Guide to Applying to Key Universities

Author: Editorial Department of Classroom and Outdoors Magazine
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: This book provides direct guidance for candidates when filling out their college applications. However, there are a few points that candidates should pay attention to:
(1) There are many universities that have entered the "Project 211" and provincial/municipal key universities, and they cover a wide range of disciplines. Therefore, when applying, do not focus solely on Peking University or Tsinghua University. In fact, all universities that have entered the "Project 211" and provincial/municipal key universities possess certain strengths and are outstanding in at least one aspect. Thus, when filling out applications, it is best to choose universities that may not be as well-known but have distinctive features. This way, not only will you have a higher chance of success, but you will also have better development opportunities once you enter the university.
(2) When selecting majors and universities, top students should prioritize the university, while average students should prioritize the major. This is because in today's job market, under the same conditions, the reputation of the university is extremely important. Additionally, with the reform of higher education, all universities have proposed educational reforms emphasizing "broad and solid foundation." This has made the differences between majors smaller. As reforms progress, most key universities do not rush to assign majors to freshmen but instead have them take general foundational courses in their broad field of study. By their sophomore or junior year, they determine their specific major. More and more universities allow students to transfer majors or even departments after passing certain exams. Therefore, high-achieving students should focus on the university, while those who may not meet the admission requirements of their ideal universities can choose a better major.
(3) If you have the opportunity to enter a university that is part of the "Project 211" construction sequence, it is essential to strive for it. After all, the state provides full support to universities in the "Project 211" construction sequence, with significant financial investment that is difficult for ordinary universities to match. Naturally, their campus environments, teaching facilities, and other hardware are also far superior to those of ordinary universities. Moreover, due to their high reputation and talented students, famous companies, manufacturers, and even international celebrities often set up various scholarships and grants at these universities, making their financial aid systems very comprehensive. A favorable academic environment provides students with ample room for growth, enabling more outstanding students to excel and ultimately forming a virtuous cycle for the university. For candidates with less outstanding academic performance, choosing universities that may not be as well-known but are part of provincial/municipal key institutions is undoubtedly a wise decision. It is better to enter a "hot major" in a less reputable university than a "cold major" in a prestigious one—this is our sincere advice. Of course, not all universities outside the key institutions are inferior to them. For example, some specialized universities may not be as famous, but their majors are uniquely distinctive. Although their employment prospects may not be very broad, they are highly efficient because the majors are very relevant to the job market. Some rapidly developing emerging universities that have joined the "Project 211" do not necessarily mean they are better than traditional key universities. For this situation, candidates must maintain a clear understanding and, when filling out applications, it is best to choose universities that truly suit their development.