Elite British universities are emphasizing authentic curiosity and academic resilience rather than rigid test preparation and meticulously crafted personal statements, according to top admissions officials speaking at an education summit in Hong Kong.
Representatives from prestigious institutions within the “golden triangle” — including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and King’s College London — participated in discussions on the second day of the Global Education Summit, co-hosted by the South China Morning Post and HSBC Premier, with a focus on international education opportunities.
The two-day summit attracted nearly 11,000 attendees.
“At the core of Oxford’s admissions process is a genuine passion for the subject you wish to pursue,” said Samina Khan, director of undergraduate admissions and outreach at the University of Oxford, during a panel session organized by SCMP Learn, the newspaper’s education division.
“Whether you are studying for A-levels or following the Hong Kong diploma curriculum, avoid simply adhering to your prescribed coursework. Engage in independent research, pursue additional reading, and explore resources like TED Talks to broaden your intellectual horizons.”
Admissions leaders stressed that strong academic performance serves merely as an initial benchmark. Sarah Hales, senior regional manager in admissions and access at the University of Cambridge, highlighted that the university seeks applicants demonstrating sincere intellectual enthusiasm.
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