This summer, the university guidance counseling team at SUIS Gubei embarked on a dynamic university outreach initiative to strengthen their connections with world higher education institutions and enhance their counseling practices. The core of this effort involved participation in the International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC) annual global conference, held at Western University in Canada in July, and a series of invitational university tours across North America. This concerted effort underscores SUIS Gubei’s commitment to providing students with the best-fit higher education opportunities.
IACAC Conference Experience
The IACAC conference was a significant college admission event for the SUIS Gubei counseling team. Ms. Sheng, Ms. Zhu, Ms. Zhang, and Ms. He attended this annual university admission extravaganza, where they had the opportunity to reconnect with hundreds of admission counselors from universities around the world. The conference was a vibrant platform for exploring the latest trends in college admissions, which have undergone considerable changes in recent years. Through various sessions and workshops, the team delved deeply into the nuances of the last admissions cycle, gaining insights into evolving practices and emerging trends.
▲ Ms He, Ms Sheng, Ms Zhang and Ms Zhu set up table display to introduce SUIS Gubei in the IACAC high school fair
The counselors engaged in meaningful discussions with their peers, exchanging best practices and strategies. They also participated in sessions designed to debunk common myths and misconceptions about the admissions process, gaining clarity on issues that often perplex students and their families. This exposure to a broad spectrum of perspectives and methodologies equipped SUIS Gubei’s ugc team with valuable knowledge to guide their students more effectively and successfully.
▲ Ms He and the admission officer Brooke O’Donnell from Pepperdine University
▲ Ms Zhang and Anne Corriveau, Director of International Admissions, Boston University
▲ Ms Sheng and Karen Bartlett, Associate Director for International Admissions, Middlebury College
University Tours: Building Stronger Connections
Following the conference, four members of the SUIS Gubei ugc team set off on individual university tours, furthering their mission to foster robust relationships with a diverse array of universities. These visits allowed them to get firsthand experience of campus environments, speak directly with admissions staff, and better understand what makes each institution unique.
Ms. Zhang’s tour took her to several notable institutions, including the University of British Columbia in Canada, and several esteemed colleges in the U.S., such as Smith College, Wesleyan University, University of Connecticut, College of the Holy Cross, and Northeastern University. Her visits provided critical insights into the academic programs, campus cultures, and student life at these universities.
▲ Ms Zhang and her tour mates in University British Columbia counselor fly-in
▲ Ms Zhang visiting Northeastern University
▲ Ms Zhang at the New England Navigator Tour reception
Ms. Zhu focused her travels on liberal arts colleges and larger universities across Ohio, visiting Oberlin College, Wooster College, Denison College, Kenyon College, Ohio Wesleyan University, and Ohio State University. These visits helped her appreciate the variety of educational environments and resources available to students, reinforcing her ability to match students with institutions that align with their academic and personal interests.
▲ Ms Zhu visited Case Western Reserve University
▲ Ms Zhu, together with other counselors to Denison College
Meanwhile, Ms. Sheng and Ms. He explored a mix of prestigious institutions in the Boston area and beyond. Their itinerary included Babson College, Bentley University, Boston College, Boston University, Brandeis University, Emerson College, Northeastern University, Suffolk University, Tufts University, and Wellesley College. These visits were instrumental in building a strong rapport with these universities, enhancing SUIS Gubei’s ability to advocate for its students and align them with institutions that best fit their aspirations.
▲ Ms Sheng, Ms He and Jenna Hill, Assitant Director of Admission, Wellesley College
▲ Ms Sheng, Ms He and Erik Osborne, Senior Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission, Bentley University
▲ Ms Sheng and Pan Luo, Associate Director, International Admissions, Brandeis University
SUIS Gubei’s summer outreach, marked by participation in the IACAC conference and extensive university tours, highlights the school’s dedication to providing exceptional guidance and support to its students. By engaging with admission counselors worldwide and visiting numerous institutions, the team has not only expanded their understanding of global higher education but also reinforced their commitment to helping students find the best-fit colleges and universities. This proactive approach ensures that SUIS Gubei students are well-positioned to succeed in their higher education journeys, supported by a counseling team that is knowledgeable, connected, and deeply invested in their futures.