Deciding on which university to attend is one of the first adult decisions of your life. It can be overwhelming since you will need to have a good sense of who you are and your preferred environment to thrive in studies and independent life.
When it comes to applying for universities, the planning process is extremely important. Whether you already have a strong opinion about your desired field of study, or if you are still undecided, you need to be sure the college environment is suitable for you. Is the programme strong and does it offer opportunities for graduates? Do you prefer a big campus or the comforts of a small campus? Do you enjoy large cities or smaller communities? What kind of social life and campus culture do you want? What resources on campus are available to you that will make you feel comfortable while you are far away from your family?
Applying for college is an important event, but it doesn’t have to be an overly painful one. There are many resources at a high schooler’s disposal from family, friends, school teachers and counsellors, online resources, and even commerical college admissions agencies. It’s good to keep in mind that there is not a definitive right or wrong choice or path to take.
We met with some schools to see how they prepare high schoolers for university, from exploring student’s interests and talents to selecting and applying to universities. Here are what some high school counsellors have to say about the college preparation process.
Patrick Love, High School Counsellor
Tell us about your college counselling programme
College guidance at Concordia provides a personalised, student-centred programme that informs and supports both students and parents. Counsellors help students discover college/university communities that will best serve their academic and personal growth.
College guidance is a four-year programme educating parents and students extensively about preparing for college, the college search process, completing applications, and ultimately selecting a best-fit college/university. The degree of guidance becomes more specialised as students advance through grade levels. All Grade 11 students are required to take a ½ credit college and career planning class that prepares them for junior internships and preparation for college applications.
How do college counsellors guide students on career paths?
Our high school vision statement centres around helping students become people with passion and purpose who inspire change in service of others. Counsellors help get students thinking not only about potential careers but about finding purpose and identifying larger life goals. Students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, interests and skills, and how they want to develop themselves in college and in their chosen career field. By identifying their strengths and passions as well as what the world needs, students can better determine their purpose and apply it into their university experience and later into a satisfying career.
What opportunities does your school offer your students to explore potential career paths?
Concordia high school juniors are required to complete a two-week-long internship. This experience is designed to introduce students to the working world, build self-confidence and relationships with professionals who can mentor them, and provide insight into a particular field.
Students are encouraged to seek out internship opportunities that are relevant to their interests as they pertain to the student’s academic and future career goals.
Concordia International School Shanghai
Address: 999 Mingyue Road, Jinqiao, Pudong New Area
Tel: 5899 0380
Website: https://www.concordiashanghai.org/
Stephen Tippen, Director of Higher Education
Tell us about your college counselling programme?
Wellington’s ‘Higher Education Pathway’ provides pupils with a clear guidance programme tailored for each academic year. It is a five-year programme delivered by professionals, tutors and specialists supplemented by regular visits by university reps, and academics.
How do college counsellors guide students on career paths?
Pupils receive advice as a group and as individuals. They take a series of assessments giving them an understanding of their strengths and how they may relate to potential careers. They are advised about their options and about how courses they take may facilitate access to different career paths.
What opportunities does your school offer your students to explore potential career paths?
Pupils hear directly from professionals through our series of ‘Careers Insight’ talks and visits. They explore 21st century careers and learn which ones are likely to be in demand. Finally, relevant pupils can access valuable work experience through our connections in key industries.
Wellington College International Shanghai
Address: 1500 Yaolong Road, Pudong New Area
Tel: 5185 3885
Website: https://shanghai.wellingtoncollege.cn
Daniel Gould, College Counsellor of Middle and High School International Division
Tell us about your college counselling programme
College readiness is part of a larger comprehensive guidance program that focuses on developing socially, emotionally mature and active decision-makers. Students are given age appropriate content through our guidance counselling courses that are followed-up in individual guidance sessions.
How do college counsellors guide students on career paths?
School counselors guide students through developmentally approved coursework to gain an understanding of different career paths and career options. Students are also provided experiential opportunities throughout the year to build a frame of reference regarding careers and career paths.
What opportunities does your school offer your students to explore potential career paths?
Currently our students go through career exploration and development as part of the 10th grade guidance counselling curriculum where they are exposed to the 16 different career categories. Also, students learn through experiential field trips to local businesses and organisations.
Soong Ching Ling School International Division
Address: 2 Yehui Road, Qingpu District
Tel: 6975 6301
Website: www.soongchinglingschool.org
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