College Counseling at HCAS centers on preparing students for success in a well-chosen college that matches their academic and social needs.  This begins with strong study skills that are reflected in courses that challenge them.  Students reflect on their values to find a school that reinforces that.  Integrity matters. 

 

Our students choose colleges from all around the world, so a family's geographic desires are included in making a balanced list of 8-10 schools.  This list should include those that are a reach to get in, those that are likely for acceptance, and those schools whose average accepted GPA and standardized test scores would make a student's acceptance a pretty safe bet, called a "safe school."  

 

A robust and courageous conversation is required for students and parents to align their college choices away from the top 75 schools in the U.S.  There are over 2,700 undergraduate, degree-granting institutions in the U.S. and the majority are earnestly seeking international students.  With the exploding number of secondary college-prep high schools around the world, the applicants to Tier 1's and Ivy Leagues will only increase.  The College Counselor's job is to broaden the choices of schools that "fit." 

 

Colleges are looking for candidates whose applications will spike from the rest.  This could be exceptional talent in sports, music, or the arts.  It could be long-lasting community service that leaves an impact that benefits others or written and verbal fluency in multiple languages.  Most importantly, the element of outstanding character cannot be overstated.  Holistic evaluation involves viewing much more than grades.  Colleges require evaluation of a student's concern for others and contribution to his or her school;  HCAS encourages this well-roundedness in our 7 C's.  

 

COVID has altered the landscape of the college application process.  Nearly half of U.S. schools are now "test-flexible," which means that an application can be considered complete without the standardized test scores for the SAT or ACT.  If a score will help an application, then it should be included.  If the student was denied a chance to take a test or to improve a score, then s/he will NOT be penalized.  English proficiency tests are still required for most international students though.  Also, a percentage of accepted students have chosen to defer matriculation during the pandemic, so the number of available slots for this year is even lower.

 

Students' chances of admittance are increased in some schools who demonstrate interest in a college before applying.  We encourage students to take part in virtual panels and tours - reaching out to make a personal connection to admission officers. 

 

The College Counselor assists students with crafting and editing their personal statements and supplements as well.  This often requires multiple drafts to put their best qualities in their best words - often in their non-native language. 

 

Parents and students can make appointments with the College Counselor at any time.  Conversations-with-the-Counselor are held each term for parents to learn about best and current practices in the college application process.

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See a full list of College Counseling duties below: