What Are Columbia¡¯s New Questions for International Students

Based on reporting by Columbia¡¯s , we have a good look inside the process at Columbia. While college officials are not always willing to answer our calls or questions, they tend to be much more available to students at their schools, and student newspapers often do excellent reporting work. 

What specifically happened is that Columbia reached a settlement with the Department of Justice; like with many legal settlements, this had many separate components. One of these was to launch a comprehensive review of their admissions process for international students, and ask them why they want to study in the US. In order to comply with this, Columbia has now completed their review, and added this question to all applications for international students. 

Students have fifty words to respond to this prompt. It isn¡¯t an essay response like Columbia¡¯s other questions, but still must be answered carefully and deliberately. Here is the exact phrasing of the question: 

• Students can pursue a vast array of educational options all over the world. Given these choices, please share why you are interested in continuing your education at a university in the United States. 

Interestingly, while only international students were included in the deal, domestic applicants to Columbia are also asked to answer this question; we¡¯ll cover how you should answer it later in this article. 

We are a bit late to the party noticing this, but Columbia has avoided publicizing it. It wasn¡¯t listed on their collection of , nor does it show up on the page for .

At root for this new question is a mandate that Columbia reduce its financial dependence on international students. Columbia is the Ivy League school with the highest international student population by percentage; many of these are graduate students rather than undergrads, but it is likely why they are the ones dealing with this currently. The mandate to reduce financial reliance on international students is unfunded, but Columbia does appear to be trying to follow it. 

How to Answer Columbia¡¯s International Student Question

If you are an international student, this is likely something you have already had to think about. This question exactly parallels one asked in visa interviews, and is something you should be able to speak to. This does raise the question of why it¡¯s important you be asked this question twice, but we¡¯ll explore that later. 

When answering this question, you want to be able to point to tangible benefits studying in the US will give you that you can¡¯t get at home, but which don¡¯t point to a deeper desire to emigrate to the US (even if that is among your goals). You don¡¯t have to elaborate; with only fifty words to respond they aren¡¯t really expecting you to. 

Your answer should highlight what about US colleges and the college experience specifically will be beneficial for you. There are many possible answers to give; for Colubia especially highlighting the liberal arts learning experience is always viable, since most other university systems globally do not take this approach. 

Interestingly, domestic students must also answer this question. This is likely to be easier for you, but you should still emphasize what¡¯s particular about education in the US that appeals to you, from opportunities presented by the colleges themselves to simply wanting to stay a bit closer to home. 

What This Question Means for International Applicants

There has been an increase in uncertainty for international applicants to US colleges, with delays in visa processing, an increase in rejections, and the occasional ban on visas for students from entire countries. This question, while small, feels like part of a much larger pattern designed to discourage international applicants from attending US colleges. 

As this question has just been introduced by Columbia, we do not yet know how it will impact their admissions decisions, or if it will impact them at all. Indeed, this looks a lot like Columbia is checking a box that they have to, rather than eagerly implementing a new policy they stand behind. 

In terms of specific impacts for students applying to Columbia, we anticipate this having few effects. There may be a slight curtail in the number of applicants, but we don¡¯t anticipate Columbia rejecting students over this question. So long as you give a reasonable and considered answer, it¡¯s just another piece of paperwork to fill out while applying. 

The Broader Implications of this Question

A more interesting, and more concerning aspect of this question is that its inclusion in applications was part of Columbia¡¯s deal with the federal government in the first place. This implies a continued federal interest in international applicants, and a desire to reduce or restrict the number of applicants attending US universities. This becomes all the more explicit with the mandate that Columbia reduce its financial reliance on international students. 

This is very off putting for many international students, which may be part of the intent. It is uncertain whether or not these questions will spread to other colleges, but we would not be surprised if these kinds of deals are repeated, especially as the federal government continues issuing investigations into top universities. 

What This Question Means for You

Where you choose to attend college is a highly personal choice, and a very important and weighty decision for many students. Policies like this, questions like this, can make international students feel particularly called out; as if they exist in a different class from all other students. One that, by all appearances, must justify their very existence. 

This isn¡¯t a good feeling, and we can fully understand if this makes you wish to reconsider applying to Columbia or other colleges which ask questions like this. Columbia does still actively recruit and seek out international students and talent; they were not the originators of this policy, but they did agree to implement it, and they are asking the question on their application.

If you are applying to US universities as an international student, you have likely already thought long and hard about why you want to attend college in the US. Indeed, you¡¯ll have to answer this same question again when you do a visa interview. We can understand if it turns you off a particular university, but a great many colleges in the US highly value international students.

This is part of why we encourage students to do a lot of research on colleges when building their college list. A university¡¯s culture and values can have a major impact on your time and experience there, for both good and ill. Asking a question like this doesn¡¯t necessarily mean a school won¡¯t be a good fit for you culturally, but it is still worth being aware of, and taking into consideration.

Final Thoughts

Applying to US colleges is always harder for international students; while most colleges don¡¯t have official quotas, they do always admit more domestic students, and have higher barriers of entry for international applicants. On top of that, application requirements are not geared towards international students; everything from the SATs to English proficiency is another thing to keep track of, another box to check. This question is another thing on the pile, just one more piece to keep track of and paperwork to deal with for international students. 

If you are looking for help finding the right US universities to welcome you as an international student, or guidance navigating an often overly-complex application process, then ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø can help. Our mentors are experts in every aspect of college applications, and we love helping students from all over the globe find the right college to support their needs. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about how we can help you.

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Australia has many things to recommend it to students from the US, such as a shared language, similar culture, and universities which are well regarded internationally. In this article, we¡¯re going to cover how admissions to Australian universities works as an international student, and whether you should consider applying to one of these schools. This is going to be written from a primarily American perspective, but we will put in helpful notes for international students generally. 

How Australian Universities Work

While universities are more or less the same in purpose the world over, they function in different ways. We aren¡¯t going to cover the totality of Australian universities in this article, but we want to cover enough of the basics for you to understand what you¡¯re getting into. 

First, most of the universities in Australia are public, funded by the government, though they are generally self governing. 37 of the 43 total universities in Australia are public, and all of the highest ranked ones are. Organizationally, these universities are much closer to the British model than the American one. You apply for a specific course of study, admissions requirements are determined by that course of study, and you focus on that specific field for your time at university. 

There are many supports for university education for domestic students; these are not available to international students. International students pay increased fees, and none of the universities in Australia have scholarship programs fro these students. Various stipends and government health insurance for students are also only available for domestic students. 

Australian universities are quite popular with international students, with around a quarter of the entire undergraduate student population being international students. Very few of these students come from the US comparatively, but there are well-established pathways for international students to use when applying. 

How Admissions Works for International Students

For domestic students, admissions is determined by the (ATAR). Students who are not from Australia or New Zealand must instead apply to each university directly, and are given a rank based on their academic accomplishments and preparation. 

Note that students who have completed an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, whether domestic or international, must instead apply to the (ACTAC). This organization translates your IB results into a combined rank, which is used as an equivalency to an ATAR. This doesn¡¯t necessarily make it easier to get admitted as a student who has taken an IB curriculum, but it can be easier to evaluate your chances of admission.

Most universities in Australia have strict ATAR cutoffs for admitting students. These vary by both year and course, but are designed to make sure the process is transparent and that popular courses don¡¯t become overwhelmed with students. This makes it relatively straightforward for domestic students to make their college choices, but means international students are generally flying blind. 

Because international students must apply directly to specific universities, there is going to be a lot of repeated paperwork for you to complete. While universities differ slightly in what they ask for, they generally require the same things. We¡¯ll go through each component of a standard international application here. 

Transcripts

The lays this out well; students must have certain academic qualifications to prove that they are academically qualified to enroll in their university. For US students specifically, they want a high school diploma, and scores from the ACT or SAT (though they also accept scores from AP exams). There is no provision for homeschooled students. 

Note that what scores you are required to have depends on your course of study. Just as with domestic students admitted with an ATAR, some courses of study require higher scores. This is true of every university in Australia. Unlike US universities, you cannot change your course of study; make sure you pick one carefully when you apply, and then make sure your scores qualify you for admission.

English Proficiency Scores

These are required for all students who did not have English as their primary language of instruction during high school. (Note that any documents not in English must also have official English translations made and submitted). Australian colleges accept IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Cambrdige generally; but we advise checking specifically what the universities you are applying to ask for. The exact score asked for varies as well (as with US colleges); make sure you pass the benchmarks each school sets. This doesn¡¯t increase odds of admission, but applications will be rejected if you can¡¯t meet this benchmark. 

Passport Scan

You need a full-color scan of your passport. It must expire at least six months after your proposed term of study ends. Note that youth passports in the US expire more rapidly; if you are under eighteen, this may be more difficult. 

Statement of Purpose

There¡¯s no Common App for Australia, no personal statement. Instead, you will generally be asked to complete a statement of purpose. This is a 800-1,000 word essay where you lay out your reasons for choosing this field of study, both in terms of past experiences and for your future career goals. This is something which you must write when applying to graduate programs in the US; not all undergraduate programs in Australia require this, but most of the top ones do. 

This statement should contain the following sections. Each of these should ideally be its own paragraph: 

• Introduction: a brief story about why you¡¯re interested in this field, and a strong direct statement of interest.
• Academic background: lay out what you have done academically related to this field. This may be limited, especially for fields which are not easily explored in high school. Cover coursework, certifications, and research.
• Why Australia: why here, and not elsewhere? This can and should be tied into the next point.
• Why this university: for this, you want to be very specific. Discuss professors you want to work with, or research opportunities which are available at this school.?
• Career goals: explain how this course of study fits into your larger career goals.
• Conclusion: tie everything together, summarizing your intentions, and your enthusiasm for both the course of study and this particular university.

You will need to write one of these for every university you apply to. If you are applying for the same or similar courses, then much of the statement can remain the same between universities, with just edits to the portion on why you want that university in particular. If you are applying to courses which are significantly different, you will need a whole new statement tailored to that course of study.?

While you are not required to have significant engagements with a subject before applying, they will make your statement more impactful, and increase your chances of admission. As with US universities, your chances of acceptance are highest when you can clearly demonstrate your interest in and prior involvement with a particular field. 

Letters of Recommendation

You will generally need one to two letters of recommendation. These should come from teachers who know you well, and who are able to speak to your work and academic potential. If you are also applying to universities in the US, the letters will have the same format, and you may have the same teachers write and submit them. For explicit guidance on getting great letters of recommendation, see our article here. 

Portfolio

If you are applying for a course of study in the arts or architecture, then you will need to submit a portfolio. Applicants to other courses are not permitted to submit one. Research portfolios, which exist for some US colleges, are not a thing; if you have undertaken research related to your intended course of study, you should discuss it in your statement of purpose.

The Application Timeline for Australian Universities

Applications for Australian universities generally open two full years before the deadline. We, and others in the field, recommend submitting your applications six to nine months before they are due. Note that Australia, being in the southern hemisphere, has seasons reversed from those of us in northern latitudes. Their first semester begins in February, their second begins in August.

You may apply for either semester; beginning in August is perhaps simpler for students from the US, as it aligns more closely with how school years are arranged in the US system. Most universities in Australia accept applications year-round; the specific deadlines vary by university and the course you are applying to. 

Once you submit your application, you will generally hear back in four to six weeks (though response times vary). If you are admitted, then you must begin your visa application immediately, and also arrange your Overseas Health Coverage; health insurance for your time in Australia. In some cases, your university will bundle the fees for this with your tuition.

Your visa application will require a separate statement of purpose, describing why you want an Australian visa. We advise speaking with an immigration attorney about the visa process if you have concerns; we are not lawyers, and cannot give you any legal advice. 

Should You Apply to an Australian University?

This is an important question to ask, given the many steps required to apply to one. Australian universities have many things to recommend them, but have downsides as well depending on your interests; we¡¯ll run through these in order, so you can properly judge whether or not what they offer appeals to you. 

A Focused Course of Study

Much like universities in the UK, at an Australian school, you are there to study one particular subject. Your coursework will all be related to that subject, and you won¡¯t be able to change your area of focus. This is quite different from American colleges, where changing a major may be difficult, but is rarely impossible, and taking courses across a range of disciplines, a broad liberal arts core, is the norm. 

If you are quite certain what you want to study, and would rather leave off some subject altogether, then this kind of focused study may appeal to you a great deal. If you are uncertain of what you wish to pursue, or have an academic background unrelated to your future interests, then Australian universities may be too restrictive for you. 

Costs and Scholarships

Australian universities do cost less than their US counterparts, but offer far less financial aid (to international students at least). International students are self-pay for the most part, bearing the full expenses. If you think you¡¯ll get stuck with the costs regardless, then Australia can be commensurate with what you¡¯d pay for a public university in the US. If you are relying on financial aid, however, then it isn¡¯t an ideal choice. 

A Change of Setting

College is a chance to broaden your horizons, go to new places and experience new heights. Some students experience that across their state, some head to the other side of the country, and others seek to travel further afield. This is neither right nor wrong, but if you are struck by wanderlust, there are few places further afield you can travel than Australia.?

Final Thoughts

There are many many colleges out there; most students in the US stay within the confines of the country when choosing where to apply, but you do not need to do so yourself. We hope this article has helped you understand how this process works for Australian universities, and whether or not one of these universities may be the right fit for your own needs. 

If you are looking for help navigating this somewhat alien admissions process, or advice on crafting your essays, be they the personal statement or Australia¡¯s statement of purpose, then ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø can help. Our mentors are experts of admissions, and can help guide you to the schools which will best fit your unique needs. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more; we¡¯re always happy to hear from you. 

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What Hong Kong Students Need to Know ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø College Applications

The primary barrier of entry is that of the college applications themselves. There are two separate issues here for many students in Hong Kong. The first is that the way college applications work for US universities is completely different to how it works in the rest of the world, and the second is that on top of this, universities have additional requirements for international students. We¡¯ll go through the ones which most often trip up the students from Hong Kong we work with. 

English Language Requirements

This is often a trip-up for students in Hong Kong because of how many students in Hong Kong are fluent in English. Indeed, many students don¡¯t need to prove their fluency with English. The rule most colleges use is that if your high school taught in English primarily, you don¡¯t need to prove English fluency. 

Thus, students who attend a British style or American style school in Hong Kong, where the instruction is primarily in English, do not need to prove their fluency in English. If your school¡¯s primary language of instruction isn¡¯t English however, you will need to prove it. You may know that you can speak English perfectly well, but colleges require proof of this. TOEFL, IELTS, and DuoLingo tests are accepted by most top US universities.

Standardized Test Requirements

Many (though not all) colleges in the US require students to take either the SAT or the ACT. These tests are not at all similar to something like the Gaokao, except superficially, and this often trips up students from Hong Kong. The Gaokao is the primary metric by which college admissions in China are determined; it is this test alone, in exclusion of all other metrics, which decides whether or not you get into a top university.

By contrast, the SAT and ACT are but one metric colleges use to evaluate students. These are important for international students, but the point of them is to determine if you are academically prepared for the rigors of college work. It is entirely possible (and indeed common) to get a perfect score on one of these exams and get rejected from many top colleges in the US because other aspects of your application did not measure up. 

Application Essays

One of the most important components of your application are your essays, something colleges in the US really prioritize, but most other universities globally do without. These essays fall into two distinct categories: 

1. The personal statement. This is a single longer essay which goes out to every college you apply to.?
2. Supplementals. These are shorter essays that individual colleges want you to write, which can be on any number of topics.?

Essays are your chance to tell admissions officers about yourself, as a person and a scholar. When colleges in the US are evaluating applicants, they don¡¯t make decisions based on academic achievement alone (they do want academic achievement of course, but that¡¯s just one of the things they¡¯re looking for). Equally important is who you are, and how you¡¯ll fit in with the campus community. This is completely unlike what universities in Hong Kong (or indeed the rest of the world) look for, and thus often trips up students.?

Cost and Financial Aid

Unlike much of the rest of the developed world, colleges in the US cost a lot of money to attend. These costs are even higher for international students, both from travel expenses, and because many schools see international students as a source of tuition income. For this reason, many colleges in the US, even ones which are quite generous with financial aid for domestic students, offer little to none to international students.

There are some schools which do, but if you have financial constraints, then the list of schools you can and should aim for in the US is limited. Even among schools with financial aid, many are need aware, and will take into account your ability to pay when making an admissions decision.

What Hong Kong Students Need to Know as International Students

Colleges themselves have extra hurdles for students outside the US, and so does the US government. These are usually not overwhelming, but it¡¯s good to be aware of these requirements ahead of time. Government bureaucracy requires a lot of attention to detail and strict adherence to deadlines, so being aware of what¡¯s required ahead of time is the best way to avoid your applications getting derailed by a paperwork issue. 

Visa Requirements

We cover this in more detail in another article, but all international students require a visa to study in the US. This must be applied to from a US consulate, and requires proof of admission to a US university, along with a form from that university. Colleges are used to supplying these, and if you have concerns about this process, we advise reaching out to the international student office of any colleges which have admitted you; they¡¯re there to help you out.

Note that as part of your evaluation for a visa, they do consider your financial assets. Students with fewer financial resources are more commonly rejected in their visa applications, as the US government considers them a higher risk for overstaying their visa (whether or not this is accurate). 

Immunization

There are always recommended or required inoculations when traveling elsewhere in the world. These can be set by both the country you are visiting, or your own country. are the vaccinations required for entry to the US, note that these are all quite common. As travel between Hong Kong and the US is quite common, this shouldn¡¯t present a major hurdle. 

Political Concerns

There has been increasing discussion in the US about the large number of international students, particularly those from China. Now, Hong Kong and China are distinct, but also aren¡¯t, particularly in the view of many Americans (who are known for their nuanced understanding of geography). Thus regulations or changes in requirements for Chinese students often end up making things more complicated for students from Hong Kong as well. 

The US usually changes their regulations quite slowly, but this has not been the case of late, with the current administration having a major focus on both immigration policy (including student visas), and China. These relations can fluctuate wildly, and with them policies towards students from both China and Hong Kong. 

It is a bit much to ask high school students to be aware of geopolitical realities when they are applying to colleges, but this is something you may want to keep in mind when applying to universities in the US. We don¡¯t want to dissuade you from applying, and universities across the US are stepping up to welcome international students, but there may be unexpected hurdles which arise, specifically for students from Hong Kong.

Final Thoughts

There are many unique hurdles for international students interested in applying to universities in the US, but hundreds of thousands succeed in it each year. Students from Hong Kong have some unique challenges here, and some unique advantages as well, notably the strength of many of the high schools in Hong Kong, and the prevalence of English fluency.

We hope this article has helped you understand what challenges are presented by applying to a university in the US as a student in Hong Kong. If you are looking for help dealing with these, then ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø can help. We aren¡¯t immigration lawyers, but we do have a deep understanding of what US universities want to see from applicants, and how to present yourself to them in an ideal manner. If you have any concerns about your own university journey, then schedule a free consultation with us today, we¡¯re always happy to hear from you. 

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A Note on Hong Kong¡¯s Educational Organization

Education in Hong Kong is formatted differently from the rest of China. This is because it is still heavily based on the British system, implemented when it was a British colony. In recent years, there have been several updates to curriculums, educational materials, and exams brought about by the mainland, but the overall structure of the educational system remains in place.

Secondary school consists of senior and junior secondary; senior secondary directly prepares students for university. Formerly this was the British A-Levels, but is now a new exam. The intent, and age ranges served however, remains the same.

There are public, private, and subsidized private schools in Hong Kong. Some private schools operate completely outside the purview of the government, though others are. International schools are not ranked or regulated by the government. 

The population attending Hong Kong¡¯s schools has shifted in recent years, as the mainland asserts more control over the province. Many students who were attending school there have gone overseas, while the number of upper class mainland students attending private and international schools in Hong Kong has risen sharply. This hasn¡¯t made education worse in the territory, but has changed the flavor of it. 

Some parents are concerned over increasing governmental interference in curriculums, and a number of lecturers and foreign teachers have left the territory in recent years. The schools do still have high academic standards and high performances, but compared to Singapore (which Hong Kong inevitably will be), Hong Kong is not as attractive as it once was to international educational talent.?

The Best Public Schools in Hong Kong

These schools mostly serve Hong Kong¡¯s native population, but a growing number of expats living in Hong Kong are sending their children to these schools as well, driven by both tuition increases at private schools, and a desire for students to be able to speak Cantonese. Note that the majority of public schools in Hong Kong use Cantonese as the language of instruction, but some still use English. The ones which use English have on average better university placement rates, and are often highly sought after by parents.

Most public schools offer instruction in both English and Cantonese. An increasing number are also offering Mandarin Chinese.

By Exploringlife – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,  

This is a direct subsidy school, being independently operated but overseen and supported by the government of Hong Kong. It is one of the oldest girls¡¯ schools in Hong Kong, having been founded in 1860, and is still run by an Anglican organization. The main language of instruction is English. It is one of the top performing schools in Hong Kong, with the highest number of Hong Kong Outstanding Student Awards of all secondary schools in the territory. While it is a Christian school, students need not be Christian to attend.

The school covers both lower and upper secondary school, or grades 7-12 for those used to the American system. All students learn English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, though English is the primary language of instruction for most courses outside of Chinese language, history, and literature. Students have flexibility in which elective courses they pursue in the upper school. You can see their results for public examinations . Their students do well in university applications, with most attending high profile schools in Hong Kong. 

The annual fee for all students is $40,000 HKD; there are some scholarships available; these include both merit and need based scholarships. Applications are open annually, you must apply . These require the application form, plus school reports from the past three years. Note that in addition to the online application, you must also submit paper copies of the documents to the school by mail, including a stamped and addressed envelope. Students who are shortlisted for admission will be invited to sit for an assessment exam. 

By Kennethma513 at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Jay8g using CommonsHelper., Public Domain,  

This is a day and boarding boys¡¯ school in Hong Kong, which was established in 1869. It is another of the odd semi-independent schools, which is independently run but overseen and directly subsidized by the government in Hong Kong. The school is top ranked academically, and is one of the top performing International Baccalaureate schools. They serve students in both primary and secondary school. The primary method of instruction at the school is English.

The school¡¯s curriculum parallels other schools up through grade 10. Grade 10 then serves as a bridging year between this curriculum and the IB diploma program, which all students enroll in for their final two years at the school. This does a good job preparing students for university, with the school regularly ranking in the top-performing IB schools globally. 

School fees vary based on both grade level and whether a student is native to Hong Kong. Current annual fees for secondary students from Hong Kong are $59,860 HKD. Applications to the school must be submitted . Note that applications are handled differently for different grade levels; we are focusing specifically on applicants for grades 10 and above. Applications open in February, and are due by March 1. After applications are reviewed, students are invited to take an assessment test; this is a necessary component of admissions. 

By Exploringlife – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,  

Located on Tsing Yi, this school was founded in 1983, and is an aided secondary school; founded and run by a charitable organization with the financial support and oversight of the government. It is a coed school, and was one of the first schools in Hong Kong to embrace project based learning, which remains a core component of its curriculum. It introduced English as the primary language of instruction in 2010; a plurality of classes are taught in English. 

The school follows the core curriculum laid out by the government of Hong Kong. Students have some flexibility in electives and areas of focus, but all must take courses in core academic subjects, with a focus on preparing for university. Notably, students need to complete a significant project in each subject they are studying as part of their project-based learning curriculum. They also assign projects to be completed over summer vacation.

Applications must be submitted in the spring. This begins online, but some forms must be submitted to the school in person, including reports from previous schools. They look for strong performance in academic subjects, and require students to have proficiency in both English and Cantonese.

The Best International Schools in Hong Kong

Traditionally the domain of both expats and wealthy native Hong Kong students, these schools are becoming increasingly popular with wealthy families from the mainland, especially those looking to attend university overseas. Most of these schools offer a curriculum in English, and are not overseen directly by the government of Hong Kong. 

By Exploringlife – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,  

Founded in 1986, this school provides a fairly traditional US high school experience, with courses taught in English and grades divided as they are in American schools. The school is fully coed, and serves approximately 900 students. The primary language of instruction is English. While students may take Chinese as a language course, doing so is not required. 

AIS requires all high school students complete community service hours each year; 10 hours for underclassmen and 20 hours for upperclassmen. They offer 23 AP courses; these are open for enrollment by students, and most students take at least one before they graduate; 70% of the recent graduating class earned an AP scholar award. Many of their graduates apply to college in the US, and they send students to some of the top universities there. 

Tuition at AIS depends on grade level. For high school students, it is $180,400 HKD annually. There is no financial aid available. to AIS are technically accepted on a rolling basis, but most must come in before the term you wish to begin; starting mid-term is harder, and there are fewer seats available. Applications require the online form, government documents, school reports in English for the past three years, and references from current math and English teachers, plus a school principal. Students who are selected are invited to complete an admissions assessment and an interview on campus. 

By ˮˮ – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,  

Founded in 2012, this is a British day and boarding school, created in partnership with the Harrow School in the UK; it is one of several Harrow schools opened globally in recent years. In spite of its relatively young age, it is quite prestigious, being recognized as a top boarding school internationally. It offers a British style curriculum for students aged 3-18, and serves approximately 1,200 students. 

The school¡¯s curriculum is fully British, with students preparing for and taking A-Level exams while in sixth form. Students sit for three or four A-Levels, and have a great deal of flexibility in choosing which subjects they pursue. Harrow is often recognized as one of the top A-Level schools in Asia, based on the strength of its scores and the university destinations of its graduates, with many headed to top universities in the US and UK.

Fees for Harrow depend on grade level; they are currently $239,070 HKD annually for sixth form students. Boarding is an additional fee of $130,705 HKD, and is available to students in year six and onwards. Applications must be submitted ; note that applications must generally come in on schedule, but students arriving from overseas without a guaranteed spot at a school in Hong Kong may apply on a rolling basis. Along with the online form, you must submit government documents and your two most recent school reports. Applicants are then invited to complete an admissions assessment; those applying from overseas may complete this online. 

By Wpcpey – Own work, CC BY 4.0,  

This is a private school in Hong Kong, and is a dual-language school, though those languages are English and German. The goal of the school is to give students a bi-cultural educational experience, and all students learn both German and English; the difference between the two streams is the primary language of instruction. Chinese is taught, but aside from a bilingual kindergarten program, is not a primary language. 

The curriculum is different between streams (outside of language of course), with English students taking the IGCSE, and then entering the IB diploma program for their final two years at the school. German students may instead take the Arbitur, and follow a Gymnasium curriculum. Students in both tracks have leeway to explore within the program, but the goal is always to help them prepare for university.

Fees for GSIS vary by year; for upper secondary students they are currently $256,700 HKD annually. There is no financial aid available. Applications are available year round; the waitlist is constantly accepting students and spaces may open up in different years on an irregular basis. Applications must be submitted online. German, Swiss, and Austrian passport holders have priority when the school makes admissions decisions. Students applying to both the German and English streams must take assessments to measure their academic capability when they apply. 

By Ehecis – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,  

Founded in 1983, the school still counts as an international school, though Hong Kong is officially part of China now. The primary language of instruction at the school is English, though Chinese is a required subject. The curriculum is based on the IB model, and senior students take the IB diploma program. 

Year 10 has a special program where students spend time in Hangzhou, and students take on project-based and experiential learning. This is unique to them, and a blend of different educational models. The school seeks to prepare students for university, and students frequently attend top universities in both China and abroad.

School fees vary by year; for upper secondary students they are currently $342,800 HKD annually. There is limited available. Applications must be submitted . These require the online form, plus an interview and an assessment to determine your academic preparation. Parent meetings are offered, but are not required. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Final Thoughts

There are a great many high schools in Hong Kong, showing the remarkable number of historical and political influences on the territory over time. We hope this article has shown the wide variety available here, and how different schools approach the shared goal of preparing students for the future. This is only a brief overview of the schools available, but should give you a good place to begin your own investigations.

If you are looking for advice specific to your own high school experience, or which of these schools may best suit your needs, then ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø can help. We specialize in helping students find the situations that will best support and nurture them, and schools that will enable them to achieve their dreams. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about how we can help you.

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In order to continue promoting this, Singapore has a significant focus on their educational system, and indeed have some of the highest ranked students globally in math and science. They have an incredibly strong system of public education, and a large number of private institutions, which primarily serve Singapore¡¯s large expat community. In this article, we¡¯ll go through some of the best options for each, to give you a sense of the diversity of educational options in Singapore. Let¡¯s jump right in!

The Best Public Schools in Singapore

Singapore has a large and well-funded public educational system. The highest level are the schools which prepare students for university; the junior colleges and technical institutes. There are also polytechnic institutes; these are intended for students who are seeking more industry focused jobs, such as communication, engineering, and nursing. You can get a great education at these, but they are less suited for students who want to pursue a liberal arts education in the future.

The primary language of instruction at all public schools in Singapore is English. Students also take courses and demonstrate proficiency in their ¡°first¡± language, though these can be waived. All placement in pre-university education is based on students¡¯ performance on competitive proficiency tests administered by the state: the GCE O-levels. 

Junior colleges all provide two years of education, culminating in either the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level or the International Baccalaureate diploma. All of these schools follow the same curricula. These schools often require school fees to attend. Some Junior Colleges are directly state-administered, while others are independent; all are however overseen directly by the Ministry of Education. Private schools must also register with the ministry, but have more curricular flexibility.

By Img by User:Advanced of en.wikipedia – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,  

Founded in 1823, this is the oldest school in Singapore, and regularly ranked as the most prestigious. It has a boys-only secondary school, and a coed junior college; it also has a sister school which it administers for girls as a secondary school, allowing students who enter either to pass directly to the junior college.

The school offers an A-Level education, and is known for the rigor of its curriculum. It has one of the highest scoring records on the A-Levels each year, and sees the most success of all junior colleges in Singapore in sending students to elite universities abroad, from Oxford and Cambridge in the UK to Ivy League schools in the US. A significant number of government ministers in Singapore were educated at Raffles. 

Boarding is offered at Raffles, but is not mandatory, save for a capstone experience in year 3. Fees for Raffles vary based on both year in school and . FInancial aid is available for Singaporean students specifically. Fees for boarding are assessed separately from school fees.

Admissions to Raffles is possible at several points; years 1, 3, and 5 (5 being the start of junior college). Singaporean students may apply for direct admission . Admissions is based solely on academic performance, especially on national tests. International students may participate in public education in Singapore, but must do so through the . Admissions requirements, once they have done so, are the same as for domestic students, though assessed fees are far higher for international students. 

By Quince Pan – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,  

This is an independent secondary school and junior college; originally started as a school for Chinese students, it maintains a bilingual educational model and offerings, though all students still learn in English. It offers a boys-only secondary school, and a coed junior college; it has a partnered girls-only secondary school which functions in parallel with the boys-only one. 

The school has a boarding complex to host international boarding students. It shares its campus with an International school (Hwa Chong International School); this is a partner school under the same umbrella, but maintains separate facilities and programs, though students at one school can take advantage of facilities of another. 

The school offers Singapore¡¯s standard A-level curriculum, but with a bilingual focus, where students learn in both English and Chinese. A majority of students at the school already speak Chinese when they enter. They have a number of special programs, including the opportunity for students to pursue independent research while at the school. Graduates frequently attend top colleges in the US, UK, and China. 

Fees for the college depend on ; there is some financial aid available to help with these fees. There are various admissions paths, both direct admissions and the Joint Admissions Exercise. These are the standard admissions paths for all junior colleges in Singapore. International students may enter via one of these paths as well, but must meet Ministry of Education requirements.

By Marckenjilim – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,  

This is an integrated program school run by the ministry of education. It is a combined secondary/junior college which students attend for six years. Students in this school (and in other integrated programs) do not need to take the O-levels; as they are already in the school, they proceed directly from secondary school to junior college and the A-levels. Note that some students are still admitted through their performance on the O-levels, but others simply transition from a partner school directly to the college without having to sit for the test.

The college offers a full suite of advanced academic options, as is the case with many of the schools in Singapore. Students have access to a number of special programs outside of the core curriculum; these include ones for art and music, a leadership initiative, and one for students interested in pursuing . This is something many schools in Singapore offer and support, as the government sees a need for a new generation of innovators. 

International students are eligible to apply and attend, but must meet specific , as set by the Ministry of Education. There are a number of prestigious available through the school for Singaporean students with high academic achievement in a particular subject of interest. 

This is a coed junior college notable not just for its strong academic achievement, but for its sports and artistic successes. It was the first junior college to offer theatre, and has very strong choral, band, and dance programs as well. Athletically, they are often one of the top junior colleges in Singapore. 

The school is very strong academically, usually ranking in the top three junior colleges for A-Level exam results. They accept students through regular admissions, and also joined an integrated program, allowing some students to enter the school directly, without having to sit for the O-Levels. It is often one of the most competitive schools for admissions based on O-Level scores. 

In addition to core academic offerings, Victoria has a number of special programs that students can take advantage of. These include , which offer students a chance to network with industry experts and pursue scientific research. They also have a very strong , one which offers students a chance to build their skills and create a portfolio of works should they wish to pursue their craft further through higher education. 

International students may apply to the college . They note that admissions is based on number of available spaces, and is not guaranteed for international students. Financial aid is available for Singaporean students.

The Best Private High Schools in Singapore

In addition to their excellent public schools, Singapore is home to a large collection of excellent private high schools. These serve primarily expat students; indeed, many of them are forbidden from admitting Singaporean students, though recently a number of new private schools have opened which are permitted to do so, though they must follow Ministry of Education guidelines on curricular offerings and school administration. 

We can¡¯t go through every private school in Singapore, but we¡¯ll give you a selection of some that are quite highly rated, so you can see what your options are, and what might fit your needs best.

One of the oldest international schools in Singapore, SAS opened in 1956. It is currently host to slightly over 4,000 students in grades pre-K through 12. The school is coed, with slightly over half the students coming from the US. Over 65 different nationalities are represented however.

The school¡¯s curriculum is set up like that of a standard American high school. Students pursue a broad, liberal arts based curriculum, and have 22 AP courses to choose from, including AP Capstone. A majority of the students who take AP courses at the school score a 4 or 5 on the exams. In addition to AP courses, they have their own Advanced Topic courses, which allow students to explore various subjects at the collegiate level. 

Fees for the school vary by grade level; they are $53,860 annually for high school students at time of writing. Other fees may be assessed as well. Applications to SAS must be done . Students may only enter the high school at the start of a new semester, but applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The application also requires a school report and recommendations from your former school. Singaporean citizens are only able to apply if they hold dual American citizenship.

This is an independent coed (sort of) Catholic school; founded in 1852, it is the third oldest school in Singapore. It houses both a secondary school and junior college; students may enter either the secondary school or junior college; or based on their results on O-Levels transfer to another school within Singapore. The school¡¯s curriculum parallels that offered by other junior colleges in Singapore, culminating in the A-Levels. Note that female students may only enroll in the IB program; the IP program is for male students only.

Unlike pure public schools, however, SJI students may instead choose to pursue an International Baccalaureate diploma. Regardless of which path students take, the school focuses on providing a high level of academic rigor, and preparing students for university. They have a focus on leadership and service for their students. While the school is Catholic, students do not need to be Catholic to attend, though the religious values of the school do impact their educational philosophy. 

Despite being a Catholic independent school, St. Josephs operates in many ways like a public school for . Both Singaporean and international students may attend, and must meet the same admissions requirements; these are based on performance on competitive exams. for the school depend on grade level and nationality. 

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Founded in 1886, this school began as boys only; it remains boys only for the younger years, but admits girls to the senior ranks. The school offers an International Baccalaureate curriculum, and is recognized as one of the top IB schools globally. Students in the secondary school prepare for and take the O-Levels, while students in the upper division all follow the IB curriculum.

The school is known for its academic prowess; students in the secondary school often earn top marks on the O-Level exam, while those in the IB Diploma program are often among the highest scoring globally. The school also has a strong athletics program, and its students go on to attend a number of top universities globally.

Fees for ACS depend on ; there are scholarships available for Singaporean students with financial need. Admissions for the school are done . These open in May, and are based on your academic performance on your O-Level exams. Certain students may also enter through direct admit programs if they are enrolled in the IP pathway.

By Mx. Granger – Own work, CC0,  

This school was founded relatively recently, opening in 2015. It offers education for students in grades pre-K through 12, and presents itself as an affordable option for international students in Singapore. It has a number of branch campuses in other countries in the region, all run and administered by a single corporate entity.

Invictus offers a Cambridge style curriculum, with upper level students taking the A-Levels. They offer a number of different course options here, allowing students to specialize somewhat. They offer instruction in English and Mandarin, though English is the primary language of the school. They have support for students for whom English is a second language.

Fees for the school depend on ; they do offer a sibling discount if multiple students from the same family attend the school. Applications must be submitted ; once you complete this form, you will be invited to take an in-person assessment. Admissions offers will be extended based on the results of this assessment, as they want to be sure you are able to handle the material presented by the school.

Final Thoughts

Singapore is a cosmopolitan metropolis, a hub of business and innovation. The government there has seen the importance of a skilled and well educated populace, and invested accordingly. There are many options for great education in Singapore, and we hope that this article has shed light on what that might look like for you and your student.

Of course, this is only a sampling of the schools available. If you are looking for advice specific to your situation, or help applying to one of these highly competitive schools, then ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø can help. We¡¯re masters of assisting students manage the transition to secondary education, and are always happy to help you on your educational journey. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can make your life easier.

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The Best Private High Schools in Doha

We are only going to cover private high schools in this article. All of the best high schools, preferred by both Qataris and ex-pats alike, are these private high schools. There are public high schools of course, but most students with an option choose one of these private institutions. 

Originally known as American Community Schools, this is part of a larger collection of schools, originally based in the UK and offering an American-style educational experience. They serve students in grade K-12, and offer an International Baccalaureate curriculum to their high school students. Students may decide if they wish to pursue this, or a more standard American high school diploma.

Students not in the IB program may still take IB coursework, or have the option to take AP courses. Graduation requirements for the school mimic those of many US high schools; English, math, science, history, foreign language; all the core academic subjects colleges want to see. This is a good option for students who are looking for an American-style educational experience in Qatar.

Tuition varies by grade level, and is currently 80,465 QAR annually for high school students. Some extracurricular activities require additional expenses. Applying to the school may be done entirely . This requires the online form, teacher recommendations, and transcripts. Students will also need to prove nationality; students from Arab countries are required to take Arabic as a language, for example, though the school¡¯s main instructional language is English.

This is, as the name suggests, an English school based in Doha; founded in 1994, it was acquired by an international educational conglomerate in 2015. It is accredited as a British school. The school only goes through sixth form, and the GCSEs; students will need to transfer elsewhere if they wish to pursue A-level coursework. 

The curriculum followed is standard to English schools, and serves to educate students up to age 17. They do offer a number of unique opportunities, including an with other ISP schools in other countries. This is not required, but is a good way to gain experiences other schools do not offer.

Tuition rates vary based on year in school, for sixth form students it¡¯s QAR 52,423. There are some additional fees as well. Applications to the school must be submitted . In addition to the online form, you must provide a copy of your most recent transcript, and the child¡¯s residency permit for Qatar. Admissions are very selective, with far more applicants than they have spaces. 

This is a British International school, based in Qatar, and serves students between the ages of 3 and 18. It is regularly ranked as one of the best independent schools in the entire Middle East. They follow a British educational model, culminating in 6th form and the GCSEs; they do not offer A-level coursework. Notable for an independent school, they release their GCSE results, so you can see how they measure up to other institutions; you may see these online . 

They also show off the success of their students in . Being a British school, most students choose to matriculate in the UK, but they also have impressive admissions results elsewhere, including to a number of elite colleges in the US. Their curriculum covers all the academic basics, and gives students some freedom to explore academically as well.

Doha College is the only not-for-profit British school in Qatar. Their fees vary by year; they are currently 29,947 QAR annually for 6th form students. This is one of the lower rates charged by schools in Qatar. Applications open in November; their due date depends on grade; those for 6th form are due by May. The application must be done ; once you complete the online application you are invited to take an admissions assessment. Applications are very academically competitive.

Founded in 2016, the AIA offers education to students in grades K-12. It offers an International Baccalaureate curriculum, for both the middle and high school years, and is pioneering the curriculum for its elementary school as well. The program is offered primarily in Arabic, though there is an English language option, this is primarily a school for Arabic speakers, both Qataris and those from elsewhere in the Arab world.

Application to the school must be done ; you may apply to any grade level. The application requires an online form and transcripts from your previous school; they will also request a recommendation directly from your previous school. They do also require Qatari ID cards, and copies of your passports for international students. Applications are competitive.

This is a school which offers an International Baccalaureate curriculum to students aged 3-18. It offers a truly multilingual curriculum as well; students learn in both English and French for their entire time at the school, and they have support for German language students as well. In addition, they are partnered with a sister school in the French speaking region of Switzerland. 

Lower school classrooms are coed, while academic classrooms in the secondary school are separated by gender, though the school as a whole, and things like lunch and physical education are still coed. All students participate in the IB . Some students are required to study Arabic, and Muslim students are mandated to take Islamic studies; this is required by the Qatari government, and is by the school.

Fees for the school vary by grade level. For students in the diploma program, they are 74,017 QAR annually. Additional fees may be assessed for some activities or extracurriculars. Applications to the school may be submitted . These require the online form, the student¡¯s most recent transcripts, immunization forms, and ID documentation. Applications are accepted for all grades; students wishing to join the second year of the IB Diploma program must have completed the first year elsewhere.

Founded in 1977, this was one of the very first British international schools in Qatar, and has been offering excellent education ever since. The school is accredited by British School Overseas, run by the UK government. Instruction is fully in English, and it offers both GCSE and A-level testing; many British Schools in Qatar do not go through the full A-Levels, but QIS does. 

Most of the faculty and staff at the school previously taught in Britain, and the school does its best to exactly replicate a standard British education. You may find their online, they are quite proficient at turning out high scoring students, with the majority earning either an A* or an A. 

Fees for QIS vary depending on year; for students in years 12-13 the cost is 49,050 QAR, with some additional fees as well. Students may apply for the school . All students are welcome to apply, but they prioritize students who already have siblings at the school, those with an English background, and those with outstanding school reports. In addition to the online application, you must also submit your prior transcripts, and residency documents for Qatar. 

This school was founded in 1988 by the American ambassador to Qatar, to serve the needs of the international community in the country. Currently, around 38% of students are US nationals, 10% are Qatari nationals, and 52% are from other countries. There are approximately 650 students in the high school. 

The school offers a fairly standard American high school curriculum. They have both a suite of AP courses, and an IB curriculum option; students may choose which they avail themselves of. The school focuses on preparing students for college; many of their students apply to and attend colleges in the US, though other international colleges are supported as well.

Fees vary by grade level; for high school they are 79,305 QAR annually. Applications to the school are reviewed on a rolling abscess; they do not have any strict admissions deadlines. Once you apply , you will be invited to take an assessment based on your application factors. They do have a prioritization for who gets admitted; US embassy staff and corporate partners have priority, as do US passport holders and the children of US military commanders; the full list may be found on their .

This school was founded in 2001, and provides an education based on the English model. It offers instruction through the GCSEs and A levels, with examinations by the Cambridge International Exams Board. Some of the teaching staff is from England, but that is not a requirement to be hired; the student body comes from all over the world. The primary language of instruction is English, though courses are also offered in Arabic. 

Fees are assessed by grade level, for years 12-13 they are currently 40,350 QAR annually, along with a number of other additional required . Admissions to the school is done on a rolling basis. Forms must be submitted ; once this is done, students will be invited to take an assessment. Students will be invited to join the school based on the results of this assessment. There is no automatic promotion between grade levels at the school; it is based on academic performance. 

A Note on Applications and Fees for Doha Schools

Many of the international schools in Doha exist primarily to serve the children of expats employed in the country, though a significant number of Qatari students attend most of them as well. For this reason, private schools in Qatar often operate slightly differently than those in other countries, especially western countries. 

First, while some have strict application schedules, many offer rolling admissions, so that students who move in the middle of an academic year aren¡¯t left stranded. They also accept applications outside of normal grade transitions; since students are constantly circulating, they are more likely to have seats open at irregular intervals. 

The higher ranked schools do tend to have strict admissions timelines, but students who arrive outside of these may apply to a school they perhaps prefer less, and then transfer to a more prestigious school. This is not something you could pull off in New York or London, but works well here. 

Further, pretty much none of these schools offer any form of financial aid. Tuition must be paid either by the parents directly, or by the parent¡¯s employer, many of whom have agreements with one or more of these schools. 

These schools also have curricular requirements set by Qatar¡¯s government, namely that Arab students need a certain amount of instruction in the Arabic language, and that Muslim students take Islamic studies courses. Students who are not from these backgrounds do not need to comply with these requirements.

Final Thoughts

Doha is a fast-growing and cosmopolitan city, at the center of an industrial and economic boom. Qatar¡¯s government has made a major push to embrace education; this can be seen both in the rapid growth of universities in the country, and in the strength of some of these high schools. There are unique concerns for education in Qatar, but high school students in the country have many great opportunities available to them. 

We hope this article has given you needed insight into some of the best high schools in Qatar, and whether or not any of them are right for you. Of course, each high school has unique opportunities and culture, and each student has unique needs. If you are looking for more personalized advice, or have more detailed questions about the high school selection process, then schedule a free consultation with us today. We have a long experience helping students get into excellent high schools, and are always happy to hear from you.

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As with every other large city, there are a great many educational options in Dubai, to meet the needs of its people. As with any other set of high schools, these are as varied as the institutions, with a wide array of options. In this article, we¡¯re going to break down some of the best high schools in Dubai. Our goal is to help you understand what your options are, and which will best serve your needs. Let¡¯s jump right in!

A Note on Dubai¡¯s Public Schools

Dubai, as with most cities, offers both public and private schools. Unlike many western countries, however, public schools in Dubai are only free for Emiratis, and almost all expat students attend private schools. Note that a significant number of Emirati students also attend private schools.

Public schools offer instruction in Arabic, though generally have strong English language programs, with a focus on English as a second language. All of these schools are fully gender segregated at all grade levels, with separate schools for male and female students. All Muslim students who attend these schools (which is a vast majority of the students) are required to take Islamic education courses. 

Non-Emirati nationals must achieve permission to attend these schools. This is done on a case-by-case basis, but is generally only granted to citizens of other Arab nations. The curriculum for all of these schools is set nationally by the UAE¡¯s Ministry of Education. They have had a significant push in recent years to improve the educational quality of their public schools.

The Best Private High Schools in Dubai

There are a wide array of private schools in Dubai, offering an equally wide array of curricula. Most (but not all) of these use English as the primary language of instruction. We will go through a number of these, to showcase what they offer, and the diversity of private school opportunities in Dubai. 

Note that by governmental decree, all Arab students attending a private school must be offered Arabic language instruction, and all Muslim students must take Islamic studies courses. This is true regardless of school attended. These courses are not mandatory for other students.

This is a British-style educational school, serving students in nursery through their high school graduation. It offers a fully British educational experience; all students take coursework through the GCSEs in year 11; students then have the choice of either pursuing a two-year IB program, or pursuing their A Levels for years 12 and 13. The school is fully coed, and all instruction (save foreign languages) is in English.

The school focuses on preparing students for university, regardless of which pathway they take. Students in the A Levels path take three to four subjects, students in the IB program take six. Both do well to prepare students to attend college, and students at Sunmarke perform quite well on both sets of exams. A plurality fo students from Sunmarke attend university in the UK, but a great many also apply to and attend top schools in the US.

The tuition for Sunmarke varies by ; Year 13 students had fees of 88,538 AED annually at time of writing. Applications to SUnmarke may be completed . These require the online form, school reports, a reference letter from your former school, Emirates IDs, and immunization records. Students may apply to enter any year of the school. Once an application is submitted, students must take an assessment; these are offered year-round. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

This school was set up in a partnership between Kent College in England and a private company in Dubai, with the aim of offering the exact Kent College experience and education to students in Dubai. This means, unsurprisingly, that this school offers a fully British curriculum, with a fully coed educational program serving students from nursery through the end of 13th year.

All students at Kent take the GCSEs in year 11. After this, students have a choice as to whether they wish to pursue the A Levels, or an International Baccalaureate curriculum. There is a significant amount of curricular flexibility in what courses students are able to pursue, based on their interests. Many students from Kent pursue university in the UK, but students apply to and attend universities globally.

Fees for Kent vary by ; for year 12-13 they are currently 108,013 AED annually. There are discounts offered, for both multiple siblings or if you are a member of one of their corporate partners. Applications must be submitted ; these are accepted on a rolling basis. Once the application is complete, students must take an assessment. Placement within the school is based on both age and performance on the assessment; they are used to helping students transition from other school schedules to the British system.

Founded by a private educational group in 1991, this school provides education to students from early years through year 13. It is an international Baccalaureate school, and all students participate in the IB curriculum. Their school offers the primary, middle years, and diploma IB programs, so students follow this curricular path for the entire time they¡¯re in the school. 

This is a fully coed school, and instruction is primarily given in English. There are approximately 2,000 total students in the school across all grade levels; students who graduate pursue university at excellent colleges in Europe, the US, and elsewhere globally. Average scores for students in their diploma program are 31-35 points, above global averages.

Fees at EIS vary based on year; they are currently 81,872 AED for year 13 students. Note that there are some additional required fees beyond just tuition. Applications to EIS must be submitted . You may apply to any year in the school; if that year is full, you will be placed on a waiting list and notified if there is a withdrawal. Once you apply, all students must complete an assessment and an interview to assure academic fit for the school. All applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Founded in 2007, this is a partner school to the Repton School in the UK, though it has its own governing body and standards. They are a coed school, serving students from ages 3-18, and are one of only two boarding schools in Dubai, though most students attend as day students. They are one of the top ranked schools in both Dubai and the broader Middle East.

They offer a British and International Baccalaureate curriculum, allowing students to choose which they take. All students take the GCSEs, but then may choose to pursue either the A-Levels, or the IB diploma program. They freely publish their scores for , so you can see how well their students perform. They focus on preparing students for university, and their students go on to matriculate at top schools worldwide, though most end up in the UK or US.

Fees for Repton vary by grade level; for year 12¨C13 students, they are 102,753 AED annually at time of writing. Boarding is a flat additional fee, and is the same for all students; it is currently 72,000 AED for full boarding. Only students aged 11 and up may participate in the boarding program. Applications must be submitted . Once this is done, you will be invited to the school for an assessment, to test your student¡¯s fit for the school; what this entails depends on grade level. Applications are accepted for all grades on a rolling basis, though there may not be spaces available for all grades.

This school was founded in 2014 by a group of Indian expatriate businessmen, and was intended to offer education to the Indian expat community in Dubai. It is not exclusive in this though, and students of more than 30 nationalities attend, though the majority of the student body is of Indian origin. This is a coed school, and serves students in pre-k through grade 12.

Credence follows an Indian-curriculum, and specifically prepares students to take Indian secondary school examinations. Students take courses in all core academic subjects, and have some curricular flexibility when choosing electives. There is also an option to pursue a business-centered curriculum.

Fees for Credence vary by grade level, and are 28,076 for grades 11-12 annually. Note that there are additional fees assessed for supplies and uniforms. Students must apply to the school online; those who are deemed qualified are invited to enroll. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for all grade levels; which grade you are placed in depends on age and academic preparation.

This is a coed day school following the British curriculum, as the name implies, and serving students from ages 4-18. Opened in 1992, it serves just under 1500 students from a range of nationalities. All students take the GCSE exams, and then enter the A Level track. There are an array of course options for students to select for their A Levels. You can see their exam results . They have the goal of preparing their students for college, and most matriculate into schools in the UK or US. 

Fees for English College depend on grade level; for year 12-13 students they are 68,265 AED annually. Applications must be submitted ; these require completing a form, and submitting requisite documents, namely a full school report from their prior school and needed government identification documents. They accept applications for all grades on a rolling basis. They are generally noncompetitive for admissions.

Founded in 2012, this school is one of two boarding schools in Dubai, though most students attend as day students. It is regularly recognized as one of the best private schools in both Dubai and the wider Middle East. This is a coed school, serving students in grades pre-K through 12. Notably, the school offers instruction not just in English and Arabic, but also in French and German, one of the few schools in Dubai to do so. Note that the school is currently run and administered by Nord ANglia, a multinational education provider.

The curriculum offered by SISD is fully based on the International Baccalaureate, and this is the case for all grade levels. All students partake in the IB curriculum, though do have some freedom in which exact courses they take. They see a 100% pass rate for their IB diploma program, with 60% of students graduating with a bilingual or advanced bilingual diploma as well. 

Fees for SISD are based on grade level, for grades 11-12 they are 137,736 AED annually. There is an additional charge for boarding, leading to a total cost for boarding students of 254,968 AED. Note that only students in grades 6 and up may become boarding students. Applications to SISD must be submitted ; once this is accepted students will be asked to complete an assessment. Admissions offers are extended within five days of taking this assessment. Admissions for all grades are processed on a rolling basis.

This is an international school serving students in grades pre-K through 12, and offering an International Baccalaureate curriculum (as the name implies). They are a coed school, serving students from many different nationalities. Established in 2010, the school is owned and operated by Taaleem, one of the UAE¡¯s largest private education providers. 

The school offers the full IB curriculum, from primary all the way through the IB diploma program. They also offer a career program, for students who wish to focus on a particular career already in their high school studies, but don¡¯t offer a bilingual IB option. The point of the program as a whole is to prepare students for college, and it manages to do so well; most students end up attending university in the UK.

Fees for the school are based on year; for grades 11-12 they are 91,840 AED annually. Applications to the school must be submitted online through their . Once this is done, you must also submit required documentation; government IDs, your most recent school report, immunization forms, and any other needed supplemental forms. If there is space available, students are invited to take an assessment; places are offered based on student performance on this assessment. Admissions for all grades are open on a rolling basis.

Final Thoughts

Dubai has a large and diverse population, and their educational system reflects the diversity of these needs. We hope that this article has given you some sense of the options available; while we couldn¡¯t cover every single school in this country, we do hope this introduction will help you find a school that will best fit your particular needs. 

Of course, every situation is different, and many families grapple with the choice of keeping a child close and sending them to a local private school, or sending them abroad to pursue education in a great boarding school. If you have questions about your educational options, or want help finding the best school to meet your needs, then schedule a free consultation with us today. We have a long experience helping students navigate their educations, and are always happy to hear from you.

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This leads to the questions of why this is happening, if this trend will continue, and what this portends for both universities and international students. In this article, we¡¯re going to break down this news piece by piece, and explain what impacts it may have on you. Let¡¯s jump right in!

A Decline in Issued Visas

At the heart of the current news story is an which details how the number of students visas (F-1 and J-1) issued in May of this year declined by more than 12,000 F-1 visas, a 22% drop from the previous year. This is a staggering decline, and while visas are not the full picture, this is a troubling trend. 

We won¡¯t know until September, when international students arrive on campus (or don¡¯t as the case may be), just how much of an impact this will have on international student enrollment. May is also the first month we saw this decline happen; we are still waiting for more data on June, but this year’s earlier numbers were only slightly lower than in previous years. 

There are several possible reasons for this. The first was the administration¡¯s pause in issuing visas; while this has since resumed, there are also now additional screening requirements in place, and a pause when no visas were issued would definitively decrease the overall number of students who received one. The State Department does not release the number of students it interviews or the number of applications it processes, so it is impossible to say for sure this is the cause. 

The other possible contributing factor is a decline in student interest in coming to the US for college. This is harder to measure, although some indicates that there has been a reasonable decrease in international student interest, to the lowest levels since the Covid 19 pandemic. 

Anecdotally, we have also seen a decline in international student interest in studying in the US. We work with a fair number of international students each year, and while many are still interested in US universities, there has been an increase in those looking for other options. 

A final possible contributing factor is that there may be a decline in reissued visas. When international students go home for the summer, they need a new visa to return. Many international students saw the chaos brewing, and decided that they were going to stay in the US over the summer and avoid the hassle. While we are glad this was an option students could pursue, this is clearly not ideal, as students may want to visit their home and family at some point. 

How This Impacts Colleges

Around 6% of all college students in the US are international students. However, many colleges are expecting overall declines in enrollment, in both undergraduate and graduate student populations. A drop in international students is a component of it, but not the entire picture. 

That said, a drop in international student enrollment will have an outsized impact on college revenues. A recent study that any noticeable decline would lead to billions in lost revenue for colleges. This makes sense; international students are often charged higher tuition than their domestic counterparts, and have less access to financial aid, meaning they are more likely to pay the full sticker price of the university. 

Many universities do rely on tuition dollars to keep the lights on, and recruiting full-pay international students, both to undergraduate programs and master¡¯s programs, is a major strategy they have to manage their revenue. 

Colleges have been grappling with a decline in enrollment for a while; seeing it as inevitable due to how demographic trends in the US are shifting. For a long while, many colleges have looked to international students to fill this gap, but recent decisions taken by the US administration have put a rather solid stop to that plan. This is leaving colleges scrambling, with many looking to avoid budget shortfalls. 

A final important note is that not all colleges are going to be impacted equally by this. The most prestigious schools can run off their endowments, though even they may feel the pinch as governmental grants become scarcer. Some prestigious schools with smaller endowments may feel the sting, and put more effort into recruiting full-pay students. This might make it more difficult for students requiring financial aid or loans, especially given recent changes to loan regulations.

Specific Issues

While the administration’s decisions on visas and student loans are something that impacts all universities broadly, the government has also taken a particular interest in the affairs and operations of a number of specific universities, most notably and publicly Harvard and Columbia. 

This keeps updating, with the most recent news, being a of Harvard¡¯s participation in the J-1 visa program. These are the visas given to short term international exchange students, rather than the longer term F-1 visas. Harvard is of course going to object to this in court, joining the already significant number of lawsuits between the school and the government. 

This is something to take note of for these particular schools, as while these policies are not likely to go through, how the courts rule can be highly variable, and an overfocus by the administration on these schools in particular can be worrying for students. You can still apply to them, but this is another concern to be aware of, over and above any other factors you take into account when building your college list.

How This Impacts International Students

So how does all of this impact you as an international student, either one actively enrolled in a US college, or considering applying? We¡¯ll answer these questions separately, as the concerns they pose are entirely distinct. 

If you are currently an international student enrolled at a US university, your primary concern is and should remain finishing your studies and graduating. In most cases, students who have visas are not targeted as much, save for those who are engaged in political speech or protest the administration does not approve of. That said, as the cases with Harvard have shown, sweeping change can come fast and impact currently enrolled students.

We recommend coordinating with the international students office at your university for any questions about your visa or status. We also recommend seeing if you can stay in the US over summers or while school is on holiday; while returning home may be preferred, not needing to deal with the visa process anew may be the best approach, especially with the level of uncertainty in the State Department at the moment. 

Finally, you may want to look into backup options; schools you could transfer to outside the US. We do not anticipate this coming to pass, but having a plan already in place for the worst case scenario can save you a lot of grief in the long run. 

If you are an international student currently planning on applying to a US college, then this news should not necessarily discourage you. It is alarming, and there may be new barriers to entry, but colleges still want international students, especially ones able to pay the full cost of tuition.

Admissions to certain schools may also be easier as an international student, but this is only true for schools that are already less popular; Harvard certainly isn¡¯t going to get any easier to get into, regardless of the hurdles they are facing at the moment. Other schools, however, will look to international students to shore up declining enrollment, even as the number of international applicants dips as well. Note that these schools are generally going to expect international students to pay the full cost of their tuition.

This can and should be factored in when drawing up your college list and determining which schools are best worth your time. As we¡¯ve discussed before, some international students have found that applying to schools outside the US is more appealing than in previous years, as the political uncertainty is too much of a downside.

Final Thoughts

International students are a small but key component of the university system in the US, but how this works is changing rapidly as the current administration makes new policy positions clear. While the full impacts of these changes remains to be seen, it is clear this will create a significant number of problems, both for the colleges and the students in question. We hope this article has given you insight into what these changes are, and how the shifting situation may impact you. 

If you are looking for more personalized insight, or advice on your own college applications, then schedule a free consultation with us today. ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø has a long track record of helping international students get into top universities, both in the US and otherwise, and we¡¯re always happy to hear from you.

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These disparities can have a major impact on outcomes, with students at top high schools being much more likely to graduate on time, to have a solid understanding of the world around them, and to get into a higher ranked university. These are all things students and parents want (for obvious reasons), and so the question is often asked: which high school is best?

In this article, we¡¯re going to be exploring the best high schools in Ottawa, both public and private. We won¡¯t go over every school, nor is every school we list going to be the right fit for every student; our goal with this article is to give you a sense of what your options are, and to help you begin exploring some of the highest achieving high schools in this excellent city. Let¡¯s jump right in!

The Best Public Secondary Schools in Ottawa

Ottawa consists of four school districts stacked on top of each other; English, English Catholic, French Catholic, and French. Unlike in many other countries, the Catholic districts and schools are public, and funded by the government; this means they do not charge students tuition. These schools are Catholic, and include principles of the faith in their instruction, but are open to students of any religious background, and are bound by governmental regulations on what must be taught, though they have their own administrative superstructure. 

The French/English divide refers to the primary language of instruction, but as with other parts of Canada, students are expected to become fluent in both languages regardless of school. We will specify which district each listed school is part of, and include specific notes for each on how this influences their curriculum and culture. 

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Founded in 1922, Nepean is one of the older secondary schools in Ottawa, and is overseen by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. The school enrolls approximately 1,200 students, and is primarily English-speaking, though they have a French immersion program. Nepean is located in the Westboro neighborhood, and enrolls students who graduate from Broadview Elementary School; like most public schools, it is a neighborhood school, enrolling the students who live nearest to it geographically.

Nepean is well known for being strong academically, offering a number of AP and advanced/honors courses to students. Nepean also has a special High Skills Major in the Environment, a series of coursework students can take which earns them a special designation when they graduate to denote their environmental focus. Students looking for a more practical and less academic approach may engage with the cooperative program, which allows students to work with partners and receive credit for job training while enrolled in the school. 

Nepean has a strong school community, and is noted for their athletic success. They regularly contend for top spaces in multiple sports; many students participate, though this is hardly mandatory. Nepean further has an award winning arts program, with both music and drama departments recognized regionally and nationally for their accomplishments.

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Founded in 1969, Canterbury is Ottawa¡¯s magnet arts high school, covering both performing and visual arts. Originally intended as a general purpose high school, it switched to an arts focus in 1983, and now serves talented and dedicated students from across Ottawa. The school is overseen by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. It enrolls approximately 1330 students. Note that technically Arts Canterbury is a subsidiary program within the greater Canterbury high school, but all of the students at Canterbury are there for the arts program specifically. The primary language of instruction at Canterbury is English.

All students at Canterbury take a full suite of academic coursework in addition to their arts courses; students choose a particular arts specialty to audition for and take courses in, the options are: dance, drama, literary, music, and visual arts. The school also offers a Business High Skills major, a set of coursework students interested in business can take. There is a $250 annual fee to participate in the arts program, which helps subsidize the performing facilities and opportunities the school affords. 

for Canterbury open in November and are due at the start of December. After your application is submitted, you will be invited to audition, and must then get two letters of recommendation from current teachers. Audition dates are by discipline, with multiple dates available. Note that literary and visual arts require a portfolio submission and interview in place of an audition.

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Founded in 1843, Lisgar is among the oldest secondary schools in Ottawa, and is regularly ranked among the best in the province academically. It is located in downtown Ottawa, and serves locally zoned students. It is overseen by the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, and English is the primary language of instruction. It enrolls approximately 900 students.

Lisgar offers a full suite of AP coursework, plus an additional gifted program, the first of its kind in Ontario. Students have access to a range of challenging coursework options, including a French immersion program. They have a well-developed arts program, and a cooperative/apprenticeship program for students who are looking to receive job training and work experience in high school. 40 hours of community service are required to graduate.

Enrollment at Lisgar is based primarily on address; students who live outside their catchment area may apply for . This process is open at the end of January and start of February; you must be registered at your zoned school before you can apply to transfer. Note that if transfer admission is granted, students are required to supply their own transport to and from Lisgar each day. There are a very limited number of transfer seats available.

Operated by the French-Catholic school board, Samuel-Genest operates primarily in French; while there are English language courses, the primary language of instruction is French; there is also not the equivalent to French-immersion offered at some English-language schools. Samuel-Genest is a combined junior high and high school; students generally enter at the start of junior-high and continue at the school until they graduate. 

Academically, the school is known for its strong STEM program; while they offer advanced coursework in a number of areas, they have a particularly broad range of science and technology courses available. This is a Catholic school, and the faith does inform the courses and viewpoints offered. That said, non-Catholic students may attend the school as well. 

Admission to the school is based on residence. Students usually enroll in 7th grade, students wishing to enroll later must a guidance counselor at the school. This generally occurs when students move to the district, or transfer from one public school district to another.

Run by the Ottawa Catholic School Board, St. Paul is a Catholic public school serving approximately 950 students and offering instruction primarily in English (though there is a French immersion program). The school combines junior high and high school, serving students in grades 7 through 12. Located in Ottawa¡¯s west end, the school has moved several times over its opening in 1978.

St. Paul offers an advanced curriculum, with a suite of AP coursework and honors available. They offer a program in cooperation with Algonquin College, which also allows advanced students to earn some college credit in select courses. They have a number of specialized business and technology programs for students interested in those fields, along with a co-op internship program to offer students job training. 

Attendance to the school is based on address; they have a number of feeder schools from lower level Catholic schools. The general point of entry for the school is 7th grade.?

Best Private Secondary Schools in Ottawa

Beyond some excellent public schools, Ottawa also has a significant number of excellent private institutions. Again, we don¡¯t have time to cover every school, so we¡¯re going to give a sampling of some standout options, to give you a sense of what¡¯s out there. As with public schools, there are both English and French language options. 

By SimonP at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0,  

This is an all-girls secular day school serving approximately 400 students in grades pre-K through 12. Located in Ratcliffe Park, the school¡¯s classes are primarily in English, though French immersion is available, and students can earn a certificate asserting bilingual fluency. The school is based on private schools in Britain in its traditions, and uniforms are required for all students. 

Elmwood offers a full IB curriculum; this includes not just the upper level IB coursework available at most schools, but all three IB programs, including middle and primary school. The school is well known for its academic rigor and excellence, with something of a focus on STEM as well. Graduation requirements are based primarily on the IB diploma, but all students are also required to learn French and complete 40 hours of community service.

Tuition at Elmwood is $36,000 annually, though this is reduced for pre-K and kindergarten students. There are limited need and merit based scholarships available. Applications to Elmwood are competitive, and must be submitted . Applications require an online form, an interview, an academic assessment administered by the school, and for international students only, SSAT scores. 

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This is a coed, Anglican, boarding and day school serving students in grades 4-12. It enrolls approximately 580 students in the senior school. The school offers both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and the Ashbury Diploma; students are generally expected to earn both. OSSD requirements are set by the province, so students graduating from public and private schools attain similar schools. While the school is technically Anglican, religion does not have a major influence on the school¡¯s culture.

Ashbury offers an advanced IB curriculum, which all students are encouraged to take. Students may either take the full IB program, or may take up to three IB courses in addition to their normal courseload. Students are also encouraged to earn a bilingual certification, with many courses being offered in both English and French. In addition to the academic requirements, graduates are expected to complete 40 hours of community service. 

Tuition at Ashbury is $38,970 for day students and $84,700 for boarding students generally. There is need based aid available; less than 5% of students receive merit based aid at Ashbury. Applications to the school must be completed . These require the online form, a personal profile, transcripts, one letter of recommendation, and a school-administered academic assessment.

A private coed day school, Claudel serves students in grades pre-K through 12, and enrolls approximately 1,000 students. The school offers all courses (with the exception of language courses) in French, and follows the French international curriculum. This terminates in a baccalaureate at the end of 12th grade. 

The school offers an advanced academic curriculum, intended to prepare students for university. They follow the French international baccalaureate; students do get some choice in what coursework they take; they select one of nine areas in which they want to focus their studies, and do additional work in these areas. Their students boast a 100% success rate on passing the baccalaureate exams. 

Tuition at Claudel is $16,860 annually, though this does vary by grade level; fees are reduced for younger children with older siblings attending the school. There is limited need-based aid available. Admissions open on October 1, and must be submitted . Applications require an online form, grades from an accredited school, entrance exams, and an introductory meeting.

Final Thoughts

Canada is a multicultural and multilingual country, and this is clearly reflected by the secondary schools in the nation¡¯s capital. Ottawa is a vibrant city, and the education available to students there is quite excellent. As with many cities, where you live does determine which particular schools you end up at, but there are plenty of excellent options, as we hope this article has illustrated. 

Of course, we couldn¡¯t evaluate every school, and each student has their own particular needs. If you want additional help reviewing high school options, or want to talk to an expert about any other aspect of your educational journey, then schedule a free consultation with us today. We have a long experience helping students find the best situation for them to succeed, and are always happy to hear from you.

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The Best State Sixth Form Colleges in London

Due to historic reasons that are confusing and nonsensical to my American mind, ¡°Public¡± schools in the UK refer to private institutions. State schools is the term for those schools run by the government. There are many different forms these take, with different focuses and requirements for admission. We are covering primarily those schools which focus solely on academics, with an aim at preparing students for higher education.

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Run in partnership with King¡¯s College London (as the name might suggest), this is a maths school, and focuses principally on mathematical subjects and students who are underrepresented in those fields. All students at the school must complete their A-Levels in mathematics, further mathematics, and physics. In their first year students choose to complete their AS-level in computer science or economics, and complete a substantive research project. 

The academic achievement level at the school is high, with 60% of students receiving an A* on their A-levels, and 90% receiving an A*/A. By A-Level achievement, they are the best performing state school in London. Further, a significant number of graduates matriculate at either Oxford or Cambridge; the number was 25% in 2019. It is regularly ranked as the best sixth form college in London.

to King¡¯s Maths is quite competitive, with hundreds of applicants for 70 places each year. All applications begin with the submission of an online form; this is due in November. Everyone who submits this form then sits for a mathematics aptitude test in December. Students with a high score on the test are invited to an interview, and after that students receiving a seat are announced in February. Prospective students must attain GSCE scores of 8-9 in mathematics, 7 or above in physics, and grade 5 or above in at least seven total GCSEs.

Administered by the City of London Academies Trust, NCS is a coeducational free school, and is partnered with University College London. This school focuses specifically on teaching maths and sciences, and offers the following A-Level courses: Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English Literature, Maths, Further Maths, Geography, Government and Politics, History, Physics, Psychology, and Religious Studies.

The goal of the school is to give students a thorough academic understanding of their subjects, and to prepare them to enter top universities. Their A-Level results support this, with 96% of students attaining A*-B, and 100% getting a C or higher on all A-Level exams. Their university admissions results are also impressive, with students matriculating at both top universities in the UK, and Ivy league and other top schools in the US. They are regularly ranked among the best sixth form colleges in London.

to NCS open on January 1, and are due in February. This solely requires the online form, which does include a personal statement. They do warn against the use of AI in crafting your personal statement. In order to qualify for NCS, students must have a minimum of 62 points from their eight best GCSEs. In addition, they need scores of at least 7 in both English Language and Mathematics GCSEs.

Located in the Stratford area, this is a free school serving approximately 500 pupils. A flagship of the government¡¯s academies program, the school is devoted to offering students an advanced academic curriculum with an eye towards helping them secure spaces in top universities. While the school relies primarily on state funding, they also raise funds from corporate and philanthropic donors to support various activities and offerings of the school.

LAE is consistently named one of the top sixth form colleges in London, and their results bear this out. For their A-Levels, 32% of students earned an A*, 72% earned and A*/A and 92% of all grades earned were a B or higher. They offer an extensive A-Level , allowing students to choose which subjects they desire to specialize in and dive deep on them, while providing a broad range of student supports to assist in this.

to LAE must be done online. Applicants are encouraged to attend the school¡¯s open evening to learn more; either in person or virtually; both are offered a single time each year. Your online application is due at the end of January, and relies on your projected scores on your GCSEs; provisional offers are sent to students in March. In order to qualify, you need at least 8 GCSEs with scores of 9-7 and must score a 7 or higher on English Language and Mathematics. You must also have a 7 or higher on any subjects you will study for your A-Levels. Applications are extremely competitive, with 7,000 applications for 250 spaces in 2025.

Located in the borough of Barnet, Woodhouse is a former grammar school converted to a selective state sixth form college. They are a large college with a broad focus, rather than the focused approach taken by some other top sixth form colleges. While they lack a narrow approach, they are quite strong in all the subjects they offer, seeking to prepare their students for university in a broad range of subjects. The school serves slightly over a thousand pupils.

Woodhouse offers 26 A-Level courses, across STEM and the humanities. Students generally only take three subjects, though some take four. Their exam results are generally quite strong; 17.5% of students received A* last year, 49.7* received A*-A, and 79.7% scored B or higher on their A levels. They regularly send many students to both Oxford and Cambridge, as well as other great universities throughout the UK.

to Woodhouse are done online. These open in October, and close in January. The most important component of the application are your predicted grades on GCSEs. Note that different groups in the application process are weighed differently; children of faculty and students in partner schools have their applications examined first. Note that they have for the GCSE scores you need for each A-Level course; these are minimums, and students should generally have scores higher than these to be competitive for admissions.

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This is a free school, formed in cooperation by the government, the Westminster School, and the Harris foundation, and located in Westminster. It had the original goal of supporting underserved students in their university applications, and while it was formed in partnership with a private school, is still technically a state school. They prioritize providing places to disadvantaged students, and have a goal of sending all students to university.

Harris Westminster offers 16 A-level subjects, spread across the humanities and STEM fields. They do not have the narrow focus of some schools, but do offer all subjects at a high level. All students take four subjects. They also offer Cambridge pre-U coursework. Their students do quite well on their A-level exams; last year 19% received an A*, 53% received A*-A, and 78% received a B or better.

Admissions to Harris Westminster are determined based on your admissions test and an interview. They prioritize admitting students who receive free meals; about half of their student body comes from this population. Applications open in September and close in December; examinations are held in January with interviews in February. Results are then announced in March. Offers of admission are conditional on your results on GCSEs.

Best Private Sixth Form Colleges in London

Some of these institutions are part of larger schools, ones which educate students from a young age, while others are stand-alone institutions. Unlike their state counterparts, however, all of these schools cost money to attend, often a fair bit of it. Many of these are well storied schools however. We, of course, cannot cover every private school in London, so we are bringing you a selection of excellent examples, to give a sense of what¡¯s available.

Located in Kensington, Ashbourne offers both A-level and GCSE courses, with students having the option to transition from one to the other with satisfactory exam results. They are one of the top-ranked private schools in London, and serve both domestic and international students; indeed, around 40% of their student body is international.

Ashbourne offers 25 different A-level course options. There are also options for students to take shortened or make-up courses, if they are trying to catch up to their peers or perform better on their A-levels on a second go around. Their students perform well on their exams, with 46% achieving A*-A, and 78% scoring a B or higher. Fees are 12,650 per term for A-Level domestic students (or 13,750 for international students). A limited number of scholarships, covering up to full tuition, are available to particularly talented students.

to Ashbourne are competitive, first requiring an online form, and then subject tests for the particular A-Levels you intend to pursue. Those students who are interested in pursuing the arts will have to submit portfolios, those interested in theatre must attend an audition. Predicted or actual scores on the GCSE are a major factor in admissions decisions.

MPW is a collection of schools, and has a campus in London. They primarily offer two-year A-level courses, but they also offer GCSE coursework, and Easter revision courses for students from other schools. The school¡¯s campus is in South Kensington in London. Their goal is to prepare students for admission to top universities, and offer a wide range of coursework options.

The school offers 43 A-Level subjects across a wide array of disciplines. All classes are capped at ten students maximum. They have the widest range of courses available to students in the UK, and offer all of these at a high level. Their results are quite strong across all of these disciplines, with 38% of students receiving an A*-A, and 66% achieving a B or higher on their A-levels. Their students attend a number of top-tier universities, both in the UK and internationally.

to MPW must be done online. They are not academically selective (by their own definition), but do require all students to have an interview, and international students must sit for an assessment exam. Fees depend on the number of courses studied; the basic fee is 11,966 per term.

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This is a private school in London serving students from ages 2-18; though age groups are separated into different campuses. It has two separate sixth form campuses; each of which is combined with a senior school. Both schools have the same offerings, but have different head teachers and slight variations in culture. Both, however, offer high level coursework with the goal of preparing students for university.

Nortbridge offers 20 A-level subjects, spread across a variety of disciplines, both STEM and the humanities. Students typically only study three A-level subjects, but may choose four depending on GCSE results and ability. Their results in the A-levels are quite good, with 40% of students earning an A*-A, with notable high performances in particular subjects, especially drama and languages. Their students matriculate to a number of top universities throughout the UK and internationally.

Applications to Northbridge must be done online; as there are two separate sixth form campuses, each handles admissions separately (though the overall process is the same), and you should decide which you want to attend when applying. The process requires a brief online form, this is due in November. Once these are reviewed, students are invited to interviews and assessments on campus to test their fit for the school, these take place at the end of November. Note that most students apply to join the school for year 7, rather than for sixth form. Term fees are 10,472 for sixth form students. Discounts are available if multiple siblings are attending the school.

Final Thoughts

Unlike in many US cities, the state administered sixth form colleges in London often outperform their private counterparts, especially at the high end. Due to the somewhat patchwork nature of schools in London, however, it can be quite an adventure to find and apply to these schools, especially if you want to consider options outside of what your current school partners with. 

This is where ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø can help. If you are looking for help deciding between your options for schools, or managing the process of applying to US universities as a student in the UK, then we have just the thing for you. Our mentors are well versed in helping students find the best educational environment for them, and in helping international students navigate the admissions process for US universities. If you are looking for help with this, or any other aspect of your educational journey, don¡¯t wait. Schedule a free consultation with us today. We¡¯re always happy to hear from you.

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The post The Best Sixth Form Colleges in London appeared first on ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø.