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Student J

Boarding School Admissions

Offer: 

  • The Fessenden School
  • Rumsey Hall School
  • Cardigan Mountain School

 

From: International school in China

 

Application Journey

01. Transforming into a Little Entomologist to Explore the Unique Charm of Nature

Unlike most children who fear insects, my mom says I’ve shown a strong interest in them since I was a toddler. Whenever I saw an ant, I would squat down to observe it. If I found a cicada about to shed its shell, I would bring it home and carefully take care of it as if it were a treasure.

 

Because of my love for insects, I began reading many books related to them from a young age. Over time, I have become familiar with more and more insects, able to accurately name them and describe their habits. I have also learned courage and resilience from their survival strategies.

As I grew older, I wasn’t satisfied with just learning about insects from books and TV. I began searching for various insects in my surroundings. My parents respected my interests and arranged nature exploration camps for me during holidays, allowing me to connect fully with nature. During that time, I always brought a bug net with me and carefully observed under trees. Little did I know then that my interest in insects would become a great asset in my application to American high schools.

Now, apart from eating, sleeping, and attending classes, my favorite activity is tending to my “insect corner” at home. I have built an “ant castle” and enjoy observing their daily routines. Though it is a long process, I find joy in it.

During the application process for American high schools, my advisors at Fandisin thoughtfully selected a field ecology course at Andover Summer School, tailored to my interest in insects. This course satisfied my curiosity and gave me a taste of boarding life. My advisors also encouraged me to actively communicate with teachers during summer school to lay a solid foundation for my future applications.

 

This summer was undoubtedly one of the best I have experienced. During the interview process for American high schools, my advisors suggested that I show my collection of butterfly and beetle specimens to the admissions officers, which greatly piqued their interest.

 

02. Passionate About Drama, Sparking a Drama Trend at School

Drama is another one of my interests. I volunteered to play the lead role of Oliver Twist in our school’s annual play, “Oliver Twist,” receiving unanimous support and encouragement from my advisors at Fandisin.

 

To ensure the perfect performance, I needed to train in acting, singing, and dancing. The musical numbers were particularly challenging, especially as the entire performance was in English. This was a significant challenge for me. However, my parents and the Fandisin advisors provided immense mental support.

 

During team collaboration, I felt a strong sense of responsibility from my classmates. Their energy and repeated rehearsals allowed us to make continuous progress. Working with students from different grades towards a common goal also deepened my understanding of teamwork.

The final performance, which was lively and deeply moving, received unanimous praise. Some students were so engrossed in the play that they stayed behind after it ended, reluctant to leave.

 

03. Committed to Rowing, Embracing the Spirit of Sports!

Rowing is not just a sport for me; it has been a part of my growth. From my tender hands gripping the oars to my calloused hands wiping sweat, each milestone achieved with hard work has proven the value of my journey in rowing.

 

My rowing experience was not smooth. As a skinny child, my first impression of rowing training was how exhausting it was. However, driven by curiosity, I persisted, despite the painful blisters that followed each session. Each setback and failure made me stronger and more confident, teaching me to face challenges with an indomitable spirit.

 

Reflecting on this journey, it seems all I did was strive forward. Now, as I occasionally pause, I realize I have rowed thousands of miles. From knowing nothing to becoming proficient, the details may have blurred, but the feeling of working with teammates towards a common goal is something I have truly experienced. The sports spirit I gained from rowing supported me through the ups and downs of the American high school application process, and I believe it will continue to benefit my studies and life in the future.

 

 

Advisor’s Sharing

01. Respect the child’s interests and encourage consistent dedication.

“Ants are very common insects, with slender antennae and tiny bodies capable of complex communication and transporting heavy food. A group of ants can even fend off predators and protect their home. Do you know how these little creatures manage this?” When Student J shared his interest with me, his eyes sparkled, showing his genuine love for insects.

Top American high schools seek diverse students: debaters, lab researchers, musicians, and more. I believe J’s unique interest can serve as a distinctive highlight in his application.

Many parents think extracurricular activities are useless without awards or certificates, but this is incorrect. Outstanding grades do attract admissions officers’ attention, but perseverance, effort, and resilience in the face of failure are equally commendable.

In J’s application, our team suggested he build a personal website showcasing his diverse interests and achievements, which received positive feedback from several admissions officers. American high schools often look for unique individuals rather than just high achievers.

02. Efficient time management and prioritization of activities are crucial.

J’s numerous interests require significant time and energy, making time management a challenge in his high school application process.

We helped him prioritize his activities and manage his time efficiently to reduce stress. A well-structured timetable was essential, balancing study, rest, extracurricular activities, and entertainment.

Breaking down study tasks into smaller, manageable goals with deadlines also helped manage anxiety and procrastination.

Lastly, we allocated time for each interest. Besides insects, drama, and rowing, J is also a Guzheng player in the school orchestra, a choir member, and enjoys painting. We advised him to list all his interests on a paper—what we call an “interest pool.”

By categorizing and focusing on the most important ones, J could manage his time better. This strategy significantly eased his time management challenges during the high school application process.