Curiosity beats perfect statements, UK elite universities tell Hong Kong students

Representatives from top British universities, including the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and King’s College London, told an education summit in Hong Kong that they prioritize authentic curiosity and academic resilience over perfect grades and personal statements. At the Global Education Summit, organized by the South China Morning Post and HSBC Premier, admissions officials said students should show a genuine passion for learning and intellectual drive, rather than just relying on test prep and expensive consultants. The session focused on studying abroad, with nearly 11,000 people in total attending the two-day summit. One of the officials, Samina Khan, director of undergraduate admissions and outreach at the University of Oxford, emphasized that a passion for the course is essential to the admissions process, encouraging students not just to stick to their school curriculum but also to do their own research and reading outside of class.