On the evening of April 24, all Grade 11 students and their parents gathered for a parents’ meeting themed "College Application Preparation." Designed as both a bridge for communication between the school and families and a crucial opportunity for students to gain early insights into the college application process, the meeting specially invited all Grade 11 students to attend, aiming to inject confidence and strength into their upcoming application season.

Hosted by Ms. Yu Zhen, the meeting began with remarks from Ms. Cui, Director of the College Counseling Office. Ms. Cui first introduced the school’s current double-counselor system. She then outlined key components of the college application process, including academic transcripts and school profile, standardized test scores, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and interviews. For each component, she provided detailed explanations and addressed common questions, such as standardized test scores, extracurricular activities and interviews. Ms. Cui emphasized critical timelines for the application process, helping students and parents map out their schedule for the application season. She also highlighted the value of college visits, encouraging students to attend sessions for universities they are interested in, as this would significantly aid their applications.

Next, Ms. Zhang Li, High School Vice Principal of SHSID, took the stage. She analyzed how to choose a strategy that aligns with their individual strengths. Ms. Zhang further explained the different priorities universities in various countries and regions place when reviewing applications, reminding students to tailor their materials to their target schools. She also addressed the importance of integrity in the application process, stressing that all students must truthfully represent their experiences and take ownership of their applications.

Ms. Qian, a parent representative from Grade 12, shared her perspective next. Recalling her own state of mind at the same stage last year, she acknowledged that anxiety is inevitable during the application season but offered tips for managing stress, such as forming support groups with fellow parents and using outdoor activities to shift focus. She emphasized that parents can serve as a strong backbone for their children by helping with time management, keeping track of application deadlines, and offering constructive input during school selection and essay writing—where a parent’s casual suggestion might even spark new ideas for an essay. Ms. Qian concluded with wishes for Grade 11 families to achieve early success and fulfill their aspirations.

The final speaker was Mr. Ma Feng, High School Principal of SHSID. He addressed parents' key concerns by sharing the school’s recent college admission statistics, including admission results in Hong Kong, scholarship achievements, as well as admissions across the three major curricula: IB, AP, and A-Level. These achievements, he noted, were a powerful boost of confidence for the audience. Principal Ma then presented the components of student applications and the criteria teachers use to evaluate students, urging students to reflect on their unique qualities. Referencing recent viral stories about college applicants on social media, he advised everyone to stay calm and avoid excessive anxiety, quoting the University of Melbourne’s slogan: “We don’t expect you to have a 10-year plan at 17—the path is yours to create.”

Following the main meeting, a Grade 12 student panel took place, divided into five tracks: USA, UK/Canada/Australia, Japan/South Korea, Arts, and China (including Hong Kong). Students from each track shared their application journeys, processes, and lessons learned. Grade 11 students and parents joined the sessions that matched their interests, listening intently, taking notes, and asking questions during Q&A periods, where Grade 12 students generously shared their insights.

The parent-teacher meeting not only provided Grade 11 families with a comprehensive platform to understand college applications but also empowered students through collaborative support from school, family, and peers, sharpening their vision for future planning. The school will continue to offer a series of college counseling activities, including personalized consultations and mock application workshops, to provide holistic support for students’ application journeys. As one parent commented afterward: “Today’s meeting showed us the school’s professionalism and dedication—tailored guidance for every child. It also made our children realize that the application process is not a solo battle but a journey guarded by both family and school.”　The meeting concluded in a pragmatic yet warm atmosphere, marking the start of a more purposeful preparation phase for Grade 11 students as they embark on their college application journey.

（Written by He Sijia　　Pictures by Xu Haifeng　Reviewed by Gu Ying, Shen Chenli）