Studying in China has become a popular option for international students seeking a unique combination of quality education, cultural experience, and professional growth. Today, we’re excited to share the story of Daria, an MBA graduate from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC).
Why Study an MBA in China?
Daria, originally from Russia, had already completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Economics and Finance back home. However, she was eager to further her education by pursuing an MBA in a new environment that combined her academic interests with her love for China. Having spent time in China six years prior as an exchange student, she knew that China was where she wanted to study.
“I went to China six years ago as an exchange student and I loved it I totally loved it so it’s like combination of something that I want to study and somewhere where I want to study,” Daria shared.
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Why USTC?
When deciding where to apply, Daria followed a common approach by looking at university rankings. She was specifically looking for a top-tier university outside of Beijing, as she had already studied there during her exchange program.
“I didn’t want to go back to Beijing, so I looked for universities outside the capital that ranked highly. USTC was the first one to give me a positive reply, and I was thrilled!”
USTC is part of the C9 League, a prestigious group of elite universities in China often compared to the Ivy League, and its strong reputation made it an easy choice for Daria.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Daria describes the application process for USTC’s MBA program as “super easy.” She emphasized that meeting deadlines is crucial, but the actual application process is straightforward. Here’s how she applied:
- Stay Informed About Deadlines: The most important thing is to ensure you don’t miss the application deadlines.
- Complete the Application
- Scholarship Application
- Professor Contact (Optional): While not mandatory for MBA applicants, Daria reached out to professors to secure an acceptance letter from a potential supervisor, which she believes gave her an advantage.
She explained, “It’s always a good idea to get an acceptance letter from a professor, but it’s not necessary for MBA students. Some of my classmates didn’t have one, and they were still accepted.”
What USTC Looks for in an MBA Applicant
When asked about the specific profile USTC is looking for in MBA students, Daria believes that motivation is key.
“You don’t necessarily need an economics background. What they really want is someone who is motivated to create and build something, whether it’s a business or applying your skills in a new way. If you express that well in your motivation letter, you’ll have a good chance,” Daria explained.
USTC doesn’t require GMAT or GRE scores for their MBA program, and work experience is also not mandatory, making it more accessible for students from various educational backgrounds.
The Interview Experience
Daria also shared details about her interview process. USTC is known for being thorough, even conducting a technical interview first to ensure that there are no technical difficulties during the actual interview.
“The interview with the professors was very pleasant,” Daria recalled. “They asked about my background, what I wanted to do, and even about my hobbies. It felt more like a friendly conversation than a formal interview.”
Life as a Student at USTC
When it comes to student life, Daria’s excitement was palpable. USTC offers a wide range of extracurricular activities with over 100 student clubs covering various interests, from sports to music to hiking.
“There’s always something happening. I love music, and when I went to the Student Activity Center, there were so many sounds—drums, people playing in the orchestra, and singing. It felt incredible!”
Daria’s involvement in these activities made her student experience truly enriching. One of her favorite memories was performing at a large university concert. “It felt like I was performing in front of a huge crowd, and everyone was so supportive. I loved every moment of it.”
Tips for Future Applicants
Daria’s advice for prospective students is simple: Be yourself.
“When you apply, don’t be afraid to express your true self in your motivation letter and during the interview. USTC values authenticity, and the professors can sense if you’re genuine. So just relax and show who you are.”
She also emphasized how much free time students have to pursue hobbies and develop their skills since USTC’s MBA program doesn’t require students to publish papers, unlike many other MBA programs.
Why Study at USTC?
Daria couldn’t speak more highly of the facilities and resources available at USTC. From world-class libraries and labs to swimming pools and sports facilities, the campus has everything students need to thrive both academically and personally.
“The university and campus are amazing. The campus has a lot of facilities. If you’re really into studying, you can spend a lot of time in the library. But if you want to focus on other things, you can do a lot of different activities too. The best reason to study here is the university itself.”
For more information on how to apply to Univeristy of Science and Technology of China or other top universities in China, visit China Admissions and start your journey today!
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