Year 13 students at Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) are already fielding offers from some of the world’s most prestigious universities. Sherry Gu is set to spend her university years at the University of Michigan, a prominent US university, studying economics. Her classmate, Daisy Chau, is turning her dreams of studying Art History into reality; Chau will attend Ivy League school University of Pennsylvania (UPENN). Other students have already received offers from University of Cambridge and University of Oxford in the UK, and there are potential offers from Ivy League schools Harvard and Princeton.
This month and the following months are the culminations of huge amounts of stress, preparation, and waiting. YCIS Beijing’s University Guidance Counselor, Ryan Jordan, says that while he starts working with students formally during Year 10, it’s never too early to start thinking about university. “I’d suggest parents talk to their children about what subjects they are strong in as well as something they have a passion for, and take an active role in how they are developing both socially and academically,” Jordan recommends.
Wondering where to start for your teen or almost teen? It’s key your student gains vital basic skills. These include note taking and working in groups, says Jordan, “as these are key aspects that will aid them not only during secondary school but in university life as well.” There are more factors that need to be addressed, he says, including “discussing fears and expectations of that first year at university, goal setting, and stress management.” YCIS also emphasizes strong character development and knowing themselves. This self-knowledge will help them choose a major and eventually, says Jordan, a career.
Has your child recently been accepted to a university? Share their successes with us in the comments section.
Photos courtesy of YCIS Beijing
