Vancouver International University Fair Information Sessions, April 30, 2017

1- What International & Canadian Students Should Know When Applying To US Universities
Dr. Douglas L. Christiansen, Vanderbilt University
Applying to colleges and universities in the United States may seem daunting. While the Common Application has
simplified the process, there are still critical components that need extra attention. Grades and test scores are
important and speak for themselves. Even more important in the holistic admissions process are the essays,
recommendation letters, and extracurricular activities. This workshop will help students with the application process by
clarifying what US institutions are looking for.

2- Studying at the University of Cambridge

Claire Edge, University of Cambridge
This session will be an overview on everything that prospective students need to know about studying in one of the UKs
top universities, what we look for in students and how to apply. If you are considering Cambridge, this session is for you.

3- How To Write A Winning Essay

Simon Nascimento, University of Chicago
A college essay can be a stressful task, and students often feel that choosing a topic is next to impossible.
The reality is that the what of an essay is much less important than the how. The approach of the writer takes
communicates much more about themselves than the general topic itself. This session will include brainstorming for
meaningful essay topics, best practices for effective essay writing, and case studies using real essay examples.

4- Navigating The Scholarship Process: Build Your Foundation And Maximize Your Scholarship Potential
Brittany Palmer, Unlock your Future: The Key to Scholarships
Students do not need 95% averages or international achievements to win scholarships. Join Brittany Palmer of Unlock
your Future as she debunks common scholarship myths and breaks down the complex process into a manageable form.
From building your foundation to finding scholarships, this seminar outlines a step-by-step program that will help you
maximize your potential. Using this program, Brittany and her younger brother collectively won 35 scholarships totaling
over $125,000. Having navigated scholarships as a student, consultant and administrator, Brittany offers a unique
perspective and strategic approach to an often-overwhelming process.

5- How To Get Into Medical School? Demystifying The Admission Process

Dr. Steven Caldwell, Professor of Medicine University of Alberta, University St. Andrews & Edinburgh, Scotland
GPA , MCAT scores, interviews, extra curricular activities, personal statements, required courses, resident versus non
residents, research projects, type of undergraduate degree; what really matters when you apply to a Canadian medical
school? Should you consider applying directly to a UK school right from high school and could you come back to Canada
to practise? This session will provide insight into how Canadian Medical schools make admission decisions and what to
consider if you are thinking of studying in the UK.
6- Connecting The Dots: The Relationship Between A Degree And A Career
Tony Botelho, Simon Fraser University
In this fun and engaging session, the value of traditional career planning approaches in todays ever changing and
complex world will be questioned. Dynamic and flexible approaches to preparing for the future will be argued for as will
the need to get students to just do stuff.

7- Many Of The Top Ranked Universities Are In The UK; Shouldnt You Know More About Studying There?
Ferdi Bulmer, St George's, University of London, England
Victoria Isherwood, University of East Anglia, England
Ivar Moller, St. Andrews University, Scotland
Studying in the UK offers students an opportunity to travel abroad and attend some of the world best universities at the
same time. Whatever degree you are interested in studying the UK has something for everyone. However, applying to a
university in the UK can be a daunting experience at first glance and so through this workshop we aim to expel the
myths and provide applicants with a robust toolkit to successfully navigate the UCAS application form and hopefully gain
admittance to their first choice university!

8- Who Gets In? The Truths And Myths Of How Canadian Universities Make Admission Decisions
Adam Robertson, Dalhousie University
Sam Saini, University of British Columbia
Dan Seneker, Bishops University
Grade 11 and 12 grades, self-reporting, personal statements, short answer questions, extra-curricular activities, and
applicant interviews; there is a great deal of information that can go into admission decisions. This begs a question: how
do Canadian universities use all this information to determine who gets in? This presentation will provide an
overview of the rationales and decision-making process Canadian universities often use to make admission
decisions. We will also dispel the myths and rumours that often surround the admission process; expect an interactive
and lively discussion!

9- Beyond Academics: How to Navigate NCAA and the Student-Athletic Recruitment Process
Cory Miller, NACACs Student Athletes Advisory Committee
More than any other citizens in the world, Canadian students register with NCAA to become prospective student-
athletes in the United States. When embarking upon the college athletic recruitment process, it is important to
understand unique terminology, procedures and timelines which go beyond academic admission a US school. This
presentation will provide straightforward information about how to navigate the athletic recruitment process.

10- American Standardized Testing, What Canadians Should Consider

Kenton Pauls, ACT Director of Higher Education Partnerships
This session is geared for Canadian students considering post-secondary education in the States. We'll answer the most
common questions about standardized testing requirements. Attendees will hear details about the ACT, how to sign up
for it and the best way to prepare for success. Students often wonder what makes the ACT different from alternative
entrance tests. We also hear from those who wonder what universities and colleges in the US will look for in test results
from students who apply. These and other topics will be discussed in this interactive and engaging presentation.
 Workshop Presenters

Tony Botelho, Simon Fraser University

Tony Botelho is the Director of Simon Fraser Universitys award-winning Career and Volunteer
Services. A popular speaker, in 2014 he was awarded the Rob Shea Research Award by the
Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers for his research on the role of career
education in the contemporary university environment.

Ferdi Bulmer, St Georges, University of London, England

Ferdi Bulmer is International Recruitment Manager at St Georges, University of London, the UKs
only dedicated Medicine and Health Sciences university. Ferdi has nine years' experience in
international education, and in addition to the UK has previously lived and worked in Mexico and
France.

Dr. Steven Caldwell, Professor of Medicine; Nephrology, Assistant Chair; UGME,

University of Alberta and Honorary Professor at St. Andrews & Edinburgh
Universities
Dr. Caldwell graduated from Edinburgh University and DipMedSci from St. Andrews University. He
also attended Queen's University and holds an Honors BSc from the University of Toronto. He
serves as the Student Mentor for the St. Andrews/Edinburgh/Alberta International Medical
Programme. Dr. Caldwell is Chair; NAC Test Committee and an Examiner; LMCC. He examines for
the RCPSC, is the Chief Examiner for the AIMGP, and a PACES examiner for the RCPEdin.

Dr. Douglas L. Christiansen, Vanderbilt University

Douglas L. Christiansen holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration and is Vanderbilt
University's vice provost for university enrollment affairs, and dean of admissions and financial aid.
Dr. Christiansen is also an associate professor of public policy and higher education in the
Department of Leadership, Policy and Organizations at Vanderbilt's Peabody College. Currently, he
is serving as Chair for the Board of Trustees of the College Board. In his role as vice provost, Dr.
Christiansen serves as the universitys chief enrollment strategist. He has been in higher education
and admissions for almost thirty years.

Claire Edge, University of Cambridge, England

Claire Edge is the International Student Recruitment Manager at the University of Cambridge in the
UK. Claire studied at Newcastle University in the UK and then went on to work in Student
Recruitment at Newcastle University before moving to her current role at the University of
Cambridge earlier this year.

Victoria Isherwood, University of East Anglia, England

Victoria Isherwood is the Assistant Head of International Recruitment at the University of East Anglia
(UEA), a UK top 20 ranked university based in the city of Norwich. Victoria has been at UEA for eight
years; prior to this she lived in Asia for five years as a student and working in the Education sector.
Cory Miller, NACAC Student-Athletes Advisory Committee
Cory Miller is energetic, but not an athlete. She is a guidance and university counsellor at Branksome
Hall, an IB girls school in Toronto with an award winning rowing crew. She has previously worked in
international IB schools in Singapore, Turkey and Brazil. Cory is an executive board member of the
International Association of College Admissions Counseling and presently serving on NACACs Student-
Athletes Advisory Committee.

Ivar Moller, University of St Andrews, Scotland

Ivar Moller is currently the Director of North America Admissions and has spent 6 years at the
University of St Andrews in a working capacity. Before this he lived in Japan for 3 years working on
the JET Programme as a language teacher. Prior to that experience Ivar worked in London for the
American Institute of Foreign Studies.

Simon Nascimento, University of Chicago

Born in Catalao, a small town a few hours south of Brazils capital city, Simon attended the University of
Chicago and earned a bachelors degree with honors with a concentration in International Studies. He
joined UChicagos Office of College Admissions in 2010, and is now the director of international
admissions, and is in charge of reading applications and recruiting students from Africa, Canada, and
Latin America.

Brittany Palmer, Unlock Your Future: The Key to Scholarships

Brittany Palmer is the force behind Unlock your Future, a company making scholarships
approachable. Collectively, she and her brother won 35 scholarships totaling over $125,000. She
transformed their story and strategies into a comprehensive program for navigating the scholarship
process. With over a decade of experience, Brittany has presented to thousands of students, parents
and educators. Her award-winning business has received the Assoc. of Fundraising Professionals'
Outstanding Youth Philanthropist Award, the Cultural DIVERSEcity Youth Entrepreneur Award and
the Black Business and Professional Assooc. Young Entrepreneur Award.

Kenton Pauls, ACT

As director of higher education partnerships at ACT, Kenton Pauls works closely with leaders in
higher education in support of ACT's mission of helping people achieve education and workplace
success. Kenton has over 20 years of leadership experience in admissions and enrollment
management at public and private institutions in the United States and Canada. Prior to joining ACT
in July of 2015, he was Dean of Enrollment Management at Northwestern College in Iowa. Kenton
earned a business degree at Trinity Western University (BC) and an M.B.A. from The University of
North Dakota.

Adam Robertson, Dalhousie University

Adam has worked in enrolment services for eight years and currently serves as Associate Registrar
and Director of Recruitment & Admissions at Dalhousie. He is a member of the executive
committees of ARUCC (Association of Registrars of the Universities and Colleges of Canada) and
AARAO (Atlantic Association of Registrars and Admissions Officers), as well as the Canadian Higher
Education Committee of the Council of International Schools through which he has helped promote
Canadian higher education globally. He holds a BA (Honours) from St. Thomas and a MA from
Dalhousie.
Sam Saini, UBC
Sam Saini is Associate Director International for the Undergraduate Admissions Office at the
University of British Columbia. Sam joined UBC in 2004 and worked in student recruitment and
advising, undergraduate admissions, and enrolment management. During his time at UBC, Sam has
overseen admission portfolios for Canadian high school, international, and transfer students to the
University of British Columbia.

Dan Seneker, Bishops University

Dan has a Bachelor of Arts (Honors History) from Bishop's University, Masters of Communications
Studies from University of Calgary and a Teaching Certificate from University of Calgary. Coupled
with this is 16+ years of experience working at four different Canadian universities (Queen's
University, University of Calgary, University of Saskatchewan and Bishop's University) in the areas
of Student Enrolment Management, Student Recruitment, Admissions and
Communications/Marketing. He is passionate about Canadian Higher Education and has
presented to more than 20,000 prospective students in over 50 countries.