PREPARING FOR UNIVERSITY AT AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
BY PATRICK NAM
At many international schools throughout China,
there are many Taiwanese, Japanese, and Korean
students. Each student is different from culture to
traditions. Among these differences, preparing for
university is the biggest distinction. Some students
want apply for university in their home countries,
while other students want to apply for university in
foreign countries, especially in the United States.
universities in foreign countries, but also many
students go to universities in their home country.
Preparing university applications for a foreign
country and for Japan is similar. Japanese students
are required to take TOEFL and SAT. Also, some of
them take AP to add more to their university
applications.
“As a Japanese student, going to universities in Japan
is more beneficial than to enter those of foreign
countries,” stated Naohiro Takiguchi, a senior
student in SLAS. He also said, “Graduating from
university in Japan helps students to get better jobs
in Japan.”
“Going to university in the United States than in
Japan is more beneficial to me since there are more
opportunities in my future,” said Masaki Monji, an
eleventh grade student in Shanghai Livingston
American School (SLAS). He also added, “However,
going to the university that I want to enter in the
United States is very competitive because it requires Unlike other international school students, Korean
an overall GPA higher than 3.6 and a SAT score of at students prefer to enter universities in South Korea
least 1900.”
rather than entering those of foreign countries.
Preparing for university in South Korea is
Most of the Taiwanese students at international complicated because there are many different ways
schools have two options when choosing to enter universities. To apply for low to middle tier
universities. They can select to attend universities in universities in South Korea, Korean students should
Taiwan or in foreign countries. Many Taiwanese take Korean, English, and math tests. However,
students at international schools choose to enter students who want to apply for top Korean university
universities in other countries especially in the take SAT, AP, TOEFL, and IB. Also, many Korean
United States or in the United Kingdom. Most students spend much of their time with community
students take TOEFL, and Standard Aptitude Test service to add more on their university applications.
(SAT) for universities in the United States. Also, some
students take 2 to 5 Advanced Placement courses “During my weekend, I have Korean and math
(AP) to improve their university applications. To tutoring in my house,” said Yun Bum Kim, a tenth
apply for universities in the United Kingdom, some grade student in SLAS. He also added “Since there
of them take A-levels or International Baccalaureate are many different ways to enter Korean universities,
Diploma (IB).
I am confused.”
“I am planning to enter a university in Canada
because the major (Economics) that I want to take
is more organized in Canada than in Taiwan,” said
James Chiang, an eleventh grade student. He also
said, “When you enter university in Taiwan, you
cannot get much recognition unless you graduate
from a top Taiwanese university.”
Like Taiwanese students, Japanese students in
international schools also have 2 options to enter
university. Not only do many of them enter
20
Based on different nationalities at international
schools, many students have different ways to
prepare for universities. Compared to other students
who attend local high schools, international school
students are likely to have better opportunity for
universities. It is important to use their opportunities
effectively and they should appreciate their precious
chances.