Feature Article: Orientation Universitaire | University Awareness Program

 

 

Rochambeau University Awareness Program

5-Year Map to Success

 

At Rochambeau, the French International School, the University Advising Team prides itself on presenting a University Awareness Program spanning over 5 years and allowing for a comprehensive roadmap to success. Throughout the years, we are committed to building strong relationships with each student in order to understand individual needs and prepare for a smooth transition from year to year, starting in Grade 8/4ème and rounding off with the transition from Grade 12/Terminale to university. This includes thorough support for the university and college search and application process.

Because every student has unique skills, interests, and abilities, our design and aim are to focus on 'best fit' as we approach the post-secondary search process. With this in mind, our goal is to respect each student’s unique aspirations, value all goals, and empower each student to take the lead in their search and application process, making informed choices with the support of the advising team and greater community.

This strategic program is meant to keep our community of over 80 passports informed and maintain a student-centered and shared process. With 40% of the Class of 2025 applying to 3 or more countries, we honor the objective of demystifying the university application process and assisting in managing roles and expectations early in the journey.

For those aiming at the most selective universities, early planning, starting in 8th grade/4ème, provides a foremost access to top universities worldwide with one of the highest percentages of Ivy League, French Classes Préparatoires, EU universities, and UCAS acceptances.

The 5-Year Map to Success provides a roadmap and time-preserving calendar for students to thrive academically, personally, and socially. With its structured approach to self-discovery, academic planning, and university preparation, this program sets students up for long-term success. By focusing not just on grades and test scores, but also on summer programming and career exploration, the program ensures that students are ready to take on the challenges of university and beyond. Additionally, each stage aligns with the natural progression of a student’s development with the end vision of complete and veritable preparation for success in post-secondary studies and beyond. This expanded 5-year model covers the program's focus on holistic development, parental involvement, and long-term success.

Our program offers planning, education, and support for our parents, as well. We offer parent information sessions throughout the 5-Year Map to Success to better understand the university journey, become familiar with our holistic approach, grow to trust our advisors, and ultimately, build family support for each student’s individual and unique needs.

The team also supports and instructs our community of highly trained teachers in their writing of letters of recommendation. By offering instruction and coaching to our most valuable resource, we are elevating the quality of each student’s application to universities with supporting documents that are thoughtfully designed and effectively constructed, thereby enhancing our applications at yet another level.

Our unique Rochambeau “Passport to My Future” follows the student from Grade 8/4ème through graduation, marking milestones, workshops, life lessons, and more. Rochambeau will help students not only gain admission to universities but to grow into confident, well-rounded citizens of the world who are prepared to succeed in their chosen paths.

 

Grade 8/4ème: Self-Discovery

The Grade 8 University Awareness Program helps students explore their strengths and interests through activities, including exploring SMART Goals and honing time management skills. It encourages early academic planning and provides insights into the university journey. Family engagement is encouraged with events like Coffee Mornings, summer programming, and financial guidance, all focusing on the benefits of early university planning

 

Grade 9/3ème: Foundation

Grade 9/3eme focuses on building a strong foundation for high school by emphasizing goal-setting, time management, and the impact of high school performance on future university admissions. Personality assessments like Myers-Briggs help students understand their strengths and areas for growth. Workshops introduce the university testing process, with practice for the PSAT and SAT. Career exploration activities, including career testing and job shadowing, guide students in exploring potential career paths. Parental involvement and support are encouraged throughout the year.

 

Grade 10/2nde: Preparation

Grade 10/2nde focuses on preparing students for university applications through academic rigor, career exploration, and test readiness. The program includes practice for standardized exams like the PSAT, SAT, and ACT, and introduces career assessments like the Morrisby test. Students work on resume building, personal goal-setting, and exploring their interests through summer internships, job shadowing, and outside coursework. These activities help shape their resumes/CVs and provide practical experience, ensuring students understand their strengths and future goals.

 

Grade 11/1ère: Planning

Grade 11/1ere is a key year for university planning, starting with our exemplary University Advising Course that continues through graduation. Students refine their university choices and academic goals, with workshops covering application strategies for various systems (e.g., Common App, UCAS, Parcoursup). Essay writing skills start this year with first drafts created throughout the year. Financial aid workshops inform families about scholarships and funding options. Test prep for PSAT, SAT, and ACT continues. Individual advising includes one-on-one meetings to discuss career plans, application strategies, and university visits. Over 40 universities visit Rochambeau each fall to meet our students. Family support becomes crucial as students make decisions about finances and life choices.

 

Grade 12/Terminale: Application

Grade 12/Terminale focuses on finalizing university applications and preparing for the next steps. Students work on final application essays, personal statements, and submit applications through platforms like Common App and UCAS. Workshops and one-on-one counseling help seniors stay on track. Parent and student events provide guidance on financial aid and university selection. Mock interviews and visit planning are also part of the process. The year concludes with managing application deadlines, making the final university choice, and preparing for the transition to university life, leading up to graduation.

 

Post-graduation: Life and Becoming a Rochambeau Alumni

Being an alumnus of Rochambeau and the Five-Year University Awareness Program offers lasting personal growth, as the skills developed over five years continue to evolve. The program emphasizes not just academics, but also emotional readiness, career development, and life skills like time management and decision-making. These skills prepare students for university and life beyond it. Alumni often become leaders in their universities, careers, and communities, thanks to the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills developed during the program. The Rochambeau Advising Team offers ongoing support and mentorship, making alumni lifelong members of a supportive network.

 

Article brought by the Rochambeau University Advising Team