While BISP’s core programme, the IB Diploma, is very widely recognised all over the world, students may be required to take additional tests depending on the course and universities they are applying for.
BISP is a testing centre for SATs, which are required or advantageous when applying to universities in the US and some Asian countries.
Students requiring a visa for the UK are required to take IELTS-UKVI, which in Thailand has to be taken in Bangkok.
The counsellors are familiar with and provide students with personalised advice on what tests are recommended and when they should be taken. These include UCAT, BMAT and LNAT for those wishing to study medicine, veterinary science or law in the UK.
Face to face conversations with University representatives are invaluable in providing students with information to make a an informed choice for future studies. BISP facilitates this by hosting the Phuket Fair, the largest gathering of university admission representative in the region every November, and also by an on-going programme of visits to the school by representatives from Universities.
The calendar of visits is included in the main school calendar.
Year 9
Year 9 students meet with the university counsellors to discuss IGCSE decisions for Year 10. While all students take the core IGCSE courses, there are several elective options that students will want to consider. The IGCSE elective options allow students to get an early indication of the kinds of courses they like – or don’t like – and that can help them make better IB choices later.
Year 10
The student’s focus should be on developing strong study habits. A high school transcript includes the internal BISP grades earned from Year 10 to Year 13 .
Year 11
In October, the PSAT (also known as Practice or Preliminary SAT) is given to all BISP Year 11 students. Results are shared with students in December.
In the middle of the academic year, Year 11 students and parents are invited to meet with the university counsellor in order to discuss IB subject choices and the implications these may have on their plans after graduation.
Year 12
Year 12 is a very important year as students begin to consider their college and university options. A large number of university representatives come to BISP from countries all over the world. Students are encouraged to have conversations with them so they can compare and contrast the different options.
Individual meetings are held with students and their parents to talk about the tasks that will need to be completed over the next year based upon the countries being considered. A prospective university list will start to be developed.
Year 13
August to January of Year 13 is a busy time for BISP students applying to universities in Europe and North America. In addition to completing any final admission tests, students will be helped as they prepare their applications and any required essays. Students will have a fairly firm list of universities in which they are applying and once predicted IB results are available in late November, students will finalise their list and apply.
The BISP university counsellors are available to help students with any aspect of their university applications. As offers and decisions begin arriving, students will want to discuss their acceptances with their parents and university counsellor in order to select an institution that best suits their academic, personal, financial, professional, and family needs.
Continuing Support
Students who are taking a gap year or applying to Australia or another system with a different application cycle are encouraged to continue to seek assistance from the BISP university counsellors after graduation. Sometimes students find that their university choice does not meet their academic, personal or professional expectations. The university counsellors are happy to provide assistance to alumni wishing to transfer.
