NURTURING GLOBAL CITIZENS
The path to university should not only be about academic achievement but also about finding the right environment where students can thrive.
Supporting our students to build a future that’s right for them
At ACS Hillingdon, we believe that the path to university should not only be about academic achievement but also about finding the right environment where students can thrive — both intellectually and personally. Our goal is to help students become confident, caring, effective people who are ready to act, lead, and change the world. Central to this mission is the process of identifying "best-fit" universities and other post-graduation learning opportunities. We are proud of how our University and College Counselling team works to support each student through this pivotal stage in their academic journey.
A Bespoke Approach to University Counselling
We understand that every young person has unique strengths, interests, and aspirations. That’s why we offer a personalised, student-centred approach to university preparation, starting with career education and academic pathway guidance throughout their ACS education. By grade 10 (ages 15-16), they are making important choices about course selection. Through one-on-one sessions, our dedicated team of University and College Counsellors guides students to explore their academic and career interests, ensuring they are making informed decisions about their future. Informed by data and powered by their dreams, students investigate a wide range of UK, US, and international destinations for further study.
From the very beginning, we focus on helping students align their academic goals with their long-term ambitions. This begins with advising on subject selection—an essential part of the process, given the variety of qualification pathways available at ACS Hillingdon. Most students pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP), or Advanced Placement (AP) courses in grades 11 and 12 (Years 12-13), but we also support students who may enter ACS at different points in their academic career or who have a mix of both IB and AP subjects. ACS also awards the US High School diploma.
Through group workshops and individual consultations, we guide students to understand how the subjects they choose can impact their university applications and future careers. Whether a student is interested in studying medicine, engineering, business, the arts, or humanities, we guide them in selecting subjects that will not only fulfil university entry requirements but also ensure they enjoy their learning and can succeed in their chosen fields at the best level of challenge for them.
Maximising Opportunities and Finding the Right Fit
We define the “best fit” university as one that meets a student’s academic, emotional, geographical, and financial needs. Finding a university that aligns with all these factors is crucial to ensuring a fulfilling and successful university experience. Our Counsellors work closely with each student to help them explore all of their options, considering a broad range of universities across the UK, US, Canada, Europe, and beyond.
Each year, ACS Hillingdon students apply to an impressive array of global destinations, including universities in the UK, US, Netherlands, Canada, France, Japan, Italy, Spain, and more. They are admitted to study at selective universities, including UK Russell Group and US Ivy League schools. Our students also go on to study in a wide range of specialist courses and best-in-class academic programmes– many in unique destinations and with a distinct international flair. This diverse range of applications reflects the individual interests of our students and the global nature of their aspirations.
Our Counsellors are highly experienced in navigating the often-complex admissions requirements of universities around the world and use their expertise to advocate for each student. We also maintain strong connections with a wide network of admissions officers, giving our students an added advantage when applying to competitive institutions. We’ve invited local and global universities to explain application processes in different countries, hosted international university fairs, organised external speakers through the Scholars Programme, and shared additional external opportunities on our Weekly Universities and Careers Corner.
In addition to academic advice, our Counsellors work closely with students to prepare the individual components of the applicciation process, such as personal statements, interviews, and extracurricular activities. These components are critical for distinguishing a student’s application, and our team helps students develop a compelling applicant profile. present themselves as well-rounded individuals, ready that illustrates their readingess to contribute to the university community and beyond.
Understanding and Support During Transitions
We recognise that many of our students come from international backgrounds and may be transitioning between countries and education systems. Some may be in their third, fourth, or even fifth country of residence, which can bring unique challenges. At ACS Hillingdon, our staff have lived or studied around the world, so we deeply empathise with students who may face not only the stress of applying to universities but also the personal challenges of adapting to a new culture or grammar of schooling. We are experts in meeting the needs of ‘third culture kids’ who were raised in a culture other than their parents' or the culture of their country of nationality, and also live in a different environment during a significant part of their developmental years.
Our Counsellors are particularly attuned to the complexities that international students face, including the challenges of adjusting to life in a new country, overcoming language barriers, and managing different educational expectations. This cultural sensitivity and understanding help create a supportive environment where students can feel confident in their decisions and fully supported throughout the university application process.
A Collaborative and Informed Approach
Our work doesn’t stop with individual counselling sessions. At ACS, students take the lead, and we work with them to keep parents and guardians well-informed and involved at every stage of the process. Regular communication ensures that families understand pathways available to their children. Our counsellors also work closely with teachers to ensure that students are well-prepared academically and emotionally as they navigate their university applications.
We continually update our knowledge of the latest trends in global higher education, keeping up with changes in university admissions processes, scholarship opportunities, and emerging fields of study. Our counsellors are affiliated with organisations and belong to networks that connect them with institutions of higher learning around the world. This ongoing professional development allows us to provide the most current and relevant advice to our students.
In conclusion, at ACS Hillingdon, we take immense pride in helping our students find the university or other next steps in learning that fit them perfectly, both academically and personally. Our University and College Counselling team’s expertise, combined with our deep empathy and understanding of the challenges our international students face, allows us to support each student in making informed, thoughtful decisions about their future.
As responsible members of local and global communities, our students are equipped to enter the world with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a difference—whether they choose to study in the UK, the US, or any other corner of the world. At ACS Hillingdon, we are committed to supporting our students every step of the way, ensuring that they leave us not only ready for university but also for the world beyond.
