Plan Ahead and Act Early. Applications that are received before the deadline can give you an advantage.
Select carefully. There is no need to apply to more than 6-8 schools. Applying to more than that creates extra stress for you when acceptances arrive in April as well as the time taken to complete massive numbers of applications. Students who apply to 10-15 or more schools can be depriving other students from being admitted. Select a range!
Get a Safety School. Make sure that you apply to at least one school where you and your counselor are sure you will be accepted. You MUST Have a Back-Up School!
Focus on the Present and Future. Don't worry about your school record from previous years. There is nothing that you can do to change your past record. What you CAN do is to work as hard as possible now and improve (or maintain) your school record. The first semester grades from 12th grade are very important as are the courses that you are taking. A "soft" senior schedule or mediocre performance can be disastrous.
Find a Match. It is important that chose a college that matches up with who you are and not because your friends are applying there or because you have simply heard the name before. Before applying to college, make sure you know as much as you can about you – this will help to guarantee your happiness at college.
Meet Deadlines. Missing a deadline is not good. It reflects poorly upon you and it is possible that your application will not be accepted. Most colleges now have online apps or downloadable ones. If you are getting an application by snail mail, keep in mind that it takes at least 4-6 weeks between the time you request an application and it's arrival. Applications that arrive the day of the deadline via DHL do not make the best impression. Mail your materials EARLY and in plenty of time to arrive given a more positive evaluation than "those received at the last minute".
Request your Transcript and Recommendations be sent. Every application must have a complete and official high school transcript. You must make a formal request to the ISM Guidance Secretary to send this to each college. You will out a form for this. Be sure to give your teachers and counselor plenty of time to write your recommendations. Give them the appropriate form as you have them. Do not provide more recommendations that are required.
Register for Tests in time. You are responsible for registering for these tests. Registration deadlines are absolute. Ensure the testing agency has your registration be the deadline.

- College Planning Schedule | Page 3 of 13 |
- Self Analysis

University Parkway, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634, Philippines

Tel: (632) 840.8400 E-mail: superintendent@ismanila.org

Admissions Office: Tel: (632) 840.8488 Fax: (632) 840.8489 E-mail: admission@ismanila.org

Please send your comments, questions and suggestions to the
Communications & Marketing Office E-mail: comms@ismanila.org

International School Manila