2024 International ACAC Conference Sessions

As international student enrollment continues to rocket past pre-pandemic levels, our colleagues on both sides of the desk are challenged with serving students with more postsecondary opportunities than ever before. Amidst evolving assessment requirements, the rise of AI, and the proliferation of technologies that facilitate truly global student recruitment, it’s an exciting – and daunting – time to be in our profession. Drawing on the collective expertise of university admissions representatives and high school college counselors, we will delve into real-world insights and best practices observed in the field this year. Supported by the latest insights on mobility and college-going behavior from the College Board and IIE, this discussion will go beyond statistics, providing actionable strategies for navigating current trends, fostering diversity within enrolling classes, and supporting students’ success during their transition to postsecondary study.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

All

Strategy

When only a handful of colleges have openly explained where and how they use AI in the admission process, and AI pioneers admitting that detection devices can’t catch plagiarism through AI tools, we are in genuinely challenging territory. But are we focusing on the right issues here? Is generative AI just the newest vehicle for plagiarism, and the issues that underpin cheating remain the same? Why do we see a correlation between high levels of cheating with a low sense of belonging and inclusion? Join us for a discussion on one of the hottest, most contentious and rapidly advancing topics of today.

Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

All

(Looking Toward) the Future

In the competitive landscape of higher education, making a lasting impression on college counselors is paramount. Join us to explore innovative strategies and best practices to ensure that when college counsellors visit your campus, your institution not only captures their attention but forges a lasting connection.

From crafting compelling itineraries to fostering genuine connection, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the preferences and expectations of college counselors, along with actionable techniques to effectively showcase their institution's strengths, programs, and campus culture. Participants will emerge equipped with insights, practical tips and proven techniques to craft a memorable on campus experience and elevate their university's outreach efforts.

Beginner
Intermediate

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

All

Case Studies

Since their inception, International ACAC Regional Institutes have carved out a unique niche in the professional development and networking space. More and more members attend Regional Institutes every year, and they provide an exciting opportunity to engage with colleagues in a smaller, more localized setting, focusing on specific circumstances within each particular region. Regional Institutes are just one way the Association offers high schools and university campuses the opportunity to participate in an impactful educational event as a host institution.

Come discover what it takes to host an upcoming International ACAC Regional Institute. Participants will learn about the benefits and requirements, and how institutions are true partners in the process alongside International ACAC. We will be joined by the International ACAC Regional Institutes Team as well as past International ACAC Regional Institute hosts to answer all of your questions including: cost, logistics, getting your administration on board, and much, much more.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

All

Regional Updates

This session will showcase multiple international schools as case studies, providing an in-depth look at academic pathways that prioritize 21st century skills such as design thinking, innovation, and project-based learning. Through the voices of students and teachers, we will highlight innovative practices that offer a comprehensive view of students' experiences and identities. Additionally, secondary school counselors will present their groundbreaking projects, including Global Citizenship initiatives and sustainability projects. University admissions representatives will also discuss how they review applications for these projects and highlight the programs available on their campuses that contribute to the development of global citizens.

Geared towards high school counselors and admissions officers, this session will illustrate how these programs effectively prepare students for the future of work and address the implications for college admissions on a global scale.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

All

(Looking Toward) the Future

Overall the presentation aligns with Advocacy; Case Studies; Innovation; The Future; Inclusion and Equity.

Social media is a key part of how we obtain information in 2024. Everything from current events and news to the latest celebrity gossip is picked over and analyzed on social media. With such a visible role in the news cycle, prospective students also naturally gravitate to their favorite sites for information on the college admissions process. But what awaits them there? Can the information they find be relied upon, or are students being led in the wrong direction? This session will discuss the role social media plays in college admissions - not from the oft-discussed perspective of whether colleges check student accounts, but rather focusing on providing access and correct information, from the perspective of university accounts, individual admission officers, and secondary schools. Participants will be pushed to answer the question: how can we use social media for good?

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

All

Student Equity (i.e. access, affordability, resources)

This session will be a roundtable of representatives from the US, UK, and Canada to unpack best practices for working with music students. The discussion will center on how we can guide students in building their lists and understanding the application requirements such as portfolios specific to their areas of interest. Panelists will offer college search strategies, followed by a Q&A about the general process and details about each school and programme.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual

All

Case Studies

Many schools offer multiple curricula to their student population; however, greater choice is often accompanied by greater confusion and indecision. This session will present a research-informed look at the reasons why students make the choices they do. We’ll explore how schools model their course selection process, and culminate in an audience-lead reimagining of the process and procedures involved when advising and guiding students and families.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual

All

Strategy

As we channelise technology in our everyday life for greater ease of functionality and efficiency, we are surrounded by smart classrooms, smart homes, smart gadgets, etc. But how do we harness that power to create a #smartcounsellingoffice and #smartgoals for ourselves.

In this session, we will go through the essential skillsets of a modern day counselor, breaking down with the following points:
S - Stakeholder Management
M - Measure & Manage
A - Algorithm & Data
R - Responsibility
T - Technology (AI, ChatGpt)

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual

All

Advancement (i.e. professional or career)

We know that students and parents need extra convincing when it comes to "non-traditional destinations", and this session will help you to provide the right support and information to highlight the advantages of studying in non-medical programs in Central Europe with a special focus on the Czech Republic and Hungary.
After briefly introducing the locations, study programs, costs, admission timelines and requirements, we will dive into equipping the counsellors with every tool to advocate for these affordable yet high-quality programs.
The second half of the panel will be speed-date-like mini counselling sessions, where you can use the technics you've learned!

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual

Europe

Regional Updates

Join this discussion with college counselors and admissions testing experts as we delve into the digital transition of the SAT. We’ll illuminate data and observations from the first year's worth of administrations, highlighting both triumphs- and tribulations! - encountered thus far. Gain insights into student sentiments regarding the format change and navigate the challenges and successes experienced by your peers. You’ll leave with practical takeaways, empowering you to adeptly steer your students through this digital testing evolution.

Beginner
Intermediate
Experienced

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)
Organization (For-Profit, Non-Profit, CBO)

All

Innovation

While the US application process allows secondary school counsellors to advocate directly to admissions staff on behalf of students, this is not the case in most other countries. So, how can we advocate on behalf of our students with universities outside of the US? Join us for a discussion on what advocacy looks like outside the US context.

Beginner
Intermediate

Secondary (High School) & Individual
Post-Secondary (College & University)

All

Advocacy