Careers & University
Counselling Handbook

Our Core Values — the CREM Framework

Message from the Careers Counselling Department

At ALS, we take pride in delivering dedicated, comprehensive career and university counselling services. Our students receive objective, impartial guidance that enables them to make informed decisions about their future. Our student-centred approach ensures that each chosen pathway aligns with the interests, aspirations and values of students and their families, helping them make well-rounded, confident choices. Through personalised support, we aim to equip every student to navigate their post-secondary options smoothly and transition successfully into the next stage of their academic and professional journey.

Department Goals

• Provide academic guidance and support to students and parents throughout their journey at ALS.
• Promote awareness of local and international higher-education opportunities.
• Strengthen relationships between current students and alumni through mentoring and networking events.
• Celebrate and promote the achievements of ALS students and alumni.

Who We Serve — Grades 6–12

The Counselling Team supports students and parents across both campuses through a shared platform. We guide families throughout the process of planning for higher education, while recognising that final decisions rest with students and their parents.

Department Description

The Careers Department at ALS is dedicated to preparing students for life beyond school. We offer academic, social and emotional support as students move towards higher education and future careers. Students receive up-to-date information, resources and personalised advice on a wide range of post-secondary options. The department works closely with parents, particularly on:

• Selecting subjects for the IB Diploma Programme (with the IBDP Coordinator and the MYP–DP Vice Principal).
• Exploring higher-education pathways.
• Preparing for the transition from school to university.

The Careers Department maintains strong connections with ALS alumni by contributing to the alumni database, organising in-school talks and gatherings, and providing opportunities that strengthen our community. Current students benefit from alumni engagement through in-school talks, mentoring and networking sessions.

Three Key Areas of Focus

Key Services Provided

• Collaboration with other school departments, including MYP and IB Coordination.
• A shared platform serving both campuses.
• Clear counsellor contact information and consistent availability.

Delivery of Services

How We Communicate

At Advanced Learning Schools, we value our parents. Their input and support help make our school a special place. We encourage families to communicate with us and become involved in the school. Whenever parents have questions or concerns, they are welcome to make an appointment. We communicate with our community in the following ways:

The curriculum at ALS reflects our philosophy that the student is at the centre of the learning process. We strive to educate and develop the whole student — intellectual, physical, emotional and creative.

The curriculum encourages exploration, discovery and experimentation in a pleasant academic environment, developing students' writing, verbal fluency, comprehension, computational, analytical and other skills needed to meet a variety of challenges. It brings together intellectual, creative, social and emotional considerations, guiding students towards the problem-solving and decision-making skills necessary for individual, family and community needs.

An IB World School

We are an IB World School, authorised to offer the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme and the Diploma Programme. For more information, visit www.ibo.org.

International-Mindedness

International-mindedness is at the heart of the DP. It reflects openness, curiosity and genuine respect for people, cultures and perspectives beyond one's own — beginning with students developing a clear understanding of who they are. Through subjects across the six DP groups and Theory of Knowledge, students explore knowledge from varied cultural, historical and global contexts, learning to think critically and creatively while considering multiple viewpoints and recognising that "other people, with their differences, can also be right." As an IB Continuum School, ALS is committed to preparing global citizens who can navigate an ever-changing world while honouring their cultural heritage and identity.

University & Life Readiness

Through rigorous coursework and independent learning, students develop the confidence, resilience and academic skills needed for success after graduation. IB students consistently demonstrate strong time management, self-motivation, advanced research and writing, critical thinking, civic engagement and an international outlook — alongside strengths in leadership, collaborative research, peer tutoring, community service and internships.

Why the IB Diploma Prepares Students for University

There are ten key reasons the IB Diploma Programme is ideal preparation for higher education — from increased academic opportunity and critical-thinking skills to an international outlook and proven time-management abilities.

Source: International Baccalaureate Organization — 10 reasons why the IB Diploma Programme (DP) is ideal preparation for university.

High School Graduation Requirements (Grades 9–12)

To graduate and earn the Advanced Learning Schools International High School Diploma, the following requirements must be met:

• Throughout Grades 9–12, a student must earn 26 high school credits (see below).
• To be promoted from one grade level to the next, the student must demonstrate adequate progress toward meeting graduation requirements (see the Promotion & Retention Policy).
• Successful completion of the MYP Personal Project, Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay & CAS are requirements for the ALS Diploma.

Available Credits — Grades 9 & 10

Available Credits — Grades 11 & 12 (IBDP)

Subject Distribution Requirements (26 credits over Grades 9–12)

Promotion & Retention (Grades 6–12)

Students must maintain progress toward meeting graduation requirements. Only Grade 12 students who have fulfilled all coursework and graduation requirements will be permitted to participate in graduation ceremonies.

How ALS Qualifications Fit Together

This map shows how the ALS High School Diploma (Saudi Tawjihiyah), the IB Diploma Programme, external IB examinations, the Noor certificate and university applications connect for every ALS student.

Accreditation & Grade Conversion

All students follow the IBDP curriculum in Grades 11 and 12 — six subject groups and three core components (TOK, EE, CAS), plus non-IB subjects including Islamic Studies and Social Studies of the Arab World. Student scores are reported on the IB 1–7 scale; students are not ranked and the GPA is unweighted. The overall GPA percentage is calculated by averaging the final-term GPAs from Grades 9 through 12.

• Students who sit the external IB examinations receive their IB results directly from the IB office in July, plus the ALS Diploma (Saudi Tawjihiyah).
• Students who do not sit the external IB examinations receive only the ALS Diploma (Saudi Tawjihiyah).
• All students also receive the Noor certificate from the Ministry of Education. When reporting grades to the MOE and universities for the Saudi Tawjihiyah equivalency, the conversion below is applied.

ALS is dedicated to offering students excellent career and university guidance. Our Future Pathways Programme provides classroom sessions for Grades 8–12, supported by Unifrog — an award-winning online platform for career and university guidance, shared across both campuses for students aged 11–18.

Unifrog — One Platform, Every Stage

Unifrog helps learners make informed, confident decisions about their futures by bringing high-quality information, self-discovery tools and global opportunities together in one place. Every student has a personal account that adapts to their interests, strengths and aspirations as they grow — supporting them from early exploration to university applications, and complementing the Careers Counsellor's personalised guidance.

The Pathway Map · Grades 6–12

The Careers Counsellor provides a continuous, developmentally appropriate programme from Grade 6 to Grade 12, ensuring every student receives targeted, age-appropriate guidance at each stage.

Global Support Across Every Region

Support is available to students and parents for a wide range of higher-education pathways and subject areas across the globe. Hover over a highlighted country on the map to see the regions we support.

Grades 11–12 · Additional Support in Detail

In the final years, support becomes more personalised and application-focused. Students gain clarity on multiple routes — the full IB Diploma, individual IB courses, or the Saudi national route — each holding recognised value. Additional supports include:

Post-Secondary Transition Support

As students prepare to move into higher education, final guidance presentations support them personally and practically for the next stage — helping them understand what to expect at university and navigate enrolment, scholarships, accommodation and student life.

Many countries use centralised portals to manage university applications. Hover over a highlighted country on the map to see its application system — or browse the full reference below the map.

UK · UCAS Key Dates

🇺🇸 United States

College Board offers two main early-admission plans — Early Decision (binding) and Early Action (non-binding) — through BigFuture, usually by 1 November. Applications to US universities can be made through the Common App, which lets you apply to many colleges with a single application.

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

Most Saudi universities require direct applications through their official portals; direct applications usually open in spring (this can vary annually — check official university websites for current information).

Standardised tests — such as the GAT, IELTS, SAT and UCAT — are widely used by universities to assess academic readiness, language proficiency and the ability to succeed in higher education, using the same criteria for applicants from different schools, curricula and countries.

Strong scores can strengthen an application, help meet programme requirements and improve scholarship eligibility. Preparing also builds critical thinking, problem-solving and academic-language skills. ALS provides presentations, practice tests and preparation resources to ensure students feel confident and well-prepared.

SAT Test Dates & Deadlines

While ALS supports students through university planning, course selection and pathway guidance, final responsibility for meeting admission requirements rests with students and their families. Admission criteria vary significantly across countries and institutions — particularly for competitive fields such as medicine, engineering and health sciences — and may include required Higher Level subjects, minimum grades, prerequisite coursework, language requirements or national examinations. Families must consult the most current requirements from universities of interest. Early planning, ongoing communication with our counsellors and proactive research are essential.

IB Guidance by Subject Group

Sample IB Subject Combinations by Major

Examples only — universities may have their own specific requirements.

Recommendation Letters

Teacher recommendation letters provide an informed, professional view of a student's academic engagement, behaviour and contribution in class. While it is an honour to be asked, the decision to write one rests entirely with the teacher and is based on the student's conduct, effort and commitment. Recommendation letters are not negotiable, are not open to revision at the student's request, and students should not approach teachers to edit or alter them.

How to Request a Recommendation Letter

Complete the official request form from the Careers Counsellor, providing your teachers' full names and the universities you are applying to. The form is automatically received by the Careers Counsellor, who requests the letter for application purposes only. Letters take five school days to process and are uploaded to the relevant portal by the Counsellor.

Predicted Grades

IBDP predicted grades indicate a student's academic potential and the grades they are likely to achieve in the final external examinations, based on previous and current performance and the quality of their work. They allow students to apply to universities where they can realistically succeed. Predicted grades set by teachers are non-negotiable.

Teachers aim to predict as accurately as possible and avoid inflation. Inflated predictions can have serious consequences: if final results are significantly lower, all offers based on those predictions may be withdrawn — potentially leaving the student applying for courses in the summer when many are already full. A student's final grades depend entirely on their own effort and commitment.

How to Request Predicted Grades

Complete the official request form, listing your IBDP subjects and levels, where the grades must be submitted (Common App, UCAS, scholarships) and the universities you are applying to. Predicted grades take five school days to process and are shared with you and uploaded to the relevant portal.

Transcripts

Transcripts provide a formal record of academic performance — overall grades from Grades 9–12 and previous years. ALS internal assessments are moderated externally to maintain global standards. Universities use transcripts to understand academic history, monitor progress and verify that programme requirements and prerequisites have been met. If a student joins in Grade 10 or 11, the years not enrolled appear blank, as no school-issued grades are available.

How to Request a Transcript

Complete the official request form. The Counsellor generates the transcript, which is checked by the Vice Principal and Principal before being printed and released. A copy is saved on a shared drive with the Vice Principal and Principal and removed in line with GDPR. Transcripts take five school days to process.

Personal Statements

A thoughtful, authentic personal statement is a vital step in the application journey. It offers students the chance to distinguish themselves beyond academic records and test scores — presenting a fuller picture of who they are, their journey, character, resilience and dedication. Through reflective writing, meaningful insights emerge into students' aspirations, motivations and the clarity with which they envision their future impact.

Suggestions for Writing Personal Statements

Undergraduate & Foundation Courses

Sandwich Degrees (with Work Placement)

Sandwich degrees incorporate a year (thick) or shorter periods (thin) of paid work placement into a standard degree — "sandwiching" practical experience between academic years, usually after the second year. They are common in Business, Engineering, Hospitality, Sciences and Humanities.

Selecting Courses & Locations

ALS counsellors support students and parents using Unifrog, in-class presentations, guided discussions and one-to-one meetings, advising on location, course choices, entry requirements and individual goals. Use these sorting questions when choosing:

A Look Inside Unifrog

Here are a few of the tools students and families use on the platform — swipe through to explore.

Explore subjects & coursesDiscover direct matches and related degrees based on each student's interests, across single and joint honours.

A personalised toolkitQuizzes, recording, exploring, materials, searching, connecting and applications — tailored to each year group, Grades 6–12.

Compare & shortlist coursesRank options as Aspirational, Solid or Safe, filter by entry requirements, and dive into detailed course pages worldwide.

Sample Application Procedures

Select a destination below to see the step-by-step process. Tap a header to expand or collapse.

College / University Interviews

Interviews assess a student's suitability beyond grades — evaluating motivation, subject interest, communication, critical thinking and understanding of the course and institution. They also let students demonstrate enthusiasm, clarify goals and show how their skills align with the programme.

Fees

Fees vary widely by country, institution and programme. They may include tuition, registration, accommodation, health insurance and living expenses, and can change yearly. Students and parents are responsible for checking up-to-date fee information on university websites. Counsellors can explain fee structures and guide families towards scholarships, bursaries and financial aid, but final verification rests with the student and parent.

Sample Yearly Fees

Student Responsibilities

Summer programmes offer valuable opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom — exploring academic interests, developing skills and experiencing life at universities worldwide. They can strengthen university applications by demonstrating curiosity, commitment and initiative.

The following is a selection of reputable programmes available to students worldwide. Review details carefully and seek guidance from the counselling team when choosing opportunities that align with your academic goals and interests.

University-Based Academic Summer Schools

Subject-Specific & Career-Focused

Research, STEM & Innovation

Cultural Exchange, Language & Leadership

Arts, Design & Creative

Global Academic & Enrichment

ALS is committed to working in partnership with parents to support students' academic progress, subject choices and future pathways. Structured communication channels, workshops and guidance opportunities throughout the year keep parents informed, engaged and well supported.

ALS takes pride in the achievements of its alumni. With two decades of history, former students are warmly welcomed back to share their experiences with current students and parents, offering insight into higher-education pathways and professional journeys.

ALS in Numbers

Every number tells a story of growth, ambition and our ongoing commitment to helping students reach their fullest potential.

Partnership with Alumni

Our alumni programme supports ongoing engagement through:

Alumni Highlights

Celebrating our graduates and the journeys that began at ALS. Swipe through to meet some of our featured alumni.

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2025 Alumni Data

This data offers insight into study and location choices and career pathways. It forms a foundation for mentoring networks and helps the Careers Department determine how best to support students and parents moving forward.

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia — Universities

🇺🇸 USA

🇬🇧 UK · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇪🇺 Europe

🇦🇺 Australia · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇭🇰 Hong Kong · 🌐 Worldwide