University Guidance Counsellor’s Top Tips 升学指导顾问的重要提示

University offers are rolling in for our Year 13s. Among them, three high-value American scholarships and eight offers from leading British universities. University Guidance Counsellor Mr Jonathan Mellen gives us his top application tips.

我们13年级的学生已经陆续收到大学录取通知书。其中包括三项高含金量的美国奖学金和八项英国顶尖大学的奖学金。升学指导顾问Jonathan Mellen先生向我们介绍了他的最佳申请技巧。

Students are no longer accepted on academic merit alone. What other qualities make a student stand out?

学校不再仅仅以学习成绩作为唯一考量标准。还有哪些其他特质能够让学生脱颖而出？

This is particularly true for American universities where they take into account all manner of extracurricular interests as well as significant life events. There are typically three things that American universities look for in a student, and I encourage students to address these in their written statements:

美国大学尤其会考虑各种课外兴趣以及重要的生活经历。美国大学通常注重学生三个方面的特质，我鼓励学生在他们的个人陈述中解释以下问题：

1. Your record 你的成绩

This includes school grades, SAT results, letters of recommendation and your personal statement. It may also include outstanding athletic or musical achievements.

这包括学校成绩、SAT成绩、推荐信和你的个人陈述。它可能还包括出色的运动或音乐成就。

2. What you’ll contribute  你将会做出什么贡献

You need to show that you will make a positive contribution to college life. Have you organised a charity fundraiser, put on a school play or fought for change in your school or community? 

你需要表明你将为大学生活做出积极的贡献。你是否组织过慈善筹款活动，参加校园剧或为学校或社区的改变做出过贡献？

3. Your character  你的性格 

Have you had to overcome a significant challenge in your life such as an illness or bereavement? 

你是否曾经战胜过生活中的重大挑战，例如疾病或丧亲之痛？

How can students craft strong application essays?

学生如何能够写出好的申请论文？

There’s no one-size-fits-all for these essays. For British universities, I suggest writing a personal statement that focuses on your subject. This might include what sparked your interest, how you have pursued that interest and future ambitions. For American applications, try to craft a story considering the points I mentioned above. 

申请论文没有一刀切的版面。对于英国大学，我建议写一篇专注于你的学科的个人陈述。这可能包括引起你兴趣的因素，你如何追求这种兴趣和未来的抱负。对于美国大学的申请，请尝试考虑用上述要点来写一篇故事。

To continue reading Mr Mellen’s tips, click “Read more” below.

想要继续阅读Mellen先生的提示，请点击下面的“阅读原文”。

[IBDP RESULTS] World Class IBDP Results Once Again 北京耀中IB成绩再次达到世界级水平

[UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE] University Guidance: Supporting Every Student  升学指导：支持每个学生

[UNIVERSITY OFFERS 2018] Global Graduates: Our Year 13 University Offers 13年级的大学录取通知书