Overcoming Pressure: Willy’s Successful Admissions to Cambridge and USC

About Willy 

Willy studied at Shenzhen International Exchange College, one of China’s most prestigious schools, which follows the A-level system and offers only a few AP courses. He was admitted to some of the world’s top universities, including the University of Cambridge in the UK, the University of Manchester, the University of Southern California, the University of California, Davis, and the University of Washington, Seattle.

Working with Ivy Talent

Willy first connected with Ivy Talent in ninth grade and worked closely with them throughout his application season. Applying to universities in both the UK and the US made the process more complex because the academic systems, essay requirements, deadlines, and school cultures were very different. This meant he needed planning and guidance to manage everything effectively.

At Shenzhen International Exchange, Willy had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of extracurricular activities, with more than 100 clubs available. In the beginning, he tried out several different clubs to explore his interests. After that, he chose to focus on one or two activities over a longer period, a strategy that Ivy Talent encouraged to show commitment. 

Although school counselors were available, their support was limited because they were responsible for large numbers of students. Ivy Talent stressed the importance of maintaining close communication with counselors to secure strong recommendation letters, which are crucial in competitive admissions.

How Ivy Talent Helped

Essay Writing

Ivy Talent consultants helped Willy understand the different expectations for UK and US essays. For UK applications, the focus was on his academic background, relevant coursework, competitions, and his deep interest in economics. In contrast, the US essays emphasized his personal interests, extracurricular activities, and social awareness. For example, Willy’s essay about playing the saxophone highlighted how his music bridges Eastern and Western cultures, reflecting his unique personal background. 

School Selection 

The Ivy Talent team also helped Willy refine his list of universities by aligning his academic interests with the strengths of each program, especially in economics. For UK schools, he focused on specialized programs like Cambridge’s unique Land Economy course, which combines environmental, legal, and economic topics and fit well with his practical goals. For US schools, the emphasis was on universities with strong reputations and renowned economics faculty.

Application 

Handling multiple applications and overlapping deadlines was overwhelming for Willy. The Ivy Talent team helped by creating a clear schedule and prioritizing tasks, allowing him to make consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed.

Extracurricular and Research Guidance

The Ivy Talent team encouraged Willy to focus on meaningful, consistent activities instead of spreading himself too thin. Some of the experiences he pursued include:

• Participating in the National Economic Challenge
• Competing in FBLA business competitions
• Attending a summer Politics, Philosophy, and Economics program at the University of Pennsylvania
• Taking part in a CITIC Bank summer camp
• Conducting research on China’s new energy vehicle subsidies
• Joining a financial club that simulated stock trading

Reflection 

Willy recalls his application season as a stressful and challenging time. The intense competition at Shenzhen Jiao Tong, combined with the heavy workload of applying to universities in both the UK and the US, made the process overwhelming. Constantly writing essays, preparing for tests, and juggling deadlines added to the pressure he felt throughout the season.

Despite the many challenges Willy faced, he feels deeply grateful for the strong support he received from both his parents and the Ivy Talent team. His parents did their best to manage their own worries without letting them affect Willy, trusting the process and giving him the space to take charge of his applications. Meanwhile, Ivy Talent consultants offered timely and practical advice that not only helped Willy stay organized but also boosted his confidence during the most stressful moments. 

Throughout this experience, Willy also grew personally by learning to organize and prioritize his tasks more effectively. The detailed planning tools from his advisor played a key role in helping him keep track of deadlines and manage his workload.

For future applicants, Willy offers the following advice:

• Remember and plan for all deadlines, including test score release dates, and maintain clear communication with your counselors to stay on track.
• Commit to a few activities over the long term to show dedication and meaningful impact, rather than having a scattered list of short-term involvements.
• Be prepared for the challenge. Applying to both UK and US schools is demanding, so careful planning and the ability to manage pressure are essential.

Willy’s journey demonstrates that with clear goals, consistent effort, and the right support, students can achieve success on the global stage. Ivy Talent’s approach combines academic planning, personalized essay coaching, application management, and emotional support. This approach helped Willy stand out in a highly competitive process and gain admission to his dream schools while minimizing stress.