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Welcome to our blog - a resource of top tips and strategies for ambitious students and families!
While academic performance is undoubtedly important, other factors can also play a significant role in your application. Two of the most important aspects that admissions officers seek are leadership and school involvement.
You have written a compelling personal statement, passed any aptitude tests or written assessments with flying colours, and reached the infamous Oxbridge interview stage. Congratulations, but how are you going to ace your life’s most important thirty minutes to date, and what should you do when you are presented with seemingly irrelevant questions in an Oxbridge interview? As cliché and obvious as it may sound, Oxbridge are looking for someone with the academic potential and being the best, if not at least one of the best, in their chosen course. Therefore, any apparently unrelated questions that you could have been asked in the interview are in fact, subject specific.
Whichever university you apply to, there is always the practical need for university budgeting besides admissions planning. Read on to find out how you should kickstart university planning in ways that would allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Are you noticing any signs of stress or anxiety in your child as they prepare for their upcoming US boarding school interview? It's understandable for them to feel a bit nervous, but there are things you can do to help ease their concerns. Encourage them to practice their interview skills with you or a trusted friend or family member. Remind them to stay calm and confident and to be themselves during the interview. Reassure them that their hard work and achievements have already gotten them this far and that the interview is another step in the process. With support and guidance, your child can approach their interview with a positive attitude and a sense of preparedness.
What makes the next generation of policy experts, business leaders, and economists future-ready and capable of addressing imminent global challenges, ranging from climate change to refugee crises in today’s digital age? Take a look at some of the newly emerging programmes offered by and exclusive to the G5 London universities!
When it comes to choosing the right university – even when the options are down to the London G5 universities – the decision is undoubtedly a daunting one. You might see this prospect applicable only to the competitive and fortunate few who managed to receive offers from the London G5; in truth, knowing their respective scholarly expertise and strategic approach to education matters as early as the stage of admissions preparation.
In April, our US Boarding School Consulting team visited 16 boarding schools in New England. During their visits, they caught up with representatives from admissions teams, chatted with current students, and reunited with ARCH alums. Discussing the most recent application cycle with admissions teams was an excellent opportunity to reflect on the latest cohort and trends in the application landscape.
With travel restrictions finally lifted, students are excited to attend boarding school programs in the US this summer. As students prepare for this journey, are there things they should look out for or try to achieve?
For US Boarding School Applicants: 5 Tips for Accessing Meaningful Service Work
How students interact with their communities can demonstrate a desire to look beyond themselves and show their values and character to boarding schools. Looking at boarding schools’ mottos or missions confirms the importance they place on giving back to others. For example, Phillips Andover’s motto is “Not for Self,” while Groton School’s motto is “For Whom Service is Perfect Freedom.” Many families ask what type of community service “counts” towards the boarding school application. One-off volunteering does not check the box or demonstrate a commitment to the service or the cause. While accessing meaningful service, particularly for younger students, can be challenging, here are some considerations.
1. Identify what you care about
Take some time to brainstorm the problems you’d like to solve or groups you’d like to help out. What is something you want to change or improve? Try to be specific.
2. Keep it close to home
Creating an independent project isn’t always necessary. Instead, you can take part in existing programs. Consider problems in your neighborhood, church, school, sport, or other community structure. Find an organization that aligns with you, and reach out to them. If you are planning on serving where you are less familiar, do some independent research to build your understanding and interest. Aside from hitting the books, you can research via site visits, conversations with community members, or watching documentaries.
3. Consider your skills
Use your strengths! Are you athletic? Work well with children? Good with technology? Think about how you might share your strengths with others – through teaching, leadership, discussion groups, companionship, and more!
4. Assess the need
Make sure you are informed about the cause. Working ‘smarter, not harder’ can benefit all stakeholders. It is a good idea to start by surveying what is already being done to contribute to the cause before you plan your contribution. Inquire about exactly what your cause or local organization needs. This will help you understand the best ways to help. Do they need labor or resources? If resources are needed, in what form? Are there specific supplies required? Is there a particular time of year your volunteering would be most helpful?
5. Make it regular
Ideally, your service can be a longstanding partnership. With regular participation, relationships can be formed, knowledge can be grown, and an overall more significant impact can be made. To really ‘make a difference,’ your objective should be to create a lasting impact. With more experience, you’ll have the opportunity to gain insight and find ways to adjust or improve to make your service more effective.
Helping others is always a valued contribution, but there is much to give and gain from service experiences closest to our hearts. Consider committing to serve an organization or cause you care about. Offer your services and talents and make it a regular thing.
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