港大录取Briovia：普高年级前500转轨斐特思，2年时间如何实现超速质变？

Briovia, a graduating student from the Class of 2026 at Fettes College Guangzhou, has received offers from seven world-renowned universities: 

the University of Hong Kong, University College London, the University of Edinburgh, King’s College London, the University of Manchester, the University of Sydney, and the Education University of Hong Kong.

Before transferring to Fettes College Guangzhou, Briovia studied at a leading local high school in her hometown. 

At her best, she ranked around 500th in her year group. Based on the school’s historical university admission results, she would likely have been admitted to a top-tier Chinese university.

However, she chose to leave that clear and conventional path behind and turn towards international education instead. 

What was the journey behind that decision?

When asked why she chose to leave the local high school system, Briovia paused for a long time before answering: “At that time, I felt like I was living in an assembly-line factory, without a soul of my own.”

From six in the morning until ten at night, Briovia spent almost all her time studying in the classroom. She only had four hours of free time each Sunday afternoon. 

Every week was filled with mock examinations across six subjects.

“Each exam lasted at least two hours, and after finishing the exams, I still had to complete unfinished homework.” 

She felt constantly driven by external pressure and struggled to find meaning in studying. “Sometimes the pressure became so overwhelming that I didn’t even know how I should keep trying.”

The best ranking she had ever achieved was around the top 500 in her year group. “I only achieved that ranking once. The pressure was huge. I didn’t want my future to be decided by just one exam.”

In the second semester of Grade 10, she first began to consider studying abroad, but her mother strongly opposed the idea. “My mother believed that with the Gaokao, as long as you achieve a certain score, there will be a corresponding university for you. But international university applications involve competitions, exam scores, interviews, and many uncertainties.” Briovia did not rush to persuade her mother.

Instead, she carefully researched different international curricula and eventually chose A-Level. “The Edexcel examination system allowed me to apply to universities after achieving satisfactory grades. Also, its content overlaps significantly with what is taught in local high schools, so I could transfer my knowledge quite quickly.” In 2024, while still studying in the local system, she independently prepared for A-Level Mathematics and achieved an A* grade on her first attempt. This eventually convinced her mother to support her transfer to an international school.

“After eight o’clock in the evening, I can choose whether to study, join dormitory activities, or exercise.”

She explained very seriously why having personal time mattered so much to her:“I need personal space and time to recover, rest, think, and figure out what I truly want.”

Her physical health also improved significantly.

Spending excessive hours sitting and studying had caused her to develop lumbar disc problems during high school. At Fettes College Guangzhou, she finally had the freedom to go skiing and learn horse riding.

The warm dormitory environment also positively affected her well-being. On her 18th birthday, her classmates Kelly and Teresa prepared a surprise cake and gifts. 

“Before transferring, I thought students at international schools might be difficult to get along with. But later I realised they still have the modesty, kindness, and reserve that many Chinese students have, while also being confident, bold, and independent-minded.”Briovia recalled.

“International education is definitely not as easy as many people imagine,”

Briovia explained seriously.“You have to relearn all the knowledge in English, which is still very challenging for native Chinese speakers.”

She emphasised that changing educational pathways does not mean avoiding hard work — it simply means working hard in a different way.

There are major differences between the local curriculum and A-Level learning and assessment styles. 

For example, local high schools focus more on calculations and written examinations, while CIE Physics emphasises practical skills.

“I once took two exam papers that were entirely experimental.”This demanded strong comprehension skills, practical ability, and logical thinking.

Briovia believes that self-discipline and personal planning are essential.

She feels that the learning atmosphere at Fettes College Guangzhou is very inclusive and relaxed, and students are not forced into endless repetitive practice exercises. As a result, students must learn how to manage themselves independently. Briovia gradually shifted from passive learning to actively organising her own studies.

For Briovia, preparing for exams at Fettes College Guangzhou felt much calmer than it had in the local high school system.

“Our school has a very high teacher-to-student ratio. Teachers clearly remember my academic situation and my weaker subjects, and they proactively follow up with me and support me. I feel seen and valued as an individual. I can also prepare for specific subject exams strategically and in stages, rather than taking every exam within a few exhausting days.”

Briovia’s IELTS foundation was not especially strong at first.“The school arranged dedicated IELTS improvement classes for me. Last semester, I attended specialised IELTS support lessons almost every day.” This personalised academic support saved her a great deal of time and energy.

Briovia stressed once again:“Don’t mistakenly think that changing pathways means taking the easy route or escaping pressure. The classmates I met at FCG all worked incredibly hard before major exams and during university applications. If you want to attend a good university, you must put in genuine effort. There are no shortcuts.”

For her final examinations, Briovia chose to sit both Edexcel and CIE exam boards. “Many international schools are not accredited for both exam boards, but FCG is.”

When she first started preparing for university applications, Briovia had no clear plan. She only knew that she liked Mathematics and wanted to apply for the University of Hong Kong’s Mathematics programme.

However, her university counsellor, Erika, repeatedly analysed her situation with her. Taking into consideration her non-Hong Kong identity, overall academic profile, and her family’s long-standing background in the architecture industry, they continuously refined and adjusted her application strategy through ongoing discussions.

Once the strategy was confirmed, Briovia and her counsellor worked patiently on her personal statements, tailoring and refining them carefully for different universities.“Ms Erika was incredibly meticulous and responsible,”Briovia said gratefully.

The interview invitation from the University of Hong Kong arrived only two days before the interview itself.

“It was an in-person interview, but whether it would be a group interview or an individual one was unknown. I only discovered that I was the first interview candidate of the day when the interview actually began,”Briovia recalled.

Although the notice came suddenly and many aspects remained uncertain, Briovia felt well prepared.

During the application process, her university counsellor conducted mock interviews with her every week, simulating realistic scenarios related to her intended major. The high-frequency practice gave her thorough familiarity with interview formats and question types.

Together, they listed every possible question that might arise. Briovia would think through her responses, draft answers, organise her thoughts, and practise repeatedly.

“That way, everything became very familiar, and I could respond much more naturally during the interview,”She explained.

During the interview, HKU professors asked both academic and personal questions. They discussed topics such as how surveying could contribute to sustainable development, Briovia’s understanding of the discipline, and why she chose the subject. They also asked broader questions, such as which other disciplines could be connected with the field.

Briovia laughed as she recalled the experience:“I had prepared beforehand, so I felt quite comfortable answering the questions.”

Briovia gave up the certainty of entering a top Chinese university and chose a path that better suited her. In just two years, she achieved a remarkable transformation in both academic ability and personal growth.

Receiving an offer from the University of Hong Kong was the result of her hard work. But more importantly, throughout the journey towards her future, Briovia became a better version of herself.