It certainly looks to be another exciting year for the Year 13s at Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing). Already this year, several of YCIS Beijing's future graduates have received offers from world-class universities across the globe, including the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. With many US universities set to start sending offers later this month - including potential offers from Princeton and Harvard - the list of prestigious university offers only looks set to grow. However, these offers are not entirely unexpected. In fact, such offers are commonplace at reputable international schools and this consistency stems from many factors. Of course, quality teaching is a glaring aspect that will almost naturally lead to success. However, these offers are also a culmination of a huge amount of research and preparation that is put into the University Guidance Program at YCIS Beijing in which students work with the school's university guidance counselor on vital components including university applications, preparing for university life and, of course, choosing the right university for each individual.

For most students in their final year at school, the main goal is to obtain a university offer in the knowledge that the following year they will be embarking on the journey to achieving a degree. However, there are so many aspects that need to be addressed in order to get the best out of your university years, and it doesn't start when you arrive on campus for your orientation day. The path to an accomplished university experience begins long before a university application has been completed.

"It is never too early to start thinking about university. However, it is important that time is given for students to develop their own interests and abilities," states Ryan Jordan, university guidance counselor at YCIS Beijing. "I formally start working with students regarding University Guidance during Year 10 (age 14). I'd suggest parents to 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." 

During the later years of secondary education, the considerations for university selections are focused on in rigorous depth. However, to ensure that students are fully prepared for what awaits them at prospective universities, several key areas are visited. Jordan explains, "From Year 10 through to 13, we do everything possible to make sure students make the right choices. We cover necessary skills such as note taking and working in groups, as these are key aspects that will aid them not only during secondary school but university life as well. There are also factors that need to be taken into account such as discussing fears and expectations of that first year at university, goal setting and stress management. Another vital consideration is developing a strong character within our students. We look at topics such as imagery and self-perception in our Character Education classes to remind our students to be themselves. Knowing themselves is the first step to choosing a major and an eventual career."

In Years 12 and 13 (ages 16 to 18), YCIS students actively engage in Creativity, Action, Service (CAS), one component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB). "Earlier in the year, we held a CAS fair to provide students with opportunities to establish links with local and global enterprises with the goal of getting involved with community service projects and volunteer work," said Jordan. This year the CAS fair attracted 22 NGOs, including the Migrant Children Foundation, UNICEF and the Chi Heng Foundation. "We encourage the students to volunteer in the hope that the experiences will remain with the students long into the future.

This will help their growth and social development in addi­tion to building character and hopefully motivate them to continue doing volunteer work when they start university and beyond."

Any student, no matter how gifted, needs guidance. This can also be applied to our daily lives and in the workplace in which even a very talented employee still needs direction from their superior. All students in their later years of secondary education must maximize their opportunities.

A university guidance counselor is an invaluable resource of knowledge and wisdom that can ensure that the best possible prospects are afforded to students to fulfill their potential and make the right choices.

Contact details:

Tel: (8610) 8583-3731

Email: enquiry@bj.ycef.com

web: www.ycis-bj.com

Global Times