How many transcripts do I need? You only need a soft copy of your transcript for US, Canada, and Cambridge. If you're applying to 10 schools, you do not need 10 transcripts. We will be uploading transcripts for you.
Predicted Grades: *We do not send official predicted grades on letterheads for UK universities. Students must come into our further studies office to write down their own PGs in their notebooks. PGs are usually available by Sept 30th. PGs are final once they're set. That's our school policy. |
IELTS & TOEFL: What's the difference and when do I take them?
IELTS: Let's first talk about the IELTS. The UK prefers this test. There are 4 papers total and each is marked out of 9 with 9 being the highest score. Most Universities are satisfied with a minimum of 6.5 for each paper. Our students typically get 8 or 8.5 in reading and listening but speaking and writing they score a bit lower. This is something to watch out for. DSE students are actually taught the IELTS in Form 4 but we don't teach IB students the IELTS. Take this exam in the Fall of Form 5 - scores expire after 2 years. TOEFL: The TOEFL is a US exam and naturally Americans prefer this test. Our students tend to score higher on TOEFL as well. The exam is out of 120 points and Universities require a minimum of 92. Our students typically get between 105-115. Take this exam in the Fall of Form 5- scores expire after 2 years. How many Universities can I apply to? Students are advised to be self-limiting in the number of applications they make to Universities according to their individual preferences and needs. Our school policy allows students to apply to 10 institutions excluding Hong Kong (UCAS counts as 1, UC's count as 1) |
Super-Curricular (UK) Vs. Extra-Curricular (US): What's the difference and why does it matter?
Super-Curricular: Strong applicants to Oxbridge and competitive UK Universities tend to have explored their chosen subject through wider reading outside the classroom in addition to doing well on DSE and IB classes. This sort of exploration is "Super-Curricular" as it builds on and enhances what you are studying in school. UK Universities care purely about Super-Curricular and expect students to have read extensively in their chosen subject before applying.
Extra-Curricular: Activities such as Sports team, Clubs, instruments played that fall outside the realm of your chosen subject and add to a student's general scholastic experience. They don't link to your chosen subject of study but they show a student's interest and dedication outside of school. Leadership capabilities are often high-lighted through Extra-Curricular. Think of US schools as casting a broad net.
Super-Curricular: Strong applicants to Oxbridge and competitive UK Universities tend to have explored their chosen subject through wider reading outside the classroom in addition to doing well on DSE and IB classes. This sort of exploration is "Super-Curricular" as it builds on and enhances what you are studying in school. UK Universities care purely about Super-Curricular and expect students to have read extensively in their chosen subject before applying.
Extra-Curricular: Activities such as Sports team, Clubs, instruments played that fall outside the realm of your chosen subject and add to a student's general scholastic experience. They don't link to your chosen subject of study but they show a student's interest and dedication outside of school. Leadership capabilities are often high-lighted through Extra-Curricular. Think of US schools as casting a broad net.
SAT IWe recommend taking SATI prep classes the summer after Form 4 followed up with taking your first test in the fall of Form 5. Your second attempt at the SATI should be in the winter or the spring. Register early. Out of 1600, we expect our students to aim 1500 and higher. 99% of our students are scoring >1400.
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ACTWe recommend taking ACT with writing prep classes the summer after Form 4 followed up with taking your first test in the fall of Form 5. Your second attempt at the ACT should be in the winter or spring. Register early.
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SAT IIUS Universities require two SAT II subject tests. Even if it is optional, our school policies for students applying to the US is that you absolutely must take a minimum of two subject tests. Students may choose any subject test, but they may not choose Chinese and they may not choose Math 1. Most of our students receive 780-800 on these exams.
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SAT I or ACT?
Many of our students ask about the SAT I or ACT. What is the difference and what should they take? These are two very different tests and students should take the test that they score higher on. Admissions will say that these tests are viewed equally; however, in the past, we've seen more success with our students who take the SAT I. If you can manage the SAT I and score above 1500 then I would say take the SAT I. If not, then take the ACT.
IB Extended Essay/ IES
IB Students--> UK
1.) Your Extended Essay is gold-dust. Make sure your title closely matches your chosen degree course title. This is the closest example to independent research you will carry out, and is exactly what university admissions officers are looking for.
2.) Focus on the S in CAS. CAS is such a wonderful phenomenon, and being involved in community work and service is a great USP on your personal statement.
3.) TOK. Not only are you undertaking six subjects, you are also learning *about* learning, which will thrill many admissions officers
DSE Students --> UK
1) Choose an IES that is related to your UK subject of study.
1.) Your Extended Essay is gold-dust. Make sure your title closely matches your chosen degree course title. This is the closest example to independent research you will carry out, and is exactly what university admissions officers are looking for.
2.) Focus on the S in CAS. CAS is such a wonderful phenomenon, and being involved in community work and service is a great USP on your personal statement.
3.) TOK. Not only are you undertaking six subjects, you are also learning *about* learning, which will thrill many admissions officers
DSE Students --> UK
1) Choose an IES that is related to your UK subject of study.
Essay Competitions
Dear students,
Many of your predecessors have participated in essay competitions out of a natural interest in their future subject. Since many of you are at home and enriching your studies with independent research or supplementary online courses, participating in an essay competition is a great way to dive deeper into your chosen subject area. You don't have to win these essay competitions, but partcipating in them already gives you an edge in academic writing, and fodder for your future personal statements. At a glance the upcoming 2020 deadlines are the following.
Upcoming 2020 deadlines:
Trinity Cambridge Law: 13 April
Peterhouse English & Science: 20 April
Trinity History: 1 May
Newnham Philosophy 11 May
Trinity Philosophy: 31 May
St. Hugh's Classics & History: 24th July
Trinity Cambridge English: 1 August
Trinity Cambridge Politics: 3 August
For more information: https://www.thecarolineclub.com/competitions/oxbridge
Keep in mind that these essay competitions are yearly so set a reminder for the following year if you missed your chance this year. If you do submit an entry, Ms. Wong (tywong@spcc.edu.hk) and I (wyliang@spcc.edu.hk) do expect you to email us your final submission. We will add this into your future reference letters when you do apply to university.
Happy writing!
Many of your predecessors have participated in essay competitions out of a natural interest in their future subject. Since many of you are at home and enriching your studies with independent research or supplementary online courses, participating in an essay competition is a great way to dive deeper into your chosen subject area. You don't have to win these essay competitions, but partcipating in them already gives you an edge in academic writing, and fodder for your future personal statements. At a glance the upcoming 2020 deadlines are the following.
Upcoming 2020 deadlines:
Trinity Cambridge Law: 13 April
Peterhouse English & Science: 20 April
Trinity History: 1 May
Newnham Philosophy 11 May
Trinity Philosophy: 31 May
St. Hugh's Classics & History: 24th July
Trinity Cambridge English: 1 August
Trinity Cambridge Politics: 3 August
For more information: https://www.thecarolineclub.com/competitions/oxbridge
Keep in mind that these essay competitions are yearly so set a reminder for the following year if you missed your chance this year. If you do submit an entry, Ms. Wong (tywong@spcc.edu.hk) and I (wyliang@spcc.edu.hk) do expect you to email us your final submission. We will add this into your future reference letters when you do apply to university.
Happy writing!
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