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Grace Wu

Students who are thinking of  studying overseas have important decisions to make, such as what country to go to and what courses to study.
And, with such a diverse selection to chose from, it is important that they get on the right path now to ensure they have the right qualifications to get to a university in the country of their choice.
According to  Fou Oi-ying,  manager of English language and college admission at  Kaplan Hong Kong,  there are different paths for HKCEE students to consider.
Form Five students should  take both the Test of English for International Communication and the SAT Reasoning Test   for entering United States universities.
To study in Australia, Form Five students are required to sit for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) so that they can be admitted to the pre-university foundation programme. However, for the same level of programme in  Britain, Form Six qualification with an IELTS score is required for admissions.
For US universities, the SAT is one of the most important tests.
'The SAT is essentially an aptitude test that assesses students' learning ability,' Ms Fou said. 'It measures skills, such as the critical thinking, reading, writing and logic of the applicant.'
Benedict Yeung,  associate director of The Princeton Review Hong Kong,  underlined the importance of SAT as a 'key' to colleges in the States.
'The SAT is administered by College Board of the US which helps connect students to college education,' he said.
'It is not the only step but serves as the first stage that students have to go through.'
The SAT comprises three papers, including maths, critical reading and writing. Tests are held six times a year in Hong Kong.
Both Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions and The Princeton Review Hong Kong offer courses to students to help them score higher in the SAT. At Kaplan, students are provided with in-class, online practice and resource materials outside of the classes.
There are also computer-analysed diagnostic reports to help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, therefore concentrating their learning in such areas.
Mr Yeung said that The Princeton Review Hong Kong would help students focus on developing effective skills to analyse concepts or directions of the exam questions and tackle them strategically. All lessons focus on beating the SAT.
Besides the US, Britain is a hit choice among young students. Paul Lai,  supervisor of The International Language Centre,  which is a local agent specialising in study in  Britain, suggests several routes that students may take after their HKCEE.
'Students can be promoted to the Advanced Level (AL) there if they are able to score five Ds to five Es in their HKCEE,' he said. 'Alternatively, they may take the university's foundation course for which the admission requirements are lower than AL in general.' During a year of such college study, students  are able to explore more of their interests.
The course can also be articulated to the first year of university provided students can meet the requirements set by the school exams.
One other choice for HKCEE students is vocational training leading to the awarding of the National Certificate  or National Diploma,  which is equivalent to the A-level qualification.
A wide range of disciplines from commerce to animal care is available for students' selection. Upon completion, they can be promoted to the Higher National Diploma (HND), which is at the same level as the first year of university.
'HND is popular among people who seek study in Britain as its tuition fee is lower than  university,' Mr Lai said.
In addition to seeking help from course providers to prepare for admission tests, students are encouraged to look for academic counselling with their parents when choosing to study overseas. Mr  Yeung said The Princeton Review Hong Kong specifically offered such advisory services as  they could help make students' college applications easier.
'In the US, good academic results do not guarantee a pass to a top college,' he said. 'Students' all-round development is even more important.'
Ms Fou said that Kaplan, similar to The Princeton Review, also guided students on the application process.
'We offer them advice on writing personal statements and resumes. If some universities require interviews, we also provide them with coaching,' she said.
In Hong Kong, the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme is winning appeal with those students who are thinking of studying overseas.
It develops and offers three programmes of international education for students aged 3 to 19. Among these is the two-year Diploma Programme for students aged 16 to 19.
Yew Chung Educational Foundation is one of the few institutions which offers IB education in Hong Kong.
Winnie Cheng,  assistant director of the foundation,  explained the philosophy behind the IB education.
'It matches global education in the way  it makes students aware of cultural diversity and helps them learn to be critical thinkers,' she said.
IB students are required to take six subjects and to meet  core requirements, including theory of knowledge,  creativity, action, service  and extended essay.
They also have to learn two languages. The maximum  points that a student can acquire is 45.
IB is recognised by local universities and it is also a qualification welcomed by leading universities on the mainland and around the world.
'Completing IB means that you can knock on the doors of many universities,' Ms Cheng said.



Road to knowledge can be a testing experience