College Corner

College & University Guidance

How We Support Students

LUPS provides individualized guidance throughout the college-planning and application process. Students receive support as they:

• Explore careers, majors, universities, and postsecondary pathways.
• Develop balanced university lists and understand admission requirements.
• Plan appropriate coursework and standardized testing.
• Prepare applications, essays, résumés, recommendations, transcripts, and supporting documents.
• Research scholarships, study financing, and the total cost of attendance.
• Compare offers and prepare for the transition to university life.

Student ownership matters. LUPS guides and supports students and families, while students are expected to remain engaged, communicate responsibly, and meet deadlines.

College Planning by Grade

Grades 9–10 | Build the Foundation: Develop strong academic and study habits, explore interests and careers, participate meaningfully in school and community life, and begin learning about postsecondary pathways.

Grade 11 | Research & Prepare: Research universities and programs, understand admission requirements, develop an initial university list, prepare for required testing, attend information sessions, visit campuses when possible, and begin organizing application materials.

Grade 12 | Apply & Transition: Finalize university choices, manage application and financing deadlines, complete applications and essays, request recommendations and transcripts, compare offers and financial-aid packages, make an informed enrollment decision, and complete final documentation.

College Application Resources

Netherlands & Europe

Application systems, diploma requirements, selection procedures, and deadlines vary by country, university, and program. Students should work closely with LUPS College Guidance and verify current requirements directly through each institution’s official admissions website.

United States

Common Application — Apply to participating U.S. colleges and universities.
https://www.commonapp.org/apply/

EducationUSA — Your 5 Steps to U.S. Study — Official U.S. Department of State guidance for international students.
https://educationusa.state.gov/your-5-steps-us-study

United Kingdom

UCAS — Undergraduate Study — Research and apply to undergraduate programs in the United Kingdom.
https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate

Canada & Other International Destinations

Application processes vary by country and institution. Students should consult LUPS College Guidance and confirm admission requirements, deadlines, costs, and required documentation directly with each university.

Testing Resources

Testing requirements vary by university and country. Students should confirm each institution’s current requirements before registering.

College Admission Testing

SAT Information & Registration — College Board
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration

Official Digital SAT Practice — Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/digital-sat

ACT Information & Registration
https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html

English Language Proficiency

Some universities require applicants whose first language is not English to demonstrate English-language proficiency. Accepted examinations and minimum scores vary by institution.

TOEFL iBT — ETS
https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/register/how-to-register.html

Duolingo English Test
https://englishtest.duolingo.com/

IELTS Academic
https://ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types/ielts-academic-test

Advanced Placement (AP)

AP courses provide opportunities to complete college-level academic work in high school. University policies regarding AP credit, placement, and advanced standing vary by institution.

AP Students — College Board
https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/

Scholarships & Study Financing

Financing should be considered early. Families should review the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, transportation, insurance, books, and personal expenses.

Sint Maarten Study Financing

The Government of Sint Maarten Division Study Financing provides information for eligible students about requirements, priority fields of study, recommended institutions, required documents, application procedures, and important dates.

Sint Maarten Study Financing
https://studyfinancing-sxm.com/

DUO — Dutch Student Finance

Students with Dutch nationality, as well as certain other eligible students, should investigate financing through the Netherlands’ Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO). Depending on eligibility, support may include grants, loans, tuition assistance, and other benefits. Students planning to study outside the Netherlands should verify whether their institution and degree program qualify.

DUO — Student Finance
https://duo.nl/particulier/student-finance/

U.S. Federal Student Aid

Students who are eligible for U.S. federal student aid should use the official U.S. Department of Education resource for current information about grants, loans, work-study, and FAFSA requirements.

Federal Student Aid / FAFSA
https://studentaid.gov/

Additional scholarships and institutional financial aid may be available directly from universities. Eligibility may depend on citizenship, residency, academic achievement, financial need, talent, program of study, and other criteria. Students and families should verify all financial-aid information through official government or university sources.

Need College Guidance?

Mark Beland
Dean of Academics & College Counselor
Email: mbeland@luschool.com
College Guidance: +1 (305) 420-5459
Main Office: +1 (721) 542-3545

Our Goal

Successful college planning is a partnership among students, families, and the school. We want every LUPS graduate to leave prepared not simply to gain university admission, but to choose a postsecondary pathway where they can succeed academically, grow personally, and move confidently toward their future goals.