Giving & Receiving - Top Gifts from the Global Road

By Samantha Deleon
    The University of Illinois at Chicago

Survey Says!! : What's the BEST gift you received from a university representative or high school counselor ?  Whats the best memento you have ever shared with a friend or family member after a trip ? 

Thinking about giving and receiving at this time of year we thought we'd look at some of the best gifts the university reps have received from counselors, and some of the ways university reps are giving back upon their return home...

OACAC Conference By The Numbers

While OACAC Events can never be just about the numbers… here it is just about the numbers 

#OACAC2015 Conference Oregon

Intro to NACAC's Vancouver International Universities Fair

An interview with Nancy L. Cromarty 

Colleges: mark your calendars for next May - NACAC is going International

Next spring the NACAC will host the first stand alone College Fair outside the United States.  The Vancouver International Universities Fair is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2016.

Whenever NACAC runs a National College Fair in the United States, the regional affiliate serves as a local organizing committee, and supports NACAC in the promotion and planning of the event.  Since Vanoucver, Canada is 'international' Overseas ACAC has the privilege of supporting this event. Recently, OACAC.com talked with Nancy Cromarty, Chair of the Organizing Committee and Director of University & Career Counseling at West Point Grey Academy in Vancouver, about this exciting new initiative and what participants can expect. 

Members Submitted : Top Packing Tips

By Samantha Deleon
    The University of Illinois at Chicago

You’ve scheduled your visits, registered for fairs, confirmed your bookings for hotels and flights, and now it’stime to actually pack.

Are you going to OACAC?

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

That’s a wrap! With some of us nearing or finishing our academic year, we head back to our home countries, take our valued holidays, reflect on the last year, and most importantly...attend this year’s OACAC conference. OACAC is a highlight of my year, it’s a great way to finish up the last academic year and kick off a new one. I always take away incredible ideas from the presenters, inevitably meet someone new every time I turn around, and see people I consider good friends who live at least 3,000 miles away. The question at this time of year amongst our kind is not “what are you doing this summer?” but instead “are you going to OACAC?”. People are bummed if you can’t go this year, but the promise of attendance in future years makes everyone feel a bit better.

This year I am especially excited, as a born and bred Pacific Northwesterner, I am thrilled I won’t have to travel to the other coast, instead we will be enjoying what my beautiful home state of Oregon has to offer. It’s the land of trees that are hundreds of years old, local microbrews, fantastic wine, Ducks vs. Beavers, delicious Voodoo doughnuts, and boutique coffee shops on just about every corner. This year’s conference will no doubt be another great one, Eugene here we come! #OACAC2015 

Exactly What to Expect in Eugene*

 
By Beau C. Benson
Senior Assistant Director, New York University

10. Spread out over 295 acres in the beautiful Willamette Valley between the Pacific Coast and the Cascade Mountains, the University of Oregon’s campus will offer plenty of opportunities to break out your walking/jogging/running shoes. Try to see as much as possible -- but remember, see as much as possible while sporting your Nikes, which were founded by University of Oregon track athlete Philip Knight and his coach Bill Bowerman in January 1964

9. Not a fan of running? Well, we’ve got you covered. Bicycling magazine called Eugene one of the ten most bicycle-friendly cities in the nation.

OACAC Scholars 2015

By Joan Liu
University Advisor, United World College of South East Asia

OACAC actively promotes access to higher education opportunities for the neediest students around the world by supporting those who work directly with them. Through the OACAC Scholarship Program, we fund and support high-impact counselors working to help academically bright, but under-resourced international students gain access to higher education.  

Thank you for helping us identify talented counselors around the world. This year, we received 73 nominations from you. We then reached out to these nominees to encourage them to apply for the OACAC Scholarship. In total, we received 61 applications from 49 countries. 

Is the Admission Process Broken?
A Counselor's Perspective from China 

By Hamilton Gregg
HGIEC - Educational Consultant

The following is a submission from a long time OACAC member expressing his view on the current state of admissions as it pertains to students in China, and beyond.  Hamilton offers this reflection as the start of a dialogue, and with any discussion there is surely to be different points of views. OACAC invites readers to provide their views and perspectives in the Comments section at the bottom of the article. 

This year has been a bit tumultuous with month after month of SAT cheating scandals, continued reports of unethical agents or companies manufacturing outstanding student portfolios, intense “coaching” on essays and all sorts of other behavior to throw out the question “what’s going on?”

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?

Intro to ORI - Interview with Juan-Camilo Tamayo

By Aaron Andersen
VP Communications, OACAC

This summer OACAC will host the first Regional Institute in Shanghai China. The Regional Institute will allow for two days of concentrated networking, educational sessions, and conversations that are specific to China and Asia. Through in-depth and focused conversations, all participants will leave with a greater understanding of the educational process, admission requirements, and the challenges and opportunities students face when applying to a university outside of their home country.

Recently, OACAC.com talked with OACAC executive board member, VP Government Relations and chief ORI coordinator Juan-Camilo Tamayo about this exciting new initiative and what members can expect. 

Aaron Andersen: Thanks for taking time to talk a little about the upcoming OACAC Regional Institute. Now I know it will be held August 17-18 , about a month after the OACAC Conference in Oregon. With two different conference programs how will members decide which to attend ? 

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. 

College Summer Programs : 2015

While here in the northern hemisphere it may be the middle of winter, it's never too early to be thinking about summer plans. For juniors and sophomores this is a particularly good time to be exploring college summer programs.  

More and more colleges and universities are offering short term on-campus programs that offer a taste of what life would be like at that institution.  Many offer a mixture of academic and social content, courses taught by tenured professors, and some even provide credit.  All provide a fantastic way to discover college life and an enriching summer experience. 

Quality Summer Programs: From Safety to Leadership, How to Recommend One Over Another

By Katherine Dayton
Director of VISIONS Service Adventures

As summer approaches, many guidance counselors are asked to steer students towards quality summer programs that not only align with particular interests, but also with college admission goals. While some kids may be looking for an academic focus, others may be looking for experiential opportunities beyond the classroom, from wilderness and sleep-away camps to international teen tours and community service programs.

When it comes to travel based summer programs, there is no governing body that sets standards; literally anyone can start an international program and take kids overseas. That means it is important to do some legwork to make sure the programs you recommend to your students are safe, reputable, and high quality.Director of VISIONS Service Adventures 

Delving beyond the glossy brochures and spiffy websites, here are some important questions to ask:

A Letter to Admission Road Warriors 

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

Dear Road Warriors, young, old, new, international, domestic, director, counselor,   
   I just want to let you know something: You matter. You matter to students a lot. Although I know it may not seem like it. After spending several years on your side of the desk, I think I can safely assume this is what a typical day in your fall season looks like:

Wake up

Get dressed (don’t forget the comfy shoes!)
Pack materials for the day
Head out
High school visit #1 (yay, on time!)
High School visit #2 (woof, barely made that on time)
High School visit #3 (I have no clue where my cab driver is taking me, 10 minutes late)
Lunch (hahahahahahahaha, I am lucky to get a small break let alone food)
High School visit #4 (I am so tired)
Evening Fair (Final push, I can do it)

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. 

Support the OACAC Scholar Program

Each year OACAC selects high-impact, under-resourced counselors to receive funding to attend the OACAC Summer Conference 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.  These are counselors who would not have been able to attend a professional OACAC on their own; 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 counselor today. 

A Call to Action: Verify your NACAC Affiliate

By Meghan McHale
Associate Director of Admissions, Tufts University 
Former Vice President of Membership for International ACAC

Are your interests and the interests of the students you serve represented appropriately by the National Association for College Admission Counseling?  Every year, NACAC enacts policy and provides guidance regarding important issues that impact students around the world.  As an affiliate of NACAC, it is International ACAC's duty to be the voice of the specific concerns our international (in so many ways!) population faces.

Many major decisions within NACAC are entrusted to the assembly: a group of 200 delegates from the affiliate organizations.  The number of delegates assigned to each affiliate is determined by the number of NACAC members aligned with each group.  It is the understanding of the Executive Board that our delegate count is artificially deflated.  The main reasons: