Researching UK and US Universities with Year 12
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This document provides guidance on researching universities for Year 12 students. It emphasizes that research should begin in Year 12 as applications are due early in Year 13, leaving no time. Good research relies on trustworthy sources like university websites and visits, print guides, and conversations with university representatives, teachers, and alumni. Students are advised to research a range of universities at different selectivity levels to find the best fit between their interests and opportunities at each school. Organization is important to track research on multiple schools.
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Researching UK and US Universities with Year 12
- 2. Major Topics Why Start Now Why Research is Essential How to Research Well Differing Objectives for US & UK Available Resources Where to Start
- 3. Research NOW! Why is Year 12 key for university research? Year 13 is too late! Applications are due Term 1 of Year 13—there’s no time. Resources can be cyclical. University visitors come to Bangkok only once a year, for example. Research is a process. It takes time to acquire information and carefully consider it.
- 4. Research is essential because… In the UK In the US Courses vary greatly. Little flexibility to change course. Be sure to choose the best one for you! Wide variety on offer. Ability to articulate authentic fit improves admission results. Keep an Open Mind It’s important to be knowledgeable about options. Don’t limit yourself too early on.
- 5. Keys to good research… Trustworthy Sources Multiple Sources Student-Centred Staying Organized
- 6. Assembling a university list… UK - Apply to 5 unis total US – Apply to 5-10 colleges Other destinations Ambition…with an element of caution Far Reach Reach Possible Likely Safety
- 8. Making research relevant… Enormous amount of university data available Admission statistics Course details Academic environment Extracurricular offerings Important to assess in a holistic fashion – don’t let one element dominate Make data relevant by asking questions aimed at assessing the student / university “fit”
- 9. Key sources of information… Online • Schools’ Sites • Naviance • UCAS.ac.uk • CollegeBoard.org • Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Line, etc. • iTunes and phone apps Print • General Guides • Times Higher Ed Guide • Fiske & Insider’s Guides • Viewbooks, Brochures, Prospectuses People • Ms Walker, Ms Overton • SHB University Visits • Campus Visits • Teachers, Parents, Classmates, Alumni (SAAP)
- 10. Print
- 11. Online
- 12. Social Media
- 13. People
- 14. Connections & Relationships University visitors Admissions tutors Email or telephone with questions Connect via social media Local alumni Talk to graduates of the universities who live in Bangkok Request interviews (US) Campus visits Trust your gut Get off the beaten path Visit schools you’ve never heard of
- 16. Poor sources of information… Random Internet Searches & Forums Easy to confuse similarly named universities Unmonitored chatrooms, untrustworthy “advice” Bangkok Rumour Mill Rumours are often biased and untrue. Mum’s Cousin’s Boss’s Friend Every person’s experience with a college is unique. Rankings Useful, but only in a limited fashion. Outside Consultants Motivation often not in students’ best interest.
- 17. Where to start… University visits Higher Education staff: Ms Walker, Ms Overton Naviance
- 18. Take Aways Keep an open mind – Enjoy being surprised and changing your ideas throughout this process. Ask questions – Don’t be shy or afraid to ask about the simple things. Use multiple resources – Print, online, in person. Share your research – talk with parents and teachers about what you’re each learning and thinking as you go along.
Editor's Notes
- Now: The earlier you begin, the more informed you can be, and the more resources you can take advantage of Cyclical: scheduling university visits both here and abroad Process: Comparing information from different sources is an essential part of any good research process, especially this one.
- UK: The same course can be quite different from Uni to Uni: Economics at LSE vs. SOAS, for example. US: Public vs private; small vs large; urban vs rural; big differences in campus culture, the list goes on and on…
- Trustworthy sources: More on these in a minute, but just a word to say that not all sources are created equally. Choosing good sources for research—and having a healthy dose of skepticism about less reliable resources—can make a huge difference Multiple sources: Relying only on US News and World Report, only the information you read in the pamphlet from a university, or only what you hear from friends and family can lead to a lopsided view of a particular college or university. Looking at many different sources can help you get a more nuanced, accurate view Student-Centred: Again, more on this in a minute, but researching universities should begin with the particular academic, personal, and career needs and goals of your child Staying organized: The amount of information out there is overwhelming. Staying organized will help you use and compare the information you find. There are multiple ways of doing this—again, more in a minute—the important thing is to choose a system that works for you.
- One quick note: A well-balanced list may mean looking at universities or colleges you haven’t heard of before.
- Finding the best fit means assessing each student’s personal, academic, and career goals.
- These four titles are a great place to get started, particularly the good university guide and the the fiske guide
- Naviance is the best place to track the schools you are interested in. See Ms Overton or Ms Walker with questions. UCAS UK; College Board SAT; also, university/college-specific .edu sites
- Also consider following the colleges and universities that interest you on social media. Look for the admissions office, specific departments, the general university site—all are likely to have information of interest. Many universities also have their own apps—search for these as well.
- Online: Apps, plugins, websites – all three of these will help you stay organized. Choose one and use it to keep your university search organized. Perfect for blog posts, articles, departmental pages you don’t want to have to search for again. Pinterest is great for things with images; Pocket is great for things you want to read later; Evernote is great for organizing anything from emails to articles and even your schedule Offline: A file folder box can be great for keeping brochures and other correspondence organized Organization makes it easier to cross reference and develop a fuller picture