BBSG QUEST Programme

University admissions have become increasingly challenging due to the influx of information and heightened competition.

When should we start planning for domestic or overseas universities?

What kind of students are top university admissions officers looking for?

How do we help our children set clear goals?

Meet Ms. Ally Xuan, Lead University Counsellor at BBSG, to understand why BBSG established the QUEST programme, how it differs from traditional university counselling, and how it helps each student set clear goals and strive for admission to their dream university.

Ms. Ally Xuan

University Counsellor Lead

Ms. Xuan received her master’s degree in 2003 from the University of Sydney in Australia. She has been involved in college and private school consultation and application for over 10 years in Canada. She has also served as an Academic Director, designing and teaching ELL and SAT programs, and volunteered as a translator for various non-profit organisations.

What is QUEST?

While University Counselling usually focuses on the application period, QUEST offers a comprehensive four-pronged counselling approach that includes academic support, extracurricular planning, university admissions guidance, and career development. QUEST was launched to help students find a purpose for their learning. QUEST empowers students to discover and pursue their passions, strategically shaping their educational and career trajectories to align with their unique abilities and interests.

With over 10 years of university counselling experience and connections with admissions officers from top universities, Ms. Xuan has helped many students secure admission to prestigious institutions like University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and Ivy League schools. She notes that top universities look for students with high academic potential, strong motivation, and the ability to master challenging courses. This embodies the essence of QUEST: the spirit of pursuing and exploring.

The 10-Step Guide of the QUEST Programme

Q: Question

Students are encouraged to self-reflect and raise questions about their futures, both immediate and long-term.

U: Understand

Our internal and external guidance counselling teams consistently review students’ development and provide guidance.

E: Experiential

Students experience a world of opportunities, academic or real-world, to find their passion and interests.

S: Service

Students immerse themselves in community service, building their profiles and developing global citizenship.

T: Technology

Leveraging technology and data analysis, we quantitatively analyze and objectively advise students on the most appropriate paths.

QUEST: The Power of TIME

The QUEST program starts university and career counselling as early as Grade 6. This is crucial because TIME is the single most important factor students need to explore their interests, improve their grades, and choose the right subjects for college preparation. By initiating planning early, we give students ample time to navigate "Passion Meets Purpose" and confidently chart their academic and career paths.

The BBSG QUEST timeline is divided into three key stages.

Grade 6-8: Junior Counselling

QUEST provides students with numerous opportunities to experience and explore different interests. The Enrichment Programme at BBSG offers various Co-curricular and Extra-curricular courses (CCA and ECA) and student-led clubs annually. Our "World of Work" programme connects students with experts from various industries, allowing them to explore real work environments and discover their true passions. 

This period also focuses on building English language skills, starting with communication and progressing to academic English, laying a strong foundation for future studies abroad.

Grade 9-10: Senior Counselling

Students focus on selecting relevant courses, improving academic grades, and preparing for standardized exams. With counsellors' guidance, they explore suitable universities worldwide and understand their admission requirements.

Grade 11-12: University Application

With a solid foundation laid over the past five years, BBSG students can enjoy a composed application experience. 

"When I write recommendation letters for my students, I draw from years of memories and understanding about each one of them. I will say each letter is a very solid and personalised recommendation," Ally shared.

Advanced Counselling Support at BBSG

In addition to starting early, BBSG provides diverse support in information and counselling. As the first school in the Education Hub, BBSG students have opportunities to interact with top university admissions officers worldwide, gaining firsthand guidance on overseas university applications.

What qualities does Cambridge University value most in applicants?

HKSAR is expanding enrollment for non-local students; how will that affect our applications to Hong Kong universities?

Which curriculum has an advantage in applying to universities in Hong Kong?

During the Education Hub Talk Series, admissions officers from top universities around the world answered key questions from parents and students.

BBSG students met with Dr. David Cardwell, Pro-Vice-Chancellor from Cambridge University.

Recently, BBSG parents and students met with admissions representatives from the top three universities in the HKSAR: the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. They provided BBSG families with valuable information, including popular majors, campus environments, and admission requirements. The CUHK admissions officer shared her insider tips with parents on site: “It's crucial for parents to gradually let go as early as possible so your children can learn to be independent and positively adapt to their life in another city and a different culture.”

BBSG families heard from admissions representatives from HKU, HKUST and CUHK.

The HKUST admissions officer shared his own experience: "Consider attending summer programs at your ideal university during high school. It’s valuable to have a comprehensive experience of the university's courses and the culture of its city or country. Talk to students there and hear from an authentic insider's perspective."

University application is one of the most important decisions for every family. QUEST counselling guides students, parents and families through individual meetings or workshops, with technology supporting each family's final decision. We aim to bridge the information gap and bring everyone on the same page, empowering every child in QUESTing for their future education journey.

“Learning and growing don’t stop at university. We hope that QUEST will benefit our students with continuous passion and happiness in what they do in their life beyond.”

Ms. Ally Xuan

University Counsellor Lead