TASIS The American School in Switzerland recently hosted a significant University Admissions Panel, welcoming distinguished admissions experts from the University of Cambridge, University of Southern California, and ESADE Business and Law School. The event also featured Dr. Eleanor Parker, a Student Transitions and Inclusion Specialist from the University of Oxford. This gathering, held on September 3, was meticulously organized by the TASIS College Counseling team, renowned for its proactive efforts in connecting High School students with university representatives through both on-campus and off-campus initiatives. The day commenced with optional, personalized drop-in sessions during lunch, providing a unique opportunity for 12th-grade students to receive individualized feedback on their Personal Statements or application essays directly from the visiting experts. This initial interaction set a supportive and constructive tone, allowing students to address specific concerns and refine their crucial application materials with guidance from some of the most respected institutions in higher education.
The afternoon segment was dedicated to broader, informative sessions designed for both parents and students. A practical workshop for parents, held in Casa Fleming, delivered actionable advice on preparing their children for the significant transition to university life. This was immediately followed by an insightful question-and-answer session, allowing parents to delve deeper into the nuances of the admissions process. For the students, all 12th graders assembled in the Palmer Cultural Center for an introductory session led by TASIS Director of University and College Counseling, Johanna Fishbein. The panel of experts then engaged the audience, elucidating the primary differences between university systems in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other European countries, while offering general strategic advice for navigating the application journey. Post-classes, the representatives conducted two rounds of focused 45-minute workshops. Students could choose from topics including 'Transitioning to University,' 'Applying to Universities in Europe,' 'Super-curricular Activities & UCAS Personal Statements,' and 'USA Supplemental Essays.' The event culminated in an inspiring alumni panel featuring three recent graduates—Jane Wilson ’22, Moritz Mohr ’20, and Sky Rourke ’20—who shared their post-secondary experiences and answered questions from current students before a concluding pizza party on the Kay Hamblin Terrace. Ms. Fishbein expressed profound gratitude for the school-wide support and emphasized the invaluable nature of the expert advice, which perfectly complements the school's existing college support classes and individual counseling meetings, leaving the senior class feeling confident and prepared to embark on their university applications.
