Trips, Visits and Events
Discovering King’s College, Cambridge
By Barbara Trudeau
Organized by Paddy Salmon, the UK university evening was held on Thursday, October 5. The speakers were Dr. Geoff Moggridge, a chemical engineer, and Professor Iain Fenlon, a musicologist from King’s College, Cambridge University.
- Dr Geoff Moggridge and Pr Iain Fenlon
As the presentations began Paddy reminded the numerous participants in the audience that approximately one third of SIS graduates go on to UK universities and colleges every year, making information sessions such as this one an important part of the educational vision the SIS offers its students.
Jeff and Ian began with a slide presentation of images of the King’s College campus and facilities. They went on to describe the usual course load, which includes approximately 50% general courses at the University and 50% specific courses in the student’s area of specialization at the College.
31 colleges within Cambridge University
They reminded the audience that there are 31 colleges within Cambridge University, ranging from the smallest, at 200 students, to Trinity College, with 1500 students. The two presenters went on to emphasize the importance given to small, intimate learning groups at the college level, which are sometimes limited to a teaching fellow and just a handful of students.
The audience viewed slides of university accommodations, accompanied by information about proximity to London and other UK cities; facts regarding sports, music, and theatre options; and social life in general.
| To read also: - Cambridge a fabulous place for passionate students written by two Terminale students |
A 3000£ per year fee
- King’s College Cambridge University
The speakers went on to address the issue of costs (approximately 3000 British pounds per year for school fees) and then proceeded to inform the audience about the type of student profile which would most likely be compatible with King’s College admission standards.
They emphasized the need for
- a demonstrably open mind;
- an expressed passion for one’s subject;
- a strong academic background;
- a willingness to share ideas;
- commitment, enthusiasm, and curiosity.
They then delineated an admissions time-line which included:
- the completion of the UCAS application form;
- a compulsory personal interview;
- a provisional acceptance by January of the year in which the student hopes to be admitted.
The concluding portion of the speakers’ presentation revolved around length of undergraduate studies (3 to 4 years); the possibility of changing fields of study; declaration of a “major;” and the number of available spaces for European and non-European undergraduates.
Jeff and Ian then opened up the discussion to address questions posed by parents and students in the audience.
Myriad topics such as the expected results on the OIB exam (a minimum 15), and the International Baccalaureate (IB) were examined. It was stated that King’s College makes 1.14 offers for every place it has, and that there are specific exams (“STEPS” for mathematics) for some academic disciplines.
UK interviewers interested in hearing about the candidate’s specific interest
One important distinction was made between UK admissions standards and those delineated by US recruiters: UK interviewers will be interested in hearing about the candidate’s specific interest in pursuing studies in his/her area of specialization, and will look for an appropriate match in that area. This contrasts with the stated guidelines of US recruiters, who will be looking for “well-roundedness” in candidates, with less importance given to commitment to a specific discipline in the early undergraduate years.
The evening session, which was both informative and convivial, ended with informal conversations with the speakers and a “photo opportunity.”
College counselors Paddy Salmon and Brian Brazeau continue to remind students and their families that they are available for guidance in locating web sites and other sources of information as part of their continuing efforts to help SIS students take full advantage of the higher educational opportunities for which they are being prepared.
Dernière modification le 25-10-06 par
