To help students of all grades clarify their college application direction, Hongrun Boyuan High School specially organized the "College Counseling and Guidance" themed event, inviting graduating 12th-grade students to share targeted experiences with different grades. The event focused on the college application needs at various stages, providing step-by-step growth advice to help students plan their futures scientifically.

The Pre-A grade session centered on the theme of "Learning and Growth," divided into two parts: experience sharing and a roundtable discussion. Senior Stephanie and Senior Feng addressed common concerns of preparatory students, emphasizing the importance of time management, exam mindset, and balancing extracurricular activities. They pointed out that American universities value not only academic performance but also comprehensive qualities like leadership and resilience. During the roundtable, top students shared efficient note-taking methods (such as the Cornell Note-Taking System), techniques for categorizing and reviewing mistakes, and suggested forming study groups using school resources to improve efficiency through collaboration. Students engaged in lively discussions on practical issues like "how to avoid procrastination" and "staying focused in class."

The senior specifically warned against "fake studying": staying fully focused while studying and completely relaxing during breaks, avoiding the trap of multitasking and achieving neither. While occasional distractions in class are inevitable, it’s essential to ensure mastery of the material, especially before exams. She shared her time management tips: using fragmented time like breaks or commutes to memorize scattered knowledge points while ensuring time for sports and hobbies to make studying more efficient.

When facing pressure, she encouraged everyone to maintain a positive mindset but also to push themselves appropriately: "You’ll never know your potential unless you challenge yourself." Finally, she advised students to stick to their own learning pace and not let peers disrupt their plans, as "everyone has different goals, and their progress will naturally vary."

The sharing session offered both practical advice and sincere encouragement, providing much inspiration for Pre-B grade students.

Grade 12 students Eleven, Charlie, Olivia, and Shirley offered a comprehensive presentation covering college research, academic planning, extracurricular involvement, and standardized testing.

In terms of college selection, they advised students not to chase rankings blindly, but to consider campus environment, climate, and cultural fit. Students were encouraged to gain first-hand experience through college fairs, summer programs, or by reaching out to current students. When seeking assistance from educational consultants, attention should be paid to the student-to-mentor ratio and mentor qualifications.

For academic planning, they recommended a focus on quality over quantity when selecting AP courses. Students unsure of their intended major were advised to take foundational courses while exploring interests through extracurricular activities.

In preparing for extracurriculars, students were encouraged to explore broadly in Grade 10, utilize summer opportunities for hands-on experience, and document their efforts. Even without leadership titles, impactful contributions speak volumes.

Regarding standardized testing, students were advised to prepare for one type of exam at a time. Prioritizing error review and practicing speaking fluency were emphasized, along with staying adaptable during test-day scenarios.

As a whole, Grade 10 is a period of exploration—these shared experiences provided students with a clearer path forward and actionable strategies.

Grade 12 students Ray, Ella, and Han shared insights on the critical preparation phase of the college application process, highlighting standardized tests, extracurricular development, and institutional research.

For standardized testing, students were advised to complete language exams (TOEFL/IELTS) early to meet application requirements, and then focus on SAT/ACT preparation. The Duolingo English Test may be considered as an alternative where applicable. A structured study schedule can help students achieve target scores by summer, creating flexibility for the application phase.

Extracurricular efforts should prioritize depth over breadth. Sustained commitment in 2–3 core areas—through academic competitions, research, or leadership roles—will better reflect personal strengths and initiative than a lengthy list of activities.

Institutional research should begin concurrently. Students were encouraged to explore university websites, attend campus visits, and engage in conversations with alumni. Shortlisting 15–20 target schools and establishing a personalized application timeline are critical next steps.

Grade 11 is a time to balance academics, testing, and extracurriculars with intentionality and strategic planning. Monthly evaluations and timely adjustments can significantly improve the strength of college applications. This session offered students a blueprint to approach the upcoming application season with confidence and clarity.

Through the authentic perspectives of those who have gone before, this event delivered targeted, grade-specific guidance, equipping students with actionable solutions to their academic and application challenges. More than just strategies, the senior students conveyed the power of vision, planning, and perseverance. Many attendees shared that the sessions helped them clarify their goals and avoid common missteps. Looking ahead, Hongrun Boyuan High School will continue to foster platforms for communication and mentorship—empowering every student to advance steadily toward their ideal university.