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Very Good Offer from Hong Kong - Should I be suspicious?
Hi Folks,
I'm currently going through UCAS, infact I've decided on my university - but back in September, I also applied to the Chinese University in Hong Kong. In my current circumstances, this was on condition of scholarship.
In January I think it was, they made me an offer; three E's. Admittedly, I did compile my application in quite a sellable way, but that is not to say that I am the academic "creme de la creme" by any means.
Initially, they offered me $40,000 HKD. They are now offering me $150,000 (10k GBP). To be honest, I think I am quite happy with my UK choice and it would mean forfeiting my gap scheme - however I'd be interested to hear if anyone has any idea why they are offering a good package? Am I right to be dubious? Are they going to cut off the funds after the first year and then get me to pay up?
The first lesson of economics springs to mind.. there's no such thing as a free lunch!
Thanks in advance.
I'm currently going through UCAS, infact I've decided on my university - but back in September, I also applied to the Chinese University in Hong Kong. In my current circumstances, this was on condition of scholarship.
In January I think it was, they made me an offer; three E's. Admittedly, I did compile my application in quite a sellable way, but that is not to say that I am the academic "creme de la creme" by any means.
Initially, they offered me $40,000 HKD. They are now offering me $150,000 (10k GBP). To be honest, I think I am quite happy with my UK choice and it would mean forfeiting my gap scheme - however I'd be interested to hear if anyone has any idea why they are offering a good package? Am I right to be dubious? Are they going to cut off the funds after the first year and then get me to pay up?
The first lesson of economics springs to mind.. there's no such thing as a free lunch!
Thanks in advance.
Scroll to see replies
CU is a very good university by Hong Kong standards. That said, Hong Kong unis (Asian unis in general) are not ranked excellently in the world, for various reasons. I guess you can infer this from the vast number of Asian students in British universities.
I think three Es does not sound unfeasible at all. Rather, it demonstrates some lack of awareness of the British A-levels compared to HK A-levels.
HK A-levels are much more difficult than British ones: in most subjects, less than 3% receive As, and most local candidates will offer 2 subjects to A2 (or, just "full A-level" and 3 subjects to AS (I think people in general are forced to pursue both English language and Chinese language and culture up to AS level, so hardcore science people would be force to present themselves in subjects they might not be very good at).
I used to be an exchange student at a local secondary school (I was there in lower sixth), which was ranked a band 1 school (~top 20%). Many of my classmates (who had been frantically selected ever since kindergarten for getting into this school) graduated the subsequent year failing half of their subjects, and the most common grades are indeed Ds and Es (unless you go to some of the top-notch schools).
In addition, local people tend to talk about the British school system as being far better than the HK one, encouraging independent and creative thinking (which the HK one miserably fails to, although it fosters some of the best maths/science skills in the world. In addition, I would imagine that CU, as an English-medium-of-instruction university dominated by local students, looks favourably upon any native English speaker (plenty of external benefits for their programmes).
Nonetheless, Hong Kong is a truly amazing place. I would go live there right away if there was a course I would have liked to do and I was admitted with such amazing scholarship opportunities. The academic standard might be slightly lower, but I would say that's outweighed by other factors.
I think three Es does not sound unfeasible at all. Rather, it demonstrates some lack of awareness of the British A-levels compared to HK A-levels.
HK A-levels are much more difficult than British ones: in most subjects, less than 3% receive As, and most local candidates will offer 2 subjects to A2 (or, just "full A-level" and 3 subjects to AS (I think people in general are forced to pursue both English language and Chinese language and culture up to AS level, so hardcore science people would be force to present themselves in subjects they might not be very good at).
I used to be an exchange student at a local secondary school (I was there in lower sixth), which was ranked a band 1 school (~top 20%). Many of my classmates (who had been frantically selected ever since kindergarten for getting into this school) graduated the subsequent year failing half of their subjects, and the most common grades are indeed Ds and Es (unless you go to some of the top-notch schools).
In addition, local people tend to talk about the British school system as being far better than the HK one, encouraging independent and creative thinking (which the HK one miserably fails to, although it fosters some of the best maths/science skills in the world. In addition, I would imagine that CU, as an English-medium-of-instruction university dominated by local students, looks favourably upon any native English speaker (plenty of external benefits for their programmes).
Nonetheless, Hong Kong is a truly amazing place. I would go live there right away if there was a course I would have liked to do and I was admitted with such amazing scholarship opportunities. The academic standard might be slightly lower, but I would say that's outweighed by other factors.
tangsiuje
The academic standard might be slightly lower, but I would say that's outweighed by other factors.
I'm not sure if CU academic standard might be slightly lower, but according to THES world university ranking, it's ranked at 51th in the world. There are only 8 unis in UK ranked higher than CU, and it is even higher than unis like King's college, Warwick, Durham ,Nottingham etc.
I'm a year 12 student from HK who's been in the UK for 6 years now.
CUHK is actually a v. good uni (my dad went there). and if you're applying to one of the most competitive courses (e.g. medicine, law and global business), it's probably more competitive than oxbridge.
HK's A-Level (and GCSE aka HKCEE) are v.v. difficult, much more difficult than the british ones (or IGCSE). only 10-15 in the entire city (out of almost 100000 candidates) get straight As (and there's no A*). it might be appropiate to say 3Es = 3Cs (in the UK).
if you do go to CU, it's a beautiful campus - you'll be studying on a hill surrounded by greenary with a harbour in front of you - and the Soho / shopping districts are only 45 mins away by train.
one problem is that international students tend to be seperated from local students since the locals aren't bother to speak english. but people are friendly anyway.
CUHK is actually a v. good uni (my dad went there). and if you're applying to one of the most competitive courses (e.g. medicine, law and global business), it's probably more competitive than oxbridge.
HK's A-Level (and GCSE aka HKCEE) are v.v. difficult, much more difficult than the british ones (or IGCSE). only 10-15 in the entire city (out of almost 100000 candidates) get straight As (and there's no A*). it might be appropiate to say 3Es = 3Cs (in the UK).
if you do go to CU, it's a beautiful campus - you'll be studying on a hill surrounded by greenary with a harbour in front of you - and the Soho / shopping districts are only 45 mins away by train.
one problem is that international students tend to be seperated from local students since the locals aren't bother to speak english. but people are friendly anyway.
Hi Folks,
Many thanks for your input. Given the knowledge that a few of my Chinese friends have, and the fact that they have done stuff at GCSE that we are doing at A-Level, I generally have quite a bit of respect for the Chinese Education system. Based on the place alone, I would definitely go - but it can get a bit pricey once that first year is out of the way.
Anyway - a lot to think about, but thanks once again!
Many thanks for your input. Given the knowledge that a few of my Chinese friends have, and the fact that they have done stuff at GCSE that we are doing at A-Level, I generally have quite a bit of respect for the Chinese Education system. Based on the place alone, I would definitely go - but it can get a bit pricey once that first year is out of the way.
Anyway - a lot to think about, but thanks once again!
Chinese unis look for diversity in its student body (as most universities do). I think the fact they are offering just a generous scholarship suggests that you are quite special (at least to them
Chinese University of Hong Kong itself is a very well respected uni- probably the second (behind HKU) or even first in HK in terms of rankings. It's very competitive if you're a local student applying from HK. You should clarify with the uni on what the scholarship packaging actually is. I don't think it'd be such a free lunch because your fees are still likely to be significantly higher than what a local student would pay? Hong Kong is a beautiful city and if anything goes wrong, you can always go back to the UK after the first year... :P
Just out of interest, why did you apply to CU in the first place?
I'm in year 13, living in HK, doing my A-levels and probably going to UCL next year. Feel free to ask me any Qs about if u want
Chinese University of Hong Kong itself is a very well respected uni- probably the second (behind HKU) or even first in HK in terms of rankings. It's very competitive if you're a local student applying from HK. You should clarify with the uni on what the scholarship packaging actually is. I don't think it'd be such a free lunch because your fees are still likely to be significantly higher than what a local student would pay? Hong Kong is a beautiful city and if anything goes wrong, you can always go back to the UK after the first year... :P
Just out of interest, why did you apply to CU in the first place?
I'm in year 13, living in HK, doing my A-levels and probably going to UCL next year. Feel free to ask me any Qs about if u want
hi cu is very alike birmingham u , since they both have a lovely train station　(ｂｅｃａｕｓｅ　ｉ　ｈａｖｅ　ｂｅｅｎ　ｔｏ　ｂｏｔｈ　ｕ　ａｎｄ　ｂｅｉｎｇ　ａｃｃｅｐｔｅｄ　ｆｒｏｍ　ｂａｔｈ　ａｎｄ　ｂｉｒｍｉｎｇｈａｍ）.
and a very lovely campus, u can't believe it is in hong kong. just like u r in scotland　　ｗｉｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　ｌａｋｅ　ｄｉｓｔｒｉｃｔ　ｉｎ　ｆｒｏｎｔ　ｏｆ　ｔｈｅ　ｃａｍｐｕｓ　!!　lol
may be i am biased. and i would personally rank it around 8 to 15 in uk standard (just in between nottingham to mancheｓter and birmingham　
the money u received is　ａ lot in hong kong standard. our hamburger package is about 1 pound 50 cents.
and a very lovely campus, u can't believe it is in hong kong. just like u r in scotland　　ｗｉｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　ｌａｋｅ　ｄｉｓｔｒｉｃｔ　ｉｎ　ｆｒｏｎｔ　ｏｆ　ｔｈｅ　ｃａｍｐｕｓ　!!　lol
may be i am biased. and i would personally rank it around 8 to 15 in uk standard (just in between nottingham to mancheｓter and birmingham　
the money u received is　ａ lot in hong kong standard. our hamburger package is about 1 pound 50 cents.
I am a local Hong Kong student studying in University of Hong Kong. I am studying Law.
Chinese University of Hong Kong is very prestigious. It is the second best in Hong Kong. I would say University of Hong Kong is the best one, but the distance between CUHK and HKU is really insignificant.
My professors say that HKU is as strong as the 5-10th unis in UK. The Faculty of Law and Faculty of Medicine are among the most prestigious in the world. I guess CUHK is also good. In terms of academic standard, I guess CUHK is better than Birmingham. Many many CUHK and HKU graduates continue their studies in the best schools such as Oxbridge, Ivies, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Chicago, LSE, Stanford etc.. It shows the international recognition of the HK unis.
In addition, many many of my fellow students did their A-level in UK. Nearly all of them got 2 to 4As or something alike. Most of them feel that they are lucky because the they can only get C or B in HK A-level. Only 20% of the candidate can get a C or above. The standard here is really high!
But it really depends what course you are applying to. The strength of HK unis in arts subjects is Chinese studies. For science-based subjects in CUHK, I would say the physics, biology-related subjects, medicine, phamacy and economics are excellent.
Definitely, in terms of academic standard, CUHK is an ideal choice for economics. You can check the staff profiles of the economic department.
Also, it is easier to learn Mandarin in Hong Kong.
Thank you.
Chinese University of Hong Kong is very prestigious. It is the second best in Hong Kong. I would say University of Hong Kong is the best one, but the distance between CUHK and HKU is really insignificant.
My professors say that HKU is as strong as the 5-10th unis in UK. The Faculty of Law and Faculty of Medicine are among the most prestigious in the world. I guess CUHK is also good. In terms of academic standard, I guess CUHK is better than Birmingham. Many many CUHK and HKU graduates continue their studies in the best schools such as Oxbridge, Ivies, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Chicago, LSE, Stanford etc.. It shows the international recognition of the HK unis.
In addition, many many of my fellow students did their A-level in UK. Nearly all of them got 2 to 4As or something alike. Most of them feel that they are lucky because the they can only get C or B in HK A-level. Only 20% of the candidate can get a C or above. The standard here is really high!
But it really depends what course you are applying to. The strength of HK unis in arts subjects is Chinese studies. For science-based subjects in CUHK, I would say the physics, biology-related subjects, medicine, phamacy and economics are excellent.
Definitely, in terms of academic standard, CUHK is an ideal choice for economics. You can check the staff profiles of the economic department.
Also, it is easier to learn Mandarin in Hong Kong.
Thank you.
And mandarin is like the most popular language in the world (approx. 13% speak it), the second most is only like 6%.
Come to my blog to know more about hong kong...
http://over-the-rain-bow.blogspot.com/
Come to my blog to know more about hong kong...
http://over-the-rain-bow.blogspot.com/
for the A level grade in hong kong and in uk just like belows.(for example phy, chem, bio and maths)
hong kong: top 4% got A, then 7% got B and 12% got C adding all just like 23%.
However in UK, top 22% got A, then 22% got B and 22% got C. those B and
C will be our D and E.
Math is very special in UK, top 37% all got A, it make those D grade student in Hong kong envy alot, because they can get an A ( if they take it in UK).
hong kong: top 4% got A, then 7% got B and 12% got C adding all just like 23%.
However in UK, top 22% got A, then 22% got B and 22% got C. those B and
C will be our D and E.
Math is very special in UK, top 37% all got A, it make those D grade student in Hong kong envy alot, because they can get an A ( if they take it in UK).
You are right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I feel that HK students are being treated unfairly.
In HKCEE (equivalent to UK O-level), only about 1% of candidates can get an A in arts subjects.
Many of my secondary school classmates, especially the ones in science stream, did take UK A-level to strengthen their record!
So don't underestimate the standard of CUHK!
I feel that HK students are being treated unfairly.
In HKCEE (equivalent to UK O-level), only about 1% of candidates can get an A in arts subjects.
Many of my secondary school classmates, especially the ones in science stream, did take UK A-level to strengthen their record!
So don't underestimate the standard of CUHK!
just out of curiosity, has CUHK always opperated in english? is the entire school taught in english or just certain programs? its fascinating to me that a hong kong school would operate in english... is that common over there?
HKUST and HKU and other unis always operate in English. There is English everywhere. All materials are in English.
As for CUHK, because of the tradition, Chinese is more commonly used. Its initial mission is to preserve Chinese culture under the pressure of British colonialism and Chinese communism. However, nowadays, the major teaching medium is English, although Chinese remains as the optional teaching medium in some departments. Surely, Economics is not one of them. It is highly likely that most, if not all, of the modules offered by the department of economics
are taught in English. Even if it is not, I am sure that all modules are assessed and examined in English. All professors are fluent in English as nearly all of them received their phd from foreign unis. They must be able to teach in English, if there are international students in the class. Anyway, you are best advised to consult the departmetn directly.
All universities in Hong Kong except CUHK fully adopt English as their teaching medium. Actually, there are many foreign professors. Using Chinese is as a matter of fact not an option at all! Nevertheless, you should appreciate Chinese. The CUHK was founded by leading and internationally reknown academics who fled from the communist China. CUHK is a place where East meets West, both physically and academically.
According to the Basic Law, English is one of the official languages. Many people here can speak English. There are many many foreigners in Hong Kong!
Also, the CUHK has exchange linkages with Duke, Cornell, Chicago, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Michigan, Georgetown, Williams College, University of Pennslyvania, Columbia, NYU, USC, Boston, Washington, Rice, MSU, Trinity College, Occidental College, London Business School, Glasgow, UCL, Sussex, Toronto, UBC, Mcgill, Australian National Uni, Melborne, Sydney, UNSW. That means that the courses of CUHK are recognized internationally. Otherwise, they will not permit the credit transfer, right?
You will learn a lot about China! Hong Kong is a good place to study Mandarin.
Students in Hong Kong are often fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and English.
Entertainment is virtually not a problem at all. Hong Kong is a city which never sleeps. I am a HKU (sorry, not CUHK) student. Last semester, I had a Spanish floormate who went to pub everynight! This semester, I had a German floormate who usually played Hockey, an Australian floormate who liked to show his muscle, and a French floormate who watched Chinese TV programmes all day!
Sorry if this doesn't help.
As for CUHK, because of the tradition, Chinese is more commonly used. Its initial mission is to preserve Chinese culture under the pressure of British colonialism and Chinese communism. However, nowadays, the major teaching medium is English, although Chinese remains as the optional teaching medium in some departments. Surely, Economics is not one of them. It is highly likely that most, if not all, of the modules offered by the department of economics
are taught in English. Even if it is not, I am sure that all modules are assessed and examined in English. All professors are fluent in English as nearly all of them received their phd from foreign unis. They must be able to teach in English, if there are international students in the class. Anyway, you are best advised to consult the departmetn directly.
All universities in Hong Kong except CUHK fully adopt English as their teaching medium. Actually, there are many foreign professors. Using Chinese is as a matter of fact not an option at all! Nevertheless, you should appreciate Chinese. The CUHK was founded by leading and internationally reknown academics who fled from the communist China. CUHK is a place where East meets West, both physically and academically.
According to the Basic Law, English is one of the official languages. Many people here can speak English. There are many many foreigners in Hong Kong!
Also, the CUHK has exchange linkages with Duke, Cornell, Chicago, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Michigan, Georgetown, Williams College, University of Pennslyvania, Columbia, NYU, USC, Boston, Washington, Rice, MSU, Trinity College, Occidental College, London Business School, Glasgow, UCL, Sussex, Toronto, UBC, Mcgill, Australian National Uni, Melborne, Sydney, UNSW. That means that the courses of CUHK are recognized internationally. Otherwise, they will not permit the credit transfer, right?
You will learn a lot about China! Hong Kong is a good place to study Mandarin.
Students in Hong Kong are often fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese and English.
Entertainment is virtually not a problem at all. Hong Kong is a city which never sleeps. I am a HKU (sorry, not CUHK) student. Last semester, I had a Spanish floormate who went to pub everynight! This semester, I had a German floormate who usually played Hockey, an Australian floormate who liked to show his muscle, and a French floormate who watched Chinese TV programmes all day!
Sorry if this doesn't help.
This isn't fully relevant but:
Equivalent HK A Level grades are more difficult to gain because they are graded using a national curve (i.e. quota type system where students in a particular year are compared with each other instead of against set standards), not necessarily because the questions and problems are more difficult.
From 2009 onwards, Hong Kong will switch to criterion referencing (like UK A levels where there are set levels of performance for an A-grade, B-grade, etc).
Equivalent HK A Level grades are more difficult to gain because they are graded using a national curve (i.e. quota type system where students in a particular year are compared with each other instead of against set standards), not necessarily because the questions and problems are more difficult.
From 2009 onwards, Hong Kong will switch to criterion referencing (like UK A levels where there are set levels of performance for an A-grade, B-grade, etc).
Equivalent HK A Level grades are more difficult to gain because they are graded using a national curve (i.e. quota type system where students in a particular year are compared with each other instead of against set standards), not necessarily because the questions and problems are more difficult.
Yes, but the curve is different. In Hong Kong only a very small percentage of students can get an A, a B and C. E is the pass grade.
In my HKCEE year (2003), for seven of the eight subjects I took, only around 1-1.5% of students could get an A. It is extremely difficult. I was very lucky so I got some As.
I was unfairly treated when applying to UK unis. They just thought that it was so easy to get an A.
Anyway, I really don't think A-level or some other public examination results are accurate indicator of ones' ability. Strangely, HK A-level is perhaps the most difficult examination in terms of both the absolute difficulty of the examination and the good grade percentage.
Sorry if I have offended anyone.
In my HKCEE year (2003), for seven of the eight subjects I took, only around 1-1.5% of students could get an A. It is extremely difficult. I was very lucky so I got some As.
I was unfairly treated when applying to UK unis. They just thought that it was so easy to get an A.
Anyway, I really don't think A-level or some other public examination results are accurate indicator of ones' ability. Strangely, HK A-level is perhaps the most difficult examination in terms of both the absolute difficulty of the examination and the good grade percentage.
Sorry if I have offended anyone.
yeung3939
Yes, but the curve is different. In Hong Kong only a very small percentage of students can get an A, a B and C. E is the pass grade.
In my HKCEE year (2003), for seven of the eight subjects I took, only around 1-1.5% of students could get an A. It is extremely difficult. I was very lucky so I got some As.
I was unfairly treated when applying to UK unis. They just thought that it was so easy to get an A.
Anyway, I really don't think A-level or some other public examination results are accurate indicator of ones' ability. Strangely, HK A-level is perhaps the most difficult examination in terms of both the absolute difficulty of the examination and the good grade percentage.
Sorry if I have offended anyone.
In my HKCEE year (2003), for seven of the eight subjects I took, only around 1-1.5% of students could get an A. It is extremely difficult. I was very lucky so I got some As.
I was unfairly treated when applying to UK unis. They just thought that it was so easy to get an A.
Anyway, I really don't think A-level or some other public examination results are accurate indicator of ones' ability. Strangely, HK A-level is perhaps the most difficult examination in terms of both the absolute difficulty of the examination and the good grade percentage.
Sorry if I have offended anyone.
I'd appreciate some documentation on this... "facts" without credible evidence can't be used to justify your case.
If the HK system is really that tough, the UK admissions tutors will know about it. It's unfair of you to assume that they're frogs living in a sheltered well, unaware of foreign developments or examination standards.
I'm pretty sure they know about it. I have a few friends in LSE from Hong Kong who got like ACC in their HK Alevels and still got offers. I doubt they'd accept the same grades in the UK Alevels.
That being said, I also have a friend who applied to Cambridge and got an offer, for 5 As in A-levels, which is virtually impossible in Hong Kong. So he rejected the offer. However, it is possible that this is an indirect way of rejecting him.
That being said, I also have a friend who applied to Cambridge and got an offer, for 5 As in A-levels, which is virtually impossible in Hong Kong. So he rejected the offer. However, it is possible that this is an indirect way of rejecting him.
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