Dear Fellow Students, Through my observation and experience, I find that students from China are very strong in math and science. Having received a Chinese education, I find myself easily among the top of my class in these subjects. Therefore, a Chinese student is able to save time by spending less time concentrating on these subjects temporarily while applying the saved time to improve their English language. If you come to England at the age of 13 or younger, I would strongly suggest that you take up an additional European language. Why not make the best of your years here in the United Kingdom by picking up a language that you can use in a different country, especially with the EU being so close by train or plane? Furthermore, the opportunity to learn Latin is available at many private boarding schools. Latin is the classical language that helps teach you the roots of many European languages, including English. Latin is the perfect instrument for those of you who want to pursue medical science at college, as it helps you understand much medical terminology and etymology. When it comes to choosing your courses for GCSE, I would advise you to pick up seven to eight strong subjects. The minimum required number of GCSEs one should pass is six for university. However, by doing more than six subjects you gain an extra advantage when it comes to university admissions. I would recommend those of you who are academically strong to pick up nine to 12 subjects. Such an assortment will inform college admission officers that you take rigorous courses, whilst in the meantime you are an all-rounder with extensive knowledge in many areas. When it comes to A Level course selection, however, choosing your courses is very different. The gap between A-levels and GCSEs will come as a surprise for many students. Those who found GCSEs a challenge will find A-levels much more challenging. Thus it is important that you select subjects you are good at and have great interest in. Target three strong subjects or at most four, and make sure you put maximum effort into achieving great results. Usually students from China do not find it difficult to select strong subjects, such as math, biology, chemistry and physics. Keep in mind what majors you will take up at university when choosing your A-levels. The difference between the United Kingdom and American universities is that you have to decide the specific major you plan on taking as early as the end of Year 11. I must admit at the age of just 15 or 16, it is hard to decide which field you would like to take when it comes to your career path. By following the U.K. education system, some may say there is a disadvantage in having to make such an important decision at such an early age, however, considering which subject you want to do in college at an earlier stage will really help you panic less when it comes to filling out university application forms later on. In general, do not worry too much about performing well academically here, because once you have gained the confidence and strategy, you will find yourself excelling beyond your peers. Yours fondly, Susan M B Chen A Year 13 Student, Downe House School, England | 