Every year after the Gaokao, many students and parents suddenly start seriously considering studying abroad.
But the reality often is:
- They've already missed the optimal application cycle for U.S. universities
- No long-term activity planning
- No AP/SAT background
- Last-minute preparation makes it hard to aim for ideal schools
In the end, they realize:
Applying directly rarely yields truly satisfying results.
In recent years, more and more families have started paying attention to another pathway—Early College Program (大学少年班).
Unlike traditional U.S. undergraduate applications, this type of program does not rely entirely on long-term accumulated competitions, activities, and standardized test scores during high school. Instead, it involves taking college courses early, earning college credits, and then entering a U.S. university as a transfer student.
For students who underperform on the Gaokao, have no time to prepare U.S. applications, or are looking for a more secure pathway, this model is becoming an increasingly popular new option.
What is an "Early College Program"?
Simply put, it is:
Starting college-level studies while still in high school.
Students complete high school graduation requirements while taking real college courses. Upon finishing the program, they not only receive a U.S. high school diploma but also accumulate a significant number of college credits.
Some programs even allow students to enter a U.S. university directly as juniors after two years of study.
Compared to the traditional "high school → apply to college → start as a freshman" path, the biggest feature of an Early College Program is: completing the first two years of college in advance.
If Gaokao results are not ideal, is there still a chance to enter a prestigious U.S. university?
This is the most pressing question for many families.
In fact, in addition to freshman admission, U.S. universities have a well-established transfer admission system.
Especially in California, the transfer pathway from California community colleges to the University of California (UC) system is one of the most mature mechanisms in the country.
After completing the required courses and credits, students can transfer to a UC campus to finish their undergraduate studies.
It is precisely for this reason that more and more students are turning their attention to:
High school + college credits + UC transfer
this pathway.
Besant Hill School's "UC Early College Program"
Among various Early College Programs, the UC Early College Program launched by Besant Hill School has drawn attention from many international families.
In partnership with Ventura College, students complete high school courses at the boarding school while simultaneously taking college classes.
The college credits fulfill high school graduation requirements and can also be used for subsequent university transfers.
Upon completion of the program, students have the opportunity to earn:
✅ A U.S. high school diploma
✅ An associate degree
✅ 60+ transferable college credits
✅ Junior-year standing when entering a bachelor's degree program
Why are more families paying attention to this pathway?
The reason is simple:
For students who only start considering studying abroad after the Gaokao, time is often the biggest challenge.
Traditional U.S. undergraduate applications require:
- Long-term activity planning
- Language test preparation
- Application essays
- Recommendation letters
- Extracurricular profile building, etc.
An Early College Program offers a different approach:
First enter the U.S. education system, then apply to target universities based on college-level grades and academic performance.
Compared to the fiercely competitive one-time freshman application process, students have a longer preparation period and more opportunities to prove themselves.
Who is especially suited for this pathway?
Based on the program design, this pathway is particularly suitable for:
Students with unsatisfactory Gaokao results
Who do not want to repeat a year and are looking for new advancement opportunities.
Students who decided to study abroad only after the Gaokao
Who missed the regular application cycle and want to start studying overseas as soon as possible.
Students facing high pressure in direct applications to top schools
Who hope to improve their chances of entering an ideal university through a transfer pathway.
Students with strong academic ability
But lacking competition, activity, or international curriculum backgrounds.
Beyond repeating a year, there may be another option
For many families, the hardest thing about underperforming on the Gaokao is not just the exam itself.
It's not knowing what to do next. Repeating a year is one option; directly applying to overseas universities is another.
An Early College Program offers a third possibility:
Transition within the supportive environment of a boarding school, start college-level studies early, and enter UC and other U.S. universities through a well-established transfer system.
CheersYou（清柚教育） has now officially partnered with Besant Hill School. For students interested in applying to the UC Early College Program, we can assist with background evaluation, application planning, course pathway design, and subsequent transfer guidance, helping students better leverage this pathway to achieve their university goals.
If you are hesitating about your next step after the Gaokao, you might first learn about this "second track" that many families are still unaware of.
