From October 16 to 17, 2026, the 2026 College Board China Forum was successfully held at Shenzhen College of International Education (SCIE). University admissions leaders from world-renowned institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Princeton University and the National University of Singapore (NUS), joined international education professionals from across China to exchange insights on global university admissions trends and the future of education.
As the host school, SCIE was delighted to welcome this major international education event to its campus. The Forum provided a valuable opportunity for educational ideas and practical experiences from different countries and regions to come together, while offering fresh perspectives for the continued development of SCIE’s AP programme and teaching practices.
During the Forum, SCIE received the 2026 Award for Expanding AP Access in China from College Board. This recognition acknowledges the school’s ongoing commitment to developing students’ independent research, critical thinking and academic capabilities.
From years of exploration and implementation of AP courses, to the formal establishment of the AP Division and the expansion of its offerings to 18 AP courses, and now the successful hosting of the College Board China Forum and recognition through this award, SCIE’s AP programme is entering a new stage of development.
The Forum opened with a traditional Chinese instrumental music performance by SCIE students, who presented Song of the Pipa (《琵琶行》). Mr Neil Mobsby, Principal of SCIE, then delivered a welcome address on behalf of the host school, extending a warm welcome to university representatives and education professionals from around the world and across China.
01 | Keynote Presentations
College Board Updates and 2026 AP and SAT Trends Among Chinese Students
Paul Sanders, Executive Director of College Board International, welcomed the guests and participants and shared the latest developments at College Board.
He explained that, following the transition of the SAT and AP examinations to digital formats, College Board has continued to strengthen its support for schools, teachers and students. This includes providing teacher training and professional development opportunities, as well as introducing the AP Career Kickstart programme, which helps students connect their academic learning with future career exploration.
Paul emphasised that expanding educational opportunities and promoting equity in education remain central to College Board’s mission. The organisation will continue to strengthen collaboration between secondary schools and universities worldwide, creating more diverse pathways and opportunities for students.
Carol Choong, College Board’s Senior Director for Asia Pacific, presented the latest data and emerging trends in AP and SAT examinations among students in China and around the world in 2026.
Key highlights included:
Continued growth in AP participation and academic performance among students in China.
The average SAT score among test-takers in China reached 1,398.
A growing trend towards applying to universities in multiple countries, with increasingly diverse study destinations.
More than 4,000 universities and colleges across over 70 countries and territories worldwide recognise AP or SAT scores for admissions, credit transfer or course placement, giving students access to a wider range of higher education opportunities.
02 | Plenary Session 1
Reading the Global Signals: What Do University Admissions Officers Really Look For?
Panel Speakers
Ryan Hargraves – Executive Director, Student Recruitment and Admissions, University of Toronto (Canada)
Erica Sanders – Assistant Vice Provost and Executive Director, Undergraduate Admissions, University of Michigan (USA)
Victoria Anderson – Head of International Student Recruitment, Durham University (UK)
Vivian Zhu (朱慎敏) – Director of University Guidance, Tsinglan School; Current President of ChinaICAC (China)
Moderator: Scott Smith – Director of International Higher Education Relations, College Board
Moderated by Scott Smith, Director of International Higher Education Relations at College Board, this panel brought together senior admissions representatives from Durham University in the UK, the University of Toronto in Canada and the University of Michigan in the USA, alongside Vivian Zhu, Director of University Guidance at Tsinglan School and current President of ChinaICAC.
The panel explored global undergraduate admissions trends, applications to universities in multiple countries, university selection criteria and effective approaches to student application planning.
Speakers also discussed how universities around the world are responding to the increasingly diverse needs and expectations of students. As prospective students place greater emphasis on academic programmes, learning experiences and career prospects, universities are continuing to refine their curricula, practical learning opportunities and approaches to engaging with applicants.
The panel encouraged students and parents to seek up-to-date information through university websites, admissions representatives, current students and campus visits. Developing a comprehensive understanding of each university’s academic environment and campus culture, they noted, is essential to making informed choices that align with students’ individual interests and aspirations.
03 | Plenary Session 2
Education and Career Pathways in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Panel Speakers
Miguel Costa – Executive Director of Admissions and Development, IE University (Spain)
David duKor-Jackson – Dean of Admissions, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (USA)
Terence Sim – Vice Dean, NUS Office of Admissions, National University of Singapore (Singapore)
Shiny Wang (王实) – Vice Principal, Beijing No. 4 High School International Campus (China)
Moderator: Paul Sanders – Executive Director, International, College Board
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the employment landscape and reshaping career pathways, bringing new considerations to students’ academic choices and university education.
Moderated by Paul Sanders, Executive Director of College Board International, this panel brought together admissions leaders from IE University in Spain, MIT in the USA and the National University of Singapore, alongside Shiny Wang, Vice Principal of Beijing No. 4 High School International Campus. They discussed the impact of AI on higher education, university admissions, subject choices and future career development.
The speakers agreed that while the rapid development of AI is redefining the skills required in the workplace, a strong academic foundation, critical thinking, communication, collaboration and the ability to learn continuously remain essential.
Schools, they emphasised, should help students understand technological change and learn to use AI responsibly while maintaining independent thinking. These capabilities will provide an important foundation for success at university and in their future careers.
04 | Breakout Sessions
Behind the Scenes: The Latest Trends in US Undergraduate Admissions for 2026–27
Moderated by Carol Choong, Senior Director for Asia Pacific at College Board, this session brought together admissions leaders from Princeton University, the University of Michigan and MIT.
The discussion focused on the latest developments in US undergraduate admissions, holistic review practices and the importance of authenticity in application materials.
Three Distinct Opportunities: Higher Education and Admissions in Australia, Singapore and the UAE
Moderated by Scott Smith, Director of International Higher Education Relations at College Board, this session featured university admissions representatives from the University of Queensland in Australia, the National University of Singapore and the American University in Dubai.
The speakers discussed the higher education systems in their respective countries and regions, university entry requirements, application procedures and support for international students.
Diverse Destinations, One Conversation: University Admissions in Canada, Spain and the UK
Moderated by Zhao Haike, Associate Director for Asia Pacific at College Board, this session brought together admissions representatives from the University of Toronto in Canada, IE University in Spain and Durham University in the UK.
The speakers shared insights into the higher education systems and latest admissions policies in their respective countries, covering application requirements, university selection and students’ future opportunities. The discussion offered practical perspectives on planning for a range of international study destinations.
05 | Plenary Session 3
From Classroom to Career: Preparing Students for Life Beyond University Admissions
Panel Speakers
Whitney Green – Director of Admissions, Princeton University (USA)
Jogvan Klein – Director of Future Students and International Admissions, University of Queensland (Australia)
Sara Sleem – Director of Recruitment and Admissions, American University in Dubai (UAE)
Della Cheng (成小凤) – Director of Student Futures, Ningbo HD School (China)
Moderator: Carol Choong (林涛) – Senior Director, Asia Pacific, College Board
Moderated by Carol Choong, Senior Director for Asia Pacific at College Board, this panel featured representatives from Princeton University in the USA, the University of Queensland in Australia and the American University in Dubai, alongside Della Cheng, Director of Student Futures at Ningbo HD School.
The discussion explored the connection between university education and career development, the cultivation of students’ employability skills, and the role of career guidance during secondary education.
The speakers agreed that university admission is not the end of the educational journey. In an evolving employment landscape, schools and families should encourage students to explore their interests and strengths from an early stage. At university, students should also be proactive in seeking research opportunities, internships and interdisciplinary experiences, helping them develop the adaptability and skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world.
06 | AP School Symposium
For the first time, the College Board China Forum featured a dedicated AP School Symposium. School principals, curriculum leaders and classroom teachers from AP schools across China came together to share their experiences and innovative practices in curriculum development, interdisciplinary teaching, project-based learning and multi-destination university guidance.
Featured Presentations and Participating Schools
1. From AP Capstone to a School-Wide Culture of Inquiry: Building a Pathway to College-Level Research
The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China
Guangdong Country Garden School
2. Curriculum Pathways and Differentiated Implementation: An Integrated AP Learning Pathway from Middle School to University
BANZ International High School, Shanghai
Chongqing Bashu Secondary School
3. One AP Score Report, Multiple University Destinations: A Practical Guide to Global Applications Based on Real Cases
Guangdong Country Garden School
4. From AP Courses to Coherent Pathways: Building a Comprehensive University Preparation System
Zibo Malvern Bilingual Senior High School
International Division, Shanghai Soong Ching Ling School
5. Beyond Scores: Building a Culture of Academic Challenge Through Curriculum Integration and Project-Based Learning
Xi’an Kang Chiao International School, Qujiang Campus
Chongqing Yucai Secondary School
07 | Awards Ceremony and Closing
At the conclusion of the Forum, College Board presented two special awards to recognise schools that had demonstrated outstanding achievements in AP curriculum development, teaching practices and student development.
2026 Award for Expanding AP Access in China
A total of 53 schools received the 2026 AP Course Expansion Award.
These schools demonstrated consecutive growth in the number of students using AP Classroom over the previous two academic years, expanding access to university-level coursework and providing more students with opportunities to strengthen their academic abilities.
2026 AP Capstone Honor School in China
A total of 32 schools received the 2026 AP Capstone China Honor School recognition.
These schools had students achieve scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research examinations in each of the previous two academic years, earning AP Capstone certificates or diplomas. This recognition reflects their sustained commitment to developing students’ independent research, critical thinking and academic communication skills.
College Board congratulated all the award-winning schools and expressed its hope to continue working closely with schools and education professionals across China to deepen engagement with universities worldwide. Through continued collaboration, the organisation aims to provide students with richer academic resources and broader development opportunities, helping them prepare with confidence for university study and their future endeavours.
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