On June 1st, the Washington Metropolitan Association of Chinese Schools (WMACS) organized its annual college admissions seminar at the Culture Center of TECRO in D.C. The event featured four outstanding recent high school graduates who generously shared their valuable experiences in applying to universities. During the seminar, the speakers elaborated on the steps involved in the college application process, time management strategies, and essential prerequisites, providing attendees — both students and parents — with a key to unlock the doors to higher education.
Beyond academic achievements and SAT/ACT scores, the speakers emphasized the importance of showcasing leadership abilities and contributions to society through extracurricular activities and community service. The speakers recounted their experiences volunteering at food banks, participating in environmental cleanup initiatives, and joining youth volunteer programs like FASCA. These experiences not only enriched their resumes but also fostered teamwork and leadership skills, while demonstrating their unique personalities and values to showcase to university admissions officers.
The speakers underscored the significance of creativity and innovation in the college application process. Given the competitive process, they encouraged students to engage in science competitions, entrepreneurial ventures, or any projects that demonstrate creativity, as these activities can positively impact their applications. Additionally, a captivating personal statement and compelling recommendation letters from teachers or community leaders can set applicants apart from the crowd.
During the Q&A session at the end of the seminar, enthusiastic attendees posed insightful and practical questions. Questions ranged from application process details to balancing academics with extracurriculars, and how to better display individual characteristics in application essays. The speakers provided practical advice and personal insights to these interesting questions.
This seminar was not just a practical guide for college applications, but also a source of inspiration for students to understand how their activities can demonstrate their value to universities. For students apprehensive about the college application process, these real-life experiences and stories provide valuable lessons and motivation. They not only equip students for the challenging process but also boost their confidence and shape their outlook towards this journey. The WMACS community is excited to host more such informative events in the future, furthering its commitment to support students in their educational pursuits.
