Honest guides to the IB and university admissions.
Subject-by-subject IB strategy, UK/US/HK applications, and the things admissions tutors actually look for — written by an incoming Cambridge student who did it from an international school in Tokyo.
IB Diploma
9 guidesHow to Get a 45 in the IB Diploma
Achieving a perfect IB 45 isn't luck. Howard Chan, an incoming Cambridge HSPS student, shares his actionable strategies for every subject and exam, from Tokyo.
Read guide IB DiplomaIB vs A-Levels: Which Is Better for University Admissions?
Howard Chan (IB 45, Cambridge HSPS) shares an honest comparison of IB vs. A-Levels for university admissions. Discover which curriculum suits your goals for UK, US, and HK universities.
Read guide IB DiplomaHow to Choose IB Subjects for Your Intended Degree
IB 45 scorer and Cambridge offer-holder Howard Chan shares his strategy for selecting IB subjects tailored for UK, US, and HK university applications. Avoid common pitfalls and optimize your choices.
Read guide IB DiplomaHow to Write a Top-Mark IB Extended Essay
Howard Chan (IB 45, Cambridge HSPS) shares his concrete, non-generic guide to writing a top-mark IB Extended Essay. Learn real strategies for success.
Read guide IB DiplomaHow to Write the IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Essay
From an IB 45 scorer and Cambridge admit, Howard Chan shares his concrete strategy for writing a top-scoring IB TOK essay. Learn how to pick prompts, structure arguments, and avoid common pitfalls for UK, US, HK applicants.
Read guide IB DiplomaHow to Ace Your IB Internal Assessments (IAs)
Howard Chan, an IB 45-point scorer and Cambridge HSPS admit, shares his specific, actionable strategies for acing IB Internal Assessments (IAs) for UK, US, and HK university applications.
Read guide IB DiplomaHow IB Scores Convert to University Offers
Demystify how your IB score translates to university offers in the UK, US, and Hong Kong. Howard Chan (IB 45, Cambridge HSPS) shares real timelines and offer specifics.
Read guide IB DiplomaThe Study Schedule That Earns Top IB Grades
Howard Chan shares his exact IB study schedule, leading to a predicted 45 and Cambridge HSPS. Learn concrete strategies for international students applying to top UK/US/HK universities.
Read guide IB DiplomaThe Best Free Resources for IB Students
From an IB 45 scorer heading to Cambridge: discover the best free resources for IB students, covering past papers, notes, and exam strategies.
Read guideUK & Oxbridge
6 guidesHow to Write a Cambridge Personal Statement
From an IB 45 student admitted to Cambridge HSPS, HKU, & HKUST: learn how to craft a compelling Cambridge Personal Statement with real examples and timelines.
Read guide UK & OxbridgeHow to Get into Oxbridge from an International School
Howard Chan (IB 45, Cambridge HSPS) shares specific, actionable advice for international students aiming for Oxbridge, covering exams, essays, and interviews.
Read guide UK & OxbridgeSupercurriculars: What Oxbridge Actually Wants to See
Discover what genuinely impresses Oxbridge admissions for HSPS, straight from an IB 45 Cambridge offer holder. Concrete examples, timelines, and strategies for international students.
Read guide UK & OxbridgeHow to Prepare for the Cambridge HSPS Interview
From Tokyo to Cambridge: Howard Chan (IB 45, Peterhouse HSPS) shares specific, actionable advice for acing the Cambridge Human, Social, and Political Sciences interview. Learn real strategies.
Read guide UK & OxbridgeThe UCAS Application Timeline for International Students
Demystify the UCAS application timeline for international students. Howard Chan, an IB 45 Cambridge admit, shares concrete steps, deadlines, and tips for UK, US, and HK applicants.
Read guide UK & OxbridgeCambridge vs Oxford: Which Should You Apply To?
Cambridge or Oxford? An IB 45 student from Tokyo shares insights on choosing between Oxbridge, covering courses, colleges, interviews, and more for international applicants.
Read guideUS & Hong Kong
4 guidesHow to Score 1550+ on the SAT: A Realistic Study Plan
Achieve 1550+ on the SAT with my proven study plan. From an IB 45 student admitted to Cambridge, HKU, and HKUST, learn real strategies for international students.
Read guide US & Hong KongHow to Get into HKU and HKUST
Howard Chan, IB 45 and Cambridge offer holder, shares a concrete guide to applying to HKU and HKUST. Learn about grades, essays, interviews, and timelines for international students.
Read guide US & Hong KongUK vs US vs Hong Kong: How to Choose Where to Apply
Howard Chan, IB 45, shares his insights on choosing between UK, US, and Hong Kong universities. Get practical advice on applications, costs, and student life.
Read guide US & Hong KongHow to Write a Common App Essay That Stands Out
From an IB 45 Cambridge admit: Learn how to craft a Common App essay that genuinely reflects your unique voice and experiences for top universities.
Read guideAdmissions & strategy
6 guidesHow to Apply to UK Universities from Asia
Howard Chan (IB 45, Cambridge HSPS) shares his specific, honest advice for Asian international students applying to UK universities, covering UCAS, personal statements, and timelines.
Read guide Admissions & strategyHow to Get Published as a High-School Researcher
Howard Chan (IB 45, Cambridge HSPS) shares his honest guide on getting published as a high school researcher. Concrete steps for UK, US, HK applications.
Read guide Admissions & strategyAre Lumiere and Polygence Worth It? An Honest Guide
As an IB 45 student admitted to Cambridge, HKU, and HKUST, I break down whether Lumiere and Polygence are worth the investment for international students targeting top universities. Get concrete insights, not fluff.
Read guide Admissions & strategyHow to Stand Out in Competitive University Applications
Howard Chan (IB 45, Cambridge HSPS) shares concrete strategies for international students to stand out in competitive university applications to the UK, US, and Hong Kong. Learn how to craft unique essays, build a strong extracurricular profile, and ace interviews.
Read guide Admissions & strategyHow to Get Strong Recommendation Letters
Howard Chan shares how to secure impactful recommendation letters for UK, US, & HK university applications. Real advice from an IB 45 Cambridge admit.
Read guide Admissions & strategyGap Year vs Direct University Entry: What Is Right for You?
Howard Chan (IB 45, Cambridge HSPS) shares insights on gap years vs. direct university entry for international students applying to the UK, US, and Hong Kong. Concrete advice.
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