College Counselling
Forging University Pathways
‘Karachi Grammar School prepares its learners to seek meaningful success in their lives, and that principle drives our college counselling programme. We strongly believe that the college planning and application process can help our students to grow into independent and self-aware young men and women who know what they want from the college experience. Our team of counsellors support this journey with expert advice and support, and help students develop the tools they need to take on life beyond the school with resourcefulness and confidence.’
Careers and University Guidance
Meet the Team
Sundus Rasheed
Head of Careers & University Guidance
hoc@kgs.edu.pk
Sundus Rasheed holds a BSc (Honors) in Human Resource Development. She is a Times Higher Education-accredited counsellor and has been one at KGS for the past 8 years.
Before joining the School, she worked in broadcast media (content development and training) across Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Egypt. She is a US State IVLP Dept alumna for Civic and Political Engagement, a Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Journalism Fellow, and a consultant for the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations on digital media and for the G8 (7) Broader Middle East & North Africa Initiative on freedom of expression and education.
Her areas of interest include the arts, culture, and media. She is a mug collector, a coloring enthusiast and a pet Mom to a 6-year-old yellow Labrador called Thor. She’s also a lifelong Napierite. Ask her about Pakistani and Asian universities, and how to start brainstorming those essays!
Ayesha Shoaib
Adviser
In addition to being a Careers & University adviser for the past many years, Ayesha is the Head of the Economics Department at Karachi Grammar School. She works closely with students in both capacities to ensure that they are preparing intellectually and socially for their futures. She has attended national and international college counselling conferences and strongly believes that the process requires complete honesty and commitment for success.
Sitwat Irfan
Adviser
Currently teaching Economics to A Level students, Sitwat has been involved with the education sector since 2002. She has been a College Counsellor for seven years at Karachi Grammar School.
Hanah Zuberi
Adviser
Hanah Zuberi holds a BA (Hons) in History & Political Science from the University of Toronto. She is the Head of the Department for World History at the College Section and has been a teacher for 12 years. Currently, she is also the Patron of the Parliamentary Debates Society. This will be her third year as a Careers & University Guidance Advisor at KGS. She is a Times Higher Education Accredited Counsellor (Level 1). When she isn’t researching universities or grading History essays, you’ll probably find her reading fantasy fiction, colouring, or listening to History podcasts. Her House affiliation is with Papworth; she was even Assistant House Tutor for Papworth for 3 years!
Sidra Qureshi
Adviser
Coming from a family of educationists and teachers, Sidra wanted to diversify her skills and experience towards empowering students to become the most successful version of themselves. She has over seven years of experience helping students apply to selective colleges. As a Portfolio Advisor, she enjoys helping students create exemplary college profiles.
Syeda Sobia Haleem
Adviser
Syeda Sobia Haleem holds MAs in English Literature and Philosophy, with 22 years of teaching experience in literature, philosophy, and writing skills. She has over a decade of experience guiding and counselling students during college applications. She’s passionate about developing students’ writing and critical thinking skills, guiding them in essay writing, goal-setting, and self-discovery. A firm believer that teachers shape the future, she enjoys working with young adults as they navigate their potential and limitations.
Roohi Jilani
Adviser
With more than 28 years in the field of education in Pakistan and the Middle East, she holds a BEd. and MSc in Statistics. She also previously served as the Head of O Level Mathematics, and is currently Coordinator for A Level Mathematics. She is one of the senior advisors on the team, with over 15 years of experience in college counselling, as well as being a British Council-certified Counsellor.
Alizeh Bano
Adviser
Alizeh Bano brings over eight years of experience in academic and college counselling, with a strong foundation in faculty management and student development. Prior to joining Karachi Grammar School, she led the Counselling and Faculty departments at Nixor College, where she developed strategic programs focused on academic advising, university applications, and student success. With a Master’s degree in Marketing from SZABIST and a dynamic background in leadership, communication, and data-driven planning, Alizeh is dedicated to guiding students toward informed and meaningful higher education choices. Her approach combines personalised support with strategic insight to help students thrive academically and beyond.
Hammad Junejo
Adviser
Hammad Junejo, armed with a BA (Hons) in History & Classical Civilizations from the University of Toronto, has been a teacher of World History for 4 years. He is also the Patron of the History Society and the Sounds Society. Hammad is also the author of ‘The Last War That Had To Be Fought’, a biography of a Canadian World War II veteran. When he’s not reading history, He enjoys playing the guitar, and video games. His House affiliation is with Frere; he was also a House Tutor for Frere for 3 years.
Our Structure
‘The Counselling Department comprises 10 experienced Counsellors and a dedicated office staff. We are an integral part of the students’ educational experience at the College Section, and we work in close collaboration with students and families to ensure that the college planning and application process is personalised and meaningful. In addition to the college application process, the Counselling Department facilitates well-informed selection of academic subjects at the O and A level and meaningful engagement in activities.
‘Our Portfolio Advisors work with students in Years 10-12, guiding them and encouraging them to take part in activities that will help them explore their academic and personal interests, strengthen their existing skills and develop new competencies. In the second term of Year 12, students start one-on-one meetings with a Counsellor who will guide and support them throughout Year 13.’
Portfolio Advising
‘Structured super- and extra- curricular activities and meaningful community service help our students to gain the most benefit from their time in the College Section. Through participation in these activities, students extend their learning outside the classroom and gain a stronger understanding of their personal values and goals for the future.
‘The skills and knowledge gained through participation in club activities, sports, competitions and independent exploration of subjects beyond the curriculum all prepare them for competitive college admissions and rigorous university level studies. Thorough this proactive engagement with their interests, students demonstrate their enthusiasm for learning and their desire to contribute positively to the communities of which they are a member.
College Application
‘In Year 12, students work with their counsellors to identify target universities that are the best match for their interests and requirements, and that give the best potential for offers of admission and financial aid, if required. The summer of Year 12 is an important time for students to focus on researching university options, writing resumes, and making headway with application essays.
The application process itself begins early in Year 13; with application requirements and deadlines varying based on country and university. Students work on crafting an application that will best represent their strengths and accomplishments, provide context for their achievements in and out of the classroom, and demonstrate their interest in the programmes and universities that they are applying to. Our counsellors work closely with students and parents to guide them through the process (including the all-important essays) to ensure the best possible outcome for each student. Counselling and application support are ongoing throughout the year, through final school transcripts and dispatch of A Level results.’
Special Initiative
1.Information sessions with KGS alumni
For the Alumni Talks programme, recent graduates of KGS are invited to share their experiences with current students in a series of country-specific and occupation-specific panel discussions.
2.College fair and information sessions with university representatives
KGS hosts a college fair with visiting representatives from colleges and universities in the United States, and also organises information sessions for university representatives from other countries including Canada, Hong Kong, Turkey and the United Kingdom, as well as Pakistan.
3.Mock interviews
All applicants invited to departmental interviews at Oxford or Cambridge were offered the opportunity to take part in mock interviews with relevant subject teachers and with alumni studying in those subjects at Oxford/Cambridge.
4.Career Fair
Once a year the Counselling Department organises a Career Fair in partnership with the Old Grammarians’ Society (OGS). The event features small group sessions with KGS graduates who are professionals and industry leaders from a range of industries and fields of endeavour.
5.Internships
The Counselling Department works with the OGS and other organisations to arrange summer internship opportunities for College Section students.