IB DP Students Think about Work Experience
Our Council of International Schools (CIS) accrediting body recently hosted a Global Forum on International Admissions, focusing on transitions and specific ways schools and universities support students’ journey to universities.
College Counselor Ellen Johnston presented a virtual session to international counselors titled, “‘I want to work here.’ Work experience on the high school resume.” to share with other counselors how ISD planned a career experience for students in the Class of 2023.
During ISD’s Service Days, the Grameenphone team led students on a tour of the facilities. GP House team members educated students in the Service Center, met with the Social Impact Team to learn about the corporate service responsibilities, then students learned about the importance of storytelling when marketing products, and finally, a brief welcome with the CEO. Then students were assigned to propose ideas to address issues proposed by the GP Social Impact team in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Following the presentation, counselors attending the event shared ways their schools provide work experience and the challenges faced.
University applications start before Grade 12, and the Grade 11 year IB DP students are encouraged to spend time with their teachers, demonstrating their understanding and interest in the subject and making connections to how their learning prepares them for university and career success. As our ISD students apply to university, communication with teachers is critical. Students applying to the US typically require one-to-two letters of recommendation commenting on the student’s academic performance and extracurriculars and comments about the student’s character.
The IB DP faculty had the chance to hear from the University of Manchester’s regional Admissions Officer to receive up-to-date information about applying to the UK and the three components of the UCAS application, which includes reference statements from the current DP teachers, the student’s personal statement explaining why they chose their subject and finally academic results or predicted IB scores. This year 6 Grade 12 students plan to apply to UK universities, and reference statements from our DP faculty support these student applications to selective universities in the UK.
Digital SAT Registration
Update on the digital SAT. In 2023, the SAT PSATs will be administered digitally.
Typically, students take the SAT for the first time in the spring of their Grade 11. Registration for the digital SAT is open for the following dates: 11 March, 6 May, and 3 June. For students in the Class of 2024, the current Grade 11s are being supported to register for the SATs in their Junior Seminar with the College Counselor, Ms. Ellen Johnston, ellen.johnston@isdbd.org. Questions about SATs can be directed to the SAT Coordinator, Ms. Tasnuva Ahmed, tasnuva.ahmed@isdbd.org.
| What’s new:
● Students will now test on a computer. No more paper and pencil testing. ● The digital SAT can be completed in two hours, featuring shorter reading passages with just one question to answer. ● Calculators are allowed on the entire math section with a built-in graphing calculator, so students won’t need to bring one to the test. ● Digital delivery means no more waiting for paper tests to be shipped to us.
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What stays the same:
● Digital SAT will continue to measure students’ knowledge and skills in critical reading, writing and math. ● Scores remain on a 1600 scale. ● Must be administered in school testing centers, not at home. ● Practice for the Digital test continues to be free and available online from Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/digital-sat |
University Visits during November
Two universities visited ISD Grades 11-12 student in November
Guelph University, southwestern Ontario
Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador
