This spring, BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan wrapped up the year and welcomed its first-ever group of rising seniors. Typically, rising seniors at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China campuses hear directly from their own school’s recent graduates about the college admissions process. But as Wuhan’s first senior class, there was no prior graduating class to call on. So the school invited five members of the Class of 2026 from campuses in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou to share their experiences during a graduate sharing session in June.
Come fall, the visiting graduates will head to top universities around the globe, including University of California, Berkeley, University of Southern California, Cornell University, University of Cambridge and Northwestern University in Qatar.
Raul Cruz, Senior Director of College Admissions at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan, opened the event by discussing these university offers in the broader context of the graduates’ personal development. Drawing on his experience guiding students through the college admissions process, he emphasized that strong outcomes do not result from following a single formula or a checklist of achievements. Instead, they come from sustained effort, honest self-reflection, resilience, and a growing sense of personal direction.
Mr. Cruz encouraged his students to look beyond university names and rankings, and to listen closely to the individual stories behind each result. He asked them to consider how the graduates had responded to setbacks, developed greater independence, refined their interests, and learned to make thoughtful decisions under pressure. His message reflected the central philosophy of BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan’s college counseling program: university admission is important, but the deeper purpose of the process is helping students become more self-aware, responsible, and prepared to make meaningful use of the opportunities ahead.
Following Mr. Cruz’s opening, the graduates took the stage. Rather than prepared remarks, the session was structured as an open Q&A, giving students and parents in Grades 8–11 a chance to ask the graduates anything about the application process and their time at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China.
On Finding Your Interests:
Harry L. discussed how students can develop meaningful experiences without trying to predict their future major too early. Drawing on his background in debate, he explained how the skills it develops can carry over into almost any field of study, including his future studies in Business and Artificial Intelligence.
Turbo G. talked about how his experiences at BASIS International School Guangzhou helped him develop a broader understanding of his own strengths and interests, eventually leading him to shift his academic focus from biochemistry to journalism. He also reflected on his participation in a summer program at Northwestern University in Qatar, which helped shape both his personal growth and his understanding of the type of academic environment in which he wanted to continue his education.
On Writing An Authentic Essay:
James D. shared how he developed his personal essay narrative by connecting his passion for aquatic environmentalism with his experience as a sailor. He described how his essay began as a story about developing a specific skill and then grew into a reflection on his personal journey, including his efforts to address environmental challenges through independent projects. He emphasized that successful personal statements should not simply highlight achievements but should reveal a student’s personality, values, and growth over time.
On Testing, Interviews, And The Pressure Of Senior Year:
Several graduates spoke about other parts of the process, such as managing counselor feedback, staying organized under a deadline, and resisting the urge to compare yourself to classmates. The advice focused on starting early enough to leave room for revision and staying focused on what you can control. Ken W., who is heading to the University of Cambridge, noted that admission tests and interviews are not only assessments of academic knowledge but also opportunities for universities to evaluate students’ curiosity, mindset, and potential.
Flora H., a 2026 graduate of BASIS International School Hangzhou, reflected on what it meant to come back and speak to students at another campus. “Stepping into the Grade 11 college counseling class not only allowed me to reflect on the steps and challenges in my own college application journey, but also to share my experience with rising seniors. The memory of standing in that auditorium, answering questions to support other BASIS International & Bilingual Schools • China families, will carry over to the time when I have the honor of standing in UC Berkeley’s auditorium. This trip also enhanced my public speaking skills, especially in giving impromptu speeches and answering questions on the spot.”
The session gave BASIS International & Bilingual Schools Wuhan‘s first group of seniors a preview of next year, when they will be standing in front of a new class of rising seniors, doing the same thing.
Conclusion
For educators, sessions like this show the strength of the BASIS International & Bilingual Schools network. Across campuses, students, graduates, counselors, and teachers work together to support growth, share experience, and prepare students for what comes next.
If you are looking to teach in a collaborative school community where your work helps students grow academically and personally, explore careers with BASIS International & Bilingual Schools on our careers website.
