Jing Wen: Following the designated schedule sounds like a safe bet. You can always change your mind later.\n\n< @ [[>|Page 7]]
What about you Xin Xin? What is the important factor when choosing a "best-fit" school for you?\n\nA. Academic\nB. Social\nC. Location\nD. Cost
Yu Xuan: That makes sense, while we also need to choose a school economically, generally speaking, private school costs more than public school. Tuition and living expenses are much higher in big cities comparing to in small towns.\nJing Wen: True true, a lot to consider.\n\n< @ [[>|Page 14]]
Xin Xin's Journey
How strong do you feel that you want to go to an elite US school?\n[[A. Very strong|Page 12]]\n[[B. Strong|Page 12]]\n[[C. Not strong|Page 12]]\n[[D. Not interested|Page 12]]
Yu Xuan: Can you imagine how competative it is to get admission to an elite school in US?\nJing Wen: Needless to say, I already feel that pressure. Only very few students can get accepted to those top-tier universities.\nYu Xuan: I am working so hard to raise my GPA, my SAT scores and overall perforamces, hopefully I can give it a shot.\nJing Wen: I don't have that high expectation of getting into an elite school. I may skip those hot spots and choose a lower ranking school that I feel more comfortable with.\n\n< @ [[>|Page 11]]
Jing Wen: Yes! I almost forgot about that. That's is another great way to finish early or take an extra class you may be interested in.\n\n< @ [[>|Page 9]]
Yu Xuan: Oh and don't forget about maybe taking courses in the summer.\n\n< @ [[>|Page 8]]
Xin Xin is a student just like you. This interactive comic will let you experience Xin Xin's journey.\n\n< @ [[>| Page 1]]
Jing Wen: How would you like to complete your degree? In US, you can either choose to arrange your own schedule or follow a designated schedule by discussing with your academic advisor.\n\n[[Arrange my own schedule, choose courses to take for each semester on my own|Page 6a]]\n\nor...\n\n[[Follow the designated schedule and take four years to complete the degree.|Page 6b]]
Jing Wen: I think arranging your own schedule would be exciting. You might finish early or get to take an extra class that interests you.\n\n< @ [[>|Page 7]]
Panel 1:\nJing Wen: Have you decided where would you like to attend college?\nYu Xuan: I am planning to study abroad in the United States. How about you?\n\nPanel 2:\nJing Wen: I am thinking about attending school in US too!\nYu Xuan: Very cool! Maybe we will go to the same one!\n\nPanel 3:\nJing Wen: That would be great! What made you want to go to the US?\nYu Xuan: I like the American education system better because it encourages students to challenge ideas. What do you think?\n\nPanel 4:\nJing Wen: I agree with you, the Chinese education system focuses on teaching students the answers while the US education system teaches students how to find the answers for themselves.\n\n< @ [[>| Page 3]]
Panel 1: \nYu Xuan: There is a lot to prepare before going to U.S. and there are so many differences between Chinese and American Education System.\n\nJing Wen: I guess it will take a while for us to adjust.\n\nPanel 2:\nYu Xuan: Personally I like the way college classes in US are formed.\nJing Wen: So how are they formed?\nJing Wen: In US, students are grouped based on subjects and they have different classmates for each individual course for each semester. In China, college students are grouped into classes and stay with the same classmates throughout college.\n\nPanel 3:\nYu Xuan: Oh! That's good to know.\n\nPanel 4: \nDialougue: (Question for Xin Xin)\nWhat do you think Xin Xin, do you want to attend college in US?\n[[Yes I am totally sure|Page 4a]]\n[[Yes but I want to learn more|Page 4b]]\n[[I am having second thoughts but need more info|Page 4c]]
Panel 1:\nXin Xin is a senior in highscool and is interested in attending college in the US.\n\nPanel 2:\nXin Xin's two best friends are Jing Wen and Yu Xuan.\n\n< @ [[>| Page 2]]
Lucas and Qing\n
Jing Wen: I agree, I want to learn more before I make such a big decision.\n\n< @ [[>|Page 5]]
Jing Wen: I agree, I want to learn more before I make such a big decision.\n\n< @ [[>|Page 5]]
Jing Wen: Well don't make your mind up so quickly. There is still a lot we have to learn.\n\n< @ [[>|Page 5]]
Panel 1:\nJing Wen: Another unique feature I really like about US college is that you can graduate anytime as long as you meet all the requirements.\nYu Xuan: What does 'meet all the requirements' mean?\nJing Wen: You can decide how many courses to take for each semester and how long it takes to get your degree, as long as you complete the required credits. \n\nPanel 2:\nYu Xuan: So there is a chance that I can get my bachelor's degree in two to four years. \nJing Wen: Exactly, however, maintain a good GPA is also very important, don't take too many courses to ruin your GPA tho.\n\n\nPanel 3:\nYu Xuan: That's true. I prefer this flexible selection that you can either speed up for one semester and slow down for the next semester.\nJing Wen: And you can also have another major or minor if you like.\nYu Xuan: That sounds fun! I would love to!\n\n< @ [[>|Page 10]]
Jing Wen: What factors that may impact your choices on choosing an American university?\nYu Xuan: I will take the best fit program as my first priority, which meet my academic interest and needs. \nJing Wen: That's true, but as for me, I need to feel that I belong to that university which offers a community and welcoming environment for international students.\n\n< @ [[>|Page 13]]