Graduates from the Class of 2025 at Pao School have been receiving admission offers from prestigious universities around the world. So far, students have been accepted into top universities in the U.S., including Northwestern University, Rice University, Vanderbilt University, Washington University in St. Louis, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Notre Dame, Minerva University, and New York University. They have also received offers from leading liberal arts colleges such as Bowdoin College, Swarthmore College, and Wellesley College.
In the UK, Pao School students have secured conditional offers from members of the Russell Group, including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Warwick, and the University of St Andrews. Additionally, in the arts, students have also gained admission to top institutions like the Rhode Island School of Design, Parsons School of Design, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Evan Su
USA, Northwestern University
In 2018, I followed my sister's lead and moved from Shanxi to Shanghai, where I, for the first time, enrolled in an international school. This marked a significant shift from my previous public school education. This wasn’t just a change of scenery. It was a major challenge in terms of both learning and lifestyle.
When I first arrived, the biggest obstacle I faced was the year 10 English literature course. The course required us to take the step from language acquisition to critiquing literature, which certainly raised the bar for my English language skills. Fortunately, my classmates were incredibly supportive. Some shared their well-organized notes, while others provided helpful feedback on my essays. This kindness made me feel welcomed in the school community, and I was lucky to build friendships that I will cherish for a lifetime.
Xinjiang Zhixing Trip
During my three years of high school, the whole person education at Pao School transformed me from a ‘small-town swot’ into an actively engaged student who participated in a wide variety of campus activities. I’m especially grateful for the exceptional teachers and students at the school who I have looked up to as role models.
My teachers, coming from prestigious institutions such as Oxford and Berkeley, chose to dedicate themselves to education, unfolding new possibilities for us in the classroom. The students at Pao School are the most diverse and courageous individuals I’ve ever met; some have acting skills that rival professional performers, others started their own businesses at a young age, and some have excelled in world-class sports competitions. Yet, regardless of their accomplishments, they remain my closest friends, always ready to lend a helping hand when I need it. This supportive atmosphere has taught me the importance of learning from those around me and striving for progress during every moment of my time at the school.
Frank Zhou
USA, Swarthmore College
I joined YK Pao School in Year 1 and was immediately immersed in an environment that encouraged exploration. Thanks to the school’s ample resources, I was able to participate in a lot of activities, both in and out of the classroom. This was supported by the school's whole-person education approach and its unwavering commitment to the comprehensive development of students. In such an environment, I had the opportunity to explore a wide range of interests, participate in various competitions, and continuously push my own limits.
I began playing golf at the age of seven. As I went through primary and middle school, what started as a fun pastime transformed into a serious goal: I wanted to compete at a higher level and ultimately become a professional golfer. This ambition was fueled by countless hours spent on the golf course, practicing my swing and honing my skills. I have since received several awards, being named a national first-class athlete, regional champion, national champion and international champion. My ultimate goal in sports is to become a professional golfer, compete in the PGA Tour, and help Team China win an Olympic gold medal.
Looking back at my time at Pao School, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the unwavering support in balancing academics and sports. The teachers were always there to encourage and guide me through challenges, ensuring I stayed on track with my studies. The friendships I made at the school will last a lifetime. When I faced difficulties in golf, I turned to Victor Lyu, a fellow classmate and fencing world champion, who shared techniques for handling pressure, helping me to overcome challenges. We also supported each other academically, sharing notes and catching up on missed classes whenever competitions took us away. I feel fortunate to have spent my high school years in such a nurturing and dynamic environment.
