The Foreign Service Journal, June 2018

66 JUNE 2018 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT community, finding academic sup- port, building a healthy routine and contributing to the world around them they begin to lay the building blocks for a successful adulthood. In the college search, then, students should be look- ing for schools that offer them oppor- tunities to continue the activities that have helped balance their lives during high school, as well as new opportuni- ties that they might like to take up or engage in. Carl Gavin, an academic adviser at KIS International School in Bangkok, reminds applicants that they should also actively consider class size when considering what will help them do well in college. “All too often I have big fish in my small pond, but a kid who knows all the answers in his HL Physics class of 13 can all too easily get lost in a Science 101 lecture hall with 500 other students,” says Gavin. “And this can lead to all sorts of other problems.” The globally mobile student is accustomed to smaller, highly interac- tive classes. These students may not fully understand the learning differ- ences between a competitive academic program that attempts to “weed out” weaker students with online classes and dramatic bell-curves, and a cohort- based program focused on supporting students through difficult studies. Foreign Service students are also often in need of a stronger support Foreign Service students are also often in need of a stronger support system on entering university. The Magic Number W hy do we suggest students identify six to eight colleges? According to Barbara Conner’s “Five First-Choice Colleges Approach,” a limited list will reduce stress and improve outcomes (both in admissions decisions and collegiate success). Conner, director of college counseling at the Foxcroft School, contends that when students focus on schools where they will thrive in different aspects of their lives, they are setting themselves up for suc- cess in university and beyond. If, however, students are deciding between different academic systems (such as the U.K. and U.S. systems), there may be a need to apply to more institutions. Students should always discuss their application plan with their college counselor at high school to ensure they are aware of the various appli- cation requirements and deadlines. —HMM & LMS