University and College Counselling - ACS Cobham
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University and College Counselling

At ACS Cobham, we take great pride in developing effective, confident, and caring individuals who leave ACS as well-rounded global citizens ready to act, lead, and change the world.

Our University and College Counsellors work with each student individually to offer bespoke, student-centred, and expert provision to meet a student’s needs by giving value to their individual strengths. From Grade 10 (aged 15/16) onwards the students begin to explore opportunities, are advised on subject selection in group workshops, and from Grade 11 are guided through the university application process by their nominated Counsellor in one-to-one sessions.

Maximising student opportunities

The Counsellors maximise student opportunities by providing comprehensive, honest information that enables students and families to make informed decisions and find the ‘best fit’ university or pathway. The counsellors define ‘fit’ as meeting the academic, emotional, geographical, and financial needs of the student.

We have a wealth of experience working with a wide range of universities and colleges around the world, navigating challenging admission requirements and advocating for students. Each year, students attend world-class colleges and universities across the globe, with the majority choosing higher education institutions in the UK and the US, as well as an increasing number opting for European destinations.

Counsellors support students in the following ways:

  • Career research

  • University and course exploration

  • Personal statement and college essay preparation

  • Application process support and reference/recommendation letter writing

  • Queries on funding and scholarships

  • One-to-one sessions with students (and parents)

  • Organising University and College visits and fairs

  • Support with arranging admissions test preparation

  • Skills workshops including mock interviews, portfolio preparation etc.

The key benefits of our university and college counselling provision:

Each year, our students apply to a whole range of countries: UK, US, Canada, Netherlands, South Korea, Italy, Spain, and more. This keeps our knowledge and expertise in global study destinations up to date, and we are connected to a network of admissions officers across the world.

View University Destination Map

A highly-experienced team

We have a broad understanding of different qualifications and educational experiences. Most of our students choose either the IB or AP courses across grades 9-12 (years 10-13), although we cater to those who join ACS at different entry points with various qualifications, subject options, and understandings of university requirements. Occasionally, we allow students to take a mix of IB and AP courses.

We have extensive experience navigating challenging admission requirements for different degree courses worldwide. We advise students carefully on subject selection to ensure their academic goals align with their future aspirations, and that they choose subjects they will enjoy and succeed in.

All our staff have experience living or studying in countries around the world, and we draw upon those experiences when working with students. We deeply empathise with students who may have moved from, or are moving to, their third, fourth, or even fifth country, and understand how to support these transitions.

Hear from one of our Counsellors

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Did you know?

  • Our class of 2024 received offers from almost 100 different universities all over the world

  • Our University & College Counsellors have lived in 16 different countries combined

  • Our students choose to pursue a range of pathways after school, including university, apprenticeships, service academies, professional sports, and performing arts

  • We advocate for our students with university admission officers by attending global conferences such as the CIS Global Forum and the International Association of College Admission Counsellors Conference

University & College Counselling FAQs

Which universities do ACS students go to?

How early does university counselling begin?

Do you help with UCAS/Common App applications?

Do you support applications outside the UK/US?

Is the counselling personalised to each student’s interests and goals?

How do you support students who are unsure about their next steps?

What about guidance for apprenticeships or non-traditional routes?

Can students apply to multiple countries at the same time?

Are references and transcripts provided by the school?

Do you support students interested in gap years or internships?

How are parents kept informed about the university planning process?

Can parents book meetings with the college counsellors?