Navigating the university application and admission process can be an overwhelming experience for both students and parents.
From researching potential schools to crafting compelling essays, meeting deadlines, and deciphering financial aid options, the sheer volume of tasks can lead to stress, confusion and missed opportunities.
In fact, a 2023 Harris Poll that surveyed students aged 16 to 22 in the United States concluded that the college application process had become a major source of stress and anxiety – with nearly three-quarters of respondents fearing that a single mistake on their application could jeopardise their chances of admission, and more than 60 per cent feeling pressured to apply to institutions that they weren’t even interested in.
Thankfully, in Bermuda it doesn’t have to be this way.
We met with Jon Beard, cofounder of the University & College Advisory Network, to learn more about a new service available for families seeking guidance and a more strategic approach to this daunting process.
“There is a difference between getting into university and getting into the right university,” said Mr Beard, a long-serving teacher at Saltus Grammar School.
“We ensure that students receive the best guidance for applications to top universities in the UK, Canada, and the US by tailoring our services depending on a student’s career aspirations and educational goals.”
WHAT INSPIRED UCAN?
“During my career at Saltus I had the opportunity to provide a lot of guidance counselling to college-bound students and I also made connections with people at universities in Canada, the US and the UK,” Mr Beard said.
“I have organised and led over 30 successful university orientation tours for Bermudian students, providing them with firsthand exposure to potential academic paths and a firsthand glimpse of college life.
“And, in the course of doing this, I came to realise that students and their families needed help figuring out where to apply to university and staying on top of the process in different international jurisdictions.”
AVOIDING COMMON MISTAKES
Given the extensive time required to thoroughly research multiple universities and degree programs, Mr Beard recommended that students begin exploring their options well before their final year of school in Bermuda.
“People have a tendency to wait until the last minute to look for assistance,” he said. “But this can be a mistake because the application and acceptance process vary greatly from one international jurisdiction to the next.
“In the UK, for example, universities do not decide which students they are going to accept until after final grades have been received, while in North America acceptance letters are sent out much earlier in the year.”
Although some universities allow students to change their course of study along the way, this is not always the case. Starting with a clear academic path in mind is the best way to ensure that a student completes all the prerequisite courses to pursue a degree in fields like law, accounting or medicine.
HOW CAN UCAN HELP?
Particularly if the student is the first child in a family to be going overseas to college or university, UCAN can provide vital assistance and guidance throughout the college application and scholarship process by helping students answer questions such as:
What area are they interested in studying?
What are the long-term employment prospects and earning potential in Bermuda for their chosen major?
Is there a particular place or institution where they would like to study?
Are they aware of what grades they will need to gain acceptance at their preferred choice of university?
What other course prerequisites exist for their intended major?
What sort of college environment and student life will they thrive in?
Would they prefer large lectures or smaller discussion-based classes?
Would they prefer to attend university in the middle of a large city or a smaller campus in a “college town”?
How will they find suitable accommodation and get to class if they don’t live in the college dorm?
Will they feel isolated or homesick if they live in a private dorm room?
Would they do better sharing accommodation at least for the first year?
Do they understand what a four year university degree will cost?
What scholarship or financial aid opportunities are available from the university and how do you apply for them?
Do they and their family have a viable plan regarding how they will pay for the cost of a university education?
ONGOING MENTORSHIP SERVICE
Pursuing a university education abroad is not always smooth sailing, particularly for students who have never been away from home before. UCAN offers personalised support, advice and assistance at every step of the journey, including during the university years to ensure that students excel in every aspect of their academic life.
HELP WITH COMMON CHALLENGES
UCAN can help with:
- Selecting courses
- Time management
- Social anxiety
- Building a support network
- Coping with academic pressure
- Isolation
- Balancing social and academic life
- Financial management
- Career planning
FLEXIBLE VIRTUAL SUPPORT
UCAN offers one-on-one virtual meetings to counsel students through their issues, guiding them to make informed decisions ensuring students feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Students can choose to receive assistance hourly, monthly, bi-monthly, or once a term, depending on their needs.
IN-PERSON MEETINGS
Students can meet face-to-face before leaving for university, to receive last-minute advice and address any concerns, or to discuss progress when they return for home break.
Choosing the right university is more than just filling out applications and meeting deadlines – it’s about finding a place where students can grow, thrive and build a foundation for their future.
With UCAN’s guidance, Bermudian students can approach this process with clarity and confidence knowing that they don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
For further information: email [email protected]
