Study Abroad Blog
Curated guides, test prep tips, and application insights to help you make the best academic decisions
Emory University: Atlanta Urban Campus, Goizueta Business, Across from the CDC
Complete Emory profile: 13% acceptance rate, Top 20 Goizueta Business School, Atlanta home of the CDC and Coca-Cola. Why is Emory the "Southern Private Ivy" with strengths in both healthcare/public health and business? How should Taiwanese families evaluate it?
Washington University in St. Louis: Medical School Powerhouse, Olin Business, and an ED Strategy School
WashU is one of the most underrated Top 25 universities among Asian families: a pre-med dream school, a strong business option, and a university where ED can be the key to admission.
University of Michigan: A Leading Public Ivy, Ross/Engineering, and the Ann Arbor Spirit
A complete UMich profile: 17% OOS acceptance rate, Top 5 Ross School of Business, and Ann Arbor campus culture. Why is this Public Ivy one of the most important “public vs. private” choices among Top 25 universities for Taiwanese families?
Carnegie Mellon University: America’s #1 SCS for Computer Science, Interdisciplinary DNA, and Pittsburgh’s Steel City Edge
Carnegie Mellon University combines America’s top-ranked Computer Science program, elite drama training, and a deeply interdisciplinary culture in Pittsburgh’s fast-rising tech ecosystem.
Vanderbilt University: Peabody Education, Nashville Campus, and the Harvard of the South
Vanderbilt combines Ivy-level academics, Southern hospitality, and the energy of Music City. A complete guide to admissions, academics, campus culture, aid, and fit.
University of Notre Dame: Catholic Tradition, Fighting Irish, and the Most Devout Top 20 University
Notre Dame is the only Catholic university in the Top 20 and one of the most alumni-loyal schools in the United States. From Mendoza Business to Fighting Irish football and mandatory theology courses, its defining question is not only academics, but fit.
Rice University: Residential Colleges, Houston Campus, and the Ivy of the South
Rice is one of the most overlooked Top 20 universities among Taiwanese families. With Ivy-level academics, a 1:6 student-faculty ratio, 11 Residential Colleges, and exceptional access to Houston's medical and energy industries, it offers a rare blend of academic rigor, community, and value.
UC Berkeley: Public Ivy, EECS/Haas Powerhouse, Stanford’s Archrival
A complete UC Berkeley profile: 11% acceptance rate, EECS ranked Top 2 in the U.S., and Haas Business School in the Top 10. Why is Berkeley considered the leading “Public Ivy”? How should Taiwanese families evaluate this public flagship known for academic intensity and a rebellious spirit?
UCLA: A Public Ivy, LA Campus, and Powerhouse in Athletics and the Arts
UCLA is a Top 15 public university with unmatched resources, an LA location, elite athletics, and explosive application volume. For international students, however, UCLA is essentially self-funded, with annual costs around USD $70,000+ and almost no need-based aid.