University 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 Grade 11 Parent Questionnaire. Then in January, all grade 11 students will begin having formal appointments with their assigned counselor.

Grade 11 parent questionnaire

RESOURCES

Year-By-Year University Preparation Timeline

Admissions Testing

College Board (SAT)
ACT
ACT practice - free resources at bottom of page.
ACT Testing Dates - 2 1-22 - use AAS testing site code#11360 to register.
SAT International Test Dates 21-22
SAT practice
SAT or ACT - which is right for you?
International Universities that accept SAT scores

Pre-University Experiences

Please note: The programs below are not endorsed by AAS but are rather opportunities that are brought to our attention from various sources that we are offering for your consideration.

Scholarships

University Visits and Videos

Information on universities that are reaching out to AAS Students through virtual and in-person visits and those that your school counselors have visited during this school year!

Current Schedule of University Visits to AAS university videos - made just for aas students

University of Navarra - Ms. Will visited the University of Navarra in November. UNav is a top private university in Pamplona, Spain that has programs in English, in Spanish, as well as bilingual programs where students learn Spanish as they progress through their course. This university has a fantastic Medical School (bilingual), and excellent programs in Nutrition, Management, Communications and Media Studies, and Engineering. UNav boasts a gorgeous, park-like campus that is on the Camino de Santiago!
EHL - Switzerland - Ms. Zimmerman attended a counselor fly-in at Ecole Hoteliere Lausanne this fall. I spent three days touring the campus and learning about their programs. Students must dress in formal business attire EVERY DAY and they rotate to different stations/duties including cleaning each others' dorm rooms. Ask her about EHL!

University Open Days

Counselor Coffees

Picture of High School Students on Graduation Ceremony in Bolshoi-Theatre in school campus

AAS has two HS Counselors who support students throughout their HS experience with social-emotional support, career planning, academic guidance and university planning. We do this through advisory lessons, grade level assemblies and one-on-one meetings. We also provide support to families through parent nights, parent coffees and individual meetings. We are readily available to support students and their families throughout all of the transitions that occur during the HS years. We look forward to speaking with you.

Ms. Lauren Zimmerman
University and Social-Emotional Counselor for Grades 9-12 with the last names of A-K

Email ms zimmerman

Ms. Bryn Will
University and Social-Emotional Counselor for Grades 9-12 with the last names of L-Z

email MS will

A map showing university destinations for AAS Class of 2022

ARTICLES AND NEWS

AAS Counselors often receive articles and information about the university admission process, particular programs, and events. Look here for the latest news about virtual visits, admissions trends, and webinars*.

Wondering what a webinar is? It is a virtual seminar with university representatives that can be live or pre-recorded.

Canada
- How to apply to study in Canada?
United Kingdom
- UK Fees for UK Citizens living Abroad
- Applying to Cambridge recorded webinar.
- Liberal Arts in the UK - video from Warwick University.
United States
Global
- Unibuddy - chat with current students at unis around the world!
- Housing in the Netherlands Can be Challenging - webinar/video
- University Highlights - new programs and updates from unis around the world!
- Medical school - options you may not have considered.

2nd Annual Blind University Fair, December 2020

A unique university event attended by our Grade 9-11 students.

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 M aiaLearning.
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!

Alumni

Alumni Voices

Yana Tucker, Class of 2021

Just before graduating in 2021 Yana shared with us her most precious memories of her 14-year long journey from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Parent Voices

Myrte, PTO New Families Coordinator

In this short video, AAS parent and Volunteer New Families Coordinator, Myrte, shares her experience of Moscow and life at AAS.