SAT II subject test choices and international testing
dates. http://sat.collegeboard.org/register/sat-international-
dates
 For UK Universities: The UCAS deadline for medicine, dentistry,
veterinary medicine and all courses at the universities of Oxford
and Cambridge is Mid-Oct of the year prior to entry. Also
include degree specific UK admission tests and deadlines
http://www.ucas.com/students/choosingcourses/admissions

9. Other Useful Information...
 For Irish Universities offering Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary
Science/Medicine please research:
http://www.atlanticbridge.com/med/schools/tsindex.htm
 For Australian Universities: please research
http://www.oztrekk.com/

10. SAT I and SATIIs...
 Standardized tests used to  Limited test dates available
provide a common worldwide  Select SATIIs based on
standard specific university
 SAT I measures math, critical requirements
reading and writing skills (3hr.  Write in grade 11 or 12 if
45 min test) curriculum has been covered
 SAT IIs: subject specific tests  Register for tests at
used to measure knowledge
www. collegeboard.com
and ability to apply knowledge
in certain subject areas (1hr.  For SAT help: please see
Tests) Many competitive http://www.kaptest.com/ or
universities require 3 SAT II http://www.princeton review.com
tests

11. Research Tools...
Be proactive... Narrow the field...
 Research and take notes on  Search by geographic region
individual colleges from or state
websites, guides  Narrow the field based on
 Write to colleges of interest for personal factors of importance
view books and request and selectivity of institution
application and financial aid  Research specific
information programmes and courses
 Talk to sports coaches and
college alumnae
 Visit colleges and attend
college fairs

12. Discuss your choices...
 Discuss your rationale for your  List outstanding
college choices academic, sports, or fine arts
 Create a shortlist of ‘good fit’, awards; discuss other
‘reach’ and ‘safety’ schools achievements
that meet your criteria  Highlight special summer
 Prepare a personal résumé to programmes/life experiences
highlight your strengths and  Explain extraordinary family
attributes circumstances
 Volunteer or work part time to  Demonstrate your well
gain knowledge about your roundedness or well
chosen career; it also helps lopsidedness and how that will
show commitment and help you contribute to campus
responsibility life
 Have a back-up plan