It's Time to Become International

If you’re like the Executive Board, you’ve probably had to explain what “OACAC” means to colleagues, family and friends. Some parts are easy to explain:

• We are a 2000+ member international organization that represents nearly 100 countries from every corner of the globe.
• We are the international champions of those seeking higher education.
• We offer a dynamite annual conference.
• We host professional development opportunities throughout the year, including Regional Institutes around the world and Webinars to a global audience.
• We have great depth and breadth of international knowledge among our members. 

When you look at these answers, and reflect about who we are, the answer is “we’re international.” Overseas doesn’t factor into the discussion.  So why is it in our name?

The dictionary definition of Overseas is:

FAQ : 2015 SAT Update

The past several months the SAT has been a hot topic amongst our members. From security concerns and reports of test fraud in Asia to international testing dates to the pending roll out of the redesigned test, there has been a lot to think about with regards to The College Board's SAT.  In February, OACAC was pleased to present a Webinar in cooperation with The College Board as opportunity for members to listen to updates and ask questions.  Clay Hensley, Senior Director, International Strategy & Outreach, walked through the latest news concerning the SAT.  

As a follow up to the webinar, Clay has provided responses to a good number of the questions that were poised during the webinar and shared the answers exclusively with OACAC members.

ACCESS THE ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS, AND MANY MORE HERE (login required)

Would CB consider different security measures for different parts of the world ?

What are the consequences when a student is caught cheating on the SAT?  Is the cancellation of scores between ETS and student only?  In what case would the student´s parent, school or institution where s/he is applying be notified?

When will practice PSAT questions be available?

Would you provide info to counselors for parents ?

Will Khan Academy use practice questions from the actual redesigned SAT?   Some of the questions I've seen from them don't seem helpful.

Could you speak more about the three sections of the Essay Section?

Find Yourself Not Your "Passion"

By Kelly Braun
 Int'l School of Sacred Heart, Tokyo

If I have another admission rep come into my school and tell my students that the best thing for them to do in high school is find their passion, I am going to scream. No joke. I am going to scream at the top of my lungs with reckless abandon. 

Passion is such a huge word. These kids are dealing with waaaaaay more pressure than I ever remember dealing with. They worry about their SAT scores, the amount of vocabulary they know, what their parents want, trying to ace all those classes that they are taking, and round out their extracurriculars with violin practice and basketball. Kids think that they need to fit into the “perfect student cookie cutter” so they can get into Harvard, even though I tell them that the cookie cutter is going to get them nowhere, just a mental breakdown.

So when admission people tell them they need to find their passion?

Add that to the short list of things they still need to do. 

Naviance Tuneup - Holiday Season Edition

By Tim Munnerlyn
American Community School – Abu Dhabi

Many of us are winding down the semester thinking of warm sunny beaches, shopping for those last minute presents or finalizing plans for friend and family get-togethers.  In the spirit of giving, Naviance is a gift which continues to give beyond the mangled wrapping paper and proud, fleeting New Year resolutions.

Here are a few Naviance tips to get you through the holiday season and into the New Year.

5 Fast Facts 4 Foreign Apps

By Beau Benson
New York University

    It’s that time of the year again.
For a large portion of universities, applications will be due within the next month and a half. Around the world, students are placing the finishing touches on documents that will be shipped to admissions offices around the world. And in the weeks that follow their arrival, these documents will come to define and represent the applicant as universities begin the difficult task and building a unique and diverse Class of 2019!

While countless college admissions blogs have reiterated the standard tips for all applicants, regardless of citizenship, below just a few that should be highlighted specifically for the international community.

OACAC Scholars : In Their Own Words

Each year OACAC selects high-impact, under-resourced counselors to receive funding to attend the OACAC SummerConference as an OACAC Scholar.  These counselors are nominated by their peers and are provided funding to cover their travel, registration, and accommodation at the conference.  In most cases these are counselors who would not have been otherwise been able to attend a professional development event in other country, and often it is their first introduction to the OACAC community.

Please consider nominating your colleague to be a 2015 OACAC Scholar. Perhaps you are in a high school yourself, and know of another school in your community whose staff could really use the support.  Perhaps you are at a university and work closely with a counselor who you know is under resourced, and would benefit from the experience of attending OACAC.  Either way, counselors who are selected speak of a life changing experience - and that life changing moment starts with your nomination. Nominate a deserving counsellor today. 

Productivity Tips for Global Higher Education 

By Aaron Andersen & Tim Munnerlyn
Aaron Andersen                        Tim Munnerlyn
Univ. of British Columbia          Amer. Comm. School – Abu Dhabi

These days, everyone is talking about ways to improve productivity and increase efficiency, but how does it all relate to YOUR JOB? Here are nine tips that can get you working more efficiently, in the college or high school office. For more tips check out the session download available at the conference resource page. 

1. Create a giant visual calendar and cross off each day you complete your chosen task. 

Daily action builds habits. It gives you practice and will make you an expert in a short time. Select a task that you want to complete for a period of time, and do it once every day.  Put a big ‘X’ on that day.  After a few days you’ll have a chain of ‘X’s. Don’t break the chain, you'll start to spot opportunities you otherwise wouldn't. Each day’s small accomplishment accumulates into a large accomplishment.

2. Clearly define office rules – And publish clearly.

Define office responsibilities and post for all to see in each office.  This will help students, parents, and other teachers.  And create efficiencies in your office.

Top 10 List: How to Get the Most Out of the OACAC Conference

By Jemison Foster & Tim Munnerlyn 
Jemison Foster                    Tim Munnerlyn   
Bangkok Patana School        American Comm. School – Abu Dhabi

Let’s face it, not all professional development opportunities are created equal.  Some are painful, but a necessity.  Some are engaging and inspire.  And some are OACAC!  With just over two weeks to go before this summer’s OACAC conference in Tampa, we thought we would share a few handy tips on how to maximize your experience.  

From the Membership Desk : Membership Has its Privileges

By Katy So,
  OACAC VP for Membership, College Ave Consulting

OACAC By The Numbers 

March 2014 : Membership in OACAC continues to boom. We currently have 1622 members, which is 20% more than we had at this time last year. We are particularly excited that 25% of members are new to our organization.

University members continue to be in the majority, with 48% of members working at universities. Secondary school counselors comprise just over 1/3 of the membership, which is a slight increase from last year and a significant increase from two years ago.  10% of members hold Individual memberships, while 5% are from organizations, both of which are on par with the past two years.

The Best of OACAC Series

Announcing … The BEST of OACAC SERIES …. Inspired by “The Best of American Essays”, a series which includes: 

Do you ever run a “best of” list in your head? Share it out loud!  Best book to get for your office, if you can only get one! Best program to run for your juniors, if you can only run one! Best database program to convince your admin to get, if you're tired of excel sheets!  Let’s pool ideas, share suggestions … after all, that’s what the Best of OACAC is about!   

Here’s our first “Best of….” column for counselors. Next column is for admissions officers! Share, Enjoy, Laugh, and most of all, Use! 


>> Elisabeth Marksteiner (International School of Zug and Luzern, Switzerland)

The UK: A System in Flux

by David Hawkins
Head of Careers, Taunton School 

The British Higher Education system used to be straightforward, certainly for those like me working in British schools and who attended a UK university. However, recent changes in government policy have made steps towards creating a market for university places, with this to change yet further in future years. Though some of my colleagues across the UK find this all quite worrying, for those of us working on an international stage it simply brings the UK into line with the rest of the world. So, from a British counsellor’s perspective here are the key changes to be aware of.

Number Controls

Senior College Application Kickoff 2013

By Tim Munnerlyn
HS Counselor – American Community School – Abu Dhabi

It’s early September and another busy season of assisting, motivating and bribing seniors to complete their college applications on time, is upon us.  Oh, where did our summer vacation go?  Amidst, the buzz of the hallways as students make their way to classes and teachers revving up their courses; high school counselors must find ways to focus their seniors for the important tasks that awaits them during the fall.

Over the years, we’ve offered a Senior College Night presentation to students and parents providing information and answering questions regarding the college application process. This has typically occurred during the second or third week of school.