Boston University (BU) is highly valued in the global education arena for its outstanding academic reputation, robust research capabilities, comprehensive student support, and strong alumni network. Whether in academic achievement or career development, BU provides students with a solid foundation and extensive opportunities.

As a result, BU attracts top students from around the world, and applicants must distinguish themselves among a competitive pool of candidates. The university values not only academic excellence but also diversity and unique experiences, so applicants need to highlight their individuality in their application materials. At this point, the professional application team from NKCS becomes crucial. Only by strategically planning the application process and tailoring it to the student's profile can they gain BU's favor.

Jim C.

Jim chose classical physics as his academic research area because it underpins the fundamental principles of nearly all machinery. His strong interest in mechanical design and construction began in 2016 when he assembled his first Lego “Porsche Car.” The complex internal structure left him in awe, especially the ingenious design of the gearbox. These realistic and intricate details sparked his in-depth exploration of automotive mechanics, prompting him to start understanding the structural variations and working principles of engines and gearboxes.

In 2023, following the advice of his academic counselor, Jim participated in the University of Hong Kong's “STEM Future Innovators” summer program. Through interdisciplinary courses, he gained foundational knowledge in engineering and successfully built a car model, quickly transforming theoretical knowledge into practical outcomes. This experience greatly motivated him to take on bigger challenges, such as serving as a core member of the school’s robotics club, where he designed and manufactured robots.

As his knowledge and experience grew, Jim decided to delve into maximizing the power output of aircraft engines to reduce flight time and fuel consumption. This interest stemmed from an environmental project that emphasized the overconsumption of fossil fuels. By employing a combination of literature review, modeling software (SolidWorks), scenario simulation, and quantitative analysis, he discovered that an engine’s power and efficiency peaked when the fan blade angle was set at 79.17 degrees. This research project not only enhanced his engineering skills in computational modeling and data analysis but also deepened his focus on sustainable development.

In G11, Jim completed the VEX EDR project and obtained a Programmer Certification from the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy (CMRA) by passing the online certification exam. Subsequently, he initiated a VEX extracurricular activity (CCA) at school with his classmates Aaron and Derrick. Although initially facing challenges such as insufficient funding and lack of interest from peers, they successfully secured over RMB 70,000 for materials by presenting their project goals to the middle school principal. The process of recruiting enthusiastic members was not smooth, but through active participation in school promotional activities, they eventually gathered 12 passionate students. Additionally, they collaborated with VEX robotics clubs from other schools in Wuxi, such as the International Department of Tianyi High School, to simulate real competition scenarios, laying a solid foundation for their participation in the VEX Robotics Competition.

Last summer vacation, Jim attended the summer school at Downing College, University of Cambridge, where he received specialized training in engineering. During a visit to the Cambridge Engineering Laboratory, his professor introduced him to the current inefficiencies in automobile manufacturing and an ongoing project aimed at reducing related material waste by 40% through innovative mechanical design. Despite the challenging nature of this goal, the potential for creating economic value and benefiting humanity through in-depth research, innovation, and application is immense. This experience further broadened Jim's horizons and reinforced his determination to continue exploring in the field of mechanical engineering.

Jim's experience in Sweden not only gave him a sense of humanity and idyllic freedom but also exposed him to the struggles of marginalized communities around the world. Years later, he still vividly remembers that afternoon when he sat with a family from Syria, listening to their harrowing journey across treacherous waters and war-torn lands. From them, he felt the fear of facing death. In fact, such families are not uncommon in Sweden, a country known for its peace. He admired their resilience and developed a deep empathy for their daily struggle to adapt to a new culture and regain stability. This experience became the driving force behind his later involvement in public welfare activities.

Starting from G10, Jim has traveled annually to the mountainous region of Xiangxi in Hunan, China—one of the country's most underdeveloped areas—to teach voluntarily. He uses the scientific knowledge he has acquired in school to teach children living in poverty and lacking educational resources, contributing to the construction of a more equitable society.

In the summer of 2022, Jim initiated the "Home for Stray Animals" project, designing and building shelters for stray animals in his community. He discussed design concepts with his team members, planned the shape of the shelters, and thoroughly considered practical needs such as moisture-proofing, waterproofing, insulation, heat protection, ventilation, and light transmission. Based on the finalized design, they purchased materials and constructed the shelters on-site.

The shelters were primarily constructed with a wooden frame, equipped with a waterproof layer, and coated with wood oil to ensure durability and protection. To prevent the shelters from being damaged, Jim and his team also created and placed informational signs and warm, friendly slogans around them. When the stray cats and dogs settled into their new homes, he felt a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing he had given them a sense of belonging and vitality. Over the years, these empathy-driven actions have further reinforced his belief in the importance of respecting all forms of life, much like the humanitarian efforts Sweden has demonstrated in aiding war refugees.