Hong kong university tips and advice:
Before I start, for those who are applying to or planning to apply to unis in HK, stop the process, think one more time. There are many unis that are better around the world. But, if you still think that HK is the best place for you, there is some advice here.
For application process:
For Interview:
For group interview in HKU:
To accept an offer from universities in HK, you need to pay a deposit (different skl → different amount). HKU → about 18,230.69 RMB, other schools’ deposits are usually cheaper than that. If you fail to satisfy the condition, you can get it back. However, if you satisfy it and decide not to go to that university, You cannot get it back! STRATEGIES required.
If you finish every process for university application, just wait and chill (Don't forget to study for IB). It is already out of your hand. GOOD LUCK
Finally, if you fail to satisfy conditions from universities in HK, don’t give up, Apply for the remark!
Before I start, for those who are applying to or planning to apply to unis in HK, stop the process, think one more time. There are many unis that are better around the world. But, if you still think that HK is the best place for you, there is some advice here.
For application process:
- Application consists of your transcript (GPA, predicted grade, other tests scores etc), personal statement and reference letter (recommendation letter).
- Most offers from unis in HK are conditional offers which means you need to get the minimum score given by the uni for the FINAL exam to get in. Some friends of mine got unconditional offers from the HKU Medical faculty, but it is unusual.
- For HKU, HKUST and CUHK business majors (BBA, marketing etc), you need IB grades of above 37 or 38 usually (higher than 40 is recommended ofc). For science or engineering, above 34 to 36 is reasonable. If you got a high predicted grade, it is great! Keep going for the FINAL TEST.
- There are a lot of things to be done in the process and IB students are usually really busy during the application period because of assignments such as IA, TOK, EE etc. Make a plan and ask a question to the university admission department whenever you are not sure about the application process. (TIME MANAGEMENT)
- You can apply to every single university in HK but a separate personal statement is needed for each school. There is no format for the personal statement. You can just write about yourself (a written statement is compulsory, about 800 ~ 1000 words is recommended) and you can take a video in addition (optional).
- Recommendation letter is important (Requires only 1 recommendation letter)
- Engage actively in activities such as MUN, sports or projects (Can help a lot in filling Experience and Achievement section)
- Don’t forget to add your test results such as Toefl, SAT etc. on your application account of each school (Reminder: SAT is not necessary for HK but always better if you have one. You can get bigger advantage by holding both IB and SAT than only SAT applicants)
For Interview:
- Don’t be afraid of the interviewers. They are usually kind and nice, although there are exceptions all the time :(Ask a lot of questions. Interview is for students who almost get into the university (only for hk unis tho).
- Don’t be nervous.
- In the case of HKUST, you need to speak to a recorder (computer) like the toefl test. It depends on individual but usually it is trickier than speaking to actual people
- For HKUST, they try to determine student’s creativeness and thoughts based on current events (Open Questions)
- Most of the universities in HK uses Skype for interviews (ex: CUHK, City U, Poly U and HKU)
- While having interviews, they may ask for questions (It would be better for applicants to ask some questions that could interest interviewers)
For group interview in HKU:
- You need to read an article to make a summary and discuss the article topic.
- Decide your side and prepare reasons or evidence to support it.
- Group of 6 or 7
- Speak a lot and respect others (basic manners at the discussion).
- Read an article carefully, You will get enough time to fully understand what the article is talking about.
To accept an offer from universities in HK, you need to pay a deposit (different skl → different amount). HKU → about 18,230.69 RMB, other schools’ deposits are usually cheaper than that. If you fail to satisfy the condition, you can get it back. However, if you satisfy it and decide not to go to that university, You cannot get it back! STRATEGIES required.
If you finish every process for university application, just wait and chill (Don't forget to study for IB). It is already out of your hand. GOOD LUCK
Finally, if you fail to satisfy conditions from universities in HK, don’t give up, Apply for the remark!