Friday, Mar 7, 2025
University Guidance – Parent-Student-Teacher Conference March 29
Dear Grade 11 Parents,
We are pleased to invite you to the Senior School Parent-Student-Teacher Conference (PSTC) on Saturday, March 29th. These conferences provide an excellent opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and future plans. You can book a meeting with me through the SchoolsBuddy system, following the instructions shared by Mr. Gaynor on Wednesday.
Booking Details:
- Opens: Monday, March 10th, at 8:00 a.m.
- Closes: Monday, March 24th, at 4:00 p.m.
In our University Guidance Counselling classes, Grade 11 students are making significant progress in their university preparation. They have shortlisted universities on BridgeU and are conducting in-depth research for each option. The first draft of their university research list is due the week of March 23rd, with the goal of submitting a finalised version of their university list by September 2025.
We encourage you to explore the lessons and resources available under the Discussion tab in the ManageBac class titled “CAIE IGCSE UG Extended.”
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you at the conference!
Monday, Mar 3, 2025
University Guidance – Invitation to Apply to the “U.S. Applications Boot Camp”
Dear Grade 11 Students and Parents,
The University Guidance Team is offering an After-School Program (ASP) in Term 3 focused on U.S. university applications: “U.S. Applications Boot Camp.” Applying to universities in the U.S. requires extensive preparation, and we want to support our students in crafting and submitting the strongest applications possible.
This ASP will cover key aspects of the U.S. application process, including:
✅ How to select best-fit U.S. universities
✅ How to research universities effectively
✅ How to write a compelling personal statement and supplemental essays
✅ How to organize the activity list strategically
✅ How to plan the next few months to optimize admissions chances
Students will also create their Common App accounts, the platform used to apply to most U.S. universities.
Sign ups open today and close on March 5th. Parents can sign up their student to this ASP through the Schoolsbuddy App.
Friday, Feb 14, 2025
University Guidance – Interest Form for “U.S. Applications Boot Camp” – Term 3 ASP
Dear Grade 11 Students and Parents,
The University Guidance Team is considering offering an After-School Program (ASP) in Term 3 focused on U.S. university applications: “U.S. Applications Boot Camp.” Applying to universities in the U.S. requires extensive preparation, and we want to support our students in crafting and submitting the strongest applications possible.
This ASP will cover key aspects of the U.S. application process, including:
✅ How to select best-fit U.S. universities
✅ How to research universities effectively
✅ How to write a compelling personal statement and supplemental essays
✅ How to organize the activity list strategically
✅ How to plan the next few months to optimize admissions chances
Students will also create their Common App accounts, the platform used to apply to most U.S. universities.
Before finalizing this ASP, we would like to assess student interest. Please fill out this form to indicate whether or not you would be interested in participating: https://forms.office.com/Pages/DesignPageV2.aspx?subpage=design&id=pyEeNfVIC0aVVCMEunuQBhDNWIqSAGtOhlpWEfBPfLBUNFQ5U0tNUTBCQzY4MVpDT0M0RlFGSk81MC4u&topview=Preview
We appreciate your feedback and look forward to supporting you in your university application journey!
Thursday, Feb 13, 2025
News from SSIS University Guidance (UG) Office
Dear Parents and Students,
Greetings from the University Guidance Office!
1) Congratulations to Our Class of 2025 Early Offers!
We are thrilled to share some impressive statistics from our early offers:
- Offers received from World Top 25 Universities: 23%
- Offers received from World Top 50 Universities: 44%
- Offers received from World Top 100 Universities: 65%
- Merit Scholarships Received: 14
- From the Concourse Global Platform:
- Total Admission Offers: 208
- Total Scholarships Awarded: USD12.3 million
2) Webinar Recordings Available
If you missed our previous webinars on applying to universities in the UK, US, or Australia, you can catch up by accessing the recordings here.
3) SSIS Spring University Fair 2025
Date: March 10
Time: 13:30 – 15:30
Join us for the SSIS Spring University Fair, featuring over 100 university information booths.
Click here to see the list of attending Universities.
SSIS parents and external guests are welcome. Please register here.
4) Upcoming University Webinars
Interested in learning more about specific universities? Register for the following webinars:
- February 13: Oxford University
- February 19: Rice University
- February 25: Dutch Universities
- March 1: National University of Singapore
- March 20: UNSW Sydney – Medicine
For more information and to register, visit our University Webinars page.
Thank you for your continued support!
1) 祝贺我们的2025届早申录取生！
我们很高兴分享一些令人骄傲的早申数据：
- 来自全球前25所大学的录取：23%
- 来自全球前50所大学的录取：44%
- 来自全球前100所大学的录取：65%
- 获得的优秀奖学金：14份
- 来自Concourse全球平台：
- 总录取书：208份
- 获得的奖学金总额：1230万美元
2) 升学在线讲座： 点击这里访问
如果您错过了关于申请英国、美国或澳大利亚的在线讲座，请看录像。
3) SSIS春季大学展2025，3月10日，13:30 – 15:30
预计超过100个大学展位。点击这里查看大学清单。
欢迎SSIS家长和校外访客参加，请在此注册。
4) 大学在线分享会：点击这里查看
如果您对以下任何大学感兴趣，请注册参加：
- 2月13日：牛津大学 （英）
- 2月19日：莱斯大学 （美）
- 2月25日：荷兰几所大学合办 （荷兰）
- 3月1日：新加坡国立大学 （亚洲-新加坡）
- 3月20日：新南威尔士大学 – 医学 (澳大利亚）
感谢您的支持！
Friday, Feb 7, 2025
University Guidance – Studying in the Netherlands
Dear Students and Parents,
We would like to share an opportunity for students and parents to attend a public webinar organised by Dutch universities for students living in China. This session will provide valuable insights into higher education in the Netherlands, including the university system, application process, and entrance requirements.
📅 Date: Tuesday, 25 February
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM (Shanghai Time) | 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM (CET)
🔗 Registration Link: Register Here
During the webinar, representatives from several leading Dutch universities will share information about their programmes and answer questions from students and parents. The session will cover general aspects of studying in the Netherlands, admissions requirements and application process and is particularly relevant for those interested in:
- Leiden University
- Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University Rotterdam
- University College Roosevelt
- University College Utrecht
- Hotelschool The Hague
The event is open to students and parents who would like to explore the diverse academic opportunities available in the Netherlands.
If you are interested, please register using the link above.
Wednesday, Feb 5, 2025
Applying to Universities in Australia Information Session – February 10
Dear Parents and Students,
We are excited to invite you to an informative online session on applying to universities in Australia! Co-hosted with an admissions representative from the University of Sydney, this session will provide valuable insights into the benefits of studying in Australia and the university application process.
📅 Date and Time: Monday, February 10, at 7:00 PM
🔗 Sign Up Here to Receive the Meeting Link:
This is a great opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of the Australian university admissions process, including insights into the University of Sydney. We look forward to your participation!
Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025
News from SSIS University Guidance (UG) Office
Dear Parents and Students,
Greetings from the University Guidance Office!
Happy 2025!
Firstly, congratulations to our Grade 12 seniors who have applied early to many universities across the globe, with some securing prestigious Early Offers. See WeChat Article Released here: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/XTNzhjLnKo53H8_MZZBr5A
In our UG classes for Grade 7, 9, 10 and 11 students, we have started discussing their personal values, interests, and the importance of Extracurriculars and passion projects. Please have discussions at home with your child about their personal goals and aspirations. Feel free to reach out to us for private conversations. We will also begin to arrange for 1-1 private family meetings for Grade 11s after the Chinese New Year break.
Upcoming SSIS UG Events:
- 20 January: Senior School Career Day
- 10 February: Applying to Australian Universities Workshop (19:00)
- 10 March: Spring University Fair 2025 (13:30 – 15:30)
Summer Planning:
We have discussed summer planning with Grade 10 and 11 students. One great option is attending summer programmes at universities to explore academic interests. Please see two new options added to the list below:
HKU Summer Institute: Information Webinar for Summer Programmes 2025
Date: January 18, 2025 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
*The session will be conducted in Cantonese, supplemented with English.
* The online information session is free of charge, but spaces are limited.
Open to: All Senior School Students across different courses
Register for the Information Webinar
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Summer Programme
Join our one-week Summer Programme for high school students at NTU, Singapore!
Dive into engaging seminars led by NTU lecturers and professors on cutting-edge topics such as AI, FinTech, Quantum Science and sustainable technologies. This programme is your gateway to understanding global technologies, innovation trends and Singapore’s pivotal role as a hub for technology, business, and sustainability.
Open to: High school students who are at least 15 years old in 2025
Register by: 20 March 2025
For the full list of Summer Programmes provided directly by universities, please see here.
We sincerely wish all families a fruitful holiday in advance and a prosperous Year of the Snake filled with opportunities!
亲爱的家长和学生们，
来自升学辅导办公室的问候！
祝您2025年快乐！
首先，祝贺我们的12年级学生。许多学子们通过早申（Early Action）已成功获得英国“G5”名校、美国顶尖高校及香港知名大学的录取名额。
请查看发布的微信文章：链接
在我们为7、9、10和11年级学生开设的升学辅导课程中，我们已经开始讨论他们的个人价值观、兴趣，以及课外活动和热情项目（Passion Project）的重要性。请在家中与您的孩子讨论他们的个人目标和愿望。如需与我们团队讨论，欢迎随时与我们联系。 我们还将在春节假期后开始为11年级学生安排一对一的家庭会议。
即将举行的SSIS 升学辅导活动：
- 1月20日：中学部 “职业日”
- 2月10日：申请澳大利亚大学在线工作坊（19:00）
- 3月10日：2025年春季大学展（13:30 – 15:30）
暑期规划：
我们与10和11年级的学生讨论了暑期规划。一个很好的选择是参加大学自办的暑期营，以探索学术兴趣。请查看下面新增的两个选项：
香港大学暑期学院：2025年暑期项目信分享会
日期：2025年1月18日（星期六）
时间：上午10:00 – 11:00
*会议将以粤语进行，并辅以英语。
*在线信息会议是免费的，但名额有限。
开放对象：所有中学生
新加坡南洋理工大学 – 暑期项目
加入新加坡南洋理工大学为高中学生举办的一周暑期项目！
参与由南洋理工大学讲师和教授主讲的关于人工智能、金融科技、量子科学和可持续技术等前沿主题的精彩研讨会。该项目是您了解全球技术、创新趋势以及新加坡作为技术、商业和可持续发展中心的关键角色的门户。
开放对象：2025年满15岁的高中学生
注册截止日期：2025年3月20日
有关更多大学自办的暑期项目完整列表，请在此查看。
我们真诚祝愿所有家庭假期愉快，并祝愿大家在充满机遇的蛇年中步步高升！
感谢您一直以来的支持！
Monday, Jan 6, 2025
University Guidance – Career Day on January 20!
Dear Parents,
We are thrilled to announce an exciting event for our Grade 7-12 students—Career Day! Taking place on Monday, January 20, this day is designed to inspire and inform students about potential career paths by connecting them with professionals from a variety of industries.
We have invited 12 distinguished speakers representing 6 diverse fields, including:
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Communication & Arts
- Business
- Human Services
- STEM
Career Day is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore their interests, gain insights into different professions, and ask questions directly to experienced professionals. It’s an enriching experience that helps them consider their future aspirations.
Tomorrow during Wellbeing Time (Period 1), students will sign up for the sessions they wish to attend. The event is divided into two blocks, and students can choose two sessions per block to tailor their experience to their interests.
We are excited about the impact this event will have on our students’ personal and academic growth and look forward to their enthusiastic participation!
Friday, Dec 6, 2024
University Guidance (UG) Updates
Dear Parents and Students,
Greetings from the University Guidance Office!
Here are some exciting highlights from the past month:
1. We have successfully completed all early round applications for Hong Kong universities. Best of luck to all our Grade 12 applicants!
2. We’ve launched the University Guidance After School Programme for Grades 7 and 8. We’re currently in our second session.
3. Our team has met with nearly all Grade 10 families for academic advising regarding IB subject options. Grade 10 students, please continue to book us if you have not done so.
4. We conducted our workshop on “Applying to the US”. All past recordings are here.
Upcoming Events:
1. We are organising a Career Day for all Senior School students on the morning of January 20th. Students will have the opportunity to hear personal stories from professionals in various fields.
2. As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to start planning for summer! Many universities have begun releasing information about their summer programs. You can find updates here. Please encourage your child to talk to us if they have any questions regarding summer plans.
3. Our next workshop, “Applying to Australian Universities,” will feature an admissions officer from the University of Sydney on February 10th, she will share with us information about applying to Australia.
Thank you for your continued support!
来自大学指导办公室的问候！
以下是过去一个月的一些激动人心的亮点：
1. 我们已成功完成所有香港大学的早申请。祝我们所有的12年级申请者好运！
2. 我们为7年级和8年级学生启动了大学指导课后活动项目。目前我们正在进行第二节课。
3. 我们的团队已与几乎所有10年级家庭会面，提供有关IB科目选择的大学申请指导。10年级学生，如果您尚未预约，请尽快与我们联系。
4. 我们举办了关于“申请美国大学”的工作坊。所有过去的录音可以在这里找到。
即将到来的活动：
1. 我们将于1月20日上午为所有中学生举办 “职业日”。学生将有机会听取各个领域专业人士的个人故事。
2. 随着2024年的结束，是时候开始计划暑假了！许多大学已开始发布有关其暑期项目的信息。您可以在这个网页找到最新消息。如果您的孩子对暑期计划有任何疑问，请鼓励他们与我们联系。
3. 下一个工作坊“申请澳大利亚大学”将于2月10日举行，届时将由悉尼大学的招生官分享申请澳大利亚的信息。
感谢您的持续支持！
Thursday, Nov 14, 2024
U.S. Universities Information Session – November 25
Dear Parents and Students,
We are excited to invite you to an informative online session on applying to universities in the United States! This session is designed to provide valuable insights into the U.S. application process, emphasizing the importance of early preparation to stand out in a competitive field. We’ll focus on what top universities look for in applicants and share strategies to help students proactively build a strong application profile.
Topics we will cover include:
- What U.S. Universities Are Looking For: Learn about the key qualities, skills, and experiences that American universities seek in applicants.
- Becoming a Competitive Applicant: We’ll discuss how students can stand out in the application process, including strategies for early preparation.
- Important Deadlines: We’ll cover the timeline for application submissions, standardized tests, and other important milestones.
Date and Time: Monday, November 25, at 7 pm
To receive the meeting link, please sign up here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=pyEeNfVIC0aVVCMEunuQBl38zQLXaP5Ouxd3cYZflPpUQkVEWjBXT1ZDTFBBN1lIOUVLQU5MWURITSQlQCN0PWcu&origin=QRCode
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of the U.S. admissions process and how best to support your child’s goals. We look forward to seeing you there!
Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024
University Guidance (UG): Upcoming Events
Dear Students and Parents,
As part of our ongoing efforts to promote university exploration, we’re excited to share a few upcoming university events!
The seminars listed below are a fantastic opportunity to do just that. Please note that these are public events and not hosted by SSIS. Interested students will need to sign up and attend independently.
Online: Applying to Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
- When: Wednesday Nov 6, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm (Hong Kong Time)
- Where: Online
- Register here
Study in Japan, Discover 3 Top Universities – Waseda, Sophia, and Ritsumeikan
- When: Friday Nov 15, 9:30 am
- Where: Online
- Register here
Online: NUS Undergraduate Admissions & Faculties Sharing (International Students)
- When: Saturday Nov 16, 8:45 am – 2:40 pm (multiple sessions to choose from)
- Where: Online
- Register here: https://udty.tech/nus-2024
Online: Applying to Oxford: Interviews AMA (ask me anything)
- When: Thursday Nov 28, 18:00 – 19:15 (Beijing Time)
- Where: Online
- Register here: Applying to Oxford Interviews
SSIS University Guidance Events:
- Applying to the UK (Watch Video recording)
- Applying to the US: 25 Nov (Monday), 19:00 – 20:00, Online
All external events and information are also updated on the SSIS website>Academics>Universities and Careers>Events
https://www.ssis.asia/university-webinars
Friday, Oct 25, 2024
U.K. Universities Information Session – October 28
Dear Students and Parents,
SSIS is excited to host an exclusive UK Universities info session in partnership with the University of Chichester! This is a fantastic opportunity to get firsthand insights into the UK university application process.
Join us online on Monday, October 28 at 7 pm to learn all about applying to universities in the UK—the process, the timeline, the requirements, and what makes studying in the UK so unique. Whether you’re aiming for a top-tier university or exploring your options, this session will provide valuable tips to help you stand out! You will also learn how to be fully prepared. Indeed, understanding the application process is crucial to making informed decisions and increasing your chances of success.
Don’t miss out on this exciting chance to kickstart your university journey with expert guidance!
We look forward to seeing you there.
Day: Monday, October 28, 2024
Time: 7 pm
Link to Meeting:
Thursday, Sep 26, 2024
Dear Students and Parents,
As part of our ongoing efforts to promote university exploration, we’re excited to share a few upcoming university events in Shanghai!
While SSIS is proud to host an international university fair in March 2025, we want to encourage students to start exploring universities early. The fairs listed below are a fantastic opportunity to do just that. Please note that these are public events and not hosted by SSIS. Interested students will need to sign up and attend independently.
University of Oxford (online sessions)
- When: Tuesday, October 8, 5 pm – 6:15 pm
- Where: online
- Register here: Applying to Oxford: Understanding Oxford Interviews (an academic’s perspective)
- When: Tuesday, October 10, 5 pm – 6:15 pm
- Where: online
- Register here: Applying to Oxford: Understanding Oxford Interviews (a student’s perspective)
- When: Thursday, November 28, 6 pm – 7:15 pm
- Where: online
- Register here: Applying to Oxford: Understanding Oxford Interviews (Ask Me Anything)
Syracuse University – Architecture Information Session
- When: Sunday, October 13, 12 pm – 7 pm
- Where: BAC (Bamboo Art Center) No.407 Pudian Road, Basement Courtyard (1F), Pudong New District, Shanghai
- Register here: Syracuse Architecture Registration
University Fair at Dulwich Puxi
- When: Wednesday, October 16, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
- Where: 2000 Qian Pu Jing Road, Maqiao, Minhang District, Shanghai
- List of Exhibitors: Dulwich Puxi Exhibitors
- Register here: Dulwich Registration
NACAC Global Universities Fair
- When: Saturday, October 19, 12 pm – 4:30 pm
- Where: NYU Shanghai, 567 West Yangsi Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai
- NACAC Global Universities Fair Schedule: NACAC Schedule
- List of Exhibitors: NACAC Exhibitors
- Register here: NACAC Registration
The University of Sydney
- When: Sunday, October 20, 2 pm – 45 pm
- Where: Swissôtel Grand Shanghai 3F Basel & Davos II+III
- Register here: The University of Sydney Open Day
SAIC (School of the Art Institute of Chicago)
- When: Saturday, October 26, 10 am – 1 pm
- Where: Walford Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, No. 2 Zhong Shan Dong Yi Rd., Huang Pung District, Shanghai
- Register here: SAIC Registration
China Annual Conference & Expo for International Education (CACIE)
- When: Sunday, October 27, 10 am – 4 pm
- Where: Hall 3, 2F, Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, Pudong District, Shanghai
- List of Exhibitors: CACIE Exhibitors (Select ‘Shanghai’ under Exhibition Tour City)
- Study Abroad Seminar Schedule: CACIE Seminar Schedule
- Register here: CACIE Registration
All external events and information are also updated on the SSIS website>Academics>Universities and Careers>Events
https://www.ssis.asia/university-webinars
We encourage all students to take advantage of these opportunities to meet university representatives and gather valuable information as they plan for their future.
Thursday, Sep 13, 2024
Invitation to Attend: Introduction to the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth program for gifted students
Dear Students and Parents,
This is a reminder regarding the communication we sent you on September 13:
We are excited to invite you to an online introduction to the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY), presented by a representative from the programme. This event is open to all Senior School students and parents.
What is the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth?
The Center for Talented Youth, a nonprofit academic center of Johns Hopkins University, delivers academic excellence and transformational experiences to advanced learners in grades 2-12. Founded in 1979, CTY fosters intellectual growth in exceptional students from all backgrounds and communities.
As a world leader in gifted education, advocacy, and research, CTY provides:
– Accredited, advanced online and on-campus courses often not found in traditional schools
– Personalized instruction tailored to meet individual needs
– An inclusive community of peers who share a passion for learning
Why should my child attend this program?
Academic Enrichment: CTY offers challenging courses in subjects like mathematics, science, writing, and humanities, allowing students to explore topics beyond the standard school curriculum.
Standing out in your University Application: Participating in a CTY program can strengthen university applications by demonstrating intellectual curiosity and a commitment to academic growth.
Highly Selective: CTY is known for attracting academically gifted students, providing an environment where motivated learners can engage with peers at their level.
Personal Growth: Students build confidence in their abilities through independent projects, critical thinking, and problem-solving in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Global Community: CTY draws students from around the world, fostering a culturally diverse environment that encourages cross-cultural exchange and networking with high-achieving peers.
Expert Instructors: The courses are taught by instructors who are experts in their fields, providing students with an opportunity to learn from knowledgeable professionals.
Flexibility: CTY offers both in-person and online programs, in the summer and throughout the academic year, giving students flexibility in how they engage with the courses.
Attending CTY can help students develop their skills, expand their academic horizons, and stand out in the university application process.
Please join us for an information session about the Johns Hopkins CTY program:
Date: Monday, September 23
Time: 7 PM
Platform: Zoom
Please register in advance to receive the meeting link: https://jhu-cty.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZiewkLU0TieIiWoMexRUHg#/registration
To know more about CTY: https://cty.jhu.edu/
We look forward to seeing you there!
