答：对于美国前20的大学而言，学术成绩只是门槛，除此之外，招生官也会特别关注以下几点：

1.     学生是否有与大学本身、申请专业相契合，或在某领域特别的潜力？

2.     学生的兴趣、爱好，对未来发展的规划，以及围绕自己的兴趣都做过些什么？

3.     申请人之间的差异化

4.     未来的同学将能从申请人身上学到些什么，有哪些收获？

另外，美国好的大学都是全球竞争，即使申请人本已非常优秀，也要管理好自己的期望值，保持良好的心态。

答：中国优秀的申请者普遍有这样一些特点：成绩好、会乐器、擅长运动、参加过各类比赛等，招生官接触多了，也会觉得有些千篇一律。但是，很多真正被顶级美国高校录取的同学，往往是不甘于平庸，愿意折腾，努力尝试许多别人没有勇气去尝试的事情的人。所以说，申请人还是要培养各自的兴趣和特色，在提交申请材料或面试时让考官眼前一亮！

哈罗重视全人教育，鼓励学生在校园内外都能全面发展，成为自信、活泼、且专注的学习者。这些特质也是招生官所青睐的重点。

答：我非常建议同学们有时间的话，尽量多和美国的目标学校建立联系，在申请学校前，先预约访校，比如在意向大学的官网预约面见招生官，或者报名参加目标学校的夏校。这样，不仅学生可以更好地了解学校，也能让学校更好地了解学生，也能说明学生对学校的强烈兴趣和投入。很多美国高校也有非常强大的校友会，同学们也可以通过这个渠道与学长学姐联系，了解与学校、专业等相关的情况。

值得注意的是，夏校的申请截止时间比较早，大家一定要尽早了解、申请。我还想提醒一点的是，面试能力强的同学，务必要尽力争取到面试机会。为此，一定要提早提交申请，给招生官预留足够的筛选时间。

答：说实话，市面上的很多中介写的文章和给予的指导多是套路，好的大学有经验的招生官是能分辨出来谁的申请是通过中介，谁的申请是自己用心准备的。中介帮忙做的申请，很可能会导致学生把自己往里面套，而扭曲了自己的本性。其实，申请人还是应该充分发掘自己真正的亮点，自己申请，更真实地展现自己，不要把别人的优势往自己身上套。

我听说，哈罗深圳国际学校的同学们，不仅追求学术上的卓越，也非常有主见，注重培养各自的兴趣和特长，我相信，两年后，我们学校首届的毕业生一定能收获自己心仪大学专业的offer！加油！

A: For the top 20 universities in the United States, academic performance is only the threshold. In addition, admissions officers will also pay special attention to the following aspects:

1. Whether the applicant and the university and applying major it; or whether the applicant has special potential in certain fields of study?

2. Applicants’ interests, future plans and what they have done for their interests?

3. Diversity in incoming cohort and uniqueness of student profile

4. How can students be of influence amongst themselves?

One thing worth mentioning is that good universities in the United States receive applications global-wise. Even top applicants must manage your expectations and not to be discouraged if not accepted.

A: The strongest applicants from China tend to show characteristics of having good grades, playing certain musical instruments, being good at sports, and having participated in various competitions. However, candidates who are admitted to top American universities are often applicants who demonstrate their authentic self and show courage in trying things that others do not tend to. Therefore, it is necessary to develop one’s own interests and characteristics, so that the admission officers will be impressed by your uniqueness!

Harrow values holistic education for all young people, and encourage all to develop well-rounded, confident, active and engaged learners, both within the classroom and beyond. These traits are favored by admissions officers.

A: If time allows, I would highly recommend students to build up connections with your targeted universities. For instance, you can apply for a campus tour via the university website’s admissions page or register for their summer programme. To do so, not only can applicants get a more comprehensive picture of their targeted university, but also can they demonstrate genuine interest and loyalty. Many American colleges and universities also have very strong alumni networks. Students can also use this channel to get connected and to learn about the university and majors/faculties.

It should be noted that the application deadline for summer programme is relatively early, so please apply as early as possible. Please also be noted that students who have strong interview skills must do your best to get the interview opportunities. Hence, make sure that you know well about the timeline for applications and submit your applications early.

A: To be honest, letters and application documents prepared by agencies are normally based on templates.  Experienced admissions officers at good universities can tell who applied through an agency and whose application was carefully prepared by themselves. Applications made by agencies are likely to standardise applicants and ignoring their characteristics. In fact, the admissions team would really prefer applicants to fully explore their strengths and potentials by applying by themselves, so as to better show themselves more authentically.