School policies provide options

I19, fromShanghai, was admitted as a finance student at the University of San Francisco using her scores last year from the gaokao, China’s national college entrance exam. had been admitted as a dietetics major at a medical university in China aftermy gaokao scores came out last July, but I was not satisfied with the offer because dietetics was notmy interest. Somy parents and I decided to look for another way out.

We consulted some overseas study agencies and one told us about the possibility of applying for several universities in theUnited States usingmy gaokao scores without taking standardized tests to provemy English language proficiency or academic ability.

It sounded fresh and exciting. My family and I decided to give it a try.

I mailedmy gaokao scores to USF together with the transcripts ofmy high school academic records in late July and was soon asked to attend a written exam and a face-toface interview, which were held at the China office of the university in Beijing.

The written exams tested students’ ability to read and analyze in English, while the interviewemphasized students’ capability for independent thinking and English speaking.

Three or four days after the interview, I was told that I was accepted and was granted a scholarship of $5,000 for the first academic year. Following that were the physical examination, vaccination and visa preparation. Then on Aug 15, I was on a flight to the US.

Nowmy freshman year has ended, with an “A” on almost all the tests. I’mhappy with my life and studies here. Such a program provides an alternative for Chinese students who are not content with their domestic universities or majors. Chen Xinyi spoke with Zhao Xinying.