The Sixth Former Issue #2 by British School of Beijing

The Sixth Former Issue 2 | October 2010

Spotlig on:

Welcome to Issue 2

University Application Update

Princeton University

Princeton University is a vibrant community of scholarship and learning that stands in the nation’s service and in the service of all nations. Chartered in 1746, Princeton is the fourth-oldest college in the United States. Princeton is an independent, coeducational, nondenominational institution that provides undergraduate and graduate instruction in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and engineering. As a world-renowned research university, Princeton seeks to achieve the highest levels of distinction in the discovery and transmission of knowledge and understanding. At the same time, Princeton is distinctive among research universities in its commitment to undergraduate teaching. Today, more than 1,100 faculty members instruct approximately 5,000 undergraduate students and 2,500 graduate students. The University’s generous financial aid program ensures that talented students from all economic backgrounds can afford a Princeton education.

Interview

Q&A with a Princeton Student What type of Work experience Volunteer works did you do? I taught piano for several years as an on-the-side job in both middle and high school. In my senior year of high school, I served as the voting student member on the Maryland State Board of Education, having been elected by the state student council and appointed by the governor. This past summer I interned as a research analyst at the National Council on Teacher Quality, a non-profit think tank focused on education policy in Washington, D.C. I was also a founding member of Wicomico County Youth Leadership Academy and co-chair of the education sub-committee for the Wicomico Sister City Committee. What other Universities did you apply to? Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, University of Maryland, University of Virginia What do you want to study? Economics and Public Policy Why Princeton? 1. Princeton was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. for 8 of the past 10 years, so there was certainly an element of prestige that factored into my decision. 2. I was enthralled with the university. The campus scenery was beautiful, and it was nestled in a small affluent town close to several metropolitan areas. 3. I was impressed by Princeton’s premier focus on undergraduate education, where it is not unusual to have a Nobel Prize-winning professor teaching an introductory course; the undergraduates also have opportunities to meet famous professors and alumni. 4. After talking to students at the university, I was amazed at how happy they were, being able to balance an array of extracurricular activities, receive a fantastic education, and still have lots of fun. 5. Princeton has the most attractive financial aid package. What three pieces of advice would you give to a student applying to University? 1. Start early. You’ll be surprised how relieved and fulfilled you’ll feel when you’ve left enough time to individually concentrate on the all aspects of your application (especially your essay and portfolio) 2. Keep everything in perspective. One thing on the application will not make or break you, and you want to make sure to present a holistic portrait of you as an applicant. 3. Make sure this is your assignment and that you take the initiative. It definitely helps to get advice from your parents, teachers, and peers, but you’re the one who ultimately knows yourself best. Will you live on campus? Yes. One of the great things about Princeton is that all students have guaranteed housing on campus—I’ll be living in a suite at a residential college. What are your hobbies /interests? Playing the piano, Sports, Traveling, Working out, Movies, Trivia, Reading

Derek Wu is the son of one of our College Counselors and is entering his Sophomore Year at Princeton University. On a visit to BSB in early September he spent time talking with our Year 13 students.

Important Information

A letter from... Head Boy I would like to wish a warm welcome to all our new students in Secondary. I hope everyone had a great summer. Here’s a little introduction about myself. My name is Tommy, I’m sixteen and this is my sixth year in BSB. To my surprise I was elected Head Boy on the very first day of school, but relish the opportunity. This year my aim is to ensure that all students feel comfortable being themselves in school. Head Girl My name is Min Jung Kang, currently in Year 13. I am from Korea, but have lived in Beijing for more than 13 years, this being my fourth year at BSB. I am currently studying A Levels in Art, Chinese, Maths and Spanish. I have participated in sports teams and represented BSB at basketball and swimming. From a young age I have always enjoyed taking photographs of scenery, painting and swimming.

Subject Spotlight

AS Physics The AS Physics course includes five main topics organised into two Units, namely Unit 1: Mechanics (Motion, Forces, Energy and Power), Materials (Fluid Flow, Strength of Materials), Unit 2: Waves (Types of Wave, Wave Behaviour, Light and Sound), Electricity (Electrical Quantities, Complete Electrical Circuits), Nature of Light (What is Light?, Spectra and Energy Levels in Atoms). The theory is fully supported with a range of practicals and opportunities for students to question and evaluate their own work. Assessment is by means of three written examination papers at the end of the course on Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 is an ‘alternative to practical paper’ which assesses practical skills and ability to analyse and evaluate experimental data. The course is ideal preparation for students wishing to attend further education in engineering, physics, mathematics, architecture, medicine, biology, chemistry, geology, meteorology, astronomy and other sciences. Physics explains the basic principles by which the universe works and is therefore an essential requirement for a proper understanding of any science-related subject. This course would suit someone who is numerate and can pay attention to detail and accuracy. He/She would need to be adaptable to a rapidly changing field and enjoy being at the forefront of technology. Written by Mr Mike Pryer

UK BSB Deadline for UCAS registration December 1st 2010 15th October 2010 deadline for Oxbridge Applications 15 January 2011 - Closing date for 2011 UCAS applications End March 2011 - Majority of decisions made Early May 2011 - Deadline for applicants to make replies to offers BMAT Registration deadline 15th October BMAT Exam 3rd November UKCAT registration deadline 27th September UKCAT Last Testing Date 8th October Deadlines for applications to other LNAT universities if you want to guarantee that your application will be considered: Register and book an LNAT test slot by 15 January 2011 Submit UCAS form by 15 January 2011 Sit the LNAT by 20 January 2011 Deadlines if you are applying to Oxford (Oxford will not consider later applications): Register and book an LNAT test slot by 15 October 2010 Submit UCAS form by 15 October 2010 Sit the LNAT by 1 November 2010 at the very latest USA SAT October 9th, November 6th, December 4th, January 22nd PSAT/NMSQT October 13th, October 16th Visiting Universities 15 October, 2:30pm -Les Roches, International School of Hotel Management 17 October - The Linden Tour 5 November - The University of Edinburgh Visit

The Sixth Former

Issue 2 | October 2010 An Introduction

Guidance Counselors Dr. Hong Yao

Dr. Hong Yao is an associate professor of economics at Salisbury University’s Franklin Perdue School of Business (Maryland, USA). In her 16 years of teaching experience, she has also taught at both Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and the University of Portland (USA). Her research areas include human capital formation, US-China business education comparison, and income inequality vs. economic growth. For the past five years, Dr. Yao has served as the Global Programs director at Salisbury’s Business School, helping to implement and administer international faculty/student exchanges with China, France, Germany, and Estonia, among other countries. Dr. Yao is currently taking a leave to join her husband, who is a Fulbright Scholar teaching at University of International Business and Economics. Their son Derek is a sophomore at Princeton University, and their daughter Delia is a new Year 10 student at BSB. Her interests include college and career advising, reading, and listening to music.

Liz Stucke

Liz Stucke is excited to join the BSB staff as Secondary Librarian and College Adviser. After receiving her MBA from Columbia Business School, Liz has spent the past 16 years as a management consultant, while raising four children. She has consulted independently and with the change management teams at Deloitte and AT Kearney to both Fortune 500 and small startup companies, as well as private schools and government organizations, such as the City of New York. With her work at the U.S. Council of Environmental Quality, Liz has been interested in environmental issues and initiated a sustainability program at her children’s school in Knoxville, Tennessee, reducing its waste stream costs by 40% and increasing environmental awareness. Liz also has been an active alumnae, sitting on the board of the athletic association of Georgetown University in Washington, DC (where she received her undergraduate degree), and interviews prospective candidates for admissions. Liz comes to Beijing while her husband, Maurice, teaches at China University of Political Science and Law as a Fulbright Scholar. They have four children at the British School: Amelia Year 8, Thomas Year 6, Clara Year 4 and Walt in Nursery.

Great news

Examination Success The year 11 now in Sixth Form students celebrated outstanding IGCSE results. IGCSE stands for; International General Certificate of Secondary Education, it is managed by Cambridge University in the UK and accepted around the world.

We’re very proud on behalf of our students who scored a total 71% A* to A (A Star marks exceptional performance) vs. a UK average of only 22.6%. Our total scores also included a very pleasing 89% A* to C grades vs. a UK average of 69%. The fine academic tradition of The British School of Beijing is sometimes taken for granted. However a rate of top grades more than three times the UK average is worth celebrating and will stand our young men and women in fine stead for their future.

Issue 2 | October 2010 Student checklist

Student Timeline Year 12 Timeline for Students applying to UK Universities

Autumn Term • Focus on your studies and perform to the best of your abilities. • Take a personal assessment test such as the Myers Briggs or Stamford Test to help determine your interests and skills. • Get involved in Charity work • Volunteer in the field of your course interest. • Participate and be involved in extra-curricular activities in areas of interest to you. • Attend the University fair in September. • Participate in meetings with U.K. university admissions representatives who visit BSB. • Attend personal statement writing workshop and write the first draft. Year 13 Timeline for Students applying to UK Universities September • Bring a draft of your personal statement and your list of universities show the College Counselor at your first meeting. • Finish the Oxbridge Overseas Application Forms, including entire UCAS by September 20th if you wish to be interviewed in China. • Check the Sixthformer Newsletter and library board to see if schools that interest you will be visiting BSB. Attend these sessions. • Attend University Fairs offered throughout the city, if universities that interest you also attend. • Notify the counselor if you are interested in applying for courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and veterinary medicine, which must be submitted to UCAS by October 15th. Note the deadline is earlier if you wish for an interview in China. Y12 Timeline for Students applying to American Universities and Colleges Autumn Term • Focus on your studies and perform to the best of your abilities. • Get involved in Charity work • Participate and be involved in extra-curricular activities in areas of interest. • Make plans to take the PSAT at BSB in October. • Participate in meetings with university/college admissions representatives who visit BSB. • Take a personal assessment test such as the Myers Briggs or Stamford Test to help determine your interests and skills. • Research colleges on websites, publications, university viewbooks, visits. • Volunteer in the field of your course interest. • Attend the University fairs in September. • Attend personal statement writing workshop and write the first draft Y13 Timeline for Students applying to American Universities and Colleges September • Register for the SAT’s you would like to take in October, November, or December, if you are not satisfied with your previous test scores. If you are taking the ACT, register for the October test. Take the TOEFL, if necessary. • Attend College fairs and talk with the colleges you are interested in making applications. • Narrow college choices to a maximum of eight. • Bring drafts of your college essays to your first Counselor meeting • Check the SixthFormer Newsletter and notice Board to see if schools that interest you will be visiting BSB Attend these sessions. • Meet periodically with the counselor over the next few months. • Begin completing applications online, especially if an application is for Early Decision or Early Action, which may have application deadlines as early as November 1st. Notify the counselor of your intention to apply Early and submit the counselor report forms by the end of the month.

Linden U.S. University Seminar ASIA FALL 2010

study in the

BEIJING Date: Location: Fair Hours Local Contact Presentations:

Sunday, October 17, 2010 Shangri-la Hotel, Beijing, 29 Zizhuyuan Road, Beijing 100089 China 2:00 - 5:00pm Han Terry Consultancy, Tel: 0086-24-22815000 1:30-2:00 pm Getting a student visa PA R T I C I PAT I N G U N I V E R S I T I E S

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