We speak to experts in the field to find out what it takes to be accepted into the finest tertiary education institutions
Summer is just around the corner, marking the end of exam season and another school year. But swiftly and surely comes another wave of students preparing to enter the university admissions process.
There has always been a prestige in attending the top schools. Found in even the most subtle ways – think mass college merchandise and the large database of dating profiles featuring t-shirts and jumpers that adorn their alma mater. Being accepted and graduating from a reputable university has always been seen as a major determining factor for future job prospects and life success. Begging the question what does it take to get into these elite schools?
We spoke to experts in the field for some advice and tips on getting into the best universities.
Stay Diligent And Inquisitive
Students prepping for their university entrance exams in Hong Kong commonly take over four and a half hours of tutoring classes per week – one and a half hour per subject for the four compulsory subjects – English, Chinese, mathematics and liberal studies.
“For me, I spend monthly HK$1,500-HK$2,000 for two subjects, but I’m planning to take more courses to prepare for it. I did hear from my school mates that they’re taking a lot of tutorial classes, in some extreme cases spending nearly HK$10,000 per month” says Anson, a high school student who is preparing to take his university exams next year.
Typically students begin prepping the summer right before their final year of secondary school which is 8-9 months before their exams. For successful college applicants Richard Eng, an English tutor and the co-founder of Beacon College found that candidates typically shared two qualities – they were incredibly hard-working and inquisitive, noting that “for really successful applicants, they are diligent, they ask questions and they will challenge me. I had a student who took 5 subjects per week at tutorial. She was here nearly every day. She would even be here on Saturdays”.