Adapting to pace

Some families view short-term programs as a strategic step. For Wang Xiaoli, a 48-year-old mother from Shenzhen, Guangdong province, sending her 17-year-old daughter Dai Dai to Georgetown University's three-week Global Business Academy in Washington DC was a serious decision.

"I wanted her to experience the reality of applying to and studying at a university. She needed to adapt to the pace of college life and gain confidence in a new environment," Wang said.

The application resembled a real college admission process: transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, and essays submitted through official channels. Wang recalled how quickly things moved. Registration opened on March 20, materials were verified within two days, essays submitted on March 23, and by March 26 the offer was in hand.

"It was intense, but in that week, she got a preview of the real process — the deadlines, the writing, the pressure," said Wang.

Her daughter shared a dorm with an American student and made friends from Italy and France during the program.

"I was relieved to see my daughter adapt so well — she was lively, outgoing, and quickly found her place," said Wang.

Classes were taught by professors and featured guest alumni. Students worked on case studies, culminating in a business pitch. Dai Dai was a group leader and guided her project to third place overall, which was presented on stage to loud cheers. "It gave her enormous confidence while showing her leadership and communication skills were valued internationally," Wang said.

It was also the first time the teenager had traveled alone overseas, flying from Hong Kong to Washington DC.

"I had worried about her ability to manage on her own, but this trip showed she could navigate airports, flights, and a foreign environment with maturity," said Wang.

The cost — 50,000 to 60,000 yuan ($8,480) in total — was significant, but Wang thought it was worthwhile because the experience changed the family's target for their daughter's college application.

Previously, they had leaned toward admission to a top-ranked university. Now, they are more focused on whether their daughter will fit into the school and the program.

"What matters is whether the school and program match the child's abilities and passions. Not every student needs to chase Harvard or Yale. Education only makes sense if it brings out their motivation and joy," said Wang.

Zhu from Wuxi Dipont School of Arts and Science said students at her school receive university counseling from as early as Grade 9. The focus has gradually shifted from whether the college they apply for is high-ranking, to whether they can fit into the college and the program.

"We always guide students to choose programs that align with their academic interests, rather than chasing big-name institutions," said Zhu.