Entering prestigious or Ivy League universities is the dream of many students. However, with growing competition in the global education scene, gone are the days when schools are only looking for top graders.
'You have got to see what else you can bring to the table,' says Jon Mills, a manager with Harvard University Asia Centre, who has worked in Southeast Asia for the past 20 years.
Acting as a think-tank to the university, the centre conducts research and programmes focusing on international relations in Asia and comparative studies of Asian countries and regions. Last month, Mills was in town to give his advice to students and parents at a forum organised by Arch Academy.
He says while Harvard only admits students who are within the top 5 to 10 per cent in terms of academic achievement, the university is also interested to see if they can offer more than grades.
'Harvard is looking for students who have the potential to be future leaders,' he says. 'The ones who can draw people together to work towards a common goal, and who are contributors to society.'
And Mills says it is not so much about comparing what you already have but 'how you take what you have and add value to it.
'Are you bringing anything extra to your school team? How do you benefit your class? Are you able to engage others? Can you make a difference to your environment?'
