For Grade 12 students, the prospect of leaving school and starting a new chapter is both exciting and daunting. There are so many possibilities and opportunities, and sometimes deciphering which is the best option can be overwhelming. At ISF, our new College Counselor, Rhonda Carr, is from the US, with experience of working as a teacher, school counselor, college professor, and marriage + family therapist. She is very used to the rollercoaster that is the admissions process.
“Students not only have their academic studies to worry about, but getting into their favored college or university puts a lot of pressure on their last year of high school,” comments Rhonda. “We work with each student individually to explore what is the best path for them. We then guide them through the application process, which can be lengthy and complex. However, it is wonderful to see the results of all their hard work when they receive offers. I am incredibly proud of ISFs Grade 12s and look forward to seeing them succeed in whichever path they have chosen to take.”
ISF’s new College Counsellor Rhonda Carr
Katherine Dick
Where have you had an offer from?
Yale University
What do you hope to study?
Global Affairs, Political Science and History
How have you found the application process?
It was very challenging, but I grew as a writer and I understand myself a bit better now.
How has ISF helped you in the process?
Ms. Carr and Mr. Lee were both very helpful in thinking about how to present myself and manage extracurriculars and academics. Mr. Lee pushed me to take challenging courses and pursue areas outside my comfort zone. Ms. Carr was super supportive and her experience helped me finalize my application.
What will you miss about ISF when you leave?
I’ve been at ISF for almost seven years now and it feels like home. I will miss the friendly environment and comfort.
Eric Zhao
Where have you had an offer from?
New York University
What do you hope to study?
Mathematics
How have you found the application process?
Writing essays and taking tests are really hard.
How has ISF helped you in the process?
Mr. Lee and Ms. Carr really helped me to understand about college and how to complete my applications. Ms. Carr also hosted writing sessions in which the teachers help students write college essays.
What will you miss about ISF when you leave?
The community and my friends.
Carolina Hohagen
Where have you had an offer from?
University of Pennsylvania
What do you hope to study?
I hope to major in history and minor in economics.
How have you found the application process?
The US application process takes into account everything a student has done since the first year of their high school career. Since 9th grade, I have worked hard to achieve academic success, while also ensuring to stay active with extracurriculars, such as soccer, Model United Nations, volunteer experiences and college classes/internships during the summer.
As part of UPenn’s specific application, I was required to write essays on three different prompts: how I intend to pursue my academic interests, how I will explore the community of Penn, and even a thank-you note to someone I am grateful for. Lastly, I was asked to participate in a 40-minute alumni interview. While the process is a difficult and lengthy one, I feel that the holistic application approach does reflect who I am as a person, not just a student in the classroom. Furthermore, I enjoyed writing the essays and the interview process, as it only made my enthusiasm for the school and my excitement for this new chapter of my life greater.
How has ISF helped you in the process?
Although a new addition to the ISF community, our college counselor, Ms. Carr, has been instrumental in my application process. From advising me on my personal statement, writing my letter of recommendation, to simply giving me needed words of encouragement in times of self-doubt, Ms. Carr has supported me in every possible way. From a student’s perspective, I know she has done the same for my peers.
What will you miss about ISF when you leave?
I will miss chatting with my friends in the beautiful gardens of ISF on sunny spring days, Tuesday breakfasts with my Spanish teacher, and witnessing my history classes come to life when I walk around the city.
Our Class of 2023 students are beginning to receive acceptance letters from the US, UK and other European universities. We are proud to announce early acceptances to:
Butler University / Colorado School of Mines / ESCP Business School / Hofstra University / IE University / Loyola Marymount University / LUISS / Marymount Manhattan College / Maastricht University / New York University / Northeastern University London / Oklahoma State University / Pace University / Politecnico / Santa Clara University / St. John’s University / Southern Methodist University / University of Bath / University of Bristol / University of California Berkeley / University of Edinburgh / University of Manchester / University of Pennsylvania / University of St. Andrews / University of Southampton / University of Southern California / Villanova University / Binghampton University SUNY / Yale University
