Seeing in Shades of Gray

　 I am often asked,"What are differences in working with students in China and students in America?" If you asked me this a year ago, I wouldn't hesitate answering the question and fire off all I learned in my travels as UCLA Admissions Officer and working with Chinese students.

　 So where do these differences come from? The source of these differences varies, but the most obvious is that the students are greatly shaped by the community they come from. I realize that there can be differences between students of the same community, but in this case I want to investigate the ways in which China and Chinese culture shapes the students in a way that contrasts their American counterparts. The differences play an important role in defining a student in the admission process. It's what makes two applicants who have very similar academic profiles stand apart from each other. Consequently, it could be what separates two academically similar applicants where one is admitted and the other waitlisted or denied.
　　Working in admissions, I learned that it's not simply a matter of where the student is from. Great students are admitted to great schools no matter what country they are from. They are energetic, passionate, fearless, hard working, and so on. It isn't about a wrong or right kind of student. It isn't that black or white. There isn't a checklist of what colleges are looking for. Instead students are admitted for showing a range of things, who are multi-dimensional, and add a rich spectrum of contributions to a university through their talents, perspectives, and personal qualities. The combination of these can vary greatly, which is why we should consider all angles of the process and start seeing in shades of gray.
　　Based on my experience from the past year and in the recent weeks, I've become more aware that students in China view the application differently than do students in America. Just in the past month, I have had dozens of conversations with my students as they prepare for their college applications. I continually find myself having to focus on the same topics. There is no right or wrong answer. You will not find a clear yes or no, but gagging from my students reactions, one of the most frustrating answer to hear（though we counselors sometimes enjoy saying it）is "it depends." How one should view the different parts of the application is a very specific question and it depends on what student is asking.
　　In the context of admissions, these differences play a key role in how students fill out their applications. In bringing some attention to these "conversations," you should also think about them as you fill out your applications. By all means, I am not claiming there is an easy answer to these conversations, nor am I saying that these are not only ones to be mindful of. Do the research and make sure you cover all of your bases. Ask questions when you are not sure. In the end, make sure your application accurately reflects who you are, not who you think admissions wants you to be. It's a journey of self-discovery and if you are led to believe there is a "perfect student" the admissions office is looking for, then you are missing the point. Here are a few conversations to think about as you move forward with your applications:
　　Individual vs. Collective
　　One common conversation that I have working with Chinese Students is helping them focus on the "individual" and how to talk about themselves in a direct way. Because of the "collective" mindset, most students tend to avoid "standing out", and thus include every collective detail about their words. Unfortunately essays come with strict word limits and I found that my students have a hard time vocalizing what they want to stay about themselves within that word limit. The solution: start backwards. Ask yourself what you are trying to say? What is most important about me? How do I want to be remembered in an application? Write out those ideas first, then fill in the details until you reach your word limit. Don't get caught up in the story and details, because you'll forget to focus on what admissions officers want: your personality and reflection. The key is to balance the story and information about you. Be self aware and direct in what you want to say. Keep spotlight on you.
　　Affinity vs. Ability
　　Another important conversation I am constantly having is the differentiation between "What I am good at" and "what I like." This is a conversation that is easily shaped around choosing majors. Sure you are good at math, but do you like math? There is a difference. Similarly a college might be good at a particular field or highly ranked in it, but does it have the major or campus qualities that you like and that will be important for your growth. The solution: make sure you spend some time thinking about why you choose the majors and universities you apply for, because it will make a difference in your success at the university and ensure that you take full advantage of your time there.
　　Persistence vs. Purpose
　　The last conversation that I want to call attention to is the difference of "doing something for the application" and "doing it for a purpose". I have talked to many students about the countless hours of study, hours of involvement, hours of writing, etc. They have lots to say (and complain) about it. My next question is, "So why do you do it?" That is one of the more telling questions you need to ask yourself. What are my motivations for sticking with something? It makes a difference in the tone of an essay and the fit of a school. Those are factors that have the power to move a student toward a letter of admission than would an SAT score. The solution: be genuine. Being genuine in your application will ensure that you will do more than survive a school, but you will thrive. That is exactly what admission officers will be reading for in their applications. Students who are "smart enough" are turned down frequently from top universities because there is more to college than just passing classes to get a degree. Rather it's serving a larger purpose at the university and contributing to it in more ways than one, both in and outside the classroom.
　　So instead of seeing just one of two sides of things, think differently. There are many different ways to look at the same problem and being able to see things critically and make decisions with an objective perspective is very important to university admissions offices all over the United States. It has been a very transformative year and my career has been shaped very differently working alongside Chinese students. With the summer closing and schools getting under way, we are now busily preparing for the college application season. It is my hope that you find these conversations helpful as you plan your own application moving forward and are that much more prepared to participate in this exciting journey of self-discovery.
　　TIPS：凯斯国际教育
　　凯斯国际教育是目前国内最专业的升学指导机构之一；长期以来，一直致力于为有志于申请美国名校的中国学生提供专业、权威、高度个性化的升学指导服务。凯斯国际拥有来自哈佛大学、麻省理工学院、斯沃斯莫尔学院、布朗大学和哥伦比亚大学巴纳德学院等美国著名大学和文理学院的外方资深升学顾问和中方升学指导顾问。独创的大学升学指导课程以及申请材料审核制度在保证学生名校申请的同时，关心学生个人成长，实现学生整体能力的提升。