Fit First: Guiding IB Students Toward What’s Next

Fit First: Guiding IB and HSD Students Toward What’s Next 

Article by Alexander Smith, Director of University Counselling.

With all the energy, non-stop activities and growth happening every day at Beau Soleil, it sometimes feels strange to focus on things happening years from now in places far from Villars-sur-Ollon. But that’s exactly what our University Counselling team does, helping students plan for life after boarding school. While our name contains the word “university” and the majority of our students are looking to pursue higher education, our real goal is broader: helping every student figure out what makes sense for them. 

At Beau Soleil, many students are enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a rigorous and globally recognised academic curriculum. Alongside the IB, we are also proud to offer the High School Diploma (HSD), a highly personalised academic pathway designed to support students with specific goals, interests or learning profiles. HSD students benefit from tailored course selections and greater flexibility, allowing them to develop deep expertise and practical skills that align with their ambitions. 

Laying the Groundwork for Future Success 

We begin this journey of future-focused preparation in Grade 9, gradually increasing the frequency and depth of our guidance as students' progress. Group sessions help explore big-picture concepts. However, the most impactful progress comes through personalised, one-on-one counselling. These conversations allow us to build strong relationships with students, helping them uncover opportunities that align with their strengths and aspirations. A key part of our work involves asking deep questions, especially “why?”, to guide students in clarifying their motivations. These insights become critical when it’s time to articulate personal goals in university applications, interviews, and essays. 

If you're wondering how this process works for a student who isn’t sure what they want to do yet, don't worry, that’s completely normal. Most of our students are still discovering their interests. Our role is to guide them through that discovery with thoughtful, student-centred university counselling that builds clarity and confidence. 

The Importance of Fit 

Our advising model focuses on helping students identify options that are the right fit for them — not the most prestigious or popular choice, but the most meaningful. We focus on three types of fit when guiding university applications: 

• Academic Fit 
  Does the institution offer the student’s intended field of study? 

• Environmental Fit 
  Does the campus and community align with their personality, values and learning style? 

• Logistical Fit 
  Do the deadlines, financial requirements and admissions process work for the student and their family? 

Finding a university that fits across all three areas is like placing the final puzzle piece — satisfying and exciting. We’re proud to help students navigate that journey. 

What Makes Our Students Stand Out? 

Whether they are completing the IB Diploma or pursuing an HSD pathway, Beau Soleil students are uniquely prepared for life after school. IB students are recognised for their academic depth and critical thinking. HSD students often stand out for their focus, creativity, and ability to carve their own paths. 

Universities value both profiles. IB students benefit from the programme’s global reputation and university-level rigour. HSD students often demonstrate strong self-awareness and a clear sense of purpose — traits that resonate strongly in applications, interviews, and portfolios. 

A World of University Destinations 

Our students pursue the next stage of their education at leading universities and specialist institutions around the world. Many are especially drawn to global cities such as London, Paris, Milan, Madrid, New York, Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles. These locations that offer vibrant environments aligned with a wide variety of academic and personal goals. 

Recent university offers have come from: 

• United States: University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), Cornell University, Boston University, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and Emory University 

• United Kingdom: University College London (UCL), King’s College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of Manchester, and University of St Andrews 

• Europe: IE University Madrid and Maastricht University 

• Specialist institutions: Parsons Paris and Marangoni (Milan and Paris campuses) for students pursuing art, fashion, and design 

This global range of destinations reflects how we approach university guidance: focused on fit, possibility, and the individuality of each student’s journey. 

Supporting Every Student’s Journey 

At Beau Soleil, we work with students who have an incredibly diverse range of interests and ambitions. Some are passionate about engineering or international relations, while others dream of careers in music, business, design, or launching their own startups. 

Whatever their goals, our job is to provide the right mix of support, challenge, and reflection to help them take the next step forward. And while not every student follows the same path, our tailored approach ensures that both IB and HSD students are well-equipped to succeed. This applies not only to the university application process, but to the future that lies beyond it. 

We look forward to getting to know your child and supporting them as they move toward a future that excites them, even if, for now, their biggest goal is to perfect a new freestyle ski trick.