How will I get in?

By: Marianne Abbott

The answer to this and all your college related doubts.

Getting into a good college in the US seems impossible, but is it? Most students do not believe they have the grades, SAT scores or money to get into a good college in the US. However, students should not be discouraged, because as Mr. Will, a college counselor, explained to me our chances are not half bad.

Only a minority of the students who graduate from Colegio Interamericano actually study abroad. Students are sometimes afraid of being rejected by a college in the US, or anywhere for that matter. A lot of students think, “I can’t do it…” but they can. “Students should shoot for the stars and apply to a college they do not think they will get into, chances are they will”, says Mr. Will when asked about these students with negative attitudes.

College preparations should begin since 9^th grade. Although that seems a bit extreme, that is where colleges start looking for good grades. Ideally all SAT and TOEFL testing should be done by tenth grade. All of the math in SATs is 9^th and 10^th grade math which makes getting a head start much easier. If you are a junior or a senior do not worry, SATs and TOEFLs can be taken on many occasions throughout the year, but preparation is vital.

SATs and good grades are not the only aspects colleges look into when accepting or declining a student’s application. Extracurricular activities and your essay are extremely influential in the admission process. Being a part of the student council, a community service club, a sports team or even being part of a band could influence the college’s decision. More important than actually being involved in one of these activities is to truly be a leader in anything you do.

 “Your application should make a university want you to be their student”, says Mr.Will. With enough preparation and hard work any student from Colegio Interamericano could make the university of his or her choice want them and maybe even offer financial aid. Do not be afraid of rejection and take your chances. If you need any extra help with your applications or SAT preparations just go to www.willgetyouin.com.

 Fresh From the Oven: 2009-2010 ECAs

By: Gabriel Calvo

After many weeks of rest students returned back to classes August 18th of 2009 for another school year with many important changes.  A new schedule, an innovative ECA program and newly appointed staff welcomed students for a whole new year with creative ideas.    One of the new staff members, the Sports and Activities Coordinator, Katrin Huenenoerder was kind enough to grant a few minutes of her time to discuss the new Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) program. “We want to offer the students an opportunity to learn and have fun, and also to put our school’s name high in any competition.” That is the intention behind this program expresses Katrin.  The ECAs have been for many years in Colegio Interamericano, but never have they been so varied and complete.  There are over eighty courses that are being offered to students. Among them are:

·         Soccer

·         Rugby

·         Basketball

·         Softball

·         MUN

·         Handball

·         Destination Imagination

·         Website Design for Business

·         Globe Trotter

·         Jazz Band

And plenty more for you to choose from.

 “ There has been a good response by the students, many have shown interest and are planning on joining an ECA.” Although one concern is that many of the High School students want to participate in the ECAs but do not commit and attend the trainings and meetings.  This is a problem because the team is only complete when there is a match or tournament and this leaves no time for practice. If teams do not practice it is very hard to have a good chemistry and perform well against other teams, especially if the other schools have been training hard as a TEAM.

Some ECAs are being offered once a week and others two or more times a week.  Those ECAs that are offered only once a week have a monthly cost of Q125.00 and those that are offered for two or more days a week have a monthly cost of Q250.00. Once a student has signed in for an ECA he or she must commit and attend the practices. The fee will be charged for the first semester without exception.  The reason behind this is to promote discipline and attendance.  If students attend and commit there is a higher chance of succeeding in the activity he or she have chosen.  That is why this year ECAs are going through a ‘try and see for yourself’ week so that students may be able to attend a class for free and decide whether or not they want to attend.  The final date for joining an ECA is Friday September 4^th, 2009.    

The idea behind the ECAs program is for students to try and search for that specific activity that will teach them something valuable and that will connect them with other students that share common interests.  It is a great way to make friends, remain healthy and learn something new. 

source: www.interamericano.edu.gt

Colegio Interamericano is planning to expand their territory in a couple of years

to be able to improve and offer more for the sports department.