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Finally, the four-and-a half-hour SAT exam is over. I was one of many Chinese students, thousands of whom were from mainland China, who had flown to the Asia World Expo center in Hong Kong to take the exam so I could apply to an American university.

The scene at the Asia World Expo seems to epitomize the trend now in China for Chinese students to attend American universities. There is a remarkable increase of Chinese students admitted to America’s top universities. I can’t tell you what change we will bring to American universities except by “adding to diversity,” but I can tell you how the trend itself is reshaping China, and reshaping Chinese students like me.

Here in China, smart businesses take advantage of this opportunity to make a profit by offering SAT and TOEFL training courses, selling test preparation books and helping students with their application essays. Forums known as “global education” are always packed with parents seeking better education opportunities for their children; more and more high schools in Beijing incorporate international curriculums, such as Advanced Placement courses and the International Baccalaureate. The education market is booming.

I also feel myself shaped by this trend.

As a typical Chinese student, I grew up in China, mired in “Chinese” ways. In preparing to go abroad, I was introduced to “American” concepts like “critical thinking”, “creativity” and “leadership”. I gradually learned to step out of my comfort zone, to be more active, enthusiastic and creative, exploring new things instead of passively receiving a high school education. So I joined various clubs, organized exciting events and launched ones of my own. Many of my peers made similar efforts, transforming my high school into a more fascinating place.

Moreover, American college application pushes us to reflect on the philosophical question, “Who am I?” Most American universities are always interested in figuring out what kind of person I am beyond my GPA and test scores. It was a great chance to think about my strengths and weaknesses, what I value and what I aim to achieve.