University Guide

[BIO-AQUA]

Good day everyone,

Now many people face problems once reaching their senior year. Their whole tiime is occupied by IB work, despite the fact that there are other exams to worry about. Time management is not the major topic here, it's the admission tests. Many have probably heard of the common ones (such as the SATs, BMATs..). Anyway, you will find a list of the most important admission tests in many countries and for different majors. Any additional help is greatly appreciated.

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• SAT
  
• TOEFL
  
• IELTS
  
• BMAT
  
• UKCAT
  
• UMAT
  
• GMAT
  
• LSAT
  

1. SATs (Language proficiency and Mathematics)

The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of the critical thinking skills you'll need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well you analyze and solve problems—skills you learned in school that you'll need in college. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors.

Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200—800, with two writing subscores for multiple-choice and the essay. It is administered seven times a year in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories, and six times a year overseas.

The SAT includes several different question types, including: a student-produced essay, multiple-choice questions, and student-produced responses (grid-ins). Check the attachments for detailed approaches to each section.

1- Critical Reading:

70 min. (two 25-min. sections and one 20-min. section). Content: Critical reading and sentence-level reading. Items:Reading comprehension, sentence completions, and paragraph-length critical reading. Score: 200-800

The critical reading section, formerly known as the verbal section, includes short reading passages along with the existing long reading passages. Analogies have been eliminated, but sentence-completion questions and passage-based reading questions remain.

2- The Mathematics Section:

70 min. (two 25-min. sections and one 20-min. section). Content: Number and operations; algebra and functions; geometry; statistics, probability, and data analysis. Items: Five-choice multiple-choice questions and student-produced responses. Score: 200-800

The SAT includes mathematics topics from up through a third-year college preparatory course, such as exponential growth, absolute value, and functional notation. It also places emphasis on such topics as linear functions, manipulations with exponents, and properties of tangent lines. Important skills such as estimation and number sense are measured through the multiple-choice and student response (grid-in) questions (formerly measured in the quantitative comparison format).

Can I use a calculator?

Yes. Students can use a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator. The College Board recommends that students use at least a scientific calculator for the SAT, although it's still possible to solve every question without a calculator.

3- The Writing Section

60 min. Content: Grammar, usage, and word choice. Items: Multiple choice questions (35 min.) and student-written essay (25 min.). Score: 200-800

The writing section includes both multiple-choice questions and a direct writing measure in the form of an essay.

A- Short Essay

* The short essay measures your ability to:

- Organize and express ideas clearly

- Develop and support the main idea

- Use appropriate word choice and sentence structure

You'll be asked to develop a point of a view on an issue, using reasoning and evidence — based on your own experiences, readings, or observations — to support your ideas.

The essay will be scored by trained high school and college teachers. Each reader will give the essay a score from 1 to 6 (6 is the highest score) based on the overall quality of the essay and your demonstration of writing competence.

B- Multiple-Choice:

* The multiple-choice writing questions measure your ability to:

- Improve sentences and paragraphs

- Identify errors (such as diction, grammar, sentence construction, subject-verb agreement, proper word usage, and wordiness)

For more information, please click here.

Some tips for the SAT

Overall Approach

Overall_Test_Approach.pdf

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Approach to the Writing Section

Approaches_to_the_Writing_Section.pdf

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Approach to the Reasoning Section

Approaches_to_the_Mathematics_Section.pdf

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The Critical Writing Test

The_Critical_Reading_Section_of_the_SAT_I_Reasoning_Test.pdf

2. TOEFL (Language proficiency)

The TOEFL® (Test of English as a Foreign Language™) test measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings.

The TOEFL test is offered in different formats depending on a test taker's location.

The Internet-based TOEFL® Test (iBT) tests all four language skills that are important for effective communication: reading, listening, speaking and writing. The test helps students demonstrate that they have the English skills needed for success.

Most people take the TOEFL test as a prerequisite for admission into colleges and universities where English is used or required. In addition, many government, licensing, and certification agencies and exchange and scholarship programs use TOEFL scores to evaluate the English proficiency of people for whom English is not their native language.

Nonnative English speakers at the 11th-grade level or above should take the TOEFL test to provide evidence of their English proficiency before beginning academic work. The test content is considered too difficult for students below 11th grade.

For more information, please click here.

3. IELTS (Language Proficiency)

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking – for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.

Since 1989, IELTS has been proven and trusted worldwide to provide a secure, global, authentic and customer-focused test which measures true to life ability to communicate in English. Close to 5,000 education institutions, faculties, government agencies and professional organisations around the world recognise IELTS scores as a trusted and valid indicator of ability to communicate in English.

More than 700,000 people a year are now using IELTS to open doors throughout the English-speaking world and beyond. The test is taken every year across 120 countries, and is one of the fastest growing English language tests in the world, and sets the standard in integrity, research and innovation.

For more information, please click here.

4. BMAT (Medicine + related sciences)

The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) is a subject-specific admissions test taken by applicants to certain medicine, veterinary medicine and related courses at the institutions listed below. The BMAT is owned and administered by Cambridge Assessment, the new identity for UCLES, one of the worlds largest assessment agencies. We are responsible for producing and marking the test, and also facilitate an extensive worldwide centre network at which candidates can sit the BMAT.

The next BMAT test will take place on Wednesday 31st October 2007.

The BMAT is needed for: Cambridge University, Imperial College London, University of Oxford Medical School, Royal Veterinary College and University College London.

For more information, please click here.

5. UKCAT (Medicine + related sciences)

The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) is used in the selection process by a consortium of UK university Medical and Dental Schools.

The test helps universities to make more informed choices from amongst the many highly-qualified applicants who apply for their medical and dental degree programmes.

It ensures that the candidates selected have the most appropriate mental abilities, attitudes and professional behaviours required for new doctors and dentists to be successful in their clinical careers.

The UKCAT does not contain any curriculum or science content; nor can it be revised for. It focuses on exploring the cognitive powers of candidates and other attributes considered to be valuable for health care professionals.

The test is run by the UKCAT Consortium in partnership with Pearson VUE, a global leader in computer-based testing and part of Pearson plc. It is delivered on computer on a worldwide basis through Pearson VUE’s high street centres.

For more information, please click here.

6. UMAT (Medicine - Australia and New Zealand only)

The Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) is a test administered in Australia and New Zealand to help determine who is fit to study and practice medicine, dentistry, physiology or pharmacy. As its name suggests, only those wishing to study undergraduate medicine or health sciences degrees are required to sit the test (mostly school leavers).

For more information, please click here.

7. GMAT (Business and Management)

The Graduate Management Admission Test® (GMAT®) is a standardized assessment—delivered in English—that helps business schools assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management. Schools use the test as one predictor of academic performance in an MBA program or in other graduate management programs.

What the GMAT® Measures

The GMAT® exam measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that you have developed over a long period of time in your education and work. It does NOT measure:

your knowledge of business, your job skills, specific content in your undergraduate or first university course work, your abilities in any other specific subject area, or

subjective qualities—such as motivation, creativity, and interpersonal skills.

Format and Timing

The GMAT® exam consists of three main parts, the Analytical Writing Assessment, the Quantitative section, and the Verbal section.

1- Analytical Writing Assessment

The GMAT® exam begins with the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA). The AWA consists of two separate writing tasks—Analysis of an Issue and Analysis of an Argument. You are allowed 30 minutes to complete each one.

2- Quantitative Section

Following an optional ten-minute break, you begin the Quantitative Section of the GMAT® exam. This section contains 37 multiple-choice questions of two question types—Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving. You will be allowed a maximum of 75 minutes to complete the entire section.

3-Verbal Section

After a second optional ten-minute break, you begin the Verbal Section of the GMAT® exam. This section contains 41 multiple choice questions of three question types—Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction. You are allowed a maximum of 75 minutes to complete the entire section.

For more information, please click here.

8. LSAT (Law)

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a half-day standardized test required for admission to all ABA-approved law schools, most Canadian law schools, and many non-ABA-approved law schools. It provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants. The test is administered four times a year at hundreds of locations around the world.

Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission the following fall. However, taking the test earlier—in June or October—is often advised.

For more information, please click here.

That's it for now.. Have a nice day everyone.

Edited October 21, 2007 by BIO-AQUA

[BIO-AQUA]

Good day everyone,

I guess that this thread might help, specially the Senior students who are going to apply to universities any time soon. In here, we discuss anything related to the admission procedure, university offers, predicted grades, etc... Meaning, from the point you enter your IB Senior year until you start your college course.

Ok.. First of all, if you haven't checked already, there are two very important threads in the university forum. The Guide to the Personal Statement, and the Admission Tests.

Menu

• What, How and When Should You Apply?
  
• The UCAS Form
  
• What is a Major/Minor?
  
• Post Application Era
  
• What is Graduate/Undergraduate Study?
  
• Some Tips
  

What, How and When Should You Apply?

Let's start with the "University Handbag" for all IB students. What do you need in order to apply to colleges? How? When?..

As a junior student, you need to think of what you want to study and where (broad thinking). Focus on areas of interest.. What are the subjects you're taking, which ones appeal to you and which ones you feel comfortable with. Focus on getting good grades in them.

As a senior student, you need to think of where (narrow your choices down) and what (in case you haven't) to study. Most schools have a university advisor.. Go there! Try to apply by the beginning of the Senior year since it will be hectic, and trying to cope with a lot of many reponsibilities is quite difficult. Once you talk to the advisor, you may start applying. You will need:

- Recommendation Letters (from your six or seven teachers + one or two extra). There are slips that the advisor gives you to sign your name and give to your teachers who will be writing for you. The letters remain confidential, and you never read them.

- Predicted Grades. These are gathered by the advisor from each one of your teachers, and again, they remain unknown (until the time the results come out.. By then, the surprise element is gone. ).

- Application Forms. These are found on the website of each university. Thus, after making your research, you can download them and fill them out. In some cases, there are online applications that are sent directly to the university.

- A Personal Statement (see above). Try to do it before your Senior year, or at the beginning of it. It is extremely important for your application procedure.

The forms, combined with the statement, letters and predicted grades are sent off to the universities. Each college will set deadlines concerning each major, so meet them and apply before the deadline by two weeks at least!! Regarding the UK universities, there is something known as the UCAS.. This takes care of everything and sends your info to the universities of your choice.

Each university sets some conditions that one muct abide by for him/her to be able to enter. Check the Admission Tests each university asks for (refer to the thread above), and sign up for it. Practise and work to earn the grade they're looking for.

The UCAS Form - A detailed procedure..

When it comes to UK universities, there is a separate from you need to fill out. This is called the UCAS form, and can be found on this page. Follow the steps in the spoiler!!

Spoiler - Click me!

1- Choose the year you're going to apply for, and click on it. A new page will open.

2- Click on "Register/Log in to apply". In case you do have an account, login in and skip to step #14. In case you don't have an account, then follow the steps.

3- "Registration is a process of entering your personal details, for example, name, date of birth, address. If you are applying through a school, college, careers centre or any other organisation, you will be asked to use the buzzword (ask your university advisor/ IBC for one) provided by them, so please have this information to hand. If you are not applying through a school, college, careers centre or any other organisation, you can apply as an individual." - UCAS website.

4- Click on next. You will be taken to a new page with the License Agreement Conditions. READ THEM!! Approve by clicking next.

5- Fill out your title, gender, first and last names, and date of birth. Click next to continue.

6- In case you have applied or have registered for a UCAS Card, choose a suitable option. Choose "I have neither of the above" in case you don't have one. Click next to continue.

7- Choose one of the options regarding your postal address and click on next.

8- Type your postal address in the spaces provided and select your country. Click on next.

The postal address is in the following form:

P.O. Box XXXXXX

City, Postal Code

COUNTRY

9- Double check your postal address and apply any changes if necessary. Type in your home and cell phone number (take care to type your country code and state/province area code), e-mail address and check the boxes regarding the method by which you choose to receive information. Click on next.

10- Choose a sutiable password (follow the instructions at the top of the page). Choose 4 security questions and their answers. If necessary, jot down your passwrod and the questions+answers on a secret paper. Click on next.

11- This is the last step. A username will be generated. WRITE IT DOWN!! Keep your username and password safe as you will need both each time you access your application. You may now log in to your account or return back to the UCAS homepage. If you choose the first choice, then click on "log in now" and follow the steps.

12- Answer the question on the method by which you are applying. In case you choose "by school/college", then you'll need to enter your buzzword on this page. If you do not know the buzzword, your tutor or careers adviser will give this to you. You will only need to enter your buzzword at this stage and then it will no longer be needed.

13- Continue with one/two questions. Next, you need to verify your e-mail address. Click on the vertification link and this will take you to a separate page. A code will be sent to your e-mail. Copy that code and paste it in the box provided. Click on "verfiy e-mail". In case it is verfied, then click on "Return to the Welcome Page".

14- You should now complete all the sections listed to the left of this screen. Help screens are available for each page, and most questions will have additional help (click on the question mark next to each field). Please make sure that you read all relevant help text before completing your application. Further information can also be found on the main UCAS website.

15- Once you have entered your application details, and marked each section as complete, you will be able to send your application to your referee. They will insert the reference and send the complete application to UCAS on your behalf. It is your responsibility to ensure that your school sends your application to the UCAS by the relevant deadline.

[Close]

In case you have any questions, post them in this thread and we'll try to answer your questions as soon as possible.

What is a Major/Minor?

Ok.. Many people ask this question, so it might help to clear stuff regarding this issue. Basically, when you study for your bachelor, you are taking 120 credits = 4 years of undergraduate study.. In case you're an IB Diploma student, then they cut down to 90 credits = 3 years. By simple maths, you can deduce that 30 credits = 1 year. Again, this varies according to each universities, and some universities don't omit a year for you.. Depends on the course more or less..

As for the Minor, it is much less when it comes to hours/credits. Some people take it and some don't. Then, why do people take it, if they do? Well the answer is different according to each individual. Some say that it's amusing to take an additional course, others like to take another subject because, maybe, they would like to try something new they haven't taken at school or something they can ace easily.. Something they want to get a degree in though it's worth of less credits than a major. Some people take a minor course because it might help in their major. Again, it varies according to the individual and the university.

Now, when do you choose the major or the minor? Well basically, you do this as you apply for admission. You choose your major in the application form and write it down. Minors can be done the same way, or before you start your academic year - you go there and sign up for the minor course. Comprende?

Post Application Era

Now it's up to the university to accept or not. Of course, they will reply to your request (it would be rude not to, wouldn't it? ). There are four important words to know:

CONDITIONAL OFFER: Meaning, if you get specific grades you're in. Failure to do so will make it difficult rather impossible to enter.

UNCONDITIONAL OFFER: Finish your Senior year and you're in. Welcome!

That was regarding the offers. Now, since you might have applied to many universities, you get different replies from each one. Sit with your parents and yourselves and see where you like to go and why.. Jot down the Pros and Cons. Then, carefully decide (taking extra caution.. Revise your decision many times) where you want to be.. The remaining two words relate to your final choice..

FIRM CHOICE: This is where you want to be - no change at all. Done.

INSURANCE CHOICE: In case something happens, this is your second and next best choice.

Make sure the grade offer in your insurance uni is below the offer for your firm. This is so that if you don't get the grades for your firm choice, you might get them for your insurance... think about it this way: the better uni with the higher conditional may look more attractive, but how does no uni at all look?

What is Graduate/Undergraduate Study?

As you apply for your bachelor degree in university (that is, the first four/three years), you are applying for undergraduate study. Meaning, you are taking a bachelor only.. No more, no less. In case you're applying for medicine in a US university, as an example, the pre-med courses are the undergraduate studies.

You may start working after you earn your degree with your specific field of study and/or may go for graduate school. This means you'll further your studies two, three, four or more years to earn an MD, PhD... Studying medicine, for example, (in medical school) in a US university is considered graduate study.

Some Tips

This may seem stressful, but it is really an enjoyable period of time. You feel all grown up and independant. But with this comes responsibility, so playing time is over. Don't procrastinate.. You want the universities to see that you have changed, so show them! Work and Shine. It's ok to get exhausted, but remember, it's all worth it eventually. In case you get a conditional offer, work for it and get the grades they're looking for. Shine and show you're capable of it.

Whatever your choice is, wherever you want to be, may God be with you. Have a wonderful life at school, university and beyond...

Edited May 25, 2008 by BIO-AQUA

[Ruan Chun Xian]

You. Are. A. Saint! Where's the thank button????

- Recommendation Letters (from your six or seven teachers + one or two extra). There are slips that the advisor gives you to sign your name and give to your teachers who will be writing for you. The letters remain confidential, and you never read them.

*cough*

Technically.

My teachers showed me my reference letters. But then I had nice teachers.

- Predicted Grades. These are gathered by the advisor from each one of your teachers, and again, they remain unknown (until the time the results come out.. By then, the surprise element is gone.

Again depends on your school. My school had no problem telling me my predicted grades.

FIRM CHOICE: This is where you want to be - no change at all. Done.

INSURANCE CHOICE: In case something happens, this is your second and next best choice.

Technically, this applies more to UK universities. But I suppose you can use it to prioritise (sp? that looks wrong...) your university choices in general as well.

US universities usually give you unconditional offers right away, so you know you're in before you even do your exams anyway, so you just accept your first university choice out of the ones you've gotten accepted to.

[~Lc~]

ditto about saint comment lol,

I edited a note in hope you don't mind it... just thought it would be more noticeable in the OP rather than if I posted it as a reply

[Aboud]

thanx bio-aqua, this is a very helpful thread. as for me i am planning to get into an engineering course, but am not sure yet whether to study electric or electonic and now a new in idea in my head says biomedical engineering, i still have till the end of this month to decide, which is more than enough...

[Afterglow]

Again depends on your school. My school had no problem telling me my predicted grades.

l.

Same here. My predicted grades was actually discussed with me since the teachers put what the grade I was aiming for in the exams. In a realistic way of course.

Btw, recommendations letters. Do you write that for UK universities as well?

Oh and of course, bio-aqua, you have my full and unconditional graditute for all the work you have put about uni

[BIO-AQUA]

Btw, recommendations letters. Do you write that for UK universities as well?

Yes. This applies to all universities. In case of the UK, the UCAS takes care of these things.

As for this thread, it's my pleasure you guys. Hope it benefits all of you. Afterall, this is what counts.

[Afterglow]

Yes. This applies to all universities. In case of the UK, the UCAS takes care of these things.

Oh okay. I never knew that. So am I just suppose to ask teachers to write a letter and how do they send them? I mean, I apply individually through UCAS and I haven't found a part in the form for recommendations. Just the refrence.

[~Lc~]

Oh okay. I never knew that. So am I just suppose to ask teachers to write a letter and how do they send them? I mean, I apply individually through UCAS and I haven't found a part in the form for recommendations. Just the refrence.

there is a part! it's under the "referee details" section, you're not supposed to fill that out yourself. if you're applying yourself, just give your username and password to who ever your referee is and let them fill ou that part for you. Or if your school allows you to view recommendations then just fill it out yourself

[Afterglow]

there is a part! it's under the "referee details" section, you're not supposed to fill that out yourself. if you're applying yourself, just give your username and password to who ever your referee is and let them fill ou that part for you. Or if your school allows you to view recommendations then just fill it out yourself

****. I need to give them my password? *rushes off*

But okay, thank you I will probably have the IBC to fill it out. I was going to have the Head of IB at my school to do it but problem is that he is sort of 'family' now so it would propose a problem then.

[BIO-AQUA]

I passed by the university advisor's office today and asked about the UCAS form. You practically fill it out yourself and give the username and password to the university advisor (or whoever substitutes) to double check. It's better to do this to be on the safe side.

As for the recommendation letters, the advisor (or the IBC) takes care of receiving and sending them to the UCAS. Mostly, you never get to see them.

[Abu]

Great thread Bio-Aqua, very informative. I was in doubts about the recommendation bit of the UCAS form, but thats sorted now. You would get my Thanks if there was a button for it

[BIO-AQUA]

Thanks a lot.

Anyways, I just edited the first post to help anyone filling out the UCAS form. Check the spoiler for more info.

[Afterglow]

I really don't know what I would do without you However I am confused about this part?

you will be able to send your application to your referee.

So we are suppose to send them or give your password and if the first one, how? :/ I know I have a lot of questions. The closer the deadline comes the more anxious I become of things

[~Lc~]

I passed by the university advisor's office today and asked about the UCAS form. You practically fill it out yourself and give the username and password to the university advisor (or whoever substitutes) to double check. It's better to do this to be on the safe side.

As for the recommendation letters, the advisor (or the IBC) takes care of receiving and sending them to the UCAS. Mostly, you never get to see them.

not really... if you apply through bridge international (and yes I onyl mean Bio-Aqua int his case) you get to see them since they give them to you in sealed envelopes which you can take a sneak peak at while giving them to your counselor in birdge that's what I did.. I didn't know my IBC and principle thought so higly of me

[BIO-AQUA]

So we are suppose to send them or give your password and if the first one, how? :/ I know I have a lot of questions. The closer the deadline comes the more anxious I become of things

OK.. Well basically you have your referee (who is the university advisor/ IBC or whoever substitutes). In any case, before you send your final application prior to Oct. 15 (for medicine only), they double check your info and add/remove certain things to make your application suitable for sending. You have to give your referee your username and password (as well as the buzzword in case they don't know it- in my case, the university advisor gave it to me) since there may be times when the application needs some stuff and you might not be able to do anything (due to studying/exams or any other reason). So you share your username and password with yourself and the referee only.That's it!!

not really... if you apply through bridge international (and yes I onyl mean Bio-Aqua int his case) you get to see them since they give them to you in sealed envelopes which you can take a sneak peak at while giving them to your counselor in birdge that's what I did.. I didn't know my IBC and principle thought so higly of me

Wow. Talk about confidentiality .. They are sealed for a reason, Lc!!

[BIO-AQUA]

An Important Note to All IB Students Looking Forward to Studying Medicine in the UK...

Don't forget to sign up for the BMAT before the 28th of September.. Meaning, before the next coming Friday; otherwise, you'll be subjected to a late entry fee, which is double the original price! :0

[BIO-AQUA]

Hello everyone,

Just added some few things above, so it might be helpful to take a look at them (especially if you're applying to US universities).

[Aboud]

In the application form they ask for predicted grades to be sent in oct or nov, but we dont get these until next feb or smthin.... so are we supposed to send fake ones or what ?

[BIO-AQUA]

Well the teachers have to give the predicted grades by mid september/october according to each individual and what he/she is applying to. For example, medicine students applying to the UK need to have everything ready before Oct. 15th.. You might want to check with your school. (Note that you don't know your grades, if that's what you mean). There is no 'faking' predicted grades!