Insight Into The Korean Mind

I found this article from The Korea Times very interesting as a study of how typical college age Korean students view their education.  I will break it down by the numbers according to the Hyundai Research Institute:

Four in five college students in Korea think employers put a bigger emphasis on one's educational background than ability in hiring employees, a survey shows.

80.5 percent of 2,361 students from 132 universities said that having a degree from a prominent university is more useful than their ability when it comes to finding a job.

A total of 67.3 percent of students who identified themselves as coming from high-income families said they believe they can get any job they want. The rate fell to 45.4 percent for students who classified themselves as members of low-income households.

While 64.9 percent of public college students said they believe they can get any job they want, just 56 percent of private college students said so.

A total of 37.1 percent said a sense of accomplishment is the most important thing to consider before choosing their job, followed by job stability (26 percent) and salary (20 percent).

When asked if they would like to work abroad, 59.3 percent said they would. The rate of response was higher among female students at 63.3 percent compared with 54.6 percent of male students.

Experts say an increasing number of students prefer working overseas, given that Korea has notoriously long working hours. According to government data in 2013, Koreans work 44.6 hours per week on average, the highest among OECD members.

Test Optional Schools in the US

So many colleges and universities are deemphasizing standardized testing in the admissions process.  Here is the current list of test optional schools.

Dear 9th Graders: College Applications Can Wait!

I get an inordinate number of 9th grade students and their parents in my office.  Perhaps it is because I work at a private school or that I work at an international school with predominately host country students* or perhaps it's because I'm in Asia (sorry to stereotype, but Asian students are very driven).  That said, my advice to them mirrors the advice given in this Huffington Post article.  Here is the breakdown:

1. Find something you enjoy doing and then keep doing it.
2. If a teacher gives you advice, take it.
3. Take some risks.
4. Don't let your strengths limit you.
5. Ask questions.

If underclass students follow this advice, they have the potential to succeed in the college admissions process simply because they are showing passion, they will build good habits, they will learn to listen and internalize the advice they are given, they will thrive, they will fail, they will learn to break boundaries, and they will learn how to be their best self. 


*I would like to clarify this statement.  I have found that Korean parents send their Korean students to international schools because they have an eye on a better life for their students, even from a very young age.  How their life is better I cannot say because I am not in their situation, but I assume that multiple language ability, being educated at an internationally recognized college or university, and confidence in multiple cultures are among the top reasons.

4 Ways Studying in the US Challenges Students

A colleague sent me this wonderful article from US News & World Report about the challenges international students face when they come to the US for college or university.

This is a great reminder for all high school college counselors and international college admissions officers that their international students face challenges far greater than what most home country students go through.  I often forget about the academic and emotional challenges of moving from one country/education system to another in my quest to get my students into a school in the US.  This year, my counseling colleagues have started a comprehensive transition program for seniors and their parents to help them survive being a second semester senior, the admissions waiting game, and the transition to college.

Please contact me in you would like information about our transition program or if you have transition materials that have worked at your school! 

Admissions Secrets?

After reading this article about the University of Texas, I was a little confused.  Doesn't this type of stuff happen all the time.

I guess I can see why the President of UT might be questioned on this because UT receives taxpayer money to fund it's programs, but I don't think it should be any big shock that big donors, influential alums, university presidents, and even college admissions officers have the ability to influence an admissions decision.  As a former admissions officer at a small liberal arts school, connecting with an applicant (either on paper or in person) can absolutely influence an admissions decision.  If a student's grades are not traditionally on par with other accepted applicants but they have a wonderfully rich or diverse background then I was more likely to take a stronger look at them.

While I'm sure there are some exceptions, I think we should give these "influential" people more credit.  I'm certain that they are not willing to bring to their university or Alma Mater a student who they know will bring down the reputation of a school.  We need to remember that it's not all about the numbers.  It's also about the person.

  

Deconstructing The SAT

This fabulous article from Applerouth Test Prep tells you everything you need to know about the new SAT, which will be released spring of 2016. 

Curious why the SAT is changing?

I'm not surprised that the SAT is being revamped...again.  If you are curious why College Board and their president, David Coleman, decided to reinvent the SAT, then this article is for you.  The breakdown: $.

For those interested in not only hearing from College Board but also from a university president might enjoy this article.