Another busy university application season is underway at Nanjing International School, and alongside individual counselling, application guidance, and family support, university information sessions are once again bringing admissions representatives from leading institutions around the world directly to our campus.

For NIS University and Career Counsellor Pearl Noh, these visits are an important part of helping students make informed choices about what comes after graduation – a journey that begins in our 9^th Grade.

“Visiting every overseas university an international student may be considering isn’t realistic,” said Ms. Noh. “NIS students apply to universities across 18–19 countries, making opportunities to speak directly with admissions representatives especially valuable. University visits allow our students to learn more about campus communities, programmes, admissions priorities, application processes, and what distinguishes one university from another.”

That connection can be particularly timely for Grade 12 students. They can ask detailed questions about their applications, hear directly about changing admissions trends and institutional priorities, and sometimes learn about opportunities such as scholarships. Just as importantly, students have the chance to introduce themselves and build a direct connection with the representatives who understand applicants from our region.

Parents benefit too. University websites and brochures provide plenty of information, but, as Ms. Noh explained, it can sometimes be difficult for families to understand what truly makes one university different from another. Meeting admissions representatives face-to-face gives parents the opportunity to ask straightforward questions about admissions, costs, student life, support, and other factors that may influence a family’s decision.

“Ultimately,” said Ms. Noh, “the goal is not simply admission to a university, but helping every student identify the best fit for their interests, ambitions, strengths, and future.”

That philosophy also shapes the wide range of institutions NIS welcomes. Ms. Noh described the approach as intentionally student-centred: because our students’ aspirations and pathways are diverse, they should have opportunities to explore universities across different countries, systems, programmes, and levels of selectivity.

Already this school year, NIS has welcomed representatives from University of Wisconsin–Madison, King’s College London, University College London, and Ohio State University, with further opportunities expected as the 2026–27 university admissions season continues.

In recent years, our campus has also hosted representatives from institutions including the University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, Chung-Ang University, New York University, Boston University, Reed College, UCLA, UC Davis, University of Sydney, University of Hong Kong, and University of Calgary, among many others.