Applying to University Booklet 2019 wcis_ATU_2019 | Page 8

APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY
REQUIREMENTS A FOCUSED
STRATEGY FINANCE AND
SCHOLARSHIPS
Given the range of excellent university options
around the world it is tempting for pupils
to make multiple applications. However,
with university admissions becoming more
competitive it is important that pupils adopt
a focused strategy. The demands of elite
universities, particularly those in the US and
UK, are considerable and it is becoming more
difficult for pupils to balance the varying
competing demands. Pupils are strongly advised
to limit the number of applications to 8-10. This
is not intended to be an arbitrary restriction but
a useful guide to allow pupils to channel their
efforts. Making too many applications shows a
lack of focus and, ultimately, reduces the chances
of individual success. It is also time-consuming
and can have a negative impact on a pupil’s IB
grades, which are the single most important
factor in determining success. Going to university is certainly not cheap and
many pupils will be eager to secure scholarships
and bursaries to help them pay for their studies.
Pupils are encouraged to research and explore
scholarship opportunities at the earliest possible
stage. The most generous scholarships are
provided by US universities but, unfortunately,
the majority of these are only available to US
citizens. There is a range of US scholarships
which are open to international pupils, but these
are limited in number and the options will vary
widely between universities. US universities'
scholarship applications, as well as other forms
of financial aid, tend to be made alongside
applications to the university itself.
When it comes to university requirements
the most important consideration, although
not the only one, is academic performance.
In this regard, Wellington pupils are in the
best possible position to apply to the most
prestigious universities around in the world.
The IB Diploma Programme is understood and
very highly regarded by universities worldwide.
It is a challenging and rigorous course, and
arguably the best possible preparation for the
demands of an undergraduate degree. Pupils at
Wellington undertaking the IB Diploma thrive,
achieving outstanding point scores that ‘open
the doors’ to the world’s finest higher education
institutions.
In general terms, elite universities are expecting
very good IGCSE results (mainly A*s) and an IB
predicted score of 40+ points with Higher Level
subjects at 6 and 7. Good universities in most
countries will expect IB final scores of 36 points
and above, with some variance depending on
the course.
the course, the relevant subject requirements
will be explained clearly on an individual
university’s online publications. It is important
that the subject requirements for possible
degree choices are carefully checked before any
IB options are chosen. Pupils are encouraged
to check with their teachers and the higher
education guidance team if they are uncertain
about these requirements. It should also be
remembered that universities will change
these requirements from time to time, so it is
important to check and ensure that you have
an up-to-date appreciation of what a specific
university is now tending to expect or require in
relation to a specific course.
The IBDP provides the gold standard of
international education qualifications as they
are respected by all universities for providing
a level of academic rigour that sufficiently tests
all prospective undergraduates. However, as
previously stated, top-ranking universities may
demand more than just high grades to help
them differentiate between the many very able
More specifically, there are subject requirements applicants. Additional requirements might take
for many degree courses. For example,
the form of an admissions test (necessary for
applicants for any medical degree will need to
Oxbridge and medicine-based courses in the UK
study chemistry and may be expected to study
and most US universities), an interview (required
biology and mathematics (or physics) at Higher
by a range of different universities), some kind of
Level (HL). For any physical science, engineering short work experience or internship (required
or computer science programme, mathematics
by vocational degrees such as law, medicine/
and physics at HL would be necessary. Courses
veterinary science or engineering), evidence
in economics and economics-related subjects,
of study outside school (currently a standard
such as business or finance, often require a
requirement for almost any good university) or
high standard of mathematics as well. Many
an artistic portfolio of work (often required for
universities will set a 6 at HL or a 7 at Standard
art school courses).
Level (SL) as an entry requirement. Whatever
It is more common in the UK and Europe
for bursaries and scholarships to be available
to pupils once they’ve been offered a place.
However, there is wide variation between the
Pupils should focus their application strategy
approach taken by respective universities, even
to ensure that they channel their efforts and
those in the same country. This, unfortunately,
maximise their chances of success. Group
provides a confusing picture for the uninitiated.
applications through UCAS (UK applications) the Luckily, an increasing number of electronic
University of California (UC) system or Ontario sources of information have recently become
can count as one application, so a judicious
available to help pupils and their parents with
mixture of group and independent applications
the search for scholarship opportunities. Further
will give pupils a very wide range of options. For information and links to relevant sites are
example, five applications to North America
available on the school website or by contacting
using the UC and Ontario systems can cover up the higher education guidance team.
to 10 to 12 universities.
Pupils should also make sure that they apply to
a sensible range of universities, including at least
one of the following:
A ‘reach’ option: A very competitive course
or university
A ‘target’ option: One which realistically
reflects the applicant’s current academic
position and future potential
A ‘safety’ option: A course or university
with requirements which should be easily
attainable by the applicant.
What constitutes a reach, target or safety option
for any given pupil will be largely determined by
their performance in year 12, since their grades
from this year will determine the predicted
grades they receive in year 13.
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