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As part of SEK Education Group, the recent Aula de Familias session focused on guiding families through the process of applying to universities abroad. The talk was led by Safae El Adlouni, a counselor at SEK El-Castillo and an expert in international education, who outlined the key steps for accessing institutions outside of Spain and emphasized the importance of early and structured planning.
The Role of Families in the Process
One of the key points discussed was the role of parents in the application process. El Adlouni stressed that high school students are “overloaded and don’t have much time” as they balance academics, social life, and other responsibilities. For this reason, she recommended that families take on a supportive role rather than placing the entire burden on students. “Parents can help by researching universities, program requirements, costs, and deadlines,” she explained, clarifying that the role of families is not to make decisions for their children but to “simply facilitate and organize deadlines” to reduce stress during the process.
When to Start Preparing?
El Adlouni emphasized the importance of early planning. “By the fourth year of ESO, students must decide whether to pursue the IB or the national high school diploma. From there, they need to start considering what they want to study and where,” she noted, explaining that the International Baccalaureate (IB) is often a better option for those looking to study abroad due to its global recognition.
She also advised students to use this stage to build a strong academic and extracurricular profile. “I recommend that students in their fourth year of ESO start engaging in extracurricular activities,” as time becomes more limited in their final years of high school. Participation in clubs, volunteering, or online courses can make a significant difference in the admissions process. “If they want to study engineering, artificial intelligence, or medicine, they can take online courses,” she suggested, pointing to platforms like Coursera and edX as useful resources for earning relevant certificates.
The Student Profile
One of the most important aspects El Adlouni highlighted is that universities look beyond grades—they also value a student’s personal profile. “Universities aren’t just looking for students with good grades; they want individuals with stories, passions, and experiences that reflect who they are and how they can contribute to the world,” she stated.
To stand out, students must show a genuine interest in their chosen field by engaging in activities related to their studies. “If someone wants to become a doctor, they should volunteer in hospitals, take first aid courses, and participate in experiences related to their career,” she explained, emphasizing that the quality of these experiences matters more than the quantity.
The personal statement or motivation letter is a crucial element in the admissions process, especially for universities in the United Kingdom and the United States. El Adlouni stressed that this document should capture the essence of the student. “When an admissions officer reads the personal statement, they should be able to understand the student’s personality and see it reflected in the letter.”
Key Deadlines and Application Platforms
Each country has its own system and application deadlines. In the United Kingdom, the UCAS platform closes applications on January 25 for most degree programs. In the United States, the Common App system has two main deadlines: Early Decision (November 1), which increases the chances of acceptance, and Regular Decision (January).
For other countries, deadlines vary. In the Netherlands, applications are submitted through Studielink, while in Denmark, the process goes through Optagelse. Applying early is recommended to secure a place and housing. “If students leave everything until the last minute, it can be overwhelming for them,” warned El Adlouni, highlighting that early applicants have up to a 50% higher chance of being admitted.
The Aula de Familias session made it clear that applying to universities abroad is a complex process that requires organization and strategic planning. Beyond grades, universities seek students with well-rounded profiles and meaningful experiences. Families looking for more information can consult school counselors and explore platforms such as Unifrog, Studielink, and College Board to aid in the planning process.
