University Counselling 2020

1028 York School students have graduated since 2000.

The IB Diploma programme is a credential sought by some of the finest postsecondary institutions around the world. Offers of place for York School students have been made by schools including:

UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING

Every student who comes through the doors of The York School has a story.

Our Process

The York School has a strategy for success built upon a fundamental principle: that stories matter.

They matter equally for a student interested in a niche programme studying textiles in Europe, as they matter for students who seek to attend the most competitive programmes at the most competitive universities in the world.

Marks and IB scores do matter. Co-curricular commitments matter. But the unique narrative that expresses how the student is unique among his or her peers is the principle narrative in which a topflight, world-class institution is fundamentally interested.

The IB curriculum gives York School students a broad liberal arts education that is as challenging as most first-year university programmes. Our alumni frequently tell us how vigorously The York School has prepared them for their post-secondary careers.

We are strong believers in providing students with a well-rounded education – one that gives them every opportunity to discover what inspires them. We are also committed to encouraging students to take this inspiration and do something with it that goes beyond what others might think to do. We recognize that when students pursue a passion that takes them on a course that others have not dared to chart – they create the kind of story that captures the attention of post-secondary institutions.

Our strategy is built upon finding the best possible post-secondary placements for our graduates, but also in discussing with students how to identify, develop and tell their stories to the world.

We are dedicated to helping students and families find the right match; that institution best suited to offer academic and personal challenge appropriate to each student’s abilities and interests following graduation from The York School. Our work with families is predicated on the belief that university placement is a fit to be made rather than a prize to be won.

The role of university counselling is to demystify this potentially intimidating experience and to teach students where and when they have opportunities to successfully influence the process. While we believe students need to play the lead role in the process, we also encourage parents to work closely with us in preparing and supporting their children as they navigate this exciting and defining step towards adulthood.

We encourage each student to share their hopes for the future, tell their story to the world, and embark on their post-secondary journey with confidence and success.

Through academic support services, student leadership initiatives, robust co-curricular offerings, personalized university placement treatments, a dedicated wellness team and the world’s finest academic credential, The York School provides opportunities for each and every student to be prepared for 21st century success.

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Grades 6-8 BEGINNING YOUR STORY How do you learn best? What are your passions? What will you explore? What will you continue?

• Middle Years Programme focus on Learning Skills • Homeroom programme designed to foster social and emotional development • Personalized academic & learning skill coaching • Encouragement and opportunity to explore a wide variety of activities, teams and clubs • Age-appropriate service learning and leadership opportunities • Personalized self-assessment inventories facilitated through the online Naviance student portfolio

Grades 9–10 DEVELOPING YOUR STORY How will you focus your interests?

How can you develop them? How can you shape your story by deepening your skills in a way that sets you apart?

• Unique Grade 9 ICE Programme • Individualized learning resource support & guidance • Grade 10 Personal Project showcase • International exchange opportunities • Grade 10 Careers Studies Course focused on personalized academic planning and goal setting • Post-secondary preparation enabled through the Naviance student portfolio

Grades 11-12 TELLING YOUR STORY Where might you go? What are some ‘perfect fits’ tailored to your unique interests and personality? How can you most effectively convey your story to your top-choice schools?

• International Service Learning Programme (Creativity, Action & Service) • Extended Essay - university level research and writing opportunity • Unique Theory of Knowledge course - critical thinking & self awareness • Extensive student leadership opportunities • Individualized university & career counselling • Comprehensive university placement process facilitated by the Naviance student portfolio

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