I am currently studying at Shenzhen American International School. This school helps students find their future paths by providing high-quality education using the AP and IB-DP programmes. Thus, the school offers a scholarship programme for students who value their education more and need extra motivation to pursue their dream universities. Our scholarship has programmes of different amounts and requirements, each prepared for students willing to challenge themselves to various degrees.
My chief motivation for joining this school last year was indeed the scholarship programme, as I believed it would incentivize me to pursue my academic future with more passion. Back then, the full scholarship criteria for 9th-grade students were not too demanding, and I did manage to fulfil all of these requirements. The requirements at the time were:
- 1: GPA above 3.8
- 2: TOEFL score of 95 or equivalent Duolingo English test score
- 3: MAP test percentile of 90 or higher
- 4: Notable competition awards
- 5: Social service
I benefit from my scholarship at school in multiple ways. Firstly, the scholarship’s rigorous demands drive me to study more actively and manage my time more efficiently. Secondly, the scholarship also increases my sense of self-worth, which improves my overall emotional well-being at this school. Lastly, being a scholarship student also helps with college applications, as it helps me stand out among other competing students.
To maintain my scholarship, I must fulfil more difficult requirements each year to prove my academic capabilities. To maintain my scholarship this year, I have to meet the following criteria:
- 1: 5 AP subjects with a score of 5
- 2: SAT of 1510 or higher
- 3: Have extracurricular activities
- 4: Notable competition awards
In conclusion, our school’s scholarship programme helps aspiring students develop their true potential and provides help for students in financial need. Overall, SAIS’s excellent faculty and well-designed curriculum will aid students holistically in their academic development; the scholarship programme only pushes students a step further on their paths to success.