何同学 Rani

As an eighth-grade student, I feel honored to have listened to the speeches of the senior students yesterday, where they shared their learning experiences. Jiaxin, Winnie, Evan, and Justin, as senior students, provided us with valuable advice and I have benefited greatly from it. First and foremost, they emphasized the importance of studying. As we progress to higher grades, the difficulty and pressure of studying will increase, so we need to be well-prepared in advance. This made me realize that I should not let my guard down just because middle school is relatively easier. I should always maintain a sense of urgency in learning. Secondly, they reminded us to focus on cultivating our independent learning abilities, to learn self-management, and to actively seek and solve problems. The speeches of the senior students left a deep impression on me, and their experiences and advice are highly valuable for us eighth-grade students. I will remember their guidance and prepare myself for future learning and life. To wrap up, I would like to thank the senior students for taking the time to share these experiences with us. This experience not only inspires me but also fills me with confidence and motivation for the future. I will work hard to improve myabilities in all aspects and not disappoint the expectations of the senior students.

陈同学 Yomi

During today's CAS session, three senior students from the twelfth grade, Samuel, Diana, and Alisa, shared their experiences and answered questions about college admissions. Firstly, we discussed how to find the majors and courses we are interested in and when to start choosing universities for the future. Samuel suggested starting the planning process in ninth or tenth grade, just like planting a tree, where "ten years ago" or "now" is the best time. They also emphasized that discovering an interesting major requires continuous exploration and experimentation. "Try more, explore more, and discover yourself more", said Diana. Even if you don't find an initially interesting course, you can find interesting directions through continuous discovery during the learning process. Further on, we discussed the importance of extracurricular activities. The senior students advised us to actively utilize school resources and participate in a variety of activities, which not only enriches our resumes but also helps us integrate better into the community. At the same time, academic performance is also very important, and the senior students reminded us not to neglect it. Regarding the application process, the senior students shared insights on the key aspects of the TOEFL examination. Improving vocabulary and mastering test-taking skills are crucial for achieving better scores. When choosing a university, it is necessary to consider factors such as the environment, safety, and transportation, and select a school and major that are suitable for oneself. At last, the senior students discussed how to alleviate academic pressure and anxiety. They emphasized that setbacks are a part of life, and we are not alone. Rather than comparing ourselves to others, we should compare ourselves to our past selves, focus on the present, work towards changing the current situation, and turn the unknown into the known.

赵同学 Eleven

During today's CAS activity, Senior Student Pamela and James shared their experiences and preparations for the application process in the United States and the United Kingdom, respectively. For undergraduate applications, it is important to present a well-rounded image to the admissions officers. A well-crafted personal statement, a comprehensive list of activities, and notable achievements are key to this presentation. While demonstrating academic abilities to the admissions officers, students can also showcase their interests and contributions to society or the community through their activity lists. Yet, when it comes to specific writing, many of us often feel confused and lost. Pamela and James advised us to take a moment to reflect and review all the activities we have engaged in since eighth grade, list them all, and then refine the details after discussing with the counselor. The senior students also provided reasonable advice for the upcoming application season, such as preparing for standardized tests during the summer break of the eleventh grade and brainstorming essay content. Once the twelfth grade officially enters the application season, focusing on oneself and reducing meaningless pastimes can help maintain a stable mindset.