Primary Years Program (PYP) - the International School of Belgrade

An Introductory Guide for Students and Parents 2011 -2012College & University CounselingThe counselor works with all levels of high school students during their time at ISB to prepare them forthe college and university search and application process. Students in grades 9 and 10 prepare for theuniversity admissions process by doing their best in coursework, extra-curricular activities and communityservice. On the school website, the counselor posts and updates a list of summer opportunities aroundthe world and a comprehensive university handbook. All grade 10 students take the PSAT, which servesas practice for university entrance exams. Grade 9 and 10 students are also given accounts on NavianceFamily Connection, the school’s university application software, and shown how to search universitiesthat match their interests and needs. This foundation prepares them for the formal university applicationprocess in grades 11 and 12. Grade 11 students are encouraged to take the PSAT again if they intend toapply to a university that requires the SAT for admission, and have access to an SAT prep class that ISBaccommodates on school grounds. We serve as an SAT testing center and host examinations in October,November, December, May and June.The university admissions counseling process at ISB includes group and individual student meetings,parent coffees, family meetings and scheduled university visits. Course selection at the end of grade 10includes a conversation about university goals. Several university representatives visit the high schoolcampus throughout the year and students at every grade level are invited to attend. Workshops on resumeand personal statement writing are offered in grades 11 and 12, as are presentations on the applicationprocess as it varies by region, and an explanation of the steps that students should be taking at any givenpoint. Evening programs in the middle of grade 11 are followed by individualized student and/or familymeetings which outline a student’s goals for post-secondary study. In the beginning of grade 12, theformal application process begins in earnest. At this point, students are encouraged to have a reasonablelist of universities to which they are applying.The goal of counseling students through the university admissions process is to help students realize whatpost-secondary options would best suit their needs and aspirations. To this end, the counselor worksclosely with families and students to research possible university options, develop a list of schools thatprovide a “match” for the students, and submit their applications in a thorough and timely fashion. MostISB students choose to attend university in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe andAustralia. With the successful completion of the full IB Diploma at the end of grade 12, students improvetheir chance of admission to universities around the world.Special NeedsWhile staff and specialists provide support for learning differences, ISB does not have the resources orprograms to support students with major learning disabilities or physical challenges. A child with amoderate to severe disability is defined as a child who requires more than one period (45 minutes) ofindividual or small group assistance up to four times a week from a teacher in order to be successfulwithin the core academic program. Students manifesting mild disabilities are served in the mainstreameducational program and receive support services.15