IN recent years, more Chinese students at junior or senior level who are seeking to study in overseas universities opt for American private high schools. Tuition at a US private high school can cost up to US$30,000 per school year, thus students and parents want to know what they offer in terms of academics and beyond.

On August 16, eight Chinese students from the US Prep-School Sino-American Culture Exchange Association spoke about their experience of living and studying at American private high schools at the Shanghai branch of the China Construction Bank in Pudong.

It was the association’s second talk after one on August 11 in Changsha, Hunan Province. They plan to give similar talks in several Chinese cities every year to promote the exchange of educational ideas and understanding of the American private high school experience.

The association was founded by a group of high school students with a Chinese background who studied in America. Some of them were born in the US, others in China. Five of them have links to Shanghai.

Shanghai Daily has spoken to six of the students concerning student life, academics and extracurricular activities at a variety of different American private high schools such as the Lawrenceville School, Philips Exeter and Peddie.

For those thinking of applying to a private high school in the United States, perhaps the following will provide some insight into what to expect so you prepare as early as possible.

Richard Wang

10th grader at Lawrenceville School

As a student, Richard Wang entertains a variety of different interests, including music, science, reading and philosophy. Wang founded the US Prep-School Sino-American Culture Exchange Association.

Q: What is the Harkness system? What have you gained from this teaching method at Lawrenceville School?

A: The Harkness is about critical analysis, inquiry, reflection, and examination. On average, around 12 students and a teacher sit at an oval table for student-driven discussions and participation with the teacher as a guiding force. The Harkness system brings everyone down to the same level, facilitating discussion, participation and even debate on a classroom basis. At the Harkness table I could throw out immature ideas, and my classmates would develop them for me. I could help out my fellow friends develop their respective ideas.

Christine Hu

10th grader at the Phillips Exeter Academy

Christine Hu is good at all subjects, especially computer science and languages. She also has a passion for competitive swimming. She is currently competing for the varsity cross country, swimming, and cycling teams.

Q: How do you balance swimming and schoolwork? How have you benefited from participating in a sport?

A: Time management is crucial at any boarding school in America. There is more idle time during the day than most people realize, so I try to take advantage of it. If I can get one subject of homework done during the day, it leaves time to socialize in the evening or get to sleep earlier. Participating in sports is the most enjoyable aspect of student life for me. Aside from increasing my self-discipline, the bonds I formed with my teammates are truly indescribable.

Congtai Hu

12th grader at the Pennington School

Congtai Hu has a variety of interests, especially in filmmaking and sports. He worked as an intern at the yU+co, a reputed animation and design company in the US, in 2012. In 2005, he, at the age of nine, and his seven-year-old sister swam across the Qiongzhou Strait between Guangdong Province and Hainan Island, becoming the youngest swimmers ever to cross the strait.

Q: Tell us about the teachers at Pennington School. What have you learned from them?

A: Teachers here put more attention on students’ thought rather than grades. They always ask us: “How are you doing? Did you call your family? If you want someone to say something, we will always be here.” And they truly were there when I felt depressed and sad. Usually I would chat with them about life back in home and my feelings at that time. It really helped me adjust to a more independent life.

David Wan

11th grader at the Pennington School

David Wan was born in Germany. When he was five, his family moved to Shanghai. Last year, he was admitted to the Pennington School in the US. He is decent in five languages and excels in most subjects.

Q: How do you deal with peer pressure if you find someone else is always better than you? How do you cope with frustration if you cannot pass a subject?

A: Having someone who is better than me did not upset me. Instead, I was encouraged by the challenges it brought me. It helped motivate me to work even harder. The same thing goes for failing a test. Even though I did not really fail any test or examination, a bad grade would encourage me to improve my learning style and test taking style. A tip that I can give to others is probably to look at things with a positive attitude. Facing difficulties has helped me learn how to overcome problems.

Simon Wan

12th grader at the Pennington School

Simon Wan started his own jewelry club at the Pennington School. He has a long-standing passion for gems and minerals. The 12th grader’s dream is to have a jewelry brand that incorporates both European elements and Chinese elements.

Q: How did a “Golden Stone” lead to your interest in jewelry appraisal? How has a hobby enriched your life at school?

A: I have always had an interest in rocks. Starting as a dinosaur enthusiast, and then moving to a mineral collector, I have finally settled on colored gemstones. Their natural beauty and deep cultural background have attracted me for the longest of time.

I found my “Golden Stone” in Germany. Common as it looked, the rock turned out to be gold ore. Since then, my passion has only strengthened.

Amber Shi

11th grader at the Peddie School

Amber Shi quickly adjusted to Peddie life both in academics and extracurricular activities. She likes biology and has been elected as a member of EXP, a university lab program. On International Awareness Day, Shi and some other Chinese students introduced Beijing masks to classmates.

Q: How do you distinguish yourself in the team while making friends at the same time?

A: It’s important to note that being a leader means you are good at making friends and being social is one of the qualities to be a leader. Moreover, a leader is someone who can speak for everyone in a fair way. However, sometimes it’s hard to guide the whole team effectively without being considered dogmatic. After all, it’s always important to remember that being a leader doesn’t mean you are good at everything; advice from your members is what makes the whole team better.