Class of 2013 University Applications Handbook - UWC Maastricht

Office of Career Guidance & University Applications
What Factors Are Considered By Universities When You Apply?
Every university looks at a combination of factors when they select new students. As the
college application process becomes more competitive, it also it difficult to distinguish
which factors can contribute to the final decision to accept or reject a student. Here are
some of the factors that colleges evaluate:
Level of difficulty of courses taken over the last 2-4 years
Grades achieved and Predicted final IB exam grades
Additional standardized test scores (IGCSEs, SATs, etc.)
Commitment to Co-curricular activities
Work experience
Special Talents: sports, arts, music
Citizenship and gender demographics
Student application essay
Subject Teacher reference letter
School Reference Letter (Form Tutor and Counsellors)
Student Interviews
Financial need
Predicted Grades and Recommendation Letters
� Subject teachers are asked to predict a final IB grade based on all class work, exams,
and internal assessments to date
� If you didn’t turn the work in, it can’t be factored into your predicted grade
� This grade is not negotiable. Students may ask what their grade is and what
they can do to improve. They may not ask their teachers to change this
grade.
� Teachers can update predicted grades: July 1, November 1, February 1
� All subject teachers are asked to complete an internal reference form at the end of
IB1 that will be used to write a school reference letter or subject teacher references
� School reference letters are compiled from comments on report cards, the Student
Self Assessment sheet, form tutor comments, and subject teacher references.
� Start building positive relationships with teachers & asking questions, showing
enthusiasm in class discussions!
6 | P a g e