The University Guy: Recent Episodes
David Hawkins
Discussion and interviews about everything to do with university admissions, offering an international perspective, from David Hawkins aka The University Guy.
Join David as he explores the 'HBCUs' with colleagues from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia,
Find out more about Spellman and the HBCUs at these links:
https://www.spelman.edu/
https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/one-hundred-and-five-historically-black-colleges-and-universities/
David discussed the concept of intellectual curiosity and its role in US college admissions with Matthew Jaskol and Brett Fuller from Pioneer Academics.
From the conversation, the following weblinks were referenced:
- Oberlin recently doubling the credit it awards to Pioneer Academics research scholars is explained on Oberlin’s website about the collaboration and the post about the doubling of credit here.
- The push to publish been broadly publicized as being a ploy for wealthy students to make them look good is explored in this co-published article in the Chronicle of Higher Ed and ProPublica.
David is joined by Brendan McGroarty from Elite Rugby Scholars to discuss opportunities to explore rugby at US universities.
In this episode, we explore the world of high-school research projects. Dhruva Bhat of Lumiere Education is our guest.
Many students seek to travel as part of their degree, and some universities allow students to move to a new location each year. Join Sarah Sen from ESCP as we explore their option that gives global mobility across Europe
Join Olivia Anderson from the Savannah College of Art and Design to discuss artistic education in the USA.
In this return to the podcast, we have a The University Guys team roundtable to explore the various references accompanying university applications and some ideas on how schools can approach them.
Join David with Ryan Sparks of Sparks Rowing to discuss everything you would ever need to know about rowing at college in the USA.
Join Joanne Tallentire, a higher education professional with over 25 years' experience in senior roles covering all aspects of the student journey from admission to graduation, to explore how UCAS Firm & Insurance work
Many students want to go to the USA to study for a degree in business, but might not be fully aware of what this actually means. In this episode, Idie Kesner, Dean of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University - one of the highest-ranked business schools in the world - shares her deep experience of undergraduate business education and the benefits of choosing one of the few direct-entry business schools available to prospective US undergraduates.
Join Alex Smith, Assistant Director of International Admissions at Michigan State University, as we explore this type of US university and the benefits available to students.
So many students wish to study in London, but what's the experience really like. Join us as we discuss the student experience with Jo Philips, Director, Recruitment & Admissions at Regent's University London and Dr Jonathan Wilson, Professor of Brand Strategy & Culture
Join David as he discussed the various different 'pathway' options to UK universities, with Simon Fitch. Simon is the Centre Director of the University of East London International Study Centre.
Join us as we explore the ways in which IB Diploma Courses can be used for entry to UK universities and hear from Amy Durrant, College & Careers Counsellor at the International School of Brussels, Alizee Cordes from York St John University, and Peter Fidczuk from the IB.
Today's guest is Mike Nicholson, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Outreach at the University of Bath. We reflect back on his career in higher education and the changes he has seen across the sector in that time.
Jack Shull, a highly-experienced international school college counselor reflects on the past, present and future of the profession.
Join David as he discussed healthcare options at US universities for international students, with Megan Mankerian-Stem of Creighton University
As we hit application season, hear Parke Muth, formerly Director of International Admission at the University of Virginia, give an insight into the inner workings of a US university admissions office.
Caitlin Fairfield Hasson of Boston College joins this episode, to explore the world of Catholic colleges in the United States.
In this episode, Rhian John of Norwich University of the Arts joins the podcast, to explore the world of UK art schools.
Creative Skillset, mentioned in the podcast, has now changed its name to Screen Skills with a website at https://www.screenskills.com/. Also check out the NUA Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/norwichuniarts/?hl=en
Kieron Broadhead from the University of Southampton joins me to discuss what a UK university experience will be like in the 2020-21 academic year.
Mark Stacey of the International School of Brussels shares his expertise as an IB and A Level examiner, exploring how both exam systems have been graded this year and passing on advice to college counselors and admissions officers.
Across the USA, there are huge varieties in the educational experience available to students. Some universities, such as Bennington College, offer a hugely personalised curriculum, which students can tailor to themselves. Francesca Edwards from Bennington explains more.
Stephen Helliwell of Student Safety UK joins David to discuss how best to prepare students to be safe while attending university in the UK, and also the particular challenges that faced him and his team in helping students in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Jason Smith of UES Education returns to the podcast to examine the international perspective for the changed situation with US standardized testing.
In addition to his comments in the interview, Jason adds later that, "The ACT will not be introducing at-home testing for international students until 2021. They will be concentrating on rolling this out for US students in fall or early spring. There is no guidance as yet on the likelihood of the at-home SAT being available for international students this year."
Akil Bello of Fair Test and I discuss what's going on with US standardized testing in the US context, as well as the history of test-optional admissions.
In this episode, we explore a niche of US Higher Education which may not be immediately apparent to an international audience: the Christian university sector. Kristi Griem, of KC360, outlines the options available to students and how to find out more.
One of these ways could be the upcoming KC360 virtual fair:
Students and families are cordially invited to participate on May 19-20, 2020 in the KC360 Virtual College Fair. Students register for the Fair here. Registration and attendance to the Fair are free. Christian based universities will engage with students and families in 15 minute increments, so it will be a fast, fun event, slated to cover as many time zones as possible.
The Virtual College Fair will be hosted via Facebook Live on the KC360 Facebook page and through Zoom (link will be to students who register) featuring over 20 Christian based universities and colleges looking to connect with your students at the following times:
May 19: 8:00am CST - 10am CST USA
May 19 6:00pm CST - 8:00pm CST USA
May 20: 8:00am - 10:00am CST USA
May 20 6:00pm CST - 8:00pm CST USA
To mark episode 50, the tables are turned, as a new co-host decides to shake things up.
Anna Boyd, of Frankfurt International School, joins me to discuss the process of applying to universities in Germany.
For more information and resources provided by Anna, please click here
Ankur Vohra, of O.P. Jindal Global University in New Delhi, India, joins me to discuss the new wave of Indian universities that have disrupted the traditional forms of university study in that country, and which now offer a great opportunity for students.
To find out more about JGU, this YouTube video gives an overview.
Other universities mentioned in the episode include:
Ashoka University
Bennett University
Flame University
KREA University
Deirbhle O'Reilly of Trinity College Dublin joins me to discuss all the opportunities available to students who choose to study at a university in the Republic of Ireland.
To contact Deirbhle, email Deirbhle.OReilly@tcd.ie
Useful links are:
- www.cao.ie – for info on the CAO system
- www.tcd.ie/study - for info on UG and PG courses, applications etc.
- www.careersportal.ie – for information on all of the Irish institutions.
This episode explores the country of Belgium, with some wonderful opportunities available there to study in English. My guest is Vince Cornwell, from Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences & Arts, an institution where for a very low tuition fee, students receive three international study experiences.
Cuca Acosta from the University of California, Santa Barbara joins me to explore the wonderful system of the University of California.
https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/
https://www.ucsb.edu/
Anna Wright, Director of College Counseling at the Benjamin School in Florida, shares her insight on what a full-time college counselor does, and what UK and UK-pattern schools could learn from a very different model of provision for advising students on their university choices.
Juan-Camilo Tamayo of JCT4Education and I discuss the issues - both practical and emotional - facing students and counselors in the light of the current Coronavirus pandemic.
Connect with and follow JCT4Education on social media:
Twitter: @jct4education
Facebook: JCT4Education
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jct4education/
Jackie Vogl, Associate Vice President for Global Education at SUNY Plattsburgh and I look back over her career in international higher education, discuss the changes that have occurred over that time, and with the benefit of her wisdom look at the current deeply challenging situations that the world is now facing.
On Friday 20th March 2020, I moderated a Q&A session on the changed university admissions processes in the UK, and for students from the UK holding international offers.
Experts Alan Bullock (Alan Bullock Careers), Melanie Moorehouse (St Clare's Oxford), Mike Nicholson (University of Bath) and Anne Richardson (The American School in London) answered questions submitted from those attending the live webinar.
Show notes: NACAC link referred to by Anne: https://www.nacacnet.org/college-admission-status-coronavirus
'La Dolce Vita' - why not think about the opportunity to study in Italy, taught in English?
Parker Siddall of Bocconi University and I discuss the different options available to students in Italy, and why they should give serious thought to this country as their higher education destination of choice.
Students considering the USA will often say 'East or West coast' only, not fully understanding how they might be missing out on some amazing opportunities based on an outdated stereotype. To address this, Tim Neil of Sewanee, the University of the South, and I discuss the 'Twenty-First Century South' and why students should not overlook this fantastic region when looking at universities.
How does a STEM education in the USA differ from that in other countries? It's a question that students don't ask enough, given how different STEM - and particularly Engineering - works at US universities. In this podcast, Marivi Walker from Florida Tech and I explore this issue.
Chris Ramsey, the Headmaster of Whitgift School in London, has been at the forefront of recent debates about the transition to UK Higher Education from schools over recent years, having served as a member and then chair of the Universities Committee of the Headmasters' and Headmistress' Conference and the Girls' Schools Association.
In my final episode of this mini-series on Canada, I discuss the trends, changes and predictions in Canadian Higher Education with Dan Seneker, Director of Student Recruitment and Retention at Bishop's University in Canada.
Craig Brown, Director of University Guidance at Shawnigan Lake School in Canada, gives me his top tips for any students thinking about applying to universities in Canada.
There's lots of information around about sports at US universities, but what is the situation in Canada? In this episode, I discuss opportunities for talented athletes with Leanne Stillman, Assistant Registrar, International Recruitment and Admissions at the University of Guelph, and her colleague Meaghan Howett. For more information visit https://www.uoguelph.ca/ and https://gryphons.ca/
Holly Cram, a former US sports scholar, Great Britain hockey star and founder of AspireUSA and I discuss the realities of life as a sports scholar at university in the USA.
Rob Thomas of Sporting Elite USA and I discuss the key features of US sports scholarships, looking beyond the myths and misunderstandings about this complicated part of international university applications.
UCAS has a wealth of specialist institutions available to students, and Pearson College London is one of my favourites. In this episode, I discuss their unique offerings as well as the wider world of degree apprenticeships with Caroline Cox, their Head of Student Recruitment.
In September 2019, the US National Association for College Admission Counseling, under pressure from the Department of Justice, was forced to change three key rules that govern how US admissions works. In this episode, I discuss the possible impact of these changes with Steve Thomas of Rhodes College.
In this longer episode, I explore the IB Diploma and the context of UK schools and UK universities. Speaking with Pippa Gibbs from Oakham School, Joanna Shearer from ACS Cobham, Mark Stacey from the International School of Brussels and Peter Fidczuk from the International Baccalaureate Organisation, I discuss a wide range of issues involving the IB Diploma.
In this episode I interview Dr Andy Kemp, Head of Senior School at Wells Cathedral School in England. Our focus is the new suite of GCSEs, giving information that should prove useful to admissions officers assessing these qualifications.
Though the vast majority of students will apply to UK universities using UCAS, from time too time other routes seem possible. In this episode I explore the topic with Paul Teulon of King's College London, James Seymour of the University of Buckingham, and James Durant from UCAS.
It was a great privilege to interview Nancy Beane, former NACAC President and a college counselor in Georgia, about her work, our profession, and her career in the field.
An overview of how the changes to IB Maths may impact entry to UK universities, with discussion from Melanie Moorhouse of St Clare's School in Oxford, Charlie Pybus of the University of Bristol and Peter Fidczuk of the IB Organisation.
I took time out of our busy schedules to catch up with Alex Kelly, founder of Unifrog, a university and careers advice platform which has revolutionised school provision in the UK and increasingly internationally. I hear the roots of Alex's journey into this field, and how a green trout almost came to be part of a guidance counselor's vocabulary.
https://www.unifrog.org/about
In this episode, I try to provide a summary of what exactly makes the scandal in US college admissions so bad, aimed at explaining things to those not intimately familiar with how US college admissions works. I also offer some thoughts on how schools in UK and Europe might protect themselves and their students in the future.
Reon and I discuss the Colleges that Change Lives, an amazing group of US colleges, as well as her own college, the College of Wooster.
For students at schools in the UK, there are particular challenges when it comes to preparing for the ACT or SAT. In this episode, I discuss the process with Jason Smith of UES Education, one of the UK's top test preparation organisations.
In this episode, Jeremy Craig of Test Takers Singapore and I discuss how international students might go about preparing for US standardized testing
If you want to work in health but don't want to be a doctor, what else can you do? In this episode, I discuss the Allied Heath Professions with Katy Robinson of King's College London. We reference the Bench to Bedside resource, found here: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/bench-to-bedside/index.aspx
In the second of the miniseries on UK Health Sciences, I interview doctor Bobby Barthakur, a UK GP, on his experience of a medical career in the UK's National Health Service.
In this episode I chat with Dr Christopher Nordstrom of The Medic Portal (https://www.themedicportal.com/) on how to make a successful application to UK medical schools.
In this episode, we look at the transition from UK teacher to international school college counsellor, with Claire Gilbert of St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, Thailand and Francis McIvor of the International School of Florence, Italy
In this episode I return to the topic of Dutch Higher Education, discussing the past, present and future of Dutch international higher education admissions, with Anne Kuijs from the University of Tilburg
A snapshot of impressions of the Council of International Schools Forum on Higher Education, held in Vienna in November 2018. For more information about this event, visit https://www.cois.org/page.cfm?p=2132
What happens between an application being sent from a school to UCAS, and a decision being returned to a student? In this episode I delve inside the black box of UK university admissions with Paul Teulon, Director of Admissions & Registry Services at King's College, London.
In April 2018, an unprecedented situation hit over 60 students from Nepal who held scholarships to study in the United States. In this episode, I explore what happened next. To read more, please follow this link http://tiny.cc/nepalarticle and to donate go to http://www.everestedfund.org/
Alan Bullock is one of the UK's most highly regarded careers advisors, in great demand from schools across the country and internationally for his talks and advising sessions. In this episode we discuss trends Alan has seen across his career and the need for high-quality advising.
In this episode I chat to Jen Dewer, Head of Strategic Engagement for the Duolingo English Test, and formerly a university admissions officer. Our conversation returns regularly to theme of access, not only to testing but to quality guidance.
Five UK university recruitment officers discuss 'hidden gem' degree pathways at their universities, covering St Andrew's, East Anglia, Sussex, London South Bank and Essex.
As the first sitting of the ACT Computer Based Testing occurs, I speak with Anne Richardson, Director of Academic Advising and College Counseling at the American School in London, Chair of the International Initiatives Committee at NACAC, and Chair of the International ACAC Ad Hoc Committee on Testing.
In the light of issues have occurred today and earlier this week - meaning that students were unable to test or had to deal with disruptions to their testing plan - Anne gives guidance to students, counselors and college admissions officers on next steps, which can be shared with colleagues and families.
To contact Anne to report issues, email Anne via anne_richardson@asl.org
In this discussion with Jenny Howenstine, Director of International Recruitment at St Olaf College in Minnesota, we discuss the benefits of a liberal arts education, why students should consider studying at a small college, the concept of Colleges that Change Lives, and the past and future trends in international higher education recruitment.
A chance to chat all things International University Admissions with John Wilkerson, of Indiana University Bloomington, including past and current trends in international admissions, a top tip for international travel, and the role of empathy in college advising.
Ahead of the 2018 International Association for College Admission Counseling annual conference, Holly Smith (University of Sussex), Craig Brown (Shawnigan Lake School), Juan Camilo Tamayo (JCT4Education) and Tim Neil (Sewanee, the University of the South) discuss their top tips for making the most of all the event has to offer.
A global view on unconditional offers in the UK, featuring Richard Judd from Taunton School, Bobbe Fernando from New York University, and Elisabeth Marksteiner of EKMEC
For more, check out www.theuniversityguy.com, @UniGuyDavid or email david@hawkinsglobaleducation.co.uk
What is a BTEC? How do universities in the UK and internationally use them for admissions? David interviews four key influencers to explore this issue.