College Counseling

College Counseling

At AAS, we give each student the knowledge and tools necessary to find a post-secondary option that is right for him or her. Through a process of self-exploration and discovery in advisory, as well as in academic classes and extra-curricular activities, students learn about their strengths and interests.

Although the process of preparing for higher education begins in grade 9 and continues throughout high school, over the course of grade 11 students will begin to apply what they know about themselves to their university research in order to find the school that fits their individual needs.

The official search begins in December of grade 11 when parents are asked to fill out the Parent Questionnaire. Then in January, all grade 11 students will begin having formal appointments with their assigned counselor.

 

Year-By-Year University Preparation Timeline

 

 

 

Responsibilities for Success

During the university application process, students, counselors, and parents all have their own set of responsibilities that will help to create a successful enrollment outcome.

No matter where in the world our students would like to study, the counselors are here to help guide them through the admissions maze. Students are welcome to meet with us as many times as they would like, and parents can always join in on those meetings or come on their own. We are here as a resource—please take advantage!

Students

University-bound students are responsible for: 

  • Making appointments with counselors on a regular basis to go over choices, procedures, etc. Take initiative—help is available to you.
  • Ensuring a complete official record of grades from any previous high school attended is on file in the Counseling Office. DO THIS NOW!
  • Thoroughly researching colleges/universities using all available resources, including BridgeU.
  • Knowing and meeting all AAS and college/university deadlines.
  • Reading and following each institutions application instructions.
  • Supplying appropriate forms to teachers and counselors in a timely manner.
  • Preparing supplemental materials (particularly for the Common Application).
  • Following up with teachers who have agreed to write letters of recommendation to ensure they meet the deadline.
  • Requesting and paying for OFFICIAL test results from The College Board (SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests), the ACT, TOEFL, and/or IELTS to be sent to each institution that requires them.
  • Photocopying all original materials and printing hard copies of electronic applications. It is recommended that students keep a separate file for correspondence and application materials for each institution to which they apply.
  • Storing electronic copies of data in a safe place.
  • Providing the college counselor with a sufficient number of clear copies of any application materials that must be sent with records, school profile, and recommendations from the school.

Counselors

College counselors are responsible for:

  • Facilitating research and selection of appropriate institutions for each student.
  • Advising students on various programs and courses of study, and determining whether or not such programs and courses are a good match for the student’s academic background.
  • Getting to know each student’s strengths and weaknesses, goals, and interests in order to craft a compelling counselor recommendation.
  • Assisting students in completing applications and helping students register for standardized tests.
  • Preparing copies of all secondary school records from both AAS and any previous institutions, and submitting them, along with a school profile and any required recommendations or supplemental materials, to any institution requested by the student.
  • Advocating on students’ behalf to admissions officers. This includes attending professional meetings abroad and hosting college/university representatives on campus.
  • Helping faculty members write letters of recommendation and encouraging them to meet deadlines.

Parents

Parents are responsible for:

  • Supporting their child’s research and selection of appropriate college/universities.
  • Joining their child in meetings with counselors.
  • Clarifying any financial considerations that might influence a student’s choice.
  • Discussing different options with their child so that both student and parents are in agreement about where to apply and what kind of institution is the best fit for the student.
  • Not filling out the application for their child!