As a counselor, you play a crucial role in helping students prepare for the transition to university. Cialfo's University Quest is a valuable tool that can help you assess and interpret students' progress, identify areas where they need improvement, and offer tailored support. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of using the University Quest to assess students' university readiness level and provide guidance on how to support them.
Level 1: Curious Capybara
Students at this level have not started thinking seriously about their future academic or career paths and may feel clueless or uncertain about their preferences. They are at the very beginning of their exploration journey. This is typical for younger students like those who are in the first half of their secondary or high schools.
Grade 10 and Below:
Commentary: On Track - It's normal for students at this stage to be unsure. Encourage continued exploration without pressure. No immediate concern; continue monitoring progress.
Focus Areas:
Introduce a wide range of subjects, activities, and potential careers.
Foster curiosity and encourage exploration through extracurriculars.
Emphasize the importance of academic foundations without pressuring decisions.
First Half of Grade 11:
Commentary: Slight behind - Students should be starting to identify some areas of interest and develop some university preferences. Give moderate attention to these students and ensure they narrow down their focus by the end of the year.
Focus Areas:
Guide focused exploration of interests and potential career paths.
Introduce university and career research resources without overwhelming them.
Support academic growth and engagement in exploratory activities.
Second Half of Grade 11:
Commentary: Behind - Students should be refining their interests and starting to think about specific fields of study. Counselors are suggested to pay more attention to these students to ensure that they begin aligning their interests with potential post-secondary options.
Focus Areas:
Help narrow down areas of interest and align with potential fields of study.
Encourage experiential learning opportunities like internships or volunteer work.
Prepare for future steps like standardized testing without pressure.
First three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: Significantly Behind - By this point, students should have clearer interests. They need more targeted support to explore flexible post-secondary options and make initial decisions about their future. Counselor should intervene to guide this process.
Focus Areas:
Emphasize continued exploration through electives and extracurriculars.
Discuss flexible post-secondary options like community college or gap years.
Focus on personal development and skill-building.
Next three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: Urgent - These students are at risk of missing application deadlines or making uninformed choices. They require significant attention to explore suitable post-secondary options and ensure they have a plan.
Focus Areas:
Explore and apply to flexible post-secondary programs.
Provide application support for universities with exploratory or undeclared options.
Prepare for the transition to post-secondary life with a focus on continued exploration.
Last three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: Urgent - Immediate action is needed to ensure students have a post-graduation plan. These students are at risk of not having a clear path after graduation. Intensive counseling and support are necessary to finalize a viable path forward.
Focus Areas:
Finalize post-graduation plans, including flexible pathways.
Prepare for a flexible future by focusing on transferable skills.
Support the transition to independence and continued self-discovery.
Level 2: Pondering Panda
These students have begun to think about their preferences but are still in the process of exploring and deciding what they want to pursue. This is typical for younger students like those who are in the first half of their secondary or high schools.
Grade 10 and Below:
Commentary: On Track - It’s normal for students at this stage to be generally exploring. Continue encouraging exploration without pressuring decisions. No immediate concern, but continue monitoring progress.
Focus Areas:
Encourage thoughtful exploration of various subjects and activities.
Begin introducing the concept of aligning interests with academic and career paths.
Support participation in activities that allow students to explore their preferences.
First Half of Grade 11:
Commentary: On Track - Students are starting to focus on specific interests, which is appropriate for this stage. Ensure they begin thinking more deeply about their future academic and career goals.
Focus Areas:
Help students start narrowing down their interests to specific subjects or activities.
Introduce university and career exploration resources to deepen their research.
Encourage participation in activities that align more closely with their emerging interests.
Second Half of Grade 11:
Commentary: Slightly Behind - Students should be starting to narrow their focus and align their interests with potential future paths. Counselors are suggested to provide more guidance to help them refine their goals and prepare for senior year.
Focus Areas:
Support students in refining their interests into potential fields of study or career paths.
Encourage detailed research into university programs that align with these interests.
Begin discussing standardized testing and the importance of maintaining strong academic performance.
First three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: Behind - By this point, students should have a clearer idea of their interests and be starting the application process. They need more focused support to ensure they’re ready to apply.
Focus Areas:
Help students finalize their areas of interest and align them with specific university programs.
Guide them in starting the application process, including drafting personal statements that reflect their interests.
Discuss post-secondary options, including universities with strong programs in their areas of interest.
Next three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: Significantly Behind - Immediate counselor intervention is necessary to ensure students are prepared to submit applications and have a plan in place. Discuss alternatives if they’re still uncertain about their choices.
Focus Areas:
Support students in completing university applications, focusing on schools that align with their refined interests.
Discuss backup options or alternative pathways if students are still uncertain (e.g., gap years, exploratory programs).
Prepare for any required interviews or additional application steps.
Last three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: Urgent - Students need to finalize their plans immediately. Intensive support is required to ensure all applications are submitted and they have a viable post-graduation plan.
Focus Areas:
Ensure students finalize and submit all applications, including exploring backup plans if necessary.
Support the transition to university or alternative post-secondary paths, emphasizing readiness for the next stage.
Encourage reflection on their journey and confidence in the decisions they’ve made.
Level 3: Exploring Elephant
Students at this level have a clearer idea of their interests and are actively exploring specific fields or subjects, but they may not have fully committed to a particular path yet. This is typical for students in grade 11 and lower.
Grade 10 and Below:
Commentary: On Track - Students are appropriately beginning to focus on specific interests. They are on track, and continued exploration with guidance is essential.
Focus Areas:
Encourage deeper exploration of subjects and activities where students show interest.
Help students understand how their interests could lead to academic and career paths.
Support students in setting academic goals related to their interests, such as taking advanced courses or assuming leadership roles in activities.
First Half of Grade 11:
Commentary: On Track - Students are refining their focus, which is expected at this stage. Encourage continued detailed exploration and ensure they prepare for the university application process.
Focus Areas:
Assist students in refining their interests into more specific academic or career goals.
Guide students in conducting detailed research on universities and programs that align with their interests.
Encourage students to become involved in activities that enhance their university applications, such as relevant clubs, internships, or advanced coursework.
Second Half of Grade 11:
Commentary: On Track - It’s normal for students to be in this exploratory stage. They should be focusing on building their university list and aligning them with their interests. Continue providing support as they approach the application process.
Focus Areas:
Help students finalize their academic focus and align it with specific university programs or career paths.
Support detailed research on universities, including visiting campuses (if possible) and attending university fairs or visits.
Begin preliminary work on the university application process, such as preparing for standardized tests and brainstorming essay topics.
First three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: Behind - Students should have a clear university list with flexible options and be preparing their applications. More focused guidance is needed to ensure they are considering paths that allow for continued exploration.
Focus Areas:
Finalize a university list that includes open or undeclared major options and schools with strong advising programs.
Begin drafting personal statements and gathering recommendations that reflect their ongoing exploration and willingness to discover new paths.
Discuss alternative pathways, such as gap years, community colleges, or programs that allow for further exploration.
Next three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: Significantly Behind - Students need immediate support to ensure they are applying to programs that allow for exploration. Counselors should also guide them in preparing for interviews and securing financial aid.
Focus Areas:
Complete and submit applications to universities with flexible majors, exploratory programs, or undeclared options.
Explore backup plans, such as community colleges or gap year programs, that offer time for continued exploration.
Ensure all financial aid applications are submitted, focusing on options that allow for flexibility in academic decisions.
Last three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: Urgent - Immediate action is required to ensure students have applied to programs that allow for continued exploration. Intensive support is needed to help them prepare for a successful transition.
Focus Areas:
Finalize post-graduation plans, including applications to flexible programs or alternative pathways.
Prepare for the transition to a university environment that supports exploration, including discussing how to navigate undeclared status or change majors.
Encourage students to reflect on their journey and feel confident about entering university with an open mind.
Level 4: List-Building Leopard
Students at this level have identified their academic and career interests and are in the process of creating a list of potential universities or programs that align with these interests. They are focused but still open to adjustments.
Grade 10 and Below:
Commentary: Early - These students are ahead of schedule in thinking about their university list. It’s important to encourage them to stay open to changes and new interests as they continue to grow academically and personally.
Focus Areas:
Encourage Exploration and Flexibility: While it’s great that students are building a university list, remind them that their interests may evolve, and their list should remain flexible. Encourage continued exploration of different subjects and activities.
Support Academic and Extracurricular Growth: Emphasize the importance of continuing to build a strong academic record and participating in a variety of extracurricular activities, which can open new opportunities and influence their university choices.
Introduce General university Research: Guide students in general university research, but advise against getting too attached to specific schools this early. Encourage visits to a variety of campuses (virtually or in-person) to keep their options open.
First Half of Grade 11:
Commentary: On Track - Students are refining their university list and starting to understand the application process. They should continue to focus on strengthening their future applications.
Focus Areas:
Refine the university list based on more detailed research and potential university visits.
Encourage engagement in activities that strengthen their university applications, such as leadership roles, internships, or advanced coursework.
Discuss standardized testing and how it impacts university options.
Second Half of Grade 11:
Commentary: On Track - Students should be finalizing their university list and beginning to prepare for the application process. They are on track, but continued support is essential as they approach senior year.
Focus Areas:
Finalize a shortlist of universities, ensuring that it includes a mix of reach, match, and safety schools.
Support students in identifying key application components, such as essays and recommendations, and encourage early preparation.
Discuss standardized testing strategies and timelines to ensure students are prepared.
First three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: Slightly Behind - Students should be finalizing and starting applications. They may need additional support to ensure all applications are completed and submitted on time.
Focus Areas:
Ensure the university list is finalized, reflecting a strong alignment with the student’s academic and career needs and goals.
Guide students in completing early applications where applicable and ensure they meet all deadlines.
Support students in drafting personal statements/essays and gathering recommendations that highlight their strengths and alignment with their chosen programs.
Next three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: Behind - Immediate support is needed to ensure all applications are submitted on time. Financial aid and backup plans should be discussed and prepared for.
Focus Areas:
Make a final decision on the list of universities and start applying immediately.
Where applicable, discuss financial aid options and assist with completing necessary requirements.
Prepare students for interviews or any additional steps required by their chosen schools.
Last three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: Urgent - Immediate action is required to identify and apply to universities with late deadlines or explore alternative post-graduation options. Intensive support is necessary to ensure that the student has a viable plan for the fall.
Focus Areas:
Explore Universities with Later Deadlines: Guide students in identifying and applying to universities with late application deadlines, rolling admissions, or other opportunities such as UK Clearing.
Investigate Alternative Options: Encourage students to explore gap year programs, community college options, or other pathways that allow for a different timeline in entering higher education.
Finalize Post-Graduation Plans: Ensure that students have a clear plan for after graduation, whether that means enrolling in a university with later deadlines or exploring alternative pathways.
Level 5: Applying Alpaca
Students at this level have identified their target universities and are in the process of submitting applications. They are focused on meeting deadlines and ensuring their applications reflect their strengths and aspirations.
Grade 10 and Below:
Commentary: Very Early - These students are ahead of schedule in considering the application process, unless they are planning to skip grade and start university early.
Focus Areas:
Encourage Exploration: While they are ahead in thinking about applications, encourage them to continue exploring different interests and potential universities.
Build a Strong Academic and Extracurricular Profile: Encourage students to focus on excelling academically and participating in extracurricular activities that align with their interests.
First Half of Grade 11:
Commentary: Early - It’s good that students are preparing for the application process, but they don’t need to rush. Encourage thorough preparation and continued exploration.
Focus Areas:
Prepare for Standardized Tests: Where applicable, encourage students to begin preparing for standardized tests like the SAT/ACT or English tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Start Drafting Application Materials: Guide students in drafting personal statements or essays, which can be refined later.
Refine University List: Assist students in refining their university list based on their evolving interests and academic strengths.
Second Half of Grade 11:
Commentary: Early - They can start the applications, but the emphasis should remain on building strong application materials rather than submitting them.
Focus Areas:
Continue Preparing Application Components: Support students in refining drafts of their personal statements and essays.
Focus on Test Preparation: Ensure students are on track with standardized testing and register for upcoming test dates.
Strengthen Extracurricular Involvement: Encourage meaningful involvement in extracurricular activities that will enhance their university applications.
First three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: On Track - Students should be actively preparing to submit applications. They may need additional support to ensure all materials are completed and deadlines are met.
Focus Areas:
Begin Submitting Early Applications: If applicable, guide students in completing and submitting early decision or early action applications.
Complete Personal Statements and Gather Recommendations: Ensure that all personal statements and recommendation letters are ready for submission.
Next three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: On Track - Students should be finalizing their applications and focusing on financial aid. Continued support is essential to ensure all deadlines are met.
Focus Areas:
Submit All Remaining Applications: Ensure that students complete and submit any remaining university applications by their respective deadlines.
Apply for Financial Aid: Where applicable, assist students in completing financial aid and scholarship applications.
Prepare for Interviews: If required, help students prepare for university interviews by conducting mock interviews and providing feedback.
Last three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: Behind - Immediate action may be needed to stay on track and ensure applications are submitted on time.
Focus Areas:
Submission of Applications: Submit applications ASAP and actively manage application deadlines.
Explore Late Opportunities if Necessary: If any applications were missed, guide students in exploring late application opportunities, rolling admissions, or UK Clearing.
Follow Up on Applications: Encourage students to follow up with universities to ensure all application materials have been received and processed.
Level 6: Watching Wolf
Students at this level have submitted their universities applications and are now waiting for decisions. Their focus should be on staying engaged, preparing for possible interviews, and considering backup plans if necessary
Grade 10 and Below:
Commentary: Very Early - Students are far ahead of where they need to be. While they can begin understanding the process, the main focus should remain on building a strong academic and extracurricular profile.
First Half of Grade 11:
Commentary: Early - Students are still in the preparation phase. Focus should be on building a strong application and understanding the post-application process rather than waiting for decisions.
Second Half of Grade 11:
Commentary: Early - Students are not yet at the stage of waiting for decisions. Focus remains on preparing for applications and understanding what to expect afterward.
First three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: On Track - Students should be submitting applications and preparing for the waiting period. Support them in staying engaged and considering backup options if needed.
Focus Areas:
Submit Applications and Prepare for Next Steps: Ensure that students have submitted their early applications and are aware of the next steps, including waiting periods and potential interviews.
Discuss Backup Options: Encourage students to consider backup plans, such as applying to schools with rolling admissions or considering gap year programs.
Stay Engaged and Productive: Encourage students to stay focused on their academics and extracurriculars while they wait for responses.
Next three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: On Track - Students should be in the waiting phase, but it’s important to keep them engaged and prepared for any additional steps. Ensure they consider backup options if they’re still uncertain.
Focus Areas:
Monitor Application Status: Encourage students to track their application status and follow up with universities if necessary to ensure all materials have been received.
Prepare for Interviews: If required, help students prepare for university interviews or any additional assessments.
Consider Late Application Opportunities: For students who may have missed deadlines or are reconsidering their options, guide them in exploring late application opportunities, rolling admissions, or UK Clearing.
Last three months of Grade 12:
Commentary: On Track - Students are on track as they await college decisions and prepare for the transition. Focus on ensuring they are ready for the next steps, whether it’s enrolling in university or considering alternative options if necessary.
Focus Areas:
Respond to University Decisions: Help students navigate their responses to university decisions, whether they are accepted, waitlisted, or denied.
Explore Alternative Options if Needed: Prepare for different outcomes. As a backup, guide them in applying to schools with late deadlines, rolling admissions, or exploring UK Clearing.
Level 7: Selecting Swan
Students at this level have received offers from universities and are in the process of deciding where to enroll. They need to carefully evaluate their options and make a final decision.
Grade 11 and Below:
Commentary: Very Early - It is quite uncommon for students to receive offers before grade 12, unless they are planning on skipping grades.
Focus Areas:
Discuss possibility of skipping grades and the implication: If your student is considering skipping grades, explore the implications of that and prepare them for an early university life.
Evaluate College Offers: Assist students in evaluating their offers, with special attention to any conditional offers. Help them understand the specific conditions they must meet, such as achieving certain grades or completing specific coursework.
Begin Preliminary Decision-Making: Help students start thinking about which universities on their list align best with their interests, values, and career goals.
Grade 12:
Commentary: On Track - Students are on track. Counselors are suggested to guide students with multiple offers through the decision making process.
Focus Areas:
Evaluate College Offers: Assist students in evaluating their offers, with special attention to any conditional offers. Help them understand the specific conditions they must meet, such as achieving certain grades or completing specific coursework.
Assess Confidence in Meeting Conditions: Guide students in assessing their confidence in meeting the conditions of any offers. If students have the option to accept an offer as backup, consider selecting an offer that may not be their top choice but where they can confidently meet the conditions as the backup.
Make a Final Decision: Support students in making their final decision, considering factors such as considering factors such as academic fit, campus life, location, and financial aids. Encourage discussions with family, campus visits, or attending admitted student events to make an informed decisions.
Level 8: Enrolling Eagle
Students at this level have made their final university choice and are in the process of enrolling. They need to complete all necessary enrollment steps and prepare for the transition to college life.
All Grades:
Commentary: Regardless of which grade students are on, they deserve a big congratulation for making it to this level. The goal now is to ensure they have everything in place for a smooth start to their college journey.
Focus Areas:
Complete Enrollment Steps: Guide students through the necessary steps for finalizing their enrollment, including paying deposits, registering for orientation, and securing housing. Ensure they are aware of all deadlines and requirements.
Finalize Financial Aid and Scholarships: Assist students in confirming their financial aid package, accepting scholarships, and understanding their financial responsibilities, such as tuition payments and budgeting.
Prepare for the Transition to College: Help students prepare for the practical aspects of transitioning to university life, including moving logistics, academic planning, and adjusting to a new environment.
Set Goals and Reflect: Encourage students to set academic and personal goals for their university experience. Support them in reflecting on their journey so far and preparing mentally for the challenges and opportunities ahead.