毕业季｜Jerry Hou：从狄邦华曜到全美顶尖理工校，我如何用热爱与规划“摘星”

根据Common App发布的2025年秋季入学申请数据，美本申请季呈现出显著的竞争态势。截至2025年1月1日，共有1,228,016名学生提交了6,716,246份新生入学申请，人均申请5.47所院校。其中，中国申请者人数达到23,293人，较往年同期增长6%。

According to the Fall 2025 admission application data released by Common App, the undergraduate application season in the U.S. has become increasingly competitive. As of January 1, 2025, a total of 1,228,016 students had submitted 6,716,246 freshman applications, averaging 5.47 applications per student. Notably, the number of applicants from China reached 23,293, marking a 6% increase compared to the same period in previous years.

在如此竞争激烈的申请背景下，Jerry Hou凭借其对工程领域的浓厚兴趣和坚定目标，成功斩获了多所心仪大学的offer，包括罗斯-霍曼理工学院（Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology）、罗格斯大学（Rutgers University）（同时录取物理、机械工程两个专业）、密歇根州立大学（Michigan State University）、宾夕法尼亚州立大学（Pennsylvania State University）和匹兹堡大学（University of Pittsburgh）等。这些Offer的获得，不仅为Jerry的未来学术和职业发展奠定了坚实的基础，也充分体现了狄邦华曜学校在全人教育和支持学生方面的卓越成效。

Amidst the intense competition of the college application process, Jerry Hou secured offers from several prestigious universities, a testament to his strong passion and clear goals in the field of engineering. His acceptances include Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Rutgers University (Accepted into Both Physics and Mechanical Engineering Majors), Michigan State University, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Pittsburgh. These offers not only provide a solid foundation for his future academic and career development but also highlight Huayao Collegiate’s excellence in holistic education and student support.

从早期的兴趣激发到个性化的升学指导，从丰富的课外活动到扎实的学术基础，以及家校之间的紧密沟通，每一环节都彰显了学校对学者全方位发展的重视与支持，助力Jerry实现了他的梦想。

接下来，我们将深入回顾Jerry的学习历程，了解他是如何在狄邦华曜学校的支持下，一步步“手可摘星辰”。

From nurturing early interests to providing personalized college counseling, from offering a diverse range of extracurricular activities to building a strong academic foundation, and fostering close communication between home and school—every step reflects Huayao Collegiate’s commitment to holistic student development. This unwavering support has played a crucial role in helping Jerry achieve his dreams.

In the following, we take a closer look at Jerry’s learning journey to explore how, with the guidance of Huayao Collegiate, he steadily worked toward his aspirations and reached for the stars.

1

从公立学校到狄邦华曜，开启逐梦工程之旅

From Public School to Huayao Collegiate: Embarking on a Dream Engineering Journey

Jerry Hou对工程领域的浓厚兴趣早在他的童年时期便已萌芽，这得益于他的父亲在新能源汽车领域工作，使他对汽车相关的知识和技术产生了天然的好奇与热爱。

进入初中，随着学业任务的增长，Jerry渴望跳脱出体制内教育模式的统一性和标准化，能够在一个激发创造力和探索精神的学习环境中成长。一次偶然的机会，Jerry的父母了解到了彼时刚刚初创的狄邦华曜学校。

在参加了学校的介绍会后，Jerry父母被先进的美高AP课程体系和注重培养学生的个人兴趣的走班制教学所打动，立刻决定让Jerry转学，成为狄邦华曜的创校生。而Jerry也在访校过后被学校卓越的设施和国际化的学习氛围所深深吸引。由此，Jerry踏上了一个崭新的旅程。

狄邦华曜中学课程体系

此外，Jerry还积极参与校内外的各类活动，如乐高机器人竞赛和云南农村支教，这些经历不仅丰富了他的课余生活，更让他深刻认识到将理论知识应用于实际问题解决的乐趣，进一步坚定了他对工程领域的追求。

Jerry（后排左二）在云南农村支教

在日常的点滴中，狄邦华曜所带给学者的，不是简简单单用英文来学习知识，更是带给了青少年在当下社会必不可少的世界观，促使学者在自我认知和个人成长方面远超同龄人迈出了重要一步，更早地了解真实世界，思考自己对于世界的价值。

Jerry Hou’s passion for engineering took root in childhood, influenced by his father’s work in the new energy vehicle industry. Growing up surrounded by discussions of automotive technology, he naturally developed a deep curiosity and enthusiasm for the field.

As he entered junior high school, the increasing demands of traditional academics left Jerry yearning for an educational environment that fostered creativity and exploration. He sought an alternative to the rigid, standardized approach of conventional schooling—one that would encourage innovation and independent thinking. By chance, his parents discovered Huayao Collegiate, a newly established institution dedicated to student-centered learning.

After attending an information session, Jerry’s parents were immediately drawn to the school's advanced American high school AP curriculum and its departmentalized teaching model, which emphasized personal interests. Impressed by this approach, they decided to have Jerry transfer, making him one of Huayao Collegiate’s founding students. A visit to the campus further solidified Jerry’s enthusiasm; he was captivated by the school’s state-of-the-art facilities and dynamic international learning environment. With excitement and ambition, he embarked on a brand-new academic journey.

HC Secondary School Curriculum System

At Huayao Collegiate, Jerry quickly found himself surrounded by like-minded, innovative peers. The diverse curriculum and extracurricular opportunities allowed him to explore his passions freely. More importantly, he encountered lifelong mentors and friends who reshaped his perspective on education—transforming learning from a passive obligation into an active pursuit. This shift further ignited his passion for academic research and problem-solving.

Beyond the classroom, Jerry eagerly engaged in various hands-on activities, including the Lego Robotics Competition and rural teaching initiatives in Yunnan. These experiences not only enriched his extracurricular life but also reinforced his belief in the power of applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, solidifying his ambition to pursue engineering.

Jerry (second from left in the back row) during his teaching support in rural Yunnan

At Huayao Collegiate, education extends beyond academic instruction in English—it instills a global perspective essential for today’s youth. The school fosters self-awareness and personal growth, enabling students to engage with the world in meaningful ways. This early exposure to global challenges and critical thinking equips students like Jerry with a deeper understanding of their role in the world, setting them apart from their peers in both insight and vision.

2

拥抱世界，国际视野下的专业成长与探索

Embracing the World: Professional Growth and Exploration with a Global Perspective

拥有了一个积极开放的好心态，自然也会更容易拥抱整个世界。

去年，在参加罗斯霍曼理工学院的Catapult夏校期间，Jerry沉浸在美国大学的学习节奏和文化氛围中，与来自世界各地的优秀少年共同探讨学术问题。

Jerry在罗斯霍曼理工学院参加夏校

通过参与实践项目，如设计并制作小型过滤水装置，Jerry不仅锻炼了自己的动手能力，还学会了如何在团队中有效合作，更让他提前适应了美国大学的学习方式。令人惊喜的是，Jerry在夏校期间的优秀表现为他赢得了2,600美元的Catapult单项奖学金。此外，基于他在高中阶段的优异学业表现，Jerry还获得了罗斯霍曼理工学院每年23,000美元的学术奖学金（约覆盖40%学费）。这些荣誉不仅证明了他在课外活动中的卓越表现，也是对他学术能力的高度认可。

罗斯霍曼理工学院学费（上）及奖学金（下）明细

此外，在同济大学汽车学院和上海某新能源汽车科创功能平台的联合实习中，Jerry深入了解了新能源汽车的电池技术，尤其是燃料电池领域。他参与了燃料电池单电池的测试实验，学习了燃料电池性能评估和操作流程，掌握了相关实验设备的使用。

通过参观氢能与燃料电池检测基地，Jerry了解了汽车部件的功能和新能源汽车在现代交通系统的作用。他见识了不同功率等级的燃料电池测试设备和环境模拟舱，这些先进设备能够模拟各种极端工况条件，测试燃料电池在这些极端工况条件下的表现。这拓宽了他的视野，也让他对新能源汽车行业的发展有了更清晰的认识。

最令Jerry印象深刻的是电池堆实验室的参观学习。他了解到多个单电池如何串联成电池堆，并对其进行全面测试以评估整体性能。这使他对燃料电池系统的复杂性和高效性有了更深的体会，也为他未来可能从事的研究方向提供了具体设想。

With an open and positive mindset, embracing the world becomes second nature.

Last year, Jerry had the opportunity to immerse himself in the academic and cultural environment of an American university through the Catapult Summer Program at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIS). Surrounded by exceptional peers from around the globe, he engaged in thought-provoking discussions on academic topics, gaining firsthand experience of university-level study in the U.S.

Jerry attending a summer program at RHIS

Through hands-on projects—such as designing and constructing a small water filtration device—Jerry refined his practical skills and learned the importance of teamwork and collaboration. This experience also helped him acclimate to the American university learning style ahead of time. To his delight, his outstanding performance during the program earned him a $2,600 Catapult Individual Scholarship. Additionally, recognizing his strong academic record in high school, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology awarded him an annual academic scholarship of $23,000, covering approximately 40% of tuition. These honors not only acknowledge his excellence beyond the classroom but also stand as a testament to his academic potential.

Tuition at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (Above) and Scholarship Details (Below)

Beyond his university preparation, Jerry pursued an internship with the School of Automotive Studies at Tongji University and a Shanghai-based new energy vehicle innovation platform, where he delved into battery technology for new energy vehicles, with a particular focus on fuel cells. During his internship, he actively participated in testing experiments on single fuel cells, gaining hands-on experience with performance evaluation, operational procedures, and specialized experimental equipment.

A highlight of his internship was visiting hydrogen and fuel cell testing facilities, where he explored the intricate role of fuel cells in modern transportation. Observing cutting-edge equipment used for testing various power ratings and environmental simulation chambers that replicate extreme conditions, Jerry gained a comprehensive understanding of how fuel cells function under different real-world scenarios. This experience broadened his perspective on the future of sustainable energy and the development of the new energy vehicle industry.

What left the deepest impression on Jerry was his visit to the battery stack laboratory. There, he witnessed how multiple single cells are connected in series to form a battery stack, undergoing rigorous testing to assess overall performance. Seeing these processes firsthand deepened his appreciation for the complexity and efficiency of fuel cell systems, sparking new ideas for potential research directions he hopes to explore in the future.

3

微积分BC满分，从课堂到科研的全面成长

Achieving a Perfect Score in Calculus BC: Bridging the Gap Between Classroom Learning and Research

在狄邦华曜学校内，类似同济大学实习项目的高质量学术体验同样存在。作为理科根基的数学，一直以来是狄邦华曜的王牌课程。

在同济大学完成实习并收获颇丰的Jerry，正思索着如何将自己的所学和体会进一步深化和表达，幸运的是，他在校内获得了撰写学术论文的机会。正值教授AP微积分的郭异老师开展一年一度的学术论文汇报项目（点击阅读），Jerry抓住了这个契机，率先提出了自己对燃料电池研究的热情，并在数学理论的支撑下开始了深入的研究。

Jerry Hou部分数学论文展示

⬆️学术论文是狄邦华曜数学教学的特色项目

鼓励学生通过撰写数学论文来加深对知识点的理解并锻炼逻辑思维与表达能力

最终，在郭老师的悉心指导下，Jerry撰写了题为《基于KNN算法的燃料电池测试数据异常点剔除及极化曲线拟合》的学术论文。该论文主要探讨了如何利用KNN算法剔除燃料电池测试数据中的异常点，并通过最小二乘法拟合燃料电池的极化曲线。这篇论文不仅是他日常学习成果的结晶，更是他逐步成长为一名优秀工程师的重要一步。

作为AP课程中最难的科目之一，微积分BC的全球平均分仅为3.8分（满分5分），而Jerry却在这场极具挑战性的考试中取得了满分5分的优异成绩。这一成就不仅彰显了他的学术才能，更凸显了狄邦华曜学校在数学教学上的强大实力。

教授AP微积分BC的郭异老师

郭异老师备课严谨，每一道例题都经过精心挑选和设计。他曾对学生说过：“只要大家认真钻研我精选的题目，深入理解每一个知识点，就能掌握应对各种题目的能力。”

从例题到论文，郭老师的课堂注重理论知识的传授与实际应用的结合，通过启发式的教学方法，帮助学生掌握扎实的基础知识，培养独立思考和解决问题的能力。

At Huayao Collegiate, high-quality academic experiences—like Jerry’s internship at Tongji University—are abundant. Mathematics, as the foundation of the sciences, has long been one of the school’s flagship subjects, providing students with the tools to excel in both theoretical and applied research.

Following his internship at Tongji University, Jerry found himself eager to deepen his understanding and translate his insights into meaningful academic work. The opportunity arrived at the perfect time—his AP Calculus teacher, Mr. Yi Guo, had just launched the annual academic essay presentation project  (click to read). Seizing the moment, Jerry expressed his enthusiasm for fuel cell research and embarked on an in-depth exploration, using mathematical theories as a foundation for his investigation.

Display of Selected Math Essay by Jerry Hou

⬆️ Academic Essays are a distinctive feature of Huayao Collegiate's mathematics curriculum.

Scholars are encouraged to deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts and enhance their logical thinking and expression skills by writing math papers.

Ultimately, under Mr. Guo’s meticulous guidance, Jerry authored an academic paper titled "Outlier Removal and Polarization Curve Fitting of Fuel Cell Test Data Based on the KNN Algorithm." His research focused on utilizing the KNN algorithm to eliminate outliers in fuel cell test data and applying the least squares method to fit the polarization curve of fuel cells. This paper was not only a testament to his academic dedication but also a significant milestone in his journey toward becoming an outstanding engineer.

Mathematics plays a crucial role in scientific innovation, and Calculus BC remains one of the most challenging AP subjects, with a global average score of just 3.8 out of 5. Despite the difficulty, Jerry achieved a perfect score of 5, a remarkable accomplishment that speaks not only to his academic excellence but also to the exceptional mathematics instruction at Huayao Collegiate.

Mr. Guo Yi, who teaches AP Calculus BC

Mr. Yi Guo is known for his rigorous and carefully structured lessons, ensuring that each example problem is deliberately selected and thoughtfully designed. He once advised his students: "If you thoroughly study the problems I have carefully chosen and deeply understand each concept, you will develop the skills needed to tackle any challenge."

From working through complex example problems to publishing an academic paper, Mr. Guo’s teaching philosophy seamlessly integrates theory with real-world application. Through his heuristic teaching methods, he equips students with a strong conceptual foundation, independent thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities, preparing them for both academic and professional success.

4

分阶段的申请策略：早申请和常规申请的精准布局

Phased Application Strategy: A Targeted Approach to Early Action and Regular Decision

在Jerry Hou的申请过程中，狄邦华曜学校的升学指导团队为他精心设计了一套分阶段的申请策略，巧妙地利用了早申请轮中的EA（Early Action）和常规申请轮RD（Regular Decision）的不同特点，为他的成功申请奠定了坚实的基础。

⭕️ 早申请阶段：锁定工程专业，坚定梦想

与许多学生在早申请阶段优先考虑大学排名不同，Jerry从一开始就坚定了专注于工程学的目标。狄邦华曜学校的升学指导团队为他量身定制了申请策略，选择了几所在工程领域突出且采用滚动录取的学校，如宾州州立大学、匹兹堡大学等。而针对参加过夏校项目的罗斯霍曼理工学院和U.S. NEWS排名前50的罗格斯大学则利用了EA申请，增强对目标院校的意向度。

通过这种策略，Jerry不仅能够提前锁定心仪的专业，还惊喜地在11月初就获得了宾州州立、匹兹堡等大学的offer，从而更早地规划未来，减少了等待期间的焦虑和不确定性。这种精准定位不仅体现了升学指导团队对申请流程的深刻理解，也彰显了他们对学生个性化需求的高度关注和支持。

升学指导主任周稀静老师

⭕️ 常规申请阶段：细致调研，冲刺梦校

升学指导主任周稀静老师帮Jerry重新调整了申请策略，在选校名单里增加了更多有挑战性的选择，把目标定得更高了一些。为了让Jerry更了解自己想去的学校，老师带着他做了更细致的调研，不仅看了学校的排名和资源，还特别关注了校园氛围、学生支持服务这些细节。针对Jerry的兴趣，老师还重点研究了不同学校的课程设置、专业选择政策，甚至转专业的灵活性，帮他更明确未来可能的选择。

这一系列的努力使得Jerry在补充文书中，能够将他的个人特点与学校的独特优势紧密结合，从而使申请材料更加具有说服力和个性化。整个过程不仅让Jerry对自己的目标更加明确，也让他在申请时充满了信心和底气。

周稀静老师给G9家长开展升学指导讲座

⭕️ 专业指导：关注个体差异，激发潜能

从十一年级开始，升学指导老师每周至少一次为Jerry提供文书写作指导，并定期与家长沟通，确保每个细节都完美呈现。他们深入挖掘Jerry的独特经历和优势，包括他在同济大学的实习、罗斯霍曼夏校的体验，以及他在AP微积分BC考试中取得的满分成绩。每一段经历都被精心打磨，成为展示其个性和能力的故事。

由于在早申请阶段已经获得了多份offer，Jerry的心态更加积极和从容，这使他能够更加专注于自己热爱的工程领域，进行更深入的探索。12年级时，Jerry修读了AP物理，通过深入学习力学和电磁学，为未来的大学专业打下了坚实的基础。他将全力以赴冲刺AP物理考试，以追求5分的满分成绩，向心仪的大学充分展示其卓越的学术能力。

通过早申请和常规申请两个阶段的精准布局，Jerry不仅成功获得了罗斯霍曼理工学院等多所心仪大学的offer，还赢得了高额奖学金。这一切都充分证明了狄邦华曜升学指导团队的专业性和灵活性——通过关注个体差异和兴趣导向，激发学生的潜能，辅以科学有效的策略，助力他们实现梦想。

During Jerry Hou’s college application process, the college counseling team at Huayao Collegiate meticulously designed a phased application strategy to maximize his chances of success. By strategically leveraging the unique advantages of Early Action (EA) and Regular Decision (RD), they ensured a strong foundation for his applications, aligning his choices with both his academic strengths and career aspirations.

Grade 11 scholars attending an Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge) application introduction session

(click to read)

⭕️ EA Stage: Prioritizing Engineering Over Rankings

Unlike many applicants who focus primarily on university rankings, Jerry had a clear goal from the outset—engineering. Recognizing this, the college counseling team tailored a strategy that prioritized top engineering programs over general prestige.

For schools with rolling admissions, such as Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pittsburgh, Jerry submitted early applications to secure offers ahead of time. For universities that aligned with his interests—such as Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where he had attended a summer program, and Rutgers University, ranked in the top 50 by U.S. News—he utilized Early Action (EA) to demonstrate his strong interest.

Thanks to this well-planned strategy, Jerry secured multiple offers early, including Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pittsburgh as early as November. This allowed him to solidify his academic direction, plan for the future with confidence, and significantly reduce the stress and uncertainty of the waiting period. This precise and strategic approach not only showcases the expertise of Huayao Collegiate’s college counseling team but also highlights their dedication to understanding and supporting each student’s unique aspirations and goals.

Ms. Xijing Zhou, Director of College Counseling

⭕️ RD Stage: Strategic Research and Reaching for Dream Schools

As Jerry moved into the Regular Decision (RD) stage, Ms. Xijing Zhou, Director of College Counseling, helped him refine his application strategy by introducing more ambitious options, encouraging him to aim higher. Instead of simply expanding his list, she guided him through in-depth research to ensure that each school aligned with his academic and personal aspirations.

Beyond rankings and available resources, their research focused on campus atmosphere, student support services, and curriculum design. Special attention was given to major selection policies and the flexibility of changing majors, ensuring Jerry had a comprehensive understanding of his future academic options. This deep dive into university offerings provided him with valuable clarity on his potential paths.

By aligning his personal strengths and interests with each school’s unique attributes, Jerry was able to craft compelling and highly personalized supplemental essays, making his applications stand out. The entire process not only reinforced his confidence but also solidified his academic and career goals, allowing him to navigate the application season with assurance.

Ms. Xijing Zhou conducts a college counseling seminar for Grade 9 parents

⭕️Professional Guidance: Personalized Support to Unlock Potential

Starting in Grade 11, Jerry received weekly one-on-one essay guidance from his college counselor, ensuring that every detail of his application was polished to perfection. Regular communication with his parents also played a key role in refining his application materials. Together, they carefully highlighted Jerry’s unique experiences and strengths, including his internship at Tongji University, his participation in the Rose-Hulman summer program, and his perfect score in AP Calculus BC. Each of these experiences was transformed into a compelling narrative that showcased his personality, academic excellence, and passion for engineering.

With multiple early application offers already secured, Jerry entered the Regular Decision phase with a calm and confident mindset, allowing him to focus on deepening his academic interests. In Grade 12, he took AP Physics, where he expanded his knowledge of mechanics and electromagnetism, further strengthening his foundation for his future major. Determined to demonstrate his academic capabilities, he dedicated himself fully to the AP Physics exam, aiming for a perfect score of 5 to reinforce his standing as a top engineering candidate.

Through a strategically structured application process, Jerry not only gained admission to his dream schools, including Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, but also secured substantial scholarships. His success is a testament to Huayao Collegiate’s professional and adaptable college counseling approach—one that prioritizes individual strengths, interest-driven guidance, and scientifically effective strategies. 

卓越的成绩源自学者们平日里的点滴积累与持续不断的奋斗。与此同时，恭喜2025届已被世界顶尖大学录取的毕业生们，在未来的征程中，愿你们勇敢地追逐个人梦想，绽放出属于自己的光芒！

向上滑动查看部分2025届毕业生offer

Swipe Up to View the Selected Offers of the 2025 Graduates