Before I knew it, my four years of high school had flown by. I’ve gone from being the younger student who eagerly read the “Graduate Story” from graduating seniors each year to becoming the senior now penning my own “Graduate Story”.
Part 1. A Chance Encounter with SCIE
Choosing SCIE was an “accidental” decision prompted by the pandemic. At the time, I was in 8th grade in Canada, but due to the unpredictable nature of COVID-19 abroad, my family decided it was safer to return to China. After the Chinese New Year, my mother stumbled across SCIE during a casual Baidu search. SCIE is an international school in Shenzhen that doesn’t require the high school entrance exam score for admission but instead holds its own entrance exams.
In April 2021, after a 28-day quarantine in Beijing, my parents and I hurried to Shenzhen to prepare for SCIE’s entrance exam. Over the course of a month, my parents also inquired about other international schools in Beijing and Shenzhen, just in case I wasn’t admitted to SCIE. Fortunately, I passed both SCIE’s written test and interview, officially becoming an SCIEr.
Part 2. Initial Confusion
Because of the pandemic, my parents and I didn’t get the chance to visit SCIE’s campus until the day of registration. The campus was much larger and more beautiful than my previous school, and the student population was at least ten times bigger.
Entering this new and exciting environment, I was both thrilled and overwhelmed. I tried to make new friends but often stumbled due to my overly straightforward and immature communication style. My directness frequently led to “social accidents,” and I unknowingly offended some classmates.
During the G1 summer, my impulsiveness caused me to make a few minor mistakes, which turned into humorous anecdotes in hindsight. Reflecting on these experiences, I began to think deeply about the person I wanted to become.
By G2, I had learned to temper my impatience and strike a balance in my busy life, laying the foundation for future growth.
Part 3. A Colorful Life
SCIE is a diverse and open community. Here, I felt a freedom and vibrancy I had never experienced before. Even before starting school, I joined a group chat called “EIC X SFC 好耶” where hundreds of messages would pop up overnight. The school’s open culture made every day feel fresh and exciting.
I still vividly remember my first Halloween event, where the entire campus transformed into a celebration filled with creative costumes. Graduation Week’s Night Show tradition was particularly moving. This unique ritual, where students sing together across the teaching building, symbolizes bidding farewell to the past and embracing the future.These activities made me realize that SCIE was not just a school but a warm and supportive family.
In this big family, I also found my enduring passion—photography.
From casual snapshots to well-planned compositions, photography became a way for me to appreciate the beauty and details of life. This sensitivity to detail extended to my academic pursuits.
For instance, during the A1 summer, I participated in the Pioneer Online Research Program, analyzing quantum dot materials that enhance the color accuracy of image sensors. This experience opened the door to research and it also became a central theme in my college application essays.
Cameras that I have used: Nikon D90, Z6II, Z7, FM
Part 4. A Fresh Start After Reflection
SCIE is also a nurturing and inclusive environment. After two years of growth and self-reflection, I decided to step onto the stage once again in A2 by running for a position in the Student Leadership Body (SLB). I was fortunate to be elected as the Deputy Chair of the Communication and Media department, where I made many outstanding friends (special mention to Hardy and Eugene the milk dragon).
Together, we worked hard, shared successes, and supported each other. At the beginning of the new A2 school year, we organized a group chat for new students, answering their questions and helping them adapt to SCIE. We even took entrance ID photos for them, capturing their fresh faces as they began this new chapter.
Additionally, I spearheaded the creation of social media accounts for the SCIE Prefect 学长团 on platforms like WeChat Official Account, WeChat Video Channel, and Bilibili. These accounts aimed to provide guidance and resources to students across all grades.
The process was full of challenges, especially since there was no existing framework to follow. From purchasing layout tools and learning design techniques to troubleshooting technical issues, my team and I often worked late into the night, fixing bugs and perfecting layouts.
Today, the “SCIE Prefect 学长团” has become a student-run platform for broadcasting information about school events, significantly enhancing the convenience and interactivity of campus life.
SCIE’s diversity, openness, and inclusiveness have given me a unique sense of belonging. It is not just a place to acquire academic knowledge but also a stage for personal growth and transformation. Every activity and every attempt has deepened my appreciation for this vibrant journey.
Part 5. A Short but Intense Application Season
My application season was relatively short, as I only began preparing for standardized tests in A1. By that time, many of my peers had already achieved satisfying scores. Seeing them enthusiastically discuss their results often heightened my anxiety and restlessness.
However, I didn’t let this discourage me. Instead, I studied diligently, fully committing myself to school research and application preparation. Every day, I pored over university websites, read admissions brochures, and even reviewed the application experiences shared by alumni, striving to make my application stand out.
Based on my earlier standardized test scores, I initially planned to apply Early Decision (ED1) to Rice University. However, everything changed on September 19, 2024. I was finalizing my essays for Rice when I heard that SAT scores had been released. Without much hope, I opened the results page—and there it was: a score of 1570. Both my mom and I were stunned.
In that moment, I decided to change my ED1 plans. I abandoned Rice and faced a difficult choice between Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). I was initially inclined toward JHU because I had attended its summer school during the G2 summer, which left a positive impression on me.
However, as I delved deeper into my interests and goals during the application season, I realized that CMU’s academic programs and research resources aligned more closely with my aspirations. After careful consideration, I decided to prioritize academic rankings over overall university rankings and chose to apply to CMU. Fortunately, my parents fully supported this decision.
The next day, I began preparing my ED application for CMU. Writing the essays required significant time and effort, and I worked extensively with UCO teachers to refine them. Despite many differences of opinion, our repeated discussions and revisions allowed me to submit a complete and authentic application.
I had low expectations for the ED1 results, knowing how competitive CMU’s engineering programs were—especially for an ED1 admission. After submitting my application, I focused on other EA and RD applications, as well as various school activities and responsibilities. I didn’t do well much on the outcome.
The week before ED1 decisions were released, I was still busy preparing for final exams, writing ED2 and RD essays, and organizing the Christmas concert. The night before decision day, I planned to stay up late to await the results but had to go to bed early due to sudden stomach pain.
At 6:30 a.m. on December 14, my mom woke me up, saying CMU had sent an email. I jumped out of bed, ran to my desk, and opened my application portal. Despite my low expectations, my heart raced, and I felt incredibly nervous. The CMU portal lacked any celebratory animations, only a simple message: “Please click here to view your decision letter.”
“That’s it—I wasn’t admitted,” I thought, feeling a wave of panic. Taking a deep breath, I reassured myself, summoned my courage, and clicked the link. The first word jumped out at me: “Congratulations!”
At that moment, all the stress and anxiety I had felt over the past year vanished instantly. I was overwhelmed with excitement and joy, deeply gratified by the hard work and effort I had put into the process.
With that, I was fortunate enough to wrap up my college application season earlier than expected.
The Christmas breeze gently sweeps through the streets of Macau, casting a warm golden glow upon the familiar alleyways. I stroll to the SAT test center I once hurried toward, now standing silent and empty, with no anxious test-takers in sight—only memories surfacing in the night.
I, too, once stood here, my heart filled with nerves and anticipation, ready to face the unknown. Now, my application season has come to an end, but the true journey is only just beginning.
♦ Advice for Future Students
- Clarify Your Goals. Decide early whether you want to apply to schools in the US, UK, or elsewhere, and make choices based on your interests and goals rather than external pressures.
- Start Early. Begin preparing for standardized tests, language exams, and extracurricular activities as early as possible to reduce stress later.
- Build Strong Foundations. Academic ability is crucial. Develop your skills to stand out in competitive environments. Though everything flows in its own course, the winds of fate often favor those who quietly gather their strength.
- Maintain a Balanced Mindset.
The application season is a time filled with challenges and pressure, but it is also a process of personal growth. No matter how much pressure you face, always remain calm and patient. Regardless of the outcome, keep a peaceful mindset and learn to reflect on each experience, finding valuable lessons along the way. In the face of uncertainty and setbacks, learn to respond with composure, adjust your mindset, and don’t let temporary anxiety cloud your long-term vision.
I hope that all of you can move forward on your own paths with determination, embracing challenges and continuously growing. May you all find your own brilliance and accomplishments in the journey ahead. And to my peers still anxiously awaiting offers, I wish you all success in joining the dream schools you aspire to!
Sincere Gratitude
I want to thank the SCIE UCO team and my advisor, Ms. Elva, for their patient guidance and support throughout my application process.
I want to thank all the teachers who have taught me over my four years at SCIE for their professional instruction and assistance in academics.
I want to thank the SCIE Admissions Office staff for their help and support during various activities.
I want to thank Mr. Boris, the SLB team, and my fellow club members for their trust and support in my work.
I want to thank the alumni of SCIE for their selfless sharing and mentorship.
I want to thank my SCIE classmates for bringing me joy, warmth, and personal growth.
I want to thank SCIE’s diversity, openness, and inclusiveness, which allowed me to grow freely and be my true self.
Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my parents for their selfless dedication, quiet support, and unwavering efforts to lift me up throughout my journey.
- Article / David Li
- Pictures / David Li
