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College Counseling

Graduates of Taipei American School sitting at the graduation ceremony

Our College Counseling Approach

At Taipei American School, the college counseling office helps our families navigate the college search, application, and admissions process.

Through a dynamic, proactive, collaborative, strategic, and comprehensive process, our students feel supported as they transform their passions into their purpose.

Charting the Path to Your Purpose

Working in concert with students, parents, academic and personal counselors, and Upper School educators, our college counselors create a profound network of advocacy around our students during this key moment of transition. Our college counselors guide our students as they navigate the process of self-reflection, confident self-assertion, and ownership of their educational purpose, with the ultimate goal of helping them achieve personal excellence in the ever-evolving college admissions process.

Meet our College Counseling Director and Team

Experience Matters

Our students benefit from our college counselors’ years of experience on both sides of the university admissions process. Our counseling team has worked on the university-side of admissions and have a deep understanding of the full spectrum of college admissions. By maintaining continuous conversations with colleagues at peer schools and top institutions around the world, TAS provides the most up-to-date, relevant, and personal support to assist students with their school placement. Each year, TAS is pleased to partner with hundreds of colleges and universities to engage either virtually or in person with admissions representatives to learn more about post-secondary options around the world.

Cat Fair
Global Futures, Local Impact: 5th CAT University Fair Connects Students and Universities

On September 14, Taipei American School proudly hosted the 5th Counseling Association of Taiwan (CAT) University Fair, the largest university fair in Taiwan and one of the biggest in Asia. The event brought together nearly 130 universities from more than 10 countries and welcomed 1,500 guests from TAS and 20+ international and bilingual schools across Taiwan. 

More than just a TAS event, the CAT Fair has become a community-wide gathering that unites students, families, and counselors in exploring future pathways. From first-time fair attendees to seasoned university representatives, the day was marked by meaningful conversations and connections. Highlights included student-built CATbots delivering bubble tea, a welcome mural designed by TAS Visual Arts students, and student musicians and Calligraphy Club members adding a cultural touch to the day’s events. 

“This event captures what it means to be globally connected while deeply rooted in Taiwan’s educational community,” shared TAS Associate Director of College Counseling John Gursky in his opening remarks. “Our students are some of the most talented and curious learners in Asia, and today, they had the opportunity to connect directly with universities around the world.” 

The fair also featured micro-sessions on topics such as financial aid, portfolio preparation for art schools, and supporting students in the college search process, providing families with deeper insights into the global admissions landscape. 

CAT Fair Photos

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the schools whose presence helped make the 2025 CAT University Fair such a success: 

  • Taipei American School 

  • American School in Taichung 

  • Asia American International Academy 

  • Chingshin Academy 

  • Dominican International School 

  • Grace Christian Academy 

  • Hsinchu American School 

  • Hsinchu County American School 

  • Hsinchu International Academy 

  • International Bilingual School at Hsinchu Science Park 

  • International Bilingual School at Tainan Science Park 

  • Kang Chiao International School – Linkou Campus 

  • Kang Chiao International School – Taipei Campus 

  • Kaohsiung American School 

  • Morrison Academy Taipei Campus 

  • Pu Tai Senior High School 

  • Taipei European School 

  • Taipei Fuhsing Private School 

  • Taipei Kuei Shan School 

  • Taipei Municipal Xisong High School 

  • Taipei Private Tsai Hsing High School 

  • Taoyuan Municipal Dayuan International Senior High School 

  • TCS Experimental Education 

  • United Education International School 

  • VIS Experimental High School 

  • Wagor International School of Excellence 

Their participation enriched the fair and demonstrated the collective commitment of Taiwan’s educational community to supporting students in exploring future opportunities. 

The CAT University Fair reflects TAS’s mission to cultivate lifelong learners and globally minded contributors. By serving students across Taiwan, the fair embodies TAS’s commitment to community, collaboration, and making the world a better place. 

The learning continued at the Selective Admissions Around the World Panel Discussion, featuring admissions officers from Boston University, UC Davis, McGill University, and Imperial College London.  

Watch the recap video to hear directly from students, parents, and universities about their experiences at the 2025 CAT Fair. 

CAT Fair Photos

 

Global Education for Global College Destinations

Here is a selection of 50 of recent learning destinations beyond Taipei American School. We are so proud of our graduates!

Our Comprehensive Program

We offer an expertly comprehensive, dynamic, and proactive program that aims to guide and support our students through the entire process. Our six full-time college counselors work closely with our expert team of personal and academic counselors to provide individualized support for each and every Tiger in our care.

Find out more by clicking below.

Taipei American School students in a college counseling session in the Upper School lecture hall
The College Counseling Process

Our students in Grades 9 and 10 are strongly encouraged to use these years to make a successful transition into the rhythm and rigor of the Upper School, and to explore what they love about learning. During these years, the most important thing students can do is take healthy risks as they explore their academic and personal interests with the support of the Personal and Academic Counselors. The goal of these years is for students to begin articulating what is important to them about their educational journey.  
 
By Grade 11 our students have hit their stride, and are working to refine key skills like self-understanding, self-regulation, and focus. Our students are encouraged to achieve the sense of balance and self-awareness that colleges look for in applicants. This is also when college counselors begin mandatory individual meetings with students and families to establish an individual plan for each student. During these meetings, counselors develop life-changing relationships with students as they seek to understand each student's personal and academic interests, their goals, and their dreams.  
 
During Grade 12, college counselors continue to meet regularly with students and parents. Counselors provide guidance throughout the process, from feedback and advice on applications and essays, to helping students with their final college decision.

College counselors presenting to students at Taipei American School in the Upper School lecture hall
College Counseling Classes

During the spring semester of Grade 11 and the fall semester of Grade 12, students must attend regular college counseling classes, which provide relevant and timely information about the college search, research, and application processes. They also meet individually with their College Counselor to discuss their unique journeys. Students learn how to find and evaluate colleges that suit their needs and goals, what colleges look for in applications, how to navigate the Common Application, the University of California system application, as well as applications in Canada, the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia, and more. 

These college counseling classes help our students stay calm, organized, and supported as they work over the spring, summer, and fall to complete their college application materials.  

Graduates of Taipei American School sitting at the graduation ceremony
Parent & Guardian Education

Our college counselors provide regular events and workshops for parents and guardians, with the goal of educating parents on the current college admissions landscape, and providing insights into the process, including where their children should be in the process at any given point.  
 
Our college counselors also collaborate with our Personal and Academic Counseling Office for joint counseling conversations. These give parents and guardians the opportunity to ask questions, hear about different strategies, and talk about different changes and trends in college admissions. While these events don't replace individual sessions, they are a great way to engage in a dialogue with the joint counseling teams!

Single Testimonial

“  We are committed to understanding each student’s unique potential, values, and aspirations through a personalized process of self-reflection and exploration. Guided by a best-fit philosophy, ethical practice, and a globally informed perspective, we empower students to make thoughtful decisions that support their growth, independence, and future success. ”

John D. Gursky

Interim Director of College Counseling

News

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College Counseling Brings Global Perspectives to TAS Students
College Counseling Brings Global Perspectives to TAS Students

Taipei American School’s College Counseling Office continues its university outreach this spring by hosting a wide range of global institutions through targeted visits and specialized events. By combining focused programming with curriculum integration, the initiative helps students move beyond general awareness to a deeper understanding of different higher education systems, supporting more informed and personalized post-secondary planning.

This spring, Taipei American School’s College Counseling Office has welcomed a steady stream of university representatives to campus, offering students direct access to institutions and insights from around the world.

With more than 60 universities already confirmed to visit campus this spring, and at least one visit scheduled each day through April, the program reflects both the growing global reach of higher education and the school’s commitment to helping students make informed, thoughtful decisions about their futures. This includes larger-scale events such as a UK mini fair, which brought together 17 universities, for a focused engagement with Grade 10 and 11 students.

The College Counseling Office offers a diverse range of opportunities for students and families to engage with universities each year. “We always develop a range of opportunities for students and families to engage with admissions officers, whether that be through large fairs, panel presentations, workshops, or having them join our classes as guest speakers,” explains Mr. John Gursky, Associate Director of College Counseling. “We are fortunate to have hundreds of admissions officers visit campus annually and encourage students to engage with our admission colleagues because they offer valuable perspective, and they oftentimes are the people actually reading our students’ applications.” “In a constantly changing world - economically, geopolitically, and otherwise, it is important for students and families to have options. Exposure to a wide range of institutions helps students and families better understand what might be the right fit for them,” Director of College Counseling, Ms. Melanie Hamre, shared.

In addition to Canada-focused sessions, the College Counseling Office has also introduced regional spotlights designed to broaden student perspectives. Presentations featuring universities from countries such as the Netherlands - destinations that may be less familiar to some students – are intentionally included to expand awareness and encourage exploration beyond more traditional pathways. “The sessions pushed me to think beyond reputation and rankings,” a Grade 11 student noted. “I started paying more attention to how different systems would actually shape my experience.”

These sessions are often integrated into the school’s college counseling curriculum. Starting in the spring of junior year, students participate in regular classes that guide them through the admissions process while helping them understand the range of options available to them. Some presentations are optional, while others are required for students considering specific regions or systems, ensuring both flexibility and depth in the process. “As a parent, it is reassuring to see the school providing a wide range of exposure,” one TAS parent reflected. “It helps students make decisions based on understanding rather than assumptions.”

Looking ahead, the College Counseling Office will continue to refine and expand its programming, informed by feedback gathered annually from graduating seniors about their application process and outcomes. These insights help ensure that the approach remains responsive and continues to support students in defining their next steps beyond high school. 

Read More about College Counseling Brings Global Perspectives to TAS Students
TAS Students Step into the Role of Admissions Officers
TAS Students Step into the Role of Admissions Officers

College admissions decisions can often seem mysterious from the outside. What factors matter most? How are diverse elements of an application weighed? And how do admissions committees make choices among heavily qualified candidates? 

To demystify this process, the Taipei American School College Counseling Office hosted an experiential workshop where the roles were completely reversed: students and parents sat at the committee table as decision-makers. 

The event brought together four admissions officers from highly selective universities in the United States. In a testament to their strong professional ties with the TAS counseling department, the panelists touched down in Taipei for less than 18 hours, dedicating their limited time to engaging directly with TAS families.  

During the interactive session, more than 50 participants were tasked with reviewing real, anonymized student profiles. Working through the files, families debated the unique strengths, academic metrics, and personal contexts of each applicant before casting votes to admit, waitlist, or deny entry. 

“We always develop a range of opportunities for students and families to engage directly with university admissions officers, whether through large fairs, panel presentations, workshops, or having them join our classes as guest speakers,” explains Mr. John Gursky, Interim Director of College Counseling. “We are fortunate to welcome hundreds of admissions leaders to our campus annually. Engaging with our admissions colleagues is incredibly valuable because they offer genuine perspective, and they are ultimately the professionals reading our students’ applications.” 

Participants walked away surprised by two key aspects of the evening. First, the sudden introduction of unexpected institutional priorities completely shifted how the room voted – proving that many external variables remain outside an individual applicant’s control. Second, the final decisions lacked a clear consensus, demonstrating that different readers find entirely different elements of an application compelling. The exercise underscored that in holistic admissions, no single metric guarantees entry; rather, it is a deep layered process where every component is weighed. 

The evening underscored a key pillar of the TAS College Counseling philosophy: equipping families with accurate, insider knowledge directly from the source. By leveraging the team’s deep professional networks and active participation in international higher education circles, the department continues to bring authentic, high-impact programming straight to campus, ensuring TAS students navigate their post-secondary planning with clarity, confidence, and context. 

Read More about TAS Students Step into the Role of Admissions Officers

Celebrating Our Graduates

Each year, we celebrate our graduating class as they continue on to a great diversity of countries, programs, and universities around the world. Learn more about our program below and explore our Upper School profile to learn about where our students enroll after TAS.

The Taipei American School Profile

Transcript Requests

Are you a current or former TAS family looking to request a transcript for your child? Please visit the following page for an overview of how to request your child's TAS transcript.

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