Checklist for University Search Process

Year 11: Engage in learning and focus on academic work and co-curricular interests

*Term 1*	Attend DC University and Career Fair in September and speak with admission representatives, start a research portfolio Register for and take the PSAT in October
*Term 2*	Attend resume writing and cover letter workshops organized by HEO in preparation for work experience Complete Personality & Career Profile Meet with HE Counsellor to discuss subject selection and pathways for Year 12
*Term 3*	Arrange meetings with HE counsellor to become familiar with HE resources Get prepared for summer and attend sessions on summer programmes Log onto BridgeU and explore future options Reflect on work experience and & future pathways

Year 12: Get serious about researching. Engage in learning and focus on academic work and co-curricular interests

*August*	Meet with your HEC to discuss IB subject selection Attend the Australian Education Fair in Hong Kong Visit the UK University Exhibition and Clearing in Hong Kong Make sure you visit the HEO Blog regularly Register for the September ACT or October SAT if intending to apply to US universities
*September*	Get involved with an after-school activity, but don’t overload yourself Concentrate on your academics, study skills, class preparation & time management Attend the University Fair at DC and speak to representatives Register for the October ACT or November SAT and/or SAT subject tests
*October*	Take the October SAT if applying to the US Begin attending the university fairs and numerous representative visits Set up your portfolio – you should be researching about 30+ universities at this stage Register for the December SAT Complete Strategy Advisor in BridgeU
*November*	If applicable, take the November SAT Languages with Listening Take the November SAT Register for the December ACT
*December*	Take the December SAT and/or ACT Register for the January SAT

*January*	Begin familiarizing yourself with the resources available in the HEO Take the January SAT Attend the ESF University Fair Attend the British Council Fair in Hong Kong Develop your short list of universities on BridgeU
*February*	Complete the student brag sheet and return to the HEO Begin creating a list of important factors/criteria for your university search and exploring different majors/courses of study that match your ‘career vision’ Attend the British Council Fair in Hong Kong Attend the IDP (Australian) Exhibition in Hong Kong Begin your research into summer programmes and internships Make regular appointments to speak to your HE counsellor
*March*	If applicable, register for the TOEFL/IELTS test Begin reviewing entrance requirements for universities that you are interested in Meet with your HEC Continue your research into summer programmes Register for the May SAT U.S Citizens? GET YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD! Oxbridge/Ivy League applicants: become familiar with the earlier application timeline Work on your Personal Statement/ application essay. READ around your subject Arrange to visit universities over Easter Break
*April*	Register for June SAT Meet with your HEC to discuss the university application process PLAN your summer – summer programme or work experience? Oxbridge/Ivy League applicants: complete the first draft of your Personal Statement/application essay Begin your first draft of personal statement/application essay (except Oxbridge/Ivy League applicants) Finalize list of reference books that you will read or review over the summer Review current prospectus catalogs from your selected universities via their websites
*May*	Registration for UKCAT opens Take SAT Concentrate on drafting your personal statement/application essay Begin narrowing down your university list; build a placement portfolio with your university guidance counsellor Identify two current Year 12 subject teachers for recommendations ONLY if applying to the US Inform HEO of the 2 referees you would like to write your USA/Canada recommendation Register for June ACT
*June*	Take the June SAT Mock Oxbridge interviews take place (Due to COVID – Reschedule to Mid Aug) Finalize your short list of universities/colleges on BridgeU Read college/university application instructions carefully to find out what information is required and the deadlines for applications If you are planning to travel over the summer, arrange to visit some universities Refine personal statement/application essay Finalize your work placement. Applying to study Medicine for Law in the UK or HK? Then, work experience is mandatory BMAT/LNAT/UKCAT and all that. Do you need to take an admissions test? Find out and start preparing. Search the websites, register for the tests Renew your passport if it’s expiring within 6 months Take TOEFL/ IELTS test (if applicable) over the summer holidays if you haven’t done so Register for July ACT

Year 13: Finalise and submit your applications

*Term 1*	Attend meetings with HEC and finalize the list of final universities Submit final drafts of essays Complete and submit applications by deadlines set for each region by the HEO Mock interviews take place (individual and MMIs)
*Term 2 & 3*	Receive decisions from universities Think very carefully about your final choices Giving back – participate in a panel discussion for Year 12 on your university search process March: deadline to reply to UK offers May: deadline to reply to US offers June – Pre-departure Briefing workshop (Due to COVID change to online webinars – Uni Ready Programs) July – Receive IB results