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Student Profile
Student Name: Siyu
High School: Cannon School
Admitted College: Duke University (Pratt School of Engineering)
Siyu began working with Ivy Talent in 10th grade and was admitted to Duke University’s Pratt School of Engineering in the fall of 2022. Now that she’s officially a Blue Devil, she’s reflecting on her journey and sharing insights for families preparing for the college application process.
Q: Siyu, can you tell us a little about why you chose to attend an American high school and what your current school is like?
Siyu: I’m currently a student at Cannon School, a private institution in North Carolina.
I first learned about the U.S. education system through short-term study abroad programs, and I became interested in pursuing academics there. My parents felt comfortable choosing Cannon because we had family friends teaching there, and they knew I’d be in good hands.
Q: Why did you decide to work with a consulting team, and why did you choose Ivy Talent?
Siyu: I started working with Ivy Talent in 10th grade, as I had learned early on that applying to college in the U.S. is a lengthy process that requires extensive preparation. A friend recommended Ivy Talent. I appreciate the fact that they work with a small number of students, allowing the counselors to give each student more personalized attention. Their advisors are also very professional and experienced.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during high school?
Siyu: One major challenge arose during the pandemic. I had to take online classes from China, which meant staying up late for classes and exams. It was exhausting, but I gradually adjusted my schedule and maintained close communication with my teachers to ensure I stayed on track.
Socially and culturally, I had a smooth experience. My host family was Chinese, so I didn’t have any significant cultural or food-related adjustments. In terms of friendships, while Cannon didn’t have many international students, my classmates were very welcoming and curious about my background.
Q: Did you feel supported by the school even though there weren’t many international students?
Siyu: Yes, I did. My advisor, teachers, and college counselors all provided me with a lot of support. I also got my driver’s license, which made it easier to take advantage of opportunities off-campus.
Q: What did you do to maintain a strong GPA? How did Ivy Talent help?
Siyu: At Cannon, I found that the coursework wasn’t very challenging compared to my experience in China, especially in STEM subjects. Each year, I worked with my Ivy Talent counselor to plan my course selection, making sure I took as many AP classes as possible to strengthen my academic profile.
While Cannon offered a dozen AP classes, I focused on AP English, Calculus AB/BC, Statistics, US History, Psychology, and Physics.
Q: How did you explore and find your academic interests?
Siyu: I explored my interests mainly through summer programs and extracurricular activities. After taking an introductory economics course during a summer program in 10th grade, I attended a Management and Technology summer program in 11th grade that combined engineering and business, the intersection I aimed to pursue.
Outside of school, I also participated in math competitions, business contests like the Diamond Challenge, and STEM-related activities.
Q: How did Ivy Talent support your exploration?
Siyu: My Ivy Talent counselor recommended numerous programs, competitions, and resources that matched my interests. They even helped me find teammates for business competitions, which made a huge difference.
Q: Looking back, what are some things you think you did right during high school?
Siyu: I was proactive about researching summer programs and extracurricular opportunities, and I took the time to learn about different colleges. That preparation paid off.
Q: Can you talk about your experience with writing?
Siyu: Studying at an American high school helped me improve my writing, whether it was academic essays or creative writing. I enjoy writing short stories and poems, and took a creative writing course through Ivy Talent, which inspired me to participate more actively in writing activities at school.
Q: How did you and your Ivy Talent counselor approach building your college list?
Siyu: My counselor guided me to begin researching colleges early on. Although my initial list changed significantly over time, the process helped me understand what I wanted. Because I was interested in both engineering and business, I focused on schools with strong interdisciplinary programs.
Q: How did you research specific departments when making your school list?
Siyu: I looked at rankings, especially for engineering programs. Since few colleges have undergraduate business schools, I paid extra attention to schools that offered business at the undergraduate level. Overall, I prioritized schools with strong engineering programs and opportunities for interdisciplinary study.
Q: How did you know Duke was a good fit for you?
Siyu: At first, I didn’t consider Duke seriously because it was close to my high school, and I thought I wanted a change of environment. But after visiting, I fell in love with the campus and the surrounding nature. Duke also offers a lot of flexibility to explore different majors, which suits me because my interests are broad and evolving.
Q: What kinds of activities did you participate in, and what did you gain from them?
Siyu: I already mentioned summer programs and competitions earlier. Additionally, I tutored students in STEM subjects, participated in creative projects, and engaged in activities that combined my academic interests with leadership and teamwork experiences. Each opportunity helped me build confidence and discover more about what I enjoy.
Q: When did you start preparing for standardized tests? Any advice for younger students?
Siyu: I started preparing for the SAT in 10th grade and took my first test at the end of that year. I highly recommend starting early! It gave me more time to retake the test if needed, without feeling rushed. Studying for standardized tests differs from regular schoolwork, so it is essential to give yourself enough time to adjust.
Q: How did Ivy Talent help you prepare for standardized tests?
Siyu: Ivy Talent helped me create a study plan that fit into my school schedule. Having a clear plan reduced my stress. They also recommended high-quality practice resources and tutors when needed.
Q: When did you start working on your college application essays? How did Ivy Talent support you?
Siyu: I began brainstorming and drafting my Common App essay during the summer before senior year. With Ivy Talent’s help, I went through several rounds of brainstorming and revision. They encouraged me to find a unique and personal angle and provided detailed feedback on every draft.
Q: How did you choose your Common App essay topic?
Siyu: My essay centered on a personal story that connected my love for math and problem-solving with my experiences outside the classroom. My counselors helped me realize that a personal story would leave a stronger impression than just listing achievements.
Q: How did you prepare for college interviews?
Siyu: Ivy Talent helped me practice through mock interviews. We worked on common questions, storytelling techniques, and how to present my activities and interests naturally. By the time I had my real interviews, I felt confident and relaxed.
Q: What advice would you give to students just starting high school?
Siyu: Stay curious and open-minded. Don’t feel pressured to have everything figured out right away. Explore your interests both inside and outside of the classroom, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Start building good time management habits early, as it will make a huge difference later.
Q: Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share with families preparing for their U.S. college application journey?
Siyu: The application process is long and stressful, but having the right support system makes it so much better. Be patient, stay organized, and don’t forget to enjoy high school too! It’s not just about getting into college, it’s about growing and discovering yourself along the way.
Siyu’s journey exemplifies the power of early planning, self-exploration, and strong support from her school, family, and Ivy Talent team. We’re proud to have walked alongside her throughout her high school years and look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish at Duke University and beyond.
Date:June 11th, 2025