Interview with Michael Z

Awarded a full AISL Harrow Scholarship to attend Harrow Beijing;

Received a full scholarship to study Economics and Public Policy at New York University

Interned at the U.S. Congress, Department of Commerce, Department of the Treasury, and top hedge funds;

Earned an exclusive New York University scholarship for outstanding talents

……

This impressive résumé belongs to Michael Z, a 2023 graduate of Harrow Beijing.

At the start of the new academic year, Michael returned to Harrow Beijing to share his experiences and insights with students and parents. In this edition, let’s delve into Michael’s story through our interview and discover how Harrow’s education has had a positive impact on his journey.

1.Could you share with us your experience studying at New York University?

“New York University is different from the traditional idea of a university campus. It feels more like it’s integrated with the whole of Manhattan. Here, students from all over the world, with diverse cultural backgrounds, come together to pursue their respective fields of study, creating a more multicultural learning and living environment. In this setting, the boundaries between study and life blur, with the classroom seamlessly connected to the city, offering new experiences every day.”

2. After starting university, 

what skills or qualities do you think are essential? How did Harrow Beijing help you develop these skills?

“I believe leadership is crucial. In university, there are no teachers to guide you through activities or competitions; everything has to be planned and organized independently. Without leadership skills, accomplishing these tasks can be very challenging. During my time in the U.S., I founded a law student club and actively participated in various economics, law, and government-related activities. These experiences not only helped me secure internships but also allowed me to build strong connections with faculty and peers. Harrow Beijing places a strong emphasis on developing leadership skills. While at Harrow Beijing, I established the Model United Nations student club and an economics society, receiving significant support from teachers, which helped me enhance my leadership abilities. Before joining Harrow, my public speaking skills were not particularly strong, but I had numerous opportunities to practice and improve here, as public speaking is a key component of leadership.

Additionally, self-directed learning is vital. In university, supervision of learning and work relies more on self-management, and Harrow’s A Level curriculum emphasizes cultivating this ability. Teachers often assign tasks or group projects that require independent completion, fostering our self-motivation.

Furthermore, interpersonal skills are indispensable in university, and Harrow Beijing provided ample opportunities to develop these. At Harrow Beijing, I made many great friends, and we maintain close connections through regular gatherings and conversations. The strong alumni network and social environment at Harrow Beijing provided valuable networking resources, which have become a solid foundation for my future development.”

3.How do you think Harrow Beijing’s A Level program has helped with applying to and studying at American universities?

“I want to emphasize that applying to American universities with A Level results does not put you at a disadvantage, which is a common misconception. My classmates from Harrow Beijing have successfully applied to prestigious universities like Yale, Columbia, Cornell, and UC Berkeley with their A Level results, so I am confident that A Levels are more than adequate for applying to top American schools. Compared to AP courses, A Levels offer a more in-depth education, which not only helps in earning more credits but also allows you to bypass some introductory courses in American universities, enabling you to choose more advanced classes. My personal experience supports this as well. During my time at Harrow Beijing, I took A Levels in Economics, Mathematics, Psychology, and Chinese, which allowed me to earn a full year’s worth of credits at New York University. This enabled me to advance directly to higher-level courses and facilitated my early completion of my undergraduate studies.”

4.What are some tips you can share about receiving a full scholarship to New York University? What advice do you have for applying to American universities?

“Learning extends beyond textbook knowledge; it is crucial to apply theory to real-life practice. For example, when studying A Level Economics and covering topics like international economics and world trade, a few classmates and I reached out to the World Bank’s office in Beijing for a deeper understanding. We discussed the role of the world economy and the World Bank, applying what we learned from textbooks to real-world situations. American universities place significant emphasis on why you choose their institution and what you plan to achieve with your knowledge, specifically how you intend to contribute to society. This is an important aspect to highlight in your application.

Additionally, presenting your authentic self during the university application process is essential, as applying to universities is a mutual selection process. Leveraging the resources provided by Harrow Beijing is crucial. The school has a highly professional college counseling team that helps students maintain good communication and planning. Furthermore, Harrow Beijing’s rich extracurricular activities and student clubs not only broaden your interests but also enhance interpersonal skills. These experiences provide valuable material for your university applications and help clarify your future direction.”

5.How did you manage your time to achieve such success?

“During my high school years, I focused on maintaining strong academic performance while actively exploring my interests and engaging in internships. While prioritizing academics, I made an effort to balance both school-based and external experiences to achieve well-rounded development. I believe that exploring different fields is highly beneficial. This approach allowed me to understand which tasks came easily to me and which were more challenging. These experiences, whether related to academics or personal interests, significantly helped me make informed decisions.”