Senior year at LAS marks an important academic and personal transitional for all students as most prepare to attend a college or university overseas. It is also the time for students to be asking themselves some questions as they begin to put together an initial list of schools to investigate. Four years is a long time to spend in a college or university and is an important and life changing decision.

Some of these questions include location, the size of the school students wish to attend, the nature of the teaching style offered, preparation for a future career choice, cost and the availability of financial aid.

There is no question that for most students deciding where to apply is a complicated process. Their decision will be influenced heavily by number of factors over which they have no control including grades already earned. It will also be influenced by factors which are entirely personal and it is normal to have a change of mind several times as they decide where to apply. There is no step-by-step process that will allow students to choose that one perfect college as there are many colleges which offer a high quality education and students will need to keep an open mind as they begin your search.

When students are considering their school choices they will need to keep in mind that there are three (3) categories as follows :

Reach Schools				Students need to compare their SAT scores, AP scores and GPA with those of each college being considered.
Likely Schools				The average GPA of the school and a student's own GPA will be in the same category. They need to ensure that the other criteria for admissions match their profile.
Safety Schools				The average GPA and test scores of entering freshmen may be lower than those of the student who is applying. The main question students need to ask themselves is if the safety school is the right choice for them and if they would be happy to attend if accepted.

Although senior year is very hectic for students, there are steps they can take to assist them as follows : 

First Step				Prepare College Folders Students are required to present prepared folders to each college that they apply to. Information that needs to be included in these folders includes password and communications received, copies of certificates and internships and copies of AP scores.
Second Step				Resume and Passport A number of schools require a resume to be provided with an application for admission. Students need to research their schools of choice to determine if a resume is required.
Third Step				Contact Information Students will need to provide their address and contact phone number to prospective schools.
Fourth Step				Communication Students are required to keep a copy of all online applications.
Fifth Step				The Guidance Department will organise postage for all documents to be sent to prospective schools at a cost of Rs 1,000 for DHL services. These documents include : An Official LAS transcript.   An LAS school profile that includes a brief summary of LAS's history, past performance, accreditation status, curriculum and a definition of purpose.   A secondary school report and counselor's report with a letter of recommendation.   Teachers' letters of recommendation.   A copy of a student's Diploma following graduation.   A mid-year report and updated transcript provided after the first semester grades are recorded.   A final transcript provided after the second semester grades are recorded.

Teacher recommendations are a necessary part of a student's college application process. At LAS, teachers will need to complete two (2) forms. Colleges are looking for specific information about a student in a teacher letter of recommendation that does not appear on the transcript or anywhere else in their application.

Students are advised to keep in mind the following when determining who would be the best choice of teacher to write a recommendation for them :

		Ask a teacher they had in their junior or senior year.
		Ask a math or science teacher if they are planning on majoring in engineering, architecture or a science strand. Business majors may also want to ask a math teacher.
		Ask a fine art teacher in their area of discipline if they are planning on majoring in music or fine arts.
		For all other majors including undecided, ask a teacher who know them well academically and who can answer the following questions : What distinguished them from other students?   What kind of a learner are they?   Did they do any special projects for a class?   Were they prepared and did they actively participate in class?   Did they go above and beyond what was required of them?

Once a student has made an informed decision on which teachers they will approach for a letter of recommendation, they will need to provide them with two (2) forms, a Student Request for a Teacher Recommendation and a Teacher Reference Form. Both forms should be submitted to the Guidance Department on completion. The teacher will send their recommendation and evaluation through Naviance and the student will not receive a copy of the recommendation.

Personal statements are an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to write well. In addition to the basics including accurate spelling and grammar, prospective schools will be looking for higher-level composition skills.

The personal statement should be viewed as a self-portrait or a clip from the continuing movie of a student's life. It is the one opportunity they are given to talk about who they are on a personal level and will provide admission officers with information relating to the student that the transcript and test scores cannot. A student needs to keep the following in mind when preparing their personal statement :

		A student needs to be themselves. If they have a good sense of humour they need to express this and not reinvent themselves.
		A student needs to take the time to go beyond the obvious and consider what the majority of students might write and then try something a little different.
		A student needs to concentrate on topics with true significance to them and not be afraid to reveal themselves in their writing.
		A student needs to proofread accurately and ensure that their writing is to a high standard with correct spelling and grammar.. Nothing says “last-minute essay” like an “are” instead of “our” or a “their” instead of “they’re.”
		A student needs to keep their statement brief, concise and to the point.
		A student needs to limit the number of people from whom they request feedback on their statement.
		A student needs to provide their statement on quality paper as appearance cannot replace substance but it can enhance the value of their submission.
		A student needs to write thoughtfully and from their heart. It will be clear whether they believe in what they are saying versus simply saying what they think the school wants to hear.

A neatly, typed, well expressed and accurately completed application will communicate to an admissions office that a student's interest is genuine. The application must be in their own words and no longer than requested.