Admissions Insights for Chinese Students - Peterson Global Education

Who are the Top 30 U.S. Universities

Princeton University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Harvard University
Stanford University

Yale University

University of Pennsylvania

California Institute of Technology

Duke University

Brown University

The Johns Hopkins University

Northwestern University

Columbia University

Cornell University

University of Chicago

University of California at Berkeley (Berkeley)

University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)

Rice University

Dartmouth College

Vanderbilt University

The University of Notre Dame

University of Michigan

Georgetown University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Carnegie Mellon University

Emory University

University of Virginia

Washington University in St. Louis

University of California at Davis

University of California at San Diego

University of Florida

University of Southern California

Why are they so difficult to be admitted to?

There are lots of reasons. Below average-to-average students do not normally apply to Top 30 Universities. They understand that it is difficult for them to be accepted. And, even if accepted, once they enrolled it would be hard for them to handle the rigors of academic life.

Therefore, normally very good students apply to these universities. And good students take the hardest courses, get the best grades, do well on entrance exams like the SAT and TOEFL, and excel at their extracurricular activities. All of them.

To successfully apply to these universities takes more than hard work. It takes a plan, a strategy. And most important, it requires a thorough understanding of how these universities work, and what they look for in today's young people.

Are U.S. universities welcoming Chinese students to their campuses?

I cannot speak on behalf of all U.S. universities, but I feel comfortable speaking on behalf of the Ivy League and other highly selective universities. We understand that education serves as a bridge between cultures, promoting mutual understanding and collaboration. Our institutions continue to support and welcome Chinese students because they become better students and better people; US students become better students and better people. The university becomes a better place, and hence, the world becomes a better place. I'm convinced that our resources and programs will ensure their intellectual, cultural and personal growth. The relationships and connections formed on our campuses are integral to building a more interconnected, peaceful world. Therefore, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for students from China and every corner of the globe