Early Planning for Success: HSS Alumni Share PG Application

On the afternoon of 26 November, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) at Xi¡¯an Jiaotong-Liverpool University hosted the event ¡°HSS Postgraduate Application Experience Sharing: Face-to-Face with Top Universities Alumni.¡± Four alumni currently studying at the London School of Economics and Political Science(LSE), the University of Oxford, University College London(UCL), and XJTLU shared their experiences with current students. Ting Li, Hongyi Liu, Dian Jin, and Yan Pu offered practical advice on school and programme selection, language tests, personal statements, and decisions about pursuing a PhD, centring on the theme of how early planning can lead to a more confident application process.

The event was jointly organised by Dr Mohsen Al Attar, Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching of HSS; Dr Qingyang Sun, Assistant Professor in Applied Linguistics and HSS Alumni Officer; and Dr Tingting Hu, Assistant Professor in Media and Communication and HSS Student Development officer.

At the beginning of the session, all four alumni independently highlighted the importance of starting early. They encouraged students in Year 1 and Year 2 to explore a range of courses and activities to identify genuine academic interests. From Year 3 onwards, students were advised to draw up a shortlist of target universities and programmes, pay close attention to curriculum design, admission profiles, and GPA requirements, and allow sufficient time for multiple application rounds. The speakers also cautioned against letting internships and extracurricular activities undermine academic performance, emphasising that GPA should remain a top priority.

Regarding language tests, the alumni generally recommended completing the first round of IELTS in Year 2 or early Year 3, ideally during vacation periods to minimise disruption to coursework. They stressed that applicants should always rely on official university websites for the most accurate language requirements and plan retakes in advance, rather than rushing preparation close to application deadlines.

On the question of whether to use application agencies, the speakers expressed a cautious view. They noted that agencies have limited value and are more suitable as information sources or as a contingency option when time is particularly tight. While students may consult agencies or senior peers to understand past application cases, the alumni advised against outsourcing the entire process.

When discussing the use of AI tools in applications, the alumni advised students to use them selectively rather than rely on them entirely. AI can be helpful for language polishing, structural adjustments, and detail checks, but it cannot replace personal reflection on experiences and interests.

The event concluded with an open Q&A session. Participating students commented that the candid sharing from alumni felt more relevant and practical than fragmented online advice, and helped them develop a clearer timeline and action plan for postgraduate applications.

Reporter: Yiyi Gu
Photo provided by: Shanwei Shi