Long
Edmonds College
University of California–Berkeley
Long因為同校同學的影響,於中5決定到美國就讀高中完成課程及大學課程。外向健談的他在美國認識到來自世界各地的朋友,在社區大學成績優異的他在兩年後轉校並獲得多間世界級名校錄取,最後於三年半內完成原本需要六年時間的課程。
“Years ago back in Hong Kong when I was studying in Form 4, I was just a normal, lazy student studying in an equally normal school. At that time, a classmate of mine told me he was leaving for US to get both a high school degree and an associate degree at the same time. I was shocked, but in a good way. As a result, I decided to pursue my education in the US too. I started my High school Completion Program at Edmonds College.
I had a wonderful time in Washington, I made many friends from all over the globe, and I genuinely enjoyed school there. After studying 1 year at Edmonds, I earned my high school diploma which is a year ahead of the other HKDSE students. I then studied for another year at Edmonds to earn more college credits and I was very lucky to be accepted to several well-known universities, such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and UC Santa Barbara. At last, I decided to pursue my degree in Applied Math at UC Berkeley.
Now, I have graduated from university at the age of 19. Yes, I finished 2 years of high school and a 4 year university degree in 3.5 years. Magical, isn’t it? On top of that, I got to experience a world-class education and a chance to take graduate level classes in a prestigious institution.
In addition, I enjoyed living with both my American host family in Washington and with several American roommates where we rented an apartment at Berkeley. I learned how to be independent and be responsible as a young adult, and I would call both Seattle and Berkeley my home. I am glad that I have learned much and have broadened my horizons through studying in the States. Things I have experienced and have gotten in those years, I am sure it cannot be achieved with the education in Hong Kong.”