The International Family Guide to US University Admissions
The International Family Guide to US University Admissions
Written by an experienced international educator and counselor, The International Family Guide to US University Admissions is an indispensable resource for international families and students applying for admission to US universities.
“This is the first and only guide dedicated to the international applicant and family,” says Jennifer Ann Aquino. “I was inspired by the countless times I was asked, ‘How do I start the process and what do I need to do?’. I wrote this book based on exactly what I cover with my own students, all international, all different, all unique and all finding success at university.”
With the help of this book, you'll discover how to make sense of the US admissions system – from start to finish:
• Every action step (Milestone) the student & family must take in the process is covered. Insider tips, comments and alerts accompany each. All Milestones incorporate worksheets and reasoning for why they need to be done, when, and how each will affect the application.
• Every chapter begins with a Case Study of an actual student of mine. Read feedback and advice from both students and parents on specific Milestones throughout the guide - giving you the most realistic picture of how the process works, how to manage it, and how to succeed.
• Learn what type of universities are best for you and how to determine what your fit truly is. With thousands of schools to pick from, it's important to first figure out who you are and what you want, your interests and passions.
• Learn what colleges want, what they care about, and what will make your application stronger (or weaker) by staying true to yourself and the fit between you and the university. A full Writing Handbook is included that covers how to write your own powerful, meaningful, and unique essays staying true-to-self and standing out to admissions.
Whether you're an international student living outside of the US or an ex-pat living abroad, you'll find answers to all of your questions – all in one place.
Praise for The International Family Guide to US University Admissions:
“The US University or ‘college’ application process is complex, with thousands of universities to choose from, each asking for different requirements – it is lengthy and often very stressful. As an international educator, administrator, and someone with extensive valuable international experience, Jennifer Aquino truly becomes our Northern Light and our guide during this wearing process… in my opinion the most important part of this book is the numerous Case Studies, real stories that we can learn from. Having graduated thousands of students and closely experienced the US University application process with them, I strongly recommend this book to every parent, student, college counselor and school. This is an invaluable gem that everyone should read and every library should get ahold of.”– Cenk Eyüboğlu, Vice-Chairman of the Board, Eyüboğlu Educational Institutions, İstanbul, Turkey; graduate of Harvard University Graduate School of Education, Tufts University and Bentley University
“Our three boys went through the American university application system and I still find it daunting. Is it because we are foreigners? What are SAT’s and ACT’s? How do they differ and how do I prepare my kids for them? Do all universities ask for these standardized tests? Why do some universities ask for extra essays? What is Liberal Arts? What does it mean to apply as ‘undeclared’? What documents do I have to provide the universities? Where do I get all the paperwork for the visas done? Deadlines? The university of what? Where is that? Will my child ‘fit in’ being a foreigner? And most of all, what will our kids gain by attending an American university that other academic institutions around the world can’t offer? Jennifer answered all these questions while implementing the only approach that works, following the timeline. She got to know my boys and empowered them to find the right fit and she does the same for all the users of this book – parents and students alike. It is a must-have for any parent and student going through this process.”– Brigitte Roulet, Parent, Switzerland
“Choosing the right university to attend is arguably one of life’s greatest decisions. Jennifer Aquino’s book is an insider’s guide, helping international students and their families find the right institution by navigating the complex and often overwhelming admissions process. As an internationally recognized expert in US university admissions, Jennifer shares critical information, insights, tips, tools and Case Studies that make the application process easier. As a former international student myself, who applied to and graduated from a university in the US, and given my role as Dean of International Education, I understand well the value this book provides to international students. It is an important resource and reference for anyone interested in attending a college or university in the US.”– Warren Jaferian, Dean, International Education, Endicott College
“Throughout my career, I have felt enormous empathy for applicants and their families who just had no idea how competitive college admission is in the US… Jennifer finally offers international families a guide that explains US college admissions and gives clear guidance through each step of the process. She identifies key Milestones and provides clever Worksheets and a Writing Handbook that will help the user to create a highly personalized and strong application for the student’s best-fit universities. The Case Studies and strategic Parent Advice and Student Advice make this book a must for any US-bound student!”– Ellen M. Sullivan, former Admissions Officer, Harvard College; Executive Director of International Advancement, Boston College
“I have been helping students with their university planning and applications for more than 20 years, as a high school counselor in international high schools and as an independent university advisor. During each of those 20+ years, I have looked for a comprehensive, intelligent, and ethical guide to help families understand this process and how to approach it, and that I could feel comfortable recommending. This book is all of that. I will use it myself, and will ask each of the families I work with to purchase one for our work together.”– Mark Gathercole, Education Advisor and Consultant, Independent University Advising; Certified Educational Professional (CEP)
About the Author:
Jennifer Ann Aquino is passionate about education. She started her career after university teaching AP Biology at a US boarding school (The Gunner School, Connecticut). She moved on to educational publishing as an editor for secondary and university-level foreign language and science textbooks before working in management roles as an administrator in universities in the US and Europe. Jennifer double-majored in Biology and Spanish Literature with a Pre-Medical concentration from Boston College (US) and earned a Masters of Arts degree in Spanish Literature from Middlebury College (US). She was accepted to and enrolled in Harvard University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Romance Languages and Literature. Jennifer worked as Director of Education Abroad (Bentley University, USA), Managing Director International MBA Programme (IE Business School, Spain), Director of International Advancement (Bentley University, USA) and Lead Recruiter, Undergraduate Admissions, Asia & India (Bentley University, USA).
Jennifer currently resides in Singapore and Geneva. She has her own private consultancy working directly with families and their children, helping to guide them to their best-fit educational goals. She has visited over 100 university campuses in a professional context and is Professional Member of IECA and Member of International ACAC.
To learn more, go to http://www.jenniferannaquino.com/