Dear customer,

Welcome to the September edition of ICON+’s University Access Newsletter. You are receiving this e-newsletter because you inquired about our test prep and/or admissions consulting services.

Thinking through what makes you the ideal applicant for a particular college or university will not only help you market yourself better but also develop a better idea of what you want to do with your future. Read more on how to present yourself in the best light on your application below.

Admission departments have a lot to do, and you know it.

There are millions of paper piles to sift through. Electronic resumes need to be downloaded. Glossy portfolios need to be examined. And, when the transcripts and scores come flooding in, the phones have to be taken off the hook.

After all, real people are being assessed here.

And everyone in the admissions panel is up till wee hours in the morning, searching endlessly for the undergraduate creme de la creme. That is, a handful of 18 year olds who are bright eyed and brimming with promise - each with an unique, personal brand.

The last part is key, so read it twice: “each with a unique, personal brand.”

You may have it all -- the basketball MVP awards, P.E.T.A membership, and 3.87 GPA. But so do a lot of kids -- and chances are, they are applying to the same spots as you.

So the important thing is to be memorable and completely different. The department is used to the same types of applicants: the international kid, the jock, the science nerd. You need them to set you apart.

The best way to convey your originality is through your resume and personal statements.

Here are some basic guidelines to follow:


Read the guidelines.

SATs are coming up, and you need information. Lots of it. Also, a fool-proof study plan to maximize your score. And infinite amounts of Starbucks coffee.

This seems like a lot to handle -- especially in junction with school, sports, and violin practice.

But fear not! We are here to help.

So let’s go over the basics.

* The SAT and the Subject Tests are offered multiple times during the year, both in the United States and abroad. Usually, the exams are offered once a month, October-December, January, March, May and June. (Note: there is no international testing date in March.) The exams are proctored in a variety of locations, including official testing centers, schools, and public/government buildings. Students are required to register for the exams in advance, online. Of course, the sooner the better! So visit http://sat.collegeboard.com/register/sat-international-dates to sign up for the SATS near you. Remember to look up the date, location, and time specific to your location.

* Most students take the SATs multiple times. You probably will, too! Given this likelihood, you should plan your first attempt during 11th grade or JC 1, which is the equivalent in Singapore. Taking your exam in advance will allow you to review your mistakes, makes improvements, study harder, and retake the test as needed in the future. Your score is likely to improve over time with practice!


Read all the SAT planning tips here.

People get nervous when they talk. It’s normal.

Guys stammer on first-dates. Actors forget their lines on stage. Presidents fumble during speeches. And everyone bites their nails during meetings.

Naturally, the IELTS interview will be no different. Your palms will probably get sweaty when you walk into the testing room. You may forget to introduce yourself. When the examiner asks the first question, you will most likely use verbal crutches.

“Um... well....uh...actually, could you repeat that? Sorry.”

But don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world. You are not expected to speak smoothly and perfectly with crisp sentences and oxford-like diction. Because, well.. um. no one actually does.

Instead, the examiner just wants you to speak naturally. You know, like the way you talk to your parents or teachers. All they really want to see is your confidence in English. They want to know if you can express yourself, and put words to your ideas. Are you able to convey what you want? Can the examiner understand you? It’s really a piece of cake.

Of course, there are a few tips to bear in mind as your prepare for the IELTs interview. This advice will go a long way, and help you stay calm:


Read the advice here.