College Prep
By its very nature as a college preparatory school, The International School of Minnesota (ISM) sees as its ultimate goal the successful placement of its graduates in colleges and universities that are excellent matches both academically and personally to students individual needs.
Determining which of the hundreds of colleges will best meet a student's needs and abilities has become a complicated and potentially often stressful process for many families. Selecting the right academic courses, taking the appropriate entrance exams, developing interesting activities and skills, planning summer experiences, and writing outstanding essays for applications can all make a difference in gaining admission to particular colleges and universities. More and more sources of information about getting into college seem to exist; and the internet is the latest and fastest way of contacting and learning about the colleges and universities themselves. The volume and speed at which all this information comes to the student and his family often result in confusion and anxiety.
For ISM students and parents, however, the college admissions process is managed by the College Counselor whose role is that of guide and coach at any point in the student's enrollment. In particular, issues related to future college admission concerns are addressed beginning in the Upper School. (See the link to the College Preparation Calendar.) When a student reaches high school (Grades 9-12), his class schedule includes a weekly Advising period with ISM's Guidance & College Counselor. The frequency of group Advising, the ease of securing individual appointments, and the opportunities for daily interaction between student and Counselor all contribute to the College Counselor's being able to personalize the attention given to each student in the college admission process. Not only does the Counselor know the student very well, but she invites and encourages parents to be involved in and educated about the college admissions process too.