University Guidelines for KFS Students and Families

Stage 1 – Expectations from Grade 10

College Counseling and Readiness (CCR) class starts at this stage. Students start making tentative plans at this stage. Students start learning some key skills that they need while making university applications such as personal essay writing and university research.

Students are required to choose their elective subject for Grade 11 and 12 at the end of the tenth grade based on their personal skills and aspirations. Even though it requires a minimum of three students to open an elective class, our usual electives are Art, Business, and Chemistry. These are the common subjects that may allow students to attend many colleges and universities in different fields. It is not possible to change an elective once it’s selected.

Stage 2- Expectations from Grade 11 

Students usually select colleges and universities that they wish to attend at the end of this grade. Students should know where they are headed. Our recommendation is to aim for three safety (easy entrance), three target (possible entrance) and three reach (slightly above standard) schools based on the important factors below.

  • Specific requirements– Each country and university has their own criteria for admission. There is no uniform application process for all countries or universities. For example, a college in the USA may accept A Levels as an admission criteria, and SAT might be optional, while others might have the SAT as mandatory. You should be well aware of the specific needs for each targeted school. Please note that universities within the same country may also differ from each other.   

  • Extra qualifications – Based on the requirements of the selected schools, students generally need extra qualifications such as English language proficiency tests (IELTS/ TOEFL), academic aptitude tests (SAT/ ACT/ A Levels), or personality tests.

  • Transcript and GPA– Universities calculate their own GPA based on school transcripts. Thus, KFS sends universities grade 9 through grade 11 transcripts, with predicted scores for grade 12. We do not report a GPA ourselves. 

  • Budgeting – University tuition fees are diverse. It is important to consider living expenses, such as board, food, health insurance, transportation, etc. Therefore, setting a realistic budget is crucial. Scholarship options may not always be available.

Stage 3 – Expectations from Grade 12 

Students finally start making their applications in the first semester through CommonApp (USA) or directly from the universities’ website. Below are the most common application time periods. Please note that each school’s application and registration process and dates differ.

  • Early Decision – Chance of acceptance is high if the required criteria is met, but the decision is binding, meaning you must attend the university. Only one application can be made and you may not be eligible to apply to other universities during this time. Usually due November 1.

  • Early Action – Early admission process that is offered by most universities in the US. Plans are not binding and multiple applications can be made. Usually starts from November 1.

  • Regular Admission – Most schools start their regular admissions from December. This application period is usually more competitive.

  • Rolling Admission – Constant evaluation and application, no deadlines set. The earlier you apply, the better. 

Brief explanations of assessments and qualifications. 

English Language Proficiency Exams -IELTS, TOEFL, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo, etc. 

Most exams are valid for a period of two years. Each universities’ accepted tests and their scores differ. It is important to research the universities’ entry/admissions requirements.

SAT -Assesses math and English skills and is accepted in many countries. The top score is 1600, and most excellent universities require 1400 or higher. It can be taken as many times as required. Valid for three years.

AS & A Levels – Cambridge examinations that are held at the end of Grade 11 (AS Level) and Grade 12 (A Levels). Score range is from A* to E for each exam, and C and above is considered a good score. Most universities ask for at least 2 A level or minimum of 4 AS level exams. Universities state the minimum grade expectation in their entry requirements with A*AA, AAB, BBB, etc. 

AICE Diploma – Cambridge’s prestigious high school diploma is accepted by many universities in the world. The grade levels are pass, merit, and distinction, based on the achievements from the AS & A level exams.

KFS Diploma – KFS’ high school diploma is awarded to students who pass all internal examinations from grade 9 to 12. It is the equivalent of a high school diploma, except for Korean nationals in Korea.