AISG College Counseling

AISG employs a full-time college counselor to facilitate the application process. The college counselor is there not only for the students, but also for the parents, offering a tailor-made, individualized college plan aimed at connecting students to pathways and college programs they are passionate about pursuing.

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Our College Counselor

AISG's current college counselor is Dr. Justin Walker, whose high-level profile and extensive expertise ensure AISG's outreach and reputation in the college circuit.

Places You Probably Are Not Thinking of…But Should Be: Hidden Gems of the Higher Education World

It’s another record year for applications in the US – and with it comes record low admit rates. So, when political strife, race relations, and COVID give you pause, what can you do? Luckily, more than ever before in recent history, there are increasing options elsewhere.

Ireland

The contrast of modern living and quaint countryside is baffling in such a small place. Ireland was rated the 10th most peaceful place in the world according to QS in 2018. It is the only English-speaking country in the EU and is centrally located between America and Asia. Ireland ranks 2nd in the world (behind Singapore) in Foreign Direct Investment. More than 500 companies are within a 10-minute walk of downtown Dublin campuses. There are more than 300 biopharma companies in Ireland, and 24 of the top 25 in the world call it home, including Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer. Tech companies also are in abundance.  Google, Facebook, AirBnb, Microsoft, Twitter, eBay and LinkedIn all have European or world headquarters in Dublin.  Internships, research, job experiences and connections are plentiful here, not to mention tuition costs are far less than the US. 

AISG secondary school senior lounge with banners of different colleges

Medical School

Medical school in the US and Canada is extremely unlikely for non-passport holders of these countries and the UK is very competitive. Many other countries have language requirements. Where else can students go? One option is St. George's University, a private medical school located in Grenada. This school sends huge amounts of doctors to the US (93% placement rate), is MCAT-exempt for international students, and gets you an MD in 5-7 years for about the price of a bachelors! Additionally, if you are interested in studying medicine, dentistry, veterinary, pharmacy, or physiotherapy in the UK, Europe, or the Caribbean, check out Medical Doorway. There are English programs, and some have tuition under $5,000 USD/year!

AISG College Counseling session with the college counselor and juniors

Netherlands

A safe country, many international students, and incredible culture await all those seeking student in the Netherlands. Dutch schools have a plethora of English-taught courses and multiple styles of school (i.e., Research Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences, and University Colleges); there is something for everyone. At a price half to a third as much as the UK, it may not be long before this destination overtakes its neighbor in popularity.

 

There are so many more hidden gems yet to be fully appreciated: community college, Liberal Arts colleges, Central European universities, Wales, and American universities abroad. So, when it feels like the list of possible schools feels small, challenge yourself to think of all the amazing options that await you wherever you may go!

 

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At AISG, this valuable counseling insight is one of the many reasons why AISG is The Premier International School in Guangzhou. To learn more about AISG College Counseling, click here. 

Our Next Article About College Counseling
"Public Displays of Admission": We'll explain the reasons why singling out college acceptances is not an AISG practice.