SAT - Calendar Error

The school calendar says we are offering the SAT on June 1.  That is an error.  We will not be offering SAT at AISC on June 1.  Any senior who needs the SAT as an ending exam should register to take it on May 4.

Upcoming SAT

AISC has two remaining test dates for the SAT this school year, January 26 and May 4.  All juniors who anticipate needing a SAT score for college admission should take the test during one of these times.  If students anticipate needing SAT subject tests for college admissions they should also plan to take those.  

The deadline for registering for the January test date is December 28.  I would recommend that students register prior to our break, however, in case they encounter difficulties.  In order to register they need both our School Test Code: 671540 and our Test Center Number: 63183.  Remember that we test only AISC students and these numbers should not be shared with students outside our school

Please let me know if you have questions.

Sol Bridge Representative to visit AISC

A representative from Sol Bridge University in South Korea will be on campus to visit with our students during lunch on Friday, December 6.  Parents are also welcome to attend.

Senior/Alumni Lunch

There will be a lunch held on January 8th for current seniors and any alumni who can attend.  The goal of this lunch is for alumni to have the opportunity to visit AISC and reconnect with us, and for seniors to hear about life after AISC.  Please help spread the word if you know of alumni who will be in Chennai at that time.  They should RSVP to hscounselor@aisch.org.

A college isn’t a trophy. It’s a match.

As I was reading the University of Southern California's counselor newsletter I was struck by their tagline: A college isn't a trophy.  It's a match.  Such wise words!  As you continue to help your child explore their college options, please help them research past the brand.  They will be much happier at a college that is a good match for them.  There's much more to a school than the name.  Individual programs within schools may have a very different ranking than the overall college.  Things like location, campus life, extra-curricular activities, internship opportunities, and research facilities can play a huge role in making the right match.  As our seniors begin to make their choices they need to learn as much as they can about each school.  

London School of Economics Representative

A representative from the London School of Economics will be visiting AISC on November 27th.  He will meet with students during lunch.  He will also do a presentation for parents at 10:30 in the BBT.  Please plan to join us!

College Rankings

As students think about the college they will attend, rankings can seem like an important factor.  Please take the time to read the following blog post.  It might inspire you to do a little fact checking on your own to discover exactly what the rankings are based on.  A high ranking does not necessarily mean a university is the right fit.  http://blog.ikcblr.com/ranking-rankings/

Korean University Rep to visit AISC

I am very pleased to say that we have our first Korean University Representative to visit AISC.  We will have three reps from SolBridge International School of Business visiting our campus during lunch on December 6.  Students and parents will be able to visit with them in the cafeteria.

Reminder for Seniors

All seniors who have a college application deadline of January 15 or earlier will need to have their supporting documents sent before the December holiday.  The timeline to follow is:
November 9 - Deadline for requests for Teacher Recommendations (blue form)
November 30 - Deadline for request for Counselor Recommendation (pink form)
December 7 - Deadline for Supporting Documents Request (yellow form)

Register now for January SAT

AISC will be administering the SAT again on January 26.  The registration deadline is December 28 but I encourage students to register prior to Christmas break in case there are difficulties.  Our test center number is 63183.  Please remember that AISC tests our students only and this number should not be shared outside our AISC community.  I strongly encourage juniors who anticipate needing an SAT score for their college admission process to take the exam in January.  It will be good practice and establish a base-line.    

Virtual College Fair Tuesday, November 13

The U.S. State Department cordially invites your students to the EducationUSA Virtual College Fair, powered by CollegeWeekLive. This exclusive online event will take place November 13th, 10:00 - 24:00 GMT and will provide your students with everything they need to know about studying in the United States. At this event, your students will have the opportunity to: •    Get expert tips from U.S. State Department officials, EducationUSA, ETS (TOEFL), ACT, College Board and IELTS on getting into the school of their dreams, taking preparatory exams, getting a student visa, and more. View agenda.  •    Meet university representatives from over 175 schools, including University of Chicago, Yale and Boston University. View participating universities.  •    Hear from a panel of international students and ask questions about their life at a university in the U.S. See schedule.

Make sure you  are registered with CollegeWeekLive prior to the event. (Registration link.)

College Admission Reps visiting in November

Nov 1   University of Plymouth
Nov 5   Mercyhurst University
Nov 7   University of Navarra
Nov 8   Full Sail University
Nov 19  University of Waterloo
Nov. 21  University of East Anglia
Nov 27  London School of Economics
              Parent presentation  10:30-11:30
Nov 28  University of Surrey

All representatives will be in the cafeteria during the students' lunch break.  Parents are welcome to attend.  Please note the special parent presentation by the representative from London School of Economics on Nov. 27 from 10:30-11:30.
           

ACT Exam Saturday, October 27

Students who are registered to take the ACT exam on Saturday, October 27 should report to school by 7:45 a.m.  They need to bring the following with them.

•      Valid Passport or School photo ID
•    Admission Ticket
•       # 2 Pencils
•        Calculator
•       Snacks/beverage to be consumed during breaks.
•      A jacket – it’s hard to control the temperature so everyone is comfortable.

Students must arrive on time.  No one will be admitted to the examination room once testing has begun.  They will finish about 1:00.  The next ACT (and last one for this school year) will be given December 8.  The deadline for registration is November 2.

College Admission Officer on Campus

On Tuesday, October 16 we will have the privilege of having Ms. Panetha Ott on campus.  Ms. Ott is brought to us by the US State department and her function is to help students be prepared for the US university application process.  She is currently an admissions officer for Brown University.

Ms. Ott will be offering a parent workshop from 10:45-11:45 a.m. in the BBT.  She will talk about both the application process and the American university experience.

Ms. Ott will be available for students and/or parents on an individual basis during the rest of the day.  Please contact me to book an appointment.

PSAT

All grade 9 - 11 students will take the PSAT on Wednesday, October 17.  This test will give them an idea of how they will perform on the SAT.  Having the opportunity to take this is also great practice to get them used to a formal testing situation.  Getting a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast on the day of is important. Students do not need to do any other preparatory work for the exam.  

Upcoming College Fair - October 19 11:45 - 12:30

We will have representatives from the following universities on campus on October 19 during lunch.  Parents are welcome to come and visit with them.  These representatives will also be hosting a fair for all of Chennai on Saturday, October 20 at the Hyatt Regency from 2 - 5pm.  This link will provide you more information.
US University Fair 2012


Fairleigh Dickinson University
Florida Institute of Technology
Loyola University Chicago
North Carolina State University
Oklahoma City University
Polytechnic Institute of NYU
Portland State University
Rowan University
San Jose State University
Savannah College of Art and Design
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
University of Colorado at Boulder
University of San Francisco
University of South Florida, Tampa
University of Wyoming

University of Chicago Representative Contact

I had an email from Ms. Natalia Ostrowski this afternoon apologizing for missing the scheduled visit today.  Her office had her cancel the trip due to the protests in India.  She welcomes any communications from you.  Her email address is:  nataliao@uchicago.edu
Please let me know if you have any questions.

US Education Fair

There will be a US Education Fair at the Hyatt on October 2.  Please see this flyer for information:
US Education Fair Flyer
A list of the universities attending the fair can be found at:  http://wp.els.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Delegation-Profile-for-ELS-Fall-Tour-2012-13.pdf
The website for the group hosting the fair is:  http://www.els.in/en/LandingPage/EducationFair

Parent Information Session

As part of our health education program and ongoing commitment to prevention and wellness, we will have two specialists form Freedom from Chemical Dependency working with MS and HS students from September 18-21.  These specialists will work with our students to encourage and support the non-use of alcohol and other illegal or illicit drugs.  They will be educating our students on the health risks of usage and empowering them to make healthy, responsible choices regarding alcohol and other drug use.  As part of their commitment to working with our community, they will also be presenting a parent information session for HS parents on Thursday, September 20th from 9:00-10:00 a.m. in the Black Box Theatre.  Please plan to attend this informative session.

UK Applications

Students wanting to apply to most UK universities do it by registering with UCAS at www.ucas.com.  The first time students register they need to use our 'buzzword' so that their application is linked to AISC.  The 2012-2013 buzzword is Chennai.  

Substance Abuse Education

As part of our health education program and ongoing commitment to prevention and wellness, we will have two specialists form Freedom from Chemical Dependency working with MS and HS students from September 18-21.  These specialists will work with our students to encourage and support the non-use of alcohol and other illegal or illicit drugs.  They will be educating our students on the health risks of usage and empowering them to make healthy, responsible choices regarding alcohol and other drug use.  As part of their commitment to working with our community, they will also be presenting a parent information session for HS parents on Thursday, September 20th from 9:00-10:00 a.m.  Please plan to attend this informative session.

UK College Tour

On Friday, September 14 we will have representatives from 5 UK colleges here to talk with students about applying to University in the UK.  There will be a presentation at 10:00 a.m. followed by an informal meet and greet session.  The following universities will be represented:
     

Aston University

Loughborough University

The University of Northampton

Queen Mary, University of London

Sheffield University

Any high school student who is interested in the UK as a possible university locale should attend.  I've asked the representatives to provide  general information on the UK application process as well as specific information about their school.  Students must sign up in the guidance office in order to be excused from classes.  Parents are welcome to attend also.

Senior Parent Presentation

Thanks to all who attended the information session on The College Application Process this morning.  I'm attaching a copy of the PowerPoint for those who were unable to attend.

 PowerPoint Presentation

SAT Test October 6

AISC will be administering the SAT exam on Saturday October 6.  The deadline to register is September 7. All students must register online at www.collegeboard.org .  We are a closed testing site which means we only test AISC students.  Our school test code is 671540 and our test center number is 63183.  Please do not share these codes with friends outside the school.  They will not be allowed on test day and it will be a huge disappointment if they've registered, paid, and then can't test.  ALL students will need to have a passport to test. Photocopies are not allowed.  Due to new SAT regulations, NO student will be allowed to test without this ID.

Parent Seminar - College Application Process DATE CHANGE

I will be presenting information on the college application process to any interested parents on Wednesday, August 29 at 8:45a.m. in the BBT. This will be primarily aimed at parents of seniors but anyone who would like to learn more about it is welcome to attend.  This is a change from the published calendar.  If you read this, please tell your friends!

New SAT Security Measures

SAT has initiated new security measures this year and it's important that we follow them exactly so we can retain our authorization to be a testing site.  Please note the following:

• Every student must have a registration ticket in order to test.  If they show up without a registration ticket they will be turned away.
• Every student must have a valid ID.  It must be a government issued passport.  Photocopies are not allowed.  Students without their passport will be turned away.  SAT no longer allows staff to admit students without an ID, even if we know them.  
• Stand-by and walk-in testing is no longer allowed.  
• Students can only test for the type of test for which they are registered.  

SAT is very firm that there can be NO exceptions to the above.  

Senior Meetings

The senior year is full of excitement as students complete their secondary education and make plans for their future.  I know many students and their parents are already thinking about the next step.  While it can be scary at times, with proper planning it usually goes well.

I will have individual meetings with every senior in the next few weeks to discuss their post graduation plans. Seniors will receive a calendar with their meeting time noted.  Parents are welcome to attend with their child if they would like.  

AISC Test Dates 2012-2013

SAT 
October 6
November 3
January 26
May 4
June 1   This is an error on the school calendar.  AISC will NOT be giving the SAT on this date.
ACT
October 27
December 8
PSAT 
October 17

College Visits

September  4     University of New South Wales
                   6     University of Warwick   Canceled
                 12     Boston University
                 14     UK Tour and Mini Fair  10:00 - 12:00 BBT

• Aston University
• Loughborough University
• The University of Northampton
• Queen Mary, University of London
• Sheffield University

                 20     University of Chicago
                 24     Roger Williams University
October    19     Linden Fair - Complete list of attendees yet to be posted
                 31     Mercyhurst University





All visits are from 11:45 - 12:30  in the  Cafeteria unless otherwise noted

Welcome to 2012-2013

Seeing students on campus today has been invigorating!  It's so fun to hear about what they've been up to over the past few weeks.  I've had the opportunity to visit with several and catch up.  There are some new students and staff.  Please take a few minutes to welcome them.

Many students are stopping in the guidance office to request schedule changes.  Please take time to talk to your child about any changes they are asking for and help them make good decisions.  All schedule changes will need to be completed by Friday, August 17.  Only teacher initiated changes will be allowed after this date.

It's obvious to me that many of our seniors spent their summer break thinking about and researching possible college options.  In the weeks ahead I'll be meeting with each senior individually to help them plan for their next step after high school.  The senior year can be full of fun and excitement as well as some anxiety about the future.  I look forward to working together with both students and parents as we pave the way.

College admission representatives are scheduling visits for the upcoming months.  I will keep these posted at the top of the blog.  Please check frequently for updates.  All visits will be from 11:45 - 12:30 during lunch unless otherwise noted on the calendar.  Parents are welcome to come and meet with these representatives.  However, I would ask you to defer to any students who are present because of their limited time.  In almost all cases the representatives can extend their time on campus and parents will be able to speak to them after students report to class.

Please contact me in the guidance office if I can be of assistance.

2011-2012 School Year Comes to a Close

Thanks to all who made my first year at AISC such a good one.  As I reflect on this year, I continue to be amazed with the quality of our students.  They have impressed me with their minds, attitudes, and hearts.  I will stay connected via email this summer as much as possible.  If you have a concern that cannot wait until I return at the beginning of August please send me a mail.  I know some kids will change their minds in regards to classes for next year.  I will handle schedule changes in August.

Enjoy family, follow a passion, explore something new and rejuvenate.

Have a safe and happy summer. 

2012-2013 Schedules

Class schedules for next year will be distributed to students on Tuesday.  If a student finds that an error was made or would like to make any changes they need to go to the guidance office.  Ms. Priya will make appointments for them to see me.  There is limited time before the end of the school year and depending on numbers I may not be able to get all the changes made.  Please help your child remain calm in that case.  There will also be time in August to handle these issues.

Senior Trip

The seniors will be traveling to Fisherman's Cove on Monday, May 28 and returning Tuesday, May 29.  This will be a great time for the kids to bond with each other, celebrate their last year of school, and look forward to what's ahead.  John McCandless, Sandhya Gopinath and I will be going along as sponsors.  We will use some of the time to talk with students about transitioning to the next phase of their lives as well as reflect on their time at AISC.

Seniors were given a schedule and permission form.  It was also emailed to them.  Please let me know if you have questions.  Fish Cove has asked that each student bring a valid passport or other government issued ID.

I am looking forward to spending this time with the seniors!

High School Student Ambassadors

I had the privilege of meeting with 25 students who want to help make AISC a welcoming, feel good school.  We made plans for 8th grade transition, saying good bye to departing students, and orientation for new students.  What a fun group!  We will continue to meet next year to plan activities that promote health and emotional well-being.  It's an open group - anyone can join at any time!

8th Grade Transition

8th Grade Transition is coming!  8th graders will meet with me and several high school students on Wednesday @ 3:00 to learn more about the high school experience.  8th graders will have the opportunity to interact with the high school students to get a student perspective on what the change from middle to high school is like.  There will be ample time for questions.  I am excited to welcome these students to our group!  

Final Transcript Request

Seniors need to submit a final transcript request to the guidance office by May 25.  The university they are attending will need it to complete their admission process. Students may pick up a form in my office.  I've also included a link to the form below.

Final Transcript Request

Junior Meeting

I will be meeting with all the juniors on Tuesday.  During this time I will provide them with a packet of information and forms that will be helpful as they begin their college search and application process.  You will find all the forms in the link below.  Please let me know if you have questions.

Forms for the college admission process

SAT Exam Saturday

Several students are scheduled to take the SAT exam Saturday.  Students should arrive by 7:40 and bring the following:

1.       Valid Passport – this is a must required by SAT.  You will not be allowed to take the exam without it.

2.       Admission Ticket

3.       # 2 Pencils

4.       Calculator

5.       Snacks/beverage to be consumed during breaks.

6.       A jacket – it’s hard to control the temperature so everyone is comfortable.

      Cell phones must be switched off during the exam.  They will be collected by the testing proctor during the exam and returned at the end of testing.  Students will be checked in at the reception area and directed to the testing room.  No one will be admitted once testing has begun so please be on time.

More College Visits

AISC will be hosting two more college representatives:
     May 7     University of Southern California
     May 10   University of Surrey
Both of these representatives will have a table set up in the courtyard from 12:40 - 1:25.  Please stop by if you would like to talk to them.

Parent Coffee

I would like to invite you to a seminar for high school parents on Wednesday, May 2 at 10:45 a.m. in the BBT. Mr. McCandless will be sharing a summary of the results of the Drug Use Survey that was given to high school students in late January. I will share some strategies for communicating with your child about alcohol use amd Mr. McCandless will finish up with some information about parent and student access to Skyward, our student information database.

9th Grade Pool Party

There will be a pool party for all 9th graders on May 11 from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.  Please encourage your 9th grade child to attend! There will be games, music, and snacks.  It will be a great way to celebrate the close of their first year of high school.  

College Visit Schedule
April 23     Georgetown University, Duke University, Northwestern University
                 12:40-1:25    
                 Fitness Room        
                 Students should bring their lunch to the fitness room.
May 7       University of Southern California  
                 12:40-1:25
                 Courtyard
May 10     University of Surrey                      
                12:40-!:25  
                 Courtyard

College Visit

Representatives from Georgetown University, Duke University and Northwestern University will be on campus Monday, April 23.  They will do a presentation to any interested students and parents in the fitness room during lunch.  Students who plan to attend should bring a lunch so they can grab it quickly and take it to the presentation.  Parents are welcome to attend.  Please see Mrs. Callaway if you have questions.

SAT

May 5 is the final opportunity for students to take the SAT at AISC this school year.  Students may register at: www.collegeboard.org   

ACT

The ACT will be given on Saturday, April 14.  Registered students should arrive at school by 7:45 a.m. and testing will begin at 8:00 a.m.  Students should bring the following:

1.       Valid Passport.   
2.       Admission Ticket
3.      # 2 Pencils
4.      Calculator
5.      Snacks/beverage to be consumed during breaks.
6.     A jacket – it’s hard to control the air conditioning so everyone is comfortable.       
7. 
   

Students will be checked in at the reception area and directed to the testing room.  No one will be admitted once testing has begun so please be on time.  

Cell phones must be switched off and will be collected by the testing proctor until after the exam.

Drug Seminar March 13

If you missed the presentation this morning, please have a look at this powerpoint.  Let me know if you have questions.

Drugs and Our Kids  

Summer Institute for the Gifted

I have received information from the Summer Institute for the Gifted (SIG).  This organization provides 3 week summer residential programs for gifted students at the following Universities:
Amherst College, Bryn Mawr College, Dartmouth College, Emory University, Princeton University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UT Austin, Vassar College, and Yale University.  You can find more information on their website:  www.giftedstudy.org 

Registration Presentation

2012-2013 Registration Power Point

College Visit

College admission representatives from the University of Alabama and Campbell University will be on campus during lunch on March 13.  Parents are welcome.  I am sorry to report that this visit has been cancelled.

College admission representatives from Georgetown, Duke, and Northwestern will be on campus during lunch on April 23.  Parents are welcome to attend.

Drug Seminar March 13

Please join me in the BBT on March 13 @ 8:45 a.m. for a seminar on teens and drugs.  Mr. McCandless and I will be sharing information on what our students are faced with, what impact drugs have on the developing adolescent brain, and what we as parents and educators can do to help support our students.  

2012-2013 Registration

It's been a busy week in the guidance office.  I've seen 30 students individually to discuss their enrollment for next year.  Students who have not been to see me yet should make an appointment as soon as possible.  Parents are welcome to join their children for the enrollment meetings.

ACT

The ACT will be given at AISC on Saturday, April 14.  Registration deadline is March 9.  You may register at www.act.org

US College Tour

Summer Program - US College Tour

Please click the link above to see a brochure for a US College Tour.  If you would like additional information, please contact me.

2012-2013 Registration

If you missed the registration presentation, please click the link to view the power point. Let me know if you have questions.
2012-2013 Registration Presentation

US College Summer Tour

I received the following information about a program for international high school students.  I don't have any experience with it, but it sounds interesting.

I am writing to introduce the American International School of Chennai to U.S.Academe – The Global Gateway to American Higher Education.  I had the privilege of advising several students who attended high schools in India during my years on the general faculty at the University of Virginia as an international student and scholar advisor. I recently resigned from the University to direct U.S.Academe.  I expect many students at the American International School of Chennai to be interested in U.S.Academe’s outstanding program.

What is U.S.Academe?

U.S.Academe offers a dynamic 12-day program in July for high school students from outside the U.S. who are interested in attending an American college or university. Students visit ten college campuses, participate in meetings with admission officers and faculty, engage in seminars about American higher education, interact with current college students, and develop meaningful friendships with other high school students from around the world. The program educates students about the university admission process, prepares them for success as undergraduate students at American universities, and delivers a uniquely rewarding educational experience.

What am I requesting of you?

I invite you to review the U.S.Academe web site (www.USAcademe.org).  Please share the site with your students, and contact me if you have any questions. 

Thank you,

Brian T. Ullman

Director, U.S.Academe

Summer Programs

We had a great workshop this morning presented by Gita Rao.  If you were unable to attend, please take the time to look at the power point by clicking this link.

Summer Program Workshop

During the workshop, several parents asked for a way to share their research, ask questions from other parents, coordinate applications, and in general work together on finding summer camps for their children.  Please feel free to make comments on this post as a way of communicating.

Summer Program

Summer Camp Workshop

We will have a parent workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 31 to provide information on summer camps.  Gita Rao has done extensive research in the past to find camps for her children and has graciously agreed to be a resource to parents.  We’ll meet at 8:45 in the BBT.  This workshop is appropriate for parents of middle and high school students.

2012-2013 Registration

Registration for the 2012-2013 school year is right around the corner!  We will be hosting several parent information sessions in order to familiarize you with the opportunities for your children and the registration process.  We’re offering two sessions on each topic to better accommodate varying schedules, one at 8:45a.m. and the other at 5:00 p.m.  These sessions are targeted for parents of current 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th graders.  Please attend if at all possible.

Feb. 2    IB Information  A.M. session in the BBT/ P.M. session in the High School Library

Feb. 7    AP Information A.M. and P. M. session in the Cafeteria.

Feb. 9    General registration information and what students need to be doing now to prepare for college admissions

                A.M. session in the BBT/P.M. session in the Cafeteria

Feb. 14  General registration information for 8th grade Parents  Both sessions in the Cafeteria

PSAT Information

If you missed the presentation, you may view the powerpoint here.  Students may pick up their results in the guidance office.

PSAT Powerpoint