Parent Workshop Series | Quality vs. Quantity

To continue to build upon the Boston International School’s theme of “What is your story”, On January 23rd 2019, College Counselor Mr. Michael Wagner presented: What Colleges Are Looking For: Quality vs. Quantity , as the second workshop in a series of college counseling workshops.

Mr. Wagner continued the topic carried over from the first workshop and beyond. He shared the magic puzzle pieces for college application processes:

● Emphasize rigor— start early, M4 (9th grade)

● Expand horizons

● Step outside your comfort zone

● Meaningful experiences – connection

● Power of journaling/personal reflection

● Impactful community service

Mr. Wagner cited universities from different country as examples to help parents to understand that no matter which university you apply for, and no matter which country the university is located, the universities are all pretty much looking for the same thing: what is your story? Tell me your story.

He also shared some of the Common Application Essay Prompts with our parents, and explained in detail that how it can be helpful for students to prepare these essay questions, and techniques of preparing them.

Whether it’s the University of California system in US, the UCAS system in UK, or National University in Korea, all of them are not going to be only looking at how well a student is doing academically, but also they will be looking at things that happen outside the classrooms. And in order to be competent in the college application process, students have to come up with a full and rich story to show the admissions officers.

And at Boston International School, we help you to build your story.