On the educational journey where knowledge and innovation intersect, MIC has always been committed to building a bridge for students to world-renowned universities and providing diverse, high-quality academic development opportunities. Recently, an ASDAN EPQ information session focusing on enhancing academic research capabilities and boosting university application competitiveness was held warmly on campus, attracting active participation from numerous teachers, students, and parents, and infusing the campus with a strong atmosphere of academic exploration.
Opening of the Information Session: High-Value Program Attracts Attention
At the beginning of the session, a senior tutor from ASDAN quickly captured everyone’s attention with a wonderful opening speech. The tutor elaborated on the important status and unique value of the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) — a research-based learning certification program strongly recommended by the UK Department for Education and the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). As a course that does not require traditional examinations, EPQ encourages students to independently explore topics of interest, deeply delve into knowledge during the research process, and develop comprehensive abilities such as independent thinking, problem-solving, and academic writing. These abilities are precisely the key qualities that world-renowned universities value highly in talent selection.
The tutor emphasised in particular that the EPQ qualification is equivalent to half an A-Level course grade. After completing the project, students will not only obtain an EPQ grade certificate upon assessment but also have the opportunity to earn up to 28 UCAS points. This is undoubtedly a significant advantage in the highly competitive university application process. For students aspiring to apply to top UK universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, and University College London, the EPQ experience is even recommended strongly as a background enhancement pathway by the universities themselves. It can effectively prove that students possess the research capabilities required for university studies, helping them stand out in personal statement writing and interview sessions.
In-Depth Analysis of the Program: Diverse Stages Build an Academic Growth Path
As the information session progressed, the tutor provided a comprehensive and detailed interpretation of the specific content and implementation stages of the ASDAN EPQ program. In the topic selection stage, ASDAN EPQ covers a wide range of academic fields including liberal arts, science, engineering, business, and art. It fully respects students’ interests and professional orientations, encouraging them to break free from textbook limitations and boldly explore cutting-edge topics or in-depth issues behind daily phenomena. Examples include "How will the 2022 FIFA World Cup promote economic growth in Qatar and China in the short and long term?" and "Evaluation of laser signal wavelengths with the highest transmittance under three weather conditions from satellite to ground". Any topic that can demonstrate a unique perspective and research value is eligible for EPQ.
During the research process, ASDAN EPQ adopts a distinctive Oxbridge-style tutor system, assigning both Chinese and British tutors to each student. British tutors, who also serve as examiners (SA), have an average teaching experience of over 20 years and more than 8 years of EPQ tutoring experience. They are proficient in the EPQ syllabus and assessment requirements, and are mainly responsible for supervising and evaluating students’ research processes, providing professional guidance with an international academic perspective. Chinese academic tutors (TA) are all graduates of top overseas universities, receiving unified training, certification, and supervision from the ASDAN Examination Board. They have a better understanding of Chinese students’ learning characteristics, focusing on intensive tutoring and progress management. Tailored to the ability characteristics of different students, they provide practical and effective score improvement suggestions, enabling students to experience a teaching model that is consistent in quality and quantity with that for local British students. The system emphasises "guidance" rather than complete "indoctrination", helping students transform the knowledge gained during the research process into their own academic achievements.
In terms of outcome presentation, students can choose to write an English dissertation of no more than 5,000 words, systematically elaborating on research ideas, methods, processes, and conclusions. Alternatively, they can complete a displayable project (such as a scientific invention, artistic creation, literary manuscript, or business plan) with a 1,000-word English explanation, showcasing their research results in diverse ways. Finally, students need to conduct a 15-minute defence, further demonstrating their in-depth understanding of the topic and research capabilities through interactions with the review panel.
Role Models of MIC Students: Outstanding EPQ Achievements
At the information session, student representatives from MIC who had previously participated in the EPQ program and achieved excellent results were also invited to share their personal experiences and gains. Two students, Liu Zhuoyan and Kuang Yuxin, obtained A and A* grades respectively in their EPQ research. They not only received corresponding UCAS points and school scholarships but also achieved significant leaps in their personal abilities during the project. They recalled the arduous journey from confusion in topic selection, to gradually clarifying directions and conducting in-depth research under tutors’ guidance, and finally completing their achievements. They encountered various difficulties and challenges, such as the hardship of data collection and dilemmas in choosing research methods, but successfully overcame them through persistent efforts and the careful help of the tutor team, and completed research results of great academic value.
Taking themselves as examples, these outstanding students vividly illustrated the profound impact of the EPQ program on personal growth to their juniors and seniors. It not only improved their academic level but also comprehensively honed their comprehensive qualities such as communication and collaboration, time management, and critical thinking, laying a solid foundation for their future university life and career. Their sharing gave the students present a more intuitive and in-depth understanding of the EPQ program, and greatly stimulated everyone’s enthusiasm and initiative to participate.
Interactive Q&A: Resolving Academic Puzzles and Clarifying the Path Forward
The interactive Q&A session pushed the on-site atmosphere to a climax. Students actively raised questions, focusing on details such as the specific implementation of the EPQ program, how to balance EPQ with daily coursework, and how to choose a topic suitable for themselves. Parents were also very concerned about issues such as the program’s practical help for their children’s university applications, and the time and energy investment required to participate in the EPQ program. ASDAN tutors and the teaching team of MIC answered these questions patiently and in detail one by one, dispelling doubts for students and parents from a professional perspective and clarifying their direction.
Regarding topic selection, which students cared about, the tutor suggested starting from personal interests, future professional plans, and social hot issues to find research-worthy and feasible entry points. In terms of time management, it was emphasised that students should formulate reasonable plans, break down the EPQ project into phased tasks, and integrate them with daily learning to avoid neglecting one aspect for another. Addressing parents’ concerns about university application support, the tutor once again highlighted the significant role of EPQ in enhancing students’ comprehensive competitiveness, enriching personal statement materials, and strengthening interview advantages. They also shared many cases of students successfully admitted to world-renowned universities with their EPQ results, filling parents with confidence in their children’s participation in the program.
The successful holding of the ASDAN EPQ information session at MIC has opened a door for students to a new world of academic research. Through in-depth understanding of the EPQ program, Meilun students have developed a clearer plan for their future academic development path. They have expressed their expectation to participate in the program, embark on a wonderful research journey of their own under tutors’ guidance, take the EPQ program as a strong support to enhance their capabilities, stand out in future university applications, and realise their dreams of entering prestigious universities. MIC will also continue to support students in participating in various high-quality academic programs, work hand in hand with ASDAN to provide comprehensive guarantees and support for students’ growth and development, and jointly write a brilliant chapter of education.
