常春藤大學：懂得苦行才是錄取的公式

美國常春藤大學一直以來都是名校的象徵，兵家必爭之地，即便經歷了嚴峻的COVID疫情，今年Class of 2026的申請人數仍一如往常地突破了歷年紀錄，錄取率也是創新低。 當然，我們今年也很榮幸地參與了孩子錄取藤校的心路歷程。 如同我之前寫過一篇有關史丹佛的狀況一樣，如果有人跟你說有保證錄取常春藤的方法，那大概都是騙你的，除非你另外被收取了鉅款。我們最多只能說做了什麼準備可以提高錄取機率，而以我目前錄取常春藤的孩子們的共通點，我簡單稱之為 - 苦行。 常有家長問我：如果我孩子不能去世界知名企業實習怎麼辦？如果我孩子沒有奧林匹亞比賽怎麼辦？我是不是要捐款或讓孩子做慈善募資？我需要請政要官員或者企業老闆寫推薦信嗎？ 我不是常春藤校友怎麼辦？ 如果沒有這些我孩子是不是就上不了常春藤了？ 不是！也許上述那些項目可以幫你些許加分，但絕對不是沒有就無法錄取的要素。一個孩子能錄取常春藤，需要頭腦以外，還要能刻苦耐勞，有著過人的意志力、耐力、決心，以及自己熱愛的學術領域。 (Photo Credit: Cornell University) 何謂苦行？ 第一 你必須從9年級開始一路到12年級不間斷地爭取在學校裡該年級各科能拿的進階課程，連續四年，把每一次考試、每一樣作業和報告都盡全力做到最好，拿到A的成績，這樣才能通過第一關：高中四年GPA與修課內容的得分。 有人會問：我想讀的又不是文科，為何我要選最難的AP history？ 我想讀的是商學，為什麼要選AP science？ 因為這些學校很清楚地說明他們想要的孩子是全能，在高中基礎學科裡都有卓越表現，接納跨領域學習，同時在某個特別有興趣的領域還有突出的成績。 所以你的選課不能偏科，但注意我有說是該校能提供最高階的課程，不用因為別間學校有開AP而你的學校沒有開去擔心。大學會從School Profile內了解到你在你的高中已經盡全力完成最難的課程了。不過，你必須在你的學校同年級中名列前茅。 (Photo Credit: Harvard University) 第二 你的標準考試需要有Top 1%的水準，SAT、ACT、AP Exam、甚至是 TOEFL、IELTS。以SAT為例，大概是1530分以上的等級才有PR 99；以英文成績來說，雖然托福和雅思成績單上沒有排名，甚至有常春藤是不強制要求繳交英文語言考試成績，但曾有招生官說過107分的托福「有點低」。 (Photo Credit: Princeton University) 第三 你必須參與有興趣科目相關的競賽，MEC、IC、AMC、AIME、IMO、VEX，FRC、iGEM、BBO 等等的比賽，Olympiad 沒有不好，但需要投入大量的時間並取得國際等級的獎牌才有到相當的加分，所以除非從很早開始準備，不然建議多花時間在其他比賽上面累積獎項。 (Photo Credit: Brown University) 第四 服務，志工，領導。你必須要在乎學業跟課外學習，還要積極參與校內社團及關懷社群，讓你的周遭變得更好。要知道，就連我們在常春藤的教授，都願意每週貢獻時間從事社區免費教學，所以對他們來說，你為了周遭的人事物做了什麼非常重要，你不能只是一個顧及自己功課的孩子。 (Photo Credit: Columbia University) 第五 課外活動：學術、體育、音樂、棋藝、動物，任何興趣都好。你要有你擅長的項目，同時對你的目標科系要有深度的研究。一個想念機械工程的孩子不一定要在三菱重工實習，在家旁邊的摩托車店學會如何維修一個壞掉的二行程馬達一樣可以獲得大學的青睞。善於研究，創意發明，運用你的知識跟熱情，致力研讀跟發想，你也可以讓人類進步過得更好。這些都是孩子需要去努力達成的目標。 (Photo Credit: Yale University)   或許上述任一聽起來都不難達成，但當一個孩子需要把五項基本功加在一起，堅持四年持續完成，那是很辛苦、很艱難的。 我看著我的學生這樣一步一步準備每一次考試，顧好每一個學期的成績單，投入每一場比賽，熬過每一個睡不飽夜晚，這樣的高中生涯是非常令人心疼的。 所以當他們錄取時，我的內心除了感動，還有著深深的敬佩。我常說，在升學路途上，最辛苦的永遠是孩子跟家長，我深感榮幸可以陪伴他們走過這些時光。 You deserve it! 看完上面的解說，如果你也想以常春藤當目標前進的話，準備好要一起苦行了嗎？   高中在校輔導＆申請大學輔導專案，歡迎洽詢 A. League 教育顧問  ​ Read More

2021-2022 College Acceptance

Total Scholarships USD $1,710,409     2021-2022 Admissions     United States Columbia University (#2) *1 Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management (#2)   University of Chicago (#6) *1   University of Pennsylvania (#8) *1 ED *1   Johns Hopkins University (#9) *2 Peabody Conservatory, Bachelor of Music Master of Science in Biotechnology (#6)   Northwestern University (#9) *1 Master of Science in Leadership for Creative Enterprises (#9)   University of California - Los Angeles (#20) *4 RD *3，MS *1 Master of Engineering in Data Science (#16)   Emory University (#21) *1 Admitted to Emory College & Oxford College   University of California - Berkeley (#22) *3   University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (#23) *5 EA *4，MS *1 Master of Science in Data Science (#10)   University of Southern California (#27) *5 RD *4，MS *1 Master of Science in Digital Social Media   New York University (#28) *6 ED *1，RD *4，MS *1 Stern School of Business *1 Master of Science in Management and Systems (#6)   University of California - Santa Barbara (#28) *8   University of Florida (#28) *2   University of Rochester (#34) *4 Scholarship US$14,000 *1 Admitted to Eastman School of Music and Arts, Sciences & Engineering dual degree program *1   University of California - San Diego (#34) *8   University of California - Irvine (#36) *10   Boston College (#36) *1   Georgia Institute of Technology (#38) *3 EA *3 Computer Science (US#5) *1   University of Texas - Austin (#38) *7 EA *2，RD *5   University of California - Davis (#38) *12   Boston University (#42) *10 ED *2，RD *6，MS *2 Questrom School of Business *1 Scholarship US$25,000 *1 Master of Science in Mathematical Finance and Financial Technology (#12) Master of Art in International Affairs (#12)   Case Western Reserve University (#42) *13 EA *10，RD *3 Scholarship US$102,000 *1，Scholarship US$76,000 *1，Total Scholarships US$178,000   University of Wisconsin - Madison (#42) *4 EA *1，RD *3   University of Illinois - Urbana - Champaign (#47) *19   Northeastern University (#49) *9 RD *8，MS *1 Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication (#12)   Ohio State University - Columbus (#49) *12 EA *12 Full Scholarship approx. US$152,000 *1   Purdue University - West Lafayette (#49) *16 EA *14，RD *2   Pepperdine University (#49) *1 EA *1   Santa Clara University (#55) *2   University of Washington (#59) *15 Scholarship US$28,800 *1，Scholarship US$16,800 *2，Total Scholarships US$62,400   Syracuse University (#59) *7   University of Pittsburgh (#59) *1   Pennsylvania State University - University Park (#63) *3   University of Connecticut (#63) *6 Scholarship US$60,000 *1，Scholarship US$40,000 *1，Scholarship US$20,000 *2， Total Scholarships US$140,000   George Washington University (#63) *1 Master of Art in Media and Strategic Communication (#5)   Fordham University (#66) *1 EA *1 Scholarship US$80,000   Indiana University - Bloomington (#68) *3   University of California - Riverside (#83) *8 Scholarship US$54,000   Michigan State University (#83) *2 Scholarship US$77,000 *1，Scholarship US$33,000 *1, Total Scholarships US$110,000   University of California - Merced (#93) *1   University at Buffalo (#93) *3 Scholarship US$30,000   University of California - Santa Cruz (#103) *2     Liberal Arts College Wellesley College (Liberal Arts #5) *1 ED *1     Canada University of Toronto (CA #1, World #26) *20 St. George Campus EA *9，RD *10，MS *1 Scholarship CA$100,000 *2，Scholarship CA$92,500 *1，Scholarship CA$50,000 *8， Total Scholarships CA$692,500 Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering (#1)   McGill University (CA #2, World #26) *1   University of British Columbia (CA #3, World #45) *3 Vancouver Campus *3   McMaster University (CA #4) *1 Master of Financial Mathematics (#12)   University of Waterloo (CA #7) *1 Scholarship CA$1,000   United Kingdom Imperial College London (UK #3, World #7) *1   University College London (UK #4, World #16) *3   King's College London (UK #7, World #35) *1   University of Manchester (UK #8, World #27) *3   University of Warwick (UK #9) *2   Queen Mary University of London (UK #12) *1   University of Birmingham (UK #13) *1   University of Bristol (UK #20, World #62) *3   Royal Veterinary College University of London (Vet UK #1, World #1) *1     Art School Parsons School of Design, The New School (Art US #1, World #3) *1 EA *1   Rhode Island School of Design (Art US #2, World #4) *2 ED *1，RD *1   School of the Art Institute of Chicago (Art US #4, World #9) *2 EA *1，RD *1 Scholarship US$37,800 *1，Scholarship US$33,600 *1, Total Scholarships US$71,400   Pratt Institute (Art US #5, World #10) *2 EA *1，RD *1 Scholarship US$140,000 *1，Scholarship US$100,000 *1, Total Scholarships US$240,000   California College of the Arts (Art US #10, World #25) *1 EA *1 Scholarship US$72,000   School of Visual Arts (Art US #11, World #32) *2   Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising *1     Music Conservatory The Juilliard School *1 Barnard-Columbia-Julliard Program     Asia University of Hong Kong (HK #1, World #22) *1     Australia University of Sydney (AU #2, World #28) *2   Monash University (AU #6, World #58) *1       Last updated：2022.6.27   A. LEAGUE High School Counseling & College Application Guidance Read More

Pathways for Applying to Overseas Medical Schools

  Pathways for Applying to Overseas Medical Schools   For international students hoping to earn a medical degree abroad, there are two main pathways:   The Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS/MBChB) and the Doctor of Medicine (MD).   MBBS/MBChB Pathway   In the UK, a medical bachelor's degree typically takes about 5 years to complete, followed by 2 years of foundation training in local NHS hospitals. After that, students can choose to pursue further training in a specialized field, such as becoming a surgeon. In Hong Kong, the system is similar to the UK. After graduation, every medical student must complete 1 year of training in a public hospital. In Japan, universities offer a 6-year undergraduate medical program, which includes 2 years of training at a university hospital. Afterward, students must pass a final exam and complete 2 years of internship at a hospital. In Italy, students can apply directly to medical school after high school through a 6-year combined program (often referred to as an international MD or LM-41 degree). After graduation, they must pass a state licensing exam and then enter residency, which also follows PGY levels depending on specialty length. In Spain, students also begin medical education directly after high school with a 6-year undergraduate medical degree. Upon graduation, they are required to take the MIR (Médico Interno Residente) national exam, which determines placement into residency programs. The residency phase follows similar PGY-style progression.   MD Pathways   In the United States and Canada, students must already have a bachelor’s degree before applying to medical school. The program usually takes 4 years, followed by 3 to 7 years of residency. Although some universities in Australia offer MBBS/MBChB programs, MD degrees are more common. After earning an MD, students must complete an internship year, followed by a residency program.   BS/MD Program   Some U.S. schools offer a combined BS/MD program, which usually takes 7 to 8 years to finish. Upon graduation, students receive both a bachelor’s and a medical degree, and can go directly into hospital internships.   A key advantage is that students don’t need to take the MCAT or reapply to medical school after completing their undergraduate studies.   PGY/Residency   Residency is organized by Post-Graduate Years (PGY), starting with PGY-1, which may be a general internship year or the first year of residency. When within a specialty program, these years are also labeled as R1 to R7 (e.g., R1 = first year resident). All R-levels are PGYs, but not all PGYs are considered part of a specialty residency (e.g., a PGY-1 transitional year). As a result, it takes at least 11 years to become a licensed doctor.    ​   How do students apply to study medicine?   Medicine is one of the most competitive degrees to get into. Many countries place limits on the number of international students who can be accepted into medical schools. This means the application process is very strict, and deadlines are often earlier than for other subjects.   In addition to the standard application process, students usually need to complete the following:   Entrance Exams   Some countries require students to take entrance exams that assess reasoning and decision-making skills. These exams often require extensive preparation. They may be nationally recognized tests (such as the MCAT in the U.S., the BMAT or UCAT in the UK, and the GAMSAT or ISAT in Australia) or exams set by individual universities.   It’s worth noting that some countries, like Germany and the Netherlands, do not require entrance exams for medical applicants, so students should carefully check the specific requirements of each university they are applying to.   ​   Interviews   If students pass the first stage of the admissions process (the written application), universities will invite them for an interview. The purpose of the interview is to help admissions officers see whether the student has the interpersonal and logical skills needed to become a good doctor.   While there’s no single format for medical school interviews, common topics may include:   Problem-solving and critical thinking Logical reasoning and numerical ability Communication skills and compassion Empathy and ethical decision-making Understanding what it means to pursue a career in medicine   What subjects should students study in high school?   A strong foundation in chemistry and biology is essential for future medical students. Some schools may also require advanced credits in physics and mathematics.   If students want to return to Taiwan to practice medicine after graduation:    Those who earn a recognized medical degree in one of nine approved regions — the U.S., Japan, Europe, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, or Hong Kong — can take Taiwan’s national physician licensing exam.   To qualify, their degree must meet one of the following requirements:   A medical program that lasts at least 6 years A post-bachelor medical program that lasts at least 4 years   In addition, the curriculum must include basic medical sciences and clinical internships with a minimum number of training hours.   For degrees earned outside of the nine approved regions, students must first pass a degree evaluation by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education before they are allowed to take the licensing exam.   閱讀中文版文章：海外醫學院申請 Pathways   High School Counseling & College Application Guidance  ​ Read More

2020-2021 College Acceptance

Total Scholarships USD $1,685,175 Fellowships USD $825,095     2020-2021 Admissions     United States Princeton University (#1) *1 Ph.D. Electrical Engineering (US #12) Fellowship US$98,510/yr for 5 years   Columbia University (#3) *1 M.S. Applied Analytics   University of Pennsylvania (#8) *1   Rice University (#16) *1 ED *1   Washington University in St. Louis (#16) *1 M.S. Business Analytics   Cornell University (#18) *1 ED *1   University of Notre Dame (#19) *1   University of California - Los Angeles (#20) *2   Emory University (#21) *1   University of California - Berkeley (#22) *1   University of Southern California (#22) *1 Ph.D. Electrical and Computer Engineering (US #10) Fellowship US$32,000/yr for 4 years   University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (#24) *6 EA *4, RD *1, Transfer *1 College of Engineering *1, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts *4, SMTD *1   Carnegie Mellon University (#26) *2   University of Virginia (#26) *1   University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (#28) *1 EA *1   New York University (#30) *5 ED I *1, ED II *1, RD *2, MS *1 M.S. Management and System (US #10)   University of Florida (#30) *5   University of California - Santa Barbara (#30) *6 RD *4, Transfer *2   University of Rochester (#34) *2   Georgia Institute of Technology (#35) *4 EA *3 (Pathway); RD *1   University of California - San Diego (#35) *12 RD *11, Transfer *1   University of California - Irvine (#35) *17 RD *16, Transfer *1   University of California - Davis (#39) *20 RD *19, Transfer *1 Scholarship US$53,000   Brandeis University (#42) *3 ED *1, RD *2 Scholarship US$60,000   Boston University (#42) *9   University of Texas - Austin (#42) *8 EA *4, RD *3, MS & PhD *1 M.S. & Ph.D. Electrical and Computer Engineering (#9)   University of Wisconsin - Madison (#42) *2 EA *2   Case Western Reserve University (#42) *7 EA *4, RD *3 Scholarship US$94,000 *1，Scholarship US$90,000 *1，Total Scholarships US$184,000   University of Illinois - Urbana - Champaign (#47) *18 Fellowship US$12,510/yr *1   Northeastern University (#49) *9 Undergrad *2, Bond *3, Immerse *4   Santa Clara University (#53) *2   Ohio State University - Columbus (#53) *11 EA *8, RD *3   Purdue University - West Lafayette (#53) *28 EA *19, RD *9   University of Washington (#58) *15 Scholarship US$12,000   Syracuse University (#58) *10   Pennsylvania State University - University Park (#63) *8   Rutgers University - New Brunswick's (#63) *9 Fellowship US$12,145/yr   University of Connecticut - Storrs (#63) *11   University of Massachusetts - Amherst (#66) *2 Scholarship US$40,000   Fordham University (#66) *3 Fellowship US$23,645/yr   University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (#66) *2   Texas A&M University (#66) *1   Indiana University - Bloomington (#66) *3 Jacobs School of Music (US#1,  World#23) *1   Michigan State University (#80) *4 Scholarship US$28,000   Binghamton University SUNY (#88) *3 Fellowship US$11,345/yr   University at Buffalo SUNY (#88) *6 Scholarship US$20,000 *5，Scholarship US$10,000 *1，Total Scholarships US$110,000   Stony Brook University SUNY (#88) *1   University of California - Riverside (#88) *12 Scholarship US$54,000 *1，Scholarship US$12,000 *1，Total Scholarships US$66,000   University of San Diego (#88) *1   University of California - Santa Cruz (#97) *14 RD *13, Transfer *1 Scholarship US$30,000 *1, ScholarshipUS$10,000 *1，Total Scholarships US$40,000   University of California - Merced (#97) *1   University of San Francisco (#103) *3 Scholarship US$80,000、US$64,000、US$60,000，Total Scholarships US$204,000   Arizona State University - Tempe (#103) *1   Seattle University (#124) *1 Scholarship US$96,000     Art School Parsons School of Design, The New School (Art US #1, World #3) *1 EA *1   Rhode Island School of Design (Art US #2, World #4) *1 ED *1   School of the Art Institute of Chicago (Art US #4, World #9)*1 EA *1 Scholarship US$54,600 *1，Scholarship US$33,600 *1，Total Scholarships US$88,200   Pratt Institute (Art US #5, World #10) *2 EA *1, RD *1 Scholarship US$105,000   California College of the Arts (Art US #10, World #25) *1 Scholarship US$72,000   School of Visual Arts (Art US #11, World #28) *1 Scholarship US$20,000     Canada University of Toronto (CA #1, World #25) *28 St. George campus - First stage *1, Second stage *11, Third stage *12, Fourth stage *4  Scholarship CA$100,000 *2, Scholarship CA$50,000 *9，Scholarship CA$7500 *1，Scholarship CA$500 *1， Total Scholarships CA$658,000   University of British Columbia (CA #3, World #45) *7 Vancouver campus *7   McMaster University (CA #4) *2  Scholarship CA$1,000   University of Waterloo (CA #7) *4 Scholarship CA$2,000 *1，Scholarship CA$1,000 *1，Total Scholarships CA$3,000   University of Ottawa (CA #8) *2   York University (CA #18) *4   Ryerson University (CA #25) *1     United Kingdom University of Cambridge (UK #1, World #7) *2 RD *1, MS *1 M.Phil. Advanced Computer Science (UK#1)   University College London (UK #4, World #10) *5 Mathematics (Unconditional Offer) Computer Science; Economics; Engineering (Chemical); Mathematical Computation (Conditional Offer)   University of Edinburgh (UK #6, World #20) *8 Economics and Management Science; Economics; Mathematics; Physics (Unconditional Offer) Computer Science; Chemical Engineering; English Language and Literature; Politics (Conditional Offer)   King's College London (UK #7, World #31) *10 Electronic Engineering; Economics; Mathematics; Physics (Unconditional Offer) Computer Science; Economics and Management; General Engineering; Global Health and Social Medicine; International Development; Politics (Conditional Offer)   University of Manchester (UK #8, World #27) *9 Economics (Unconditional Offer) Chemical Engineering; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; English Language and English Literature; Environmental Science; Fashion Marketing; Mathematics; Physics (Conditional Offer) M.S. Artificial Intelligence (UK#12) *1   University of Glasgow (UK #11) *2 B.S. Zoology (UK#1) Scholarship £15,000 M.S. Data Science (UK #7) *1   University of Birmingham (#14) *1   University of Southampton (#15) *1   Lancaster University (UK #18) *1   University of Nottingham (#21) *1   University of Leeds (#22) *2 RD *1, MS *1 M.S. Data Science and Analytics (UK #6)     Australia Australian National University (AU #1 , World #31) *1   University of Sydney (AU #2 , World #40) *1   University of Melbourne (AU #3 , World #41) *1     Japan Waseda University (JP #9) *1     South Korea Yonsei University (KR #5) *1     Swiss Hotel Management Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne (CH #1) *1   Les Roches Gloabl Hospitality Education (CH #2) *2 Scholarship CHF$13,005 *2，Total Scholarships CHF$26,010       Last updated：2021.8.13   High School Counseling & College Application Guidance Read More

A. League Collaboration with International Schools – U.S. Online Programs

A. League 與國外學校合作 – 美國線上學程 Online School   No matter if a student is attending an international high school or a local public or private school following the Taiwanese curriculum, as long as they’re interested in studying abroad, A.LEAGUE can help them apply to universities overseas.   To support a smooth transition into studying abroad, we partner with accredited U.S. education providers to offer high-quality online courses. These remote learning options give students the flexibility to take subjects beyond their school’s regular curriculum.   Through this online course program, students can overcome time and location limitations.They may choose to take individual credit-earning classes or complete a full program to earn a U.S. high school diploma.   Available high school course options include:   AP   Computer Science Cybersecurity, Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, Calculus AB, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, English Literature and Composition, English Language and Composition, Spanish Language and Culture, US Government and Politics, US History, Psychology, Human Geography, Statistics   Electives   Mathematics: Algebra 1&2, Calculus, Consumer Math, Geometry, Integrated Mathematics, Refresher Math, Pre-Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry, Probability and Statistics, Practical Math, Continuing Algebra, Developmental Algebra   Literature & Language: English, American Literature, British and World Literature, Jounalism, Public Speaking, Grammar and Composition, World Literature, Creative Writing, Spanish, Chinese, French, Intensive Reading, Gothic Literature   Science: Physical Science, Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Veterinary Science, Health, Lifetime Fitness, Physical Education, Astronomy   Social Studies: American Government, American History, Civics, Contemporary World Issues, Geography, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, US and Global Economics, US Government and Politics, Modern World Studies, Modern US History, US History, World History, Geography and World Cultures, Anthropology, Financial Literacy Fundamentals   Arts: Animation, 3D Modeling, Art Appreciation, Art and Music Appreciation, Art in World Cultures, Fine Art, Music Appreciation   Students in middle school or below can also join full course programs to earn diplomas or take specific subjects to strengthen areas where they need extra help.   Every student enrolled in the online program receives 1-on-1 guidance from a teacher who helps them set goals and stay on track with their learning progress.​   We also partner with professional U.S.-based schools to offer online English courses for students from Grade 1 to Grade 12.    These courses are customized to match each student’s English proficiency level, helping them build a strong foundation and prepare effectively for a globalized future. The materials and teaching methods are directly adapted from the U.S., developed strictly according to language standards set by the U.S. Department of Education or elementary and secondary schools.   All courses are taught by professionally trained native English-speaking teachers, and are specifically designed to prepare students for future study abroad.   The course content is based on:   - Common Core State Standards (CCSS) - International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum - Teaching guidelines from our U.S. partner schools​   閱讀中文版文章：A. League 與國外學校合作 – 美國線上學程 Online School   High School Counseling & College Application Guidance  ​ Read More

家人是每位留學生的靠山

這一屆A. LEAGUE有位學生順利錄取了英國伯明翰大學醫學院。​ 我相信「謝謝學生一起努力」這句話在A. LEAGUE 過去的文章裡並不陌生， 因為我們始終覺得最辛苦、最努力的永遠是孩子們， 但今天這篇文章除了要謝謝這位孩子的用功之外，還要特別感謝父母親偉大的付出。 ​   申請英國醫學院是一個非常複雜且辛苦的過程，首先，高中四年的在校成績每一分都可能影響面試資格， 因此家長不只要隨時幫助孩子一起向學校老師了解成績狀況， 還要時常熬夜陪孩子完成一些報告和考試準備。和在校成績同樣重要的是醫學院入學考試， 並且從申請前一年就要準備應考，更需要飛去香港才有比較豐沛的備考資源。   ​   有了基本的成績之後，選校是相當關鍵的一個步驟，畢竟英國申請大學系統的五個志願中只能填四個醫學院， 因此要針對每所醫學院的歷年錄取狀況來討論目標，學生和家長不厭其煩地與我們開會，耐心等待英國大學的回信， 畢竟對一位國際生來說，每走一步都會影響到是否能取得面試資格。 ​   順利取得面試資格後，家長還需要陪著孩子一同飛往英國進行面試，甚至為了配合不同的學校的面試時間， 還分別飛了兩趟至當地大學。在這整個過程中，我們對於家長的付出感到無比敬佩與動容， 也是因為這樣的付出才能有今天的收穫， 讓孩子順利錄取了University of Birmingham MBChB Medicine and Surgery （伯明翰大學醫學院醫學系）。   ​ 陪伴是最好的教育，而家長投入心力參與孩子成就夢想的過程便是最好的典範， 所以在分享這個好消息的同時，我們想感恩孩子與爸爸媽媽的付出，讓A. LEAGUE有幸參與這一段特別的時光！     高中在校輔導＆申請大學輔導專案，歡迎洽詢 A. League 教育顧問     Read More

想知道如何進入Stanford?

  常常有人問：「要如何能進入Stanford?」   我想，能信誓旦旦回答出這個問題的人，要不是在吹牛，就是神燈精靈。 因為就連排名100以外的學校也無法百分之百錄取，更何況是這所年年改變學生喜好的頂級名校。 ​   但我可以說，我們這些年錄取Stanford的學生都有一個共通的特質，那就是對於知識持有無窮無盡的渴望與熱忱。 比方說有學生喜歡數學到自己寫出一本微積分的教科書， 有學生為了達到標準考試的目標分數而關在圖書館整整一個月， ​ 甚至自己寫了背單字的程式出來，也有學生基於對語言學的熱愛而創造多國語辨識系統， 並花了大量時間研究與訓練。這種熱情不止於學術，也包含藝術，像是利用暑假沒日沒夜地拍攝影片， 或是為了找到劇本的元素而花了半年學習第三種語言。     他們都不是被逼著去做這些事，而是自發性地開啟這種瘋狂的學習模式， 享受獲得知識的過程，對於自己的興趣不斷追求完美—這個是我在這些學生身上看到的共通點。 ​   所以不需要一再執意尋找進入Stanford的方程式， 而是要讓我們一起找到你的天賦與喜愛的領域，進而登峰造極，也許屆時就會獲得Stanford的青睞   ​     高中在校輔導＆申請大學輔導專案，歡迎洽詢 A. League 教育顧問   Read More

UK University Application Requirements – The Difference Between Unconditional and Conditional Offers

Application Deadlines   For high school students applying to UK universities, the earliest and most critical deadline is October 15th. This applies to all courses at Oxford and Cambridge, as well as to medicine, veterinary medicine, and dentistry courses at other universities. Missing this date means students will need to wait another year to apply. For most other popular programs—such as engineering, computer science, and business—the main deadline is January 14th of the following year. This is the UCAS Equal Consideration deadline, by which most universities commit to fairly reviewing all on-time applications.   International students who miss this deadline may still apply for remaining course openings up until June 30th, though early application is highly recommended to increase the chance of admission.   Receiving Application Results   UK universities begin reviewing applications as early as September, and results are released on a rolling basis—there is no unified decision date. Even students applying to the same program at the same university may receive decisions at different times. Some offers may arrive within a month, while others may take up to six months.   Decisions generally fall into one of three categories:   Offer Waitlist Rejection   Got an Offer? What’s Next?     UK university offers typically fall into two types:   Conditional Offer This means the university has accepted the applicant on the condition that they meet specific academic requirements before graduation—such as certain scores in A-Levels, IB, AP, or SAT exams. If a student fails to meet even one part of the requirement (even by one point), the offer may be withdrawn after final results are released. For this reason, conditional offers carry a degree of risk. Unconditional Offer This is a full acceptance with no further academic requirements, other than completing high school. It’s the most reassuring outcome and ensures the student’s place regardless of final grades.   Clearing – Additional Opportunities   If a student doesn’t receive any offers or chooses not to accept the ones they received, they can still apply to universities through the UCAS Clearing process.   Clearing matches applicants with universities that still have available places, offering a valuable second chance for admission.   Our Recommendation: Diversify Your Options   Because conditional offers from UK universities can be unpredictable, we strongly recommend that even students targeting the UK also apply to universities in other countries, such as the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, or Australia. If a student chooses to accept a conditional offer from a UK university, we suggest also reserving a spot at a university in another country by May 1st as a backup plan.   閱讀中文版文章：申請英國留學的條件 - Unconditional 與 Conditional Offer 的差別    高中在校輔導＆申請大學輔導專案，歡迎洽詢 A. League 教育顧問   Read More

2019-2020 College Acceptance

Total Scholarships USD $1,201,614     2019-2020 Undergraduate Admissions Class of 2024     Columbia University (#3) *1   Stanford University (#6) *1   University of Pennsylvania (#6) *1   Duke University (#10) *2   University of Notre Dame (#15) *1   Cornell University (#17) *1   Emory University (#21) *2 ED *1，RD *1   University of Southern California (#22) *1   University of California - Berkeley (#22) *2   University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (#25) *9 Pharm.D. Degree *1 Scholarship US$15,000   New York University (#29) *3   Georgia Institue of Technology (#29) *1   University of Rochester (#29) *3 Scholarship US$11,000   University of Florida (#34) *1   University of California - Santa Barbara (#34) *14   University of California - Irvine (#36) *15   University of California - Davis (#39) *19 Scholarship US$53,000   University of California - San Diego (#37) *17   Boston University (#40) *14 ED *1，RD *13   Case Western Reserve University (#40) *2   Northeastern University (#40) *9   University of Wisconsin - Madison (#46) *8   University of Illinois - Urbana - Champaign (#48) *22 Electrical Engineering（US#4）*1，Computer Science（US#5）*1   University of Texas - Austin (#48) *10   Syracuse University (#54) *1   Santa Clara University (#54) *2   University of Miami (#57) *1   Pennsylvania State University - University Park (#57) *5   Purdue University - West Lafayette  (#57) *19   Rutgers University - New Brunswick (#62) *3 Scholarship US$60,000   University of Washington (#62) *18   University of Connecticut (#63) *3 Scholarship US$60,000   University of Massachusetts - Amherst (#64) *1   Southern Methodist University (#64) *1 Scholarship US$80,000   Fordham University (#74) *2 Scholarship US$50,000   Indiana University - Bloomington (#79) *2   Baylor University (#79) *1 Scholarship US$40,000   University at Buffalo SUNY (#79) *1 Scholarship US$4,000   Binghamton University SUNY (#79) *1   University of California - Santa Cruz  (#84) *11 Scholarship US$30,000 *1，Scholarship US$25,000 *4，Total Scholarships US$130,000   Michigan State University (#84) *11 Scholarship US$45,000 *1，Scholarship US$12,000 *1，Scholarship US$5,000 *7， Total Scholarships US$92,000   Elon University (#84) *1 Scholarship US$12,000   Stony Brook University SUNY (#91) *1   University of California - Riverside (#91) *3 Scholarship US$54,000 *1，Scholarship US$18,000 *2，Total Scholarships US$90,000   Miami University - Oxford (#91) *1   Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science *1 Scholarship US$60,000   University of Toronto (CA #1) *23 Rotman *1，Engineering *2 Scholarship CA$40,000 *1，Scholarship CA$7,500 *2，Scholarship CA$1,000 *2，Scholarship CA$500 *1， Total Scholarships CA$57,500   University of British Columbia (CA #3) *5 Scholarship CA$25,000 *1，Scholarship CA$10,000 *2，Scholarship CA$45,000 *4   McMaster University (CA #5) *1   York University (CA #8) *2   University of Waterloo (CA #9) *1 Scholarship CA$2,000   University of Ottawa (CA #16) *1   Brock University (CA #29) *1   Ontario Tech Univeristy (CA #64) *1   University College of London (UK #4) *2   University of Edinburgh (UK #6) *2 Unconditional Offer *1   King's College London (UK #7) *3 Unconditional Offer *2，Conditional Offer *1   University of Manchester (UK #8) *2   University of Leeds (UK #14) *1   University of Birmingham (UK #19) *2 Medical School *1   University of Nottingham (UK #21) *1 Department of Pharmacy   Middlesex University (UK #53) *1   University of Plymouth (UK #53) *1   University of Central Lancashire (UK #67) *1 Medical School   Nanyang Technological University (Asia #3, World #8) *1 Electrical Engineering, Scholarship $57,800   University of Sydney (AU #3) 1   Ecole hoteliere de Lausanne (CH #1) *1   Les Roches - Crans-Montana (CH #2) *1 Scholarship CHF$75,400   Swiss Hotel Management School (CH #4) *1   Hotel Institute Montreux (CH #6) *1   Waseda University (JP #9) *1   University of Tsukuba (JP #11) *1 Scholarship JPY$48,000   Hosei University (JP #18) *1   Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (JP #24) *1   Temple University Japan *1     Art School   Pratt Institute (US Art #7, World #5) *2 Scholarship US$64,000 *1，Scholarship US$60,000 *1，Total Scholarships US$124,000   University of the Arts London (UK Art #1, World #7) *1     Liberal Arts College   Middlebury College (#7) *1     Graduate Admissions   Stanford University - M.S. Computational and Mathematical Engineering (#6) *1   Rice University: M. Statistics (#17) *1   Northeastern University (D'Amore-McKim School of Business): M.S. International Business (#8) *1 Scholarship US$8,000   Boston University (Questrom School of Business): M.S. Management Studies (#25) *1   University of Illinois - Urbana - Champaign: M.S. Business Administration (#18) *1   Purdue University - West Lafayette (Krannert School of Management): M.S. Marketing (#21) *1 Scholarship US$30,000   George Washington University: M.S. International Business (#6) *1   George Washington University: M.S. Finance (#6) *1   Syracuse University (Whitman School of Management): M.S. Marketing (#53) *1   Syracuse University: M.S. Public Relations (#12) *1   University College London: MSc. Machine Learning (UK #3) *1   King's College London: MSc. Mathematics (UK #7) *1       Last updated：2020.08.25     A. LEAGUE High School Counseling & College Application Guidance Read More

美國留學前準備事項 – 錄取後才是真正的挑戰

    隨著國外申請季的結束，嚮往的大學生活就離得不遠了！ 但在出國前留學生需面對一連串繁瑣的入學手續，你準備好獨立了嗎？   疫苗與健康紀錄 美國每間大學都會要求所有學生入學前提供疫苗紀錄，台灣學生需要先去衛生所或健康服務中心 申請英文版的疫苗紀錄，依照每個州的規定不同，把學校要求的疫苗接種日期填上學校的表格， 有的學校會要求這張表格需要有醫師簽名，並把表格與疫苗紀錄一併上傳給學校。   如果有缺疫苗，學生可以選擇出國前先行在當地醫院打，或如果是學校有提供疫苗， 也可以到校後再補打。但台灣醫療比較方便， 建議全部打完再出國，否則疫苗不齊全的話可能會影響到註冊選課。 ​   需要打的疫苗種類因學校要求和學生醫療史而異，不過大多數學校會要求以下基本疫苗： 1. 麻疹、腮腺炎、德國麻疹混合疫苗  measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) 2. 水痘疫苗  varicella (chickenpox) （有患水痘歷史者免打） 3. B型肝炎疫苗hepatitis B 4. 減量破傷風白喉非細胞性百日咳混合疫苗  Tdap（大多要求最後一次接種日期需為入學前10年內） 5. 流行性腦脊隨膜炎疫苗  meningococcal meningitis（有很多種，大部分台灣醫院都有， 但少數學校要求的種類是台灣沒有進口的，所以有可能需要到美國當地打）   另外，台灣在國際上屬於肺結核高風險區，因此大學會要求台灣留學生做結核菌測驗， 分為血液測驗或是皮膚測驗，只要帶著學校的結核菌測試表格去醫院給醫生，醫生就會幫忙檢查。     宿舍申請 辦理入學後記得需要依照學校公布的時間去申請宿舍 1. 大部分的大學校園內有多個宿舍，每一棟宿舍的房型會有些許差異。 2. 學生皆可在填寫宿舍志願時，選擇是否有想與已認識的朋友同住， 只要填寫對方的學生ID號碼，並確定志願序一樣，學校就會盡量安排， 但有時學校無法保證能順利安排指定室友。 3. 選填自己想要的宿舍時，雖然還不會知道確切的上課教室， 但若已有申請好的科系，可以選擇靠近科系大樓的宿舍為第一志願。 ​   學生簽證 1. 申請學生簽證的第一步驟是向學校取得  I-20，收到學校核發的 I-20後 可以上網繳交 SEVIS I-901 的移民局費用，然後到美國電子申請網站填寫 DS-160， 再到AIT預約面試網站列印 F-1 VISA 簽證費用繳款書， 至郵局劃撥繳費後隔天才能回到  AIT  網站登入預約面試。   2. 持有加拿大護照者不需要申請  F-1 VISA  學生簽證， 但仍然要持有I-20並完成SEVIS I-901繳費，才能搭配加拿大護照入境美國。   簽證費用與效期： a) I-20本身沒有任何費用，但有的學校會要求國際學生自付國際快遞費， I-20上會記載開學日期、畢業日期、科系等等，一但其中任何資訊有變動時， 學校會自動重發一份新的 I-20給學生。記得，I-20 上需要有 每一年學校國際生事務組的親簽才能維持有效，沒有老師簽名或是簽名日期超過一年， 都不會被海關承認有效。   b) SEVIS I-901費用很貴 (2019年6月由US$200調漲為 US$350)， 但這是一次性的終身費用，無論將來是大學轉學或是畢業後繼續讀研究所， 都可以申請 SEVIS ID移轉，不需要重新繳納。   c) F-1 VISA 簽證費用為 US$160，需以台幣繳費，匯率以 AIT 公告為準， 有效期5年，因此如果遇到大學轉學的情況也不用重新申請。   新生訓練報名 1. 校園內的新生訓練通常為期好幾天，有些學校的新生訓練是強制所有學生參加， 有些則是讓國際學生選擇性參加，但是會提前安排國際學生進行線上的新生訓練。 2. 對於強制參加的新生訓練，有些學校會自動把所有學生納入名單， 但有些仍需要由學生主動登記。若是沒有登記到會影響選課，因此一定要留意學校給的指示。 至於自由參加的的新生訓練，學生只需在報名截止日前完成登記即可。 3. 有的學校只舉辦一場新生訓練，故要求學生統一準時報到； 有些學校則會在正式開學前二至三個月內，舉辦好幾梯次的新生訓練， 由學生自行選定參加日期。通常國際學生的新生訓練會安排在開學前二週內， 參加完新生訓練再接著正式開學，就不用特地為新生訓練多飛一趟。 ​   第一次以學生身份入境美國 1. 如果學生持有美國護照或綠卡，可以隨時自由出入境 2. 持有學生簽證者，只能於I-20上面的開學日期30天內入境美國。 很多學生想說六月放暑假就要去美國玩兩個月再抵達學校開學， 但六月只能以觀光身份入境美國，因此開學前勢必要離境再重新以學生身份過一次美國還關。 3. 記得每次入境美國都需要隨身帶著 I-20 + 護照， 千萬不要以為護照上有印著學生簽證就可以自由出入美國， 若無有效的 I-20，光有簽證是沒有用的。為了避免把 I-20留在台灣家裡、留在美國宿舍、 收在托運行李箱裡、或是弄丟了等各種情況，建議將 I-20掃瞄或拍照存於手機， 有時海關會稍微通融一下（海關會在學生個人檔案上做紀錄，跟學校追蹤後續）， 但有時海關很硬，要不直接拒絕入境、要不先讓學生用觀光簽證入境後 再要求出境並以學生簽證重新入境，所以千萬要謹慎。     銀行開戶 1. 美國的銀行基本上沒有什麼存款利率，反而會向存戶收取各種手續費， 但有一些銀行會給予學生折扣，例如開戶時可以有較少的最低存款限制、 每月應維持多少存款水平等等（平常來說，如果你的存款低於銀行標準， 銀行會每個月跟你收保管手續費）。 2. 開戶需要帶著護照、簽證、I-20、第二證件 （要有英文名字的，例如學校發的學生證、 戶籍謄本英文版、國際駕照等），還要帶現金在開戶時存進去。 3. 通常銀行會同時開一個Savings Account 和一個Checking Account，前著是儲蓄存款帳戶， 建議將大筆存款放在這個帳戶比較安全；後者是日常用的支票存款帳戶， 可以用ATM進行存提款，刷金融簽帳卡Debit Card時也是從這個帳戶直接扣款。 4. 開戶完成時銀行會提供一張提款卡 Debit Card，提款卡具有簽帳刷卡功能， Checking Account 內有多少存款，當下就能刷多少額度，所以Checking Account平常不要放太多錢， 避免遇到盜刷，錢出去了就沒了，銀行也追不回來。 5. 若想辦信用卡 Credit Card，大部分銀行會要求提供收入證明和 Social Security Number（社會安全號碼），因此若不是美國公民， 很多學生在開學前無法辦理信用卡，而是開學後申請在校打工work-on-campus， 然後申請SSN並取得擁有收入證明後再回到銀行辦理信用卡。為了吸引國際學生開戶， 有的銀行已經取消國際學生 SSN的要求，只要有 I-20即可申辦，但是額度通常給得很低。 Credit Card 如果遇到盜刷，可以立刻跟銀行反應，要求止付。 6. 留學生常用的銀行：Chase Bank, Bank of America, American Bank, Wells Fargo, Citi Bank（如果在台灣也有去開花旗帳戶，則可以使用全球速匯功能，跨國匯款免手續費， 但第一次從台灣匯美國和第一次從美國匯台灣都需要親自到分行辦理，之後才能開啟線上操作功能）。 ​   辦手機號碼 1. 每一個電信公司有不同的方案，有一些會給學生優惠價，只要帶著大學的學生證和護照即可辦理。 2. 很多學生會與親戚朋友或同學一起共享 Family Plan，平均月租費會比較便宜。 3. 大學的wifi 通常很穩定而且遍佈各個角落，所以很多學生不會選擇網路吃到飽的方案。 ​   男生兵役問題 滿18歲的男生，若在台灣沒有學籍，會有被徵兵的可能，因此需要帶著國外大學的錄取信 前往鄉鎮市區公所的兵役課辦理緩徵，有些兵役課人員為了查證錄取信上的英文名字是役男本人， 會要求要帶護照，尤其時針對錄取信上寫英文別名的學生。   滿19歲之年的1月1日開始，男性留學生需要注意因兵役而限制出境的問題，分為二個部分處理： 1. 帶著護照、大學錄取信和大學行事曆前往移民署出入境管理局，在護照上蓋役男出境章才可以順利過海關出境。 要行事曆是因為管理局人員需要看大學的開學日期，蓋完章最快可以當天出境，印章的有效期限是三個月， 超過三個月則需重新蓋章。（如果你出國的當年才滿18歲，那不需要提供任何證明就能直接出國，因此可以略過這個步驟。） 2. 出國留學後，學期間放假第一次返台前，需要在美國當地的台北經濟文化辦事處取得在學證明認證， 回台後帶著認證過的在學證明，再去一次移民署出入境管理局蓋章，才能繼續合法出境。 這次蓋章的有效期是四年，所以未來四年回國時都不用再重新辦理在學證明認證或是跑去蓋章了。 （在學證明原件是大學核發的，但需要經過台北經濟文化辦事處認證說這是間確實合法存在的大學、 且學生有持續在修課，台灣境內的移民局才會承認這份在學證明。如果你離台北經濟文化辦事處很近， 可以直接到現場辦理比較快速又方便，但如果你的學校和辦事處在不同州，則需要用郵寄的方式處理， 記得要在回國前的一個月開始著手辦理，避免來不及收到認證文件。）   高中在校輔導＆申請大學輔導專案，歡迎洽詢 A. League 教育顧問     Read More