As graduation season fills the air with anticipation, four accomplished grade 12 students from the American International School of Hong Kong—Elizabeth Wong, Leo Fung, Dylan Aoki, and Ankul Sidana—come together for an open and inspiring discussion. From dream acceptances to defining passions, these students offer a candid look at how their academic journeys have been shaped by curiosity, creativity, and resilience.
What was your first reaction when you received a university offer?
The moment of acceptance was unforgettable for each student—equal parts joy, shock, and relief. “I was surprised I got in,” recalls Elizabeth Wong, who had applied to her dream school at the last minute, not expecting much. For Leo Fung, the offer brought a wave of happiness after months of uncertainty. “It felt both exciting and overwhelming—I got mine in March and just remember feeling so relieved,” he shares. Dylan Aoki describes his reaction simply: “Excitement, of course!” Especially since the school was one of his top choices, thanks in part to its co-op programme that allows students to gain real-world work experience alongside their studies.
Can you share a bit about your college application journey?
The path to university wasn’t always straightforward, and each student faced unique challenges. Elizabeth admits she underestimated the process. “People say you can just apply through Common App, but there were so many unexpected steps, especially with financial aid. It turned out to be much more complicated than I thought.” Ankul echoes this, describing the experience as confusing and overwhelming. “I was really happy to have resources like Maia Learning, and I had several one-on-one meetings with my counsellor, which helped make sense of it all—especially when juggling different schools’ requirements.” Dylan focused on target schools based on his chosen major, Cognitive Science. “I prioritised schools with strong programmes in my field and focused on finding a community that felt like AIS—close-knit and collaborative.”
How did your High School Counsellor help you through the process?
All four students spoke highly of the pivotal role their counsellor played in navigating the university process. “She helped me so much—from submitting financial aid and health forms to shaping my original list of schools,” says Elizabeth. Leo credits his counsellor with helping him cut through the ambiguity. “University websites can be really unclear, especially when it comes to what’s required for different majors. I didn’t even know where I wanted to go at first, but she helped me reflect on what I want for my future.” Dylan adds that responsiveness was key. “She helped me set realistic goals and guided me through every logistical step. It made all the difference knowing I could just send her a quick email and get a helpful response.”
What programmes have you gotten into, and what do you hope to achieve with your degree?
Each student has chosen a programme that closely reflects their interests and long-term goals. Elizabeth is heading to Pratt Institute to study Communications Design with an emphasis on Illustration. “I’d love to become a concept artist, maybe for a video game company—games have always been a big part of my life.” Ankul plans to pursue Computer Science, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. “Both AP Comp Sci courses gave me a solid foundation, and I love that coding allows for both logic and creativity.” Leo is excited to study Economics, a subject that came alive through AIS’s classes in macro and microeconomics. “What really helped was applying that theory to real-world scenarios in class projects—I realised this is what I want to keep doing.” For Dylan, Cognitive Science offers a way to explore the questions he’s always been drawn to. “I’m fascinated by how people think, how they process the world. My university offers great opportunities for research in cognitive processes, which I can’t wait to dive into.”
What has drawn you to the majors you’ve selected?
These students aren’t just choosing majors—they’re following callings shaped by years of self-discovery. For Elizabeth, art is more than a hobby; it’s a constant. “It’s my strongest skill, and the one thing I’ve always returned to. I want to keep developing it.” Dylan’s academic focus crystallised during AP Psychology. “That class really shifted things for me. The units on cognitive processing and how the brain codes information were fascinating. I loved how it also connected with philosophy and linguistics.” For all of them, their chosen majors feel like a natural extension of who they are and how they think.
Which AP courses have helped support your university applications?
Advanced Placement classes played a major role in helping students develop the confidence and skills needed for university. Elizabeth points to a mix of creative and analytical subjects. “AP Seminar sharpened my presentation skills, and AP Art helped with my portfolio. AP English Language taught me how to analyse sources—though AP Stats? Honestly, not my favourite.” Ankul credits the two AP English courses with improving his argument-building skills. “It’s helped me so much, not just in writing applications but in everyday thinking.” Leo agrees: “The English APs helped me understand how to form and evaluate arguments. AP Research gave me the chance to go deep into a topic and make it my own.” Dylan’s AP Research project, which focused on psychology, gave him a leg up. “I had to collect data and learn new tools and stats software. It was a real hands-on experience that not everyone gets before university.”
Anything else you’d like to share?
There’s one name that comes up again and again: Mrs. Schnatterbeck. “I just want to thank her,” says Elizabeth. “She was always available for group sessions and individual help, and she set internal deadlines that really kept us on track.” Ankul reflects on another highlight: the school’s Techsperts programme, which gave him a chance to showcase his strengths in technology and innovation. “It allowed me to support both teachers and classmates with new tools, and show colleges how I can make a real impact.”
With a blend of ambition, talent and community support, these four students exemplify the spirit of AIS. Their journeys remind us that university isn’t just a destination—it’s a launchpad. And with curiosity and confidence as their compass, they’re more than ready for what’s next.
For more information on the educational journeys available at the American International School visit www.ais.edu.hk.
