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Ye Yitong, a 2022-entry undergraduate majoring in International Economics and Trade (Sino–Foreign Cooperative Education Program) at the College of International Education of Beijing University of Agriculture (BUA), has received an offer to pursue a master's degree at Imperial College London, ranked second in the QS World University Rankings. Prior to this, she had also secured admission offers from six other world-renowned universities, including University College London, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Manchester, the University of Warwick, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Sydney. These impressive achievements are the culmination of four years of dedication, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to integrating learning with practice.

During her time at BUA, Ye ranked first in her major for two consecutive years, received the University's First-Class Academic Scholarship twice, was named an Outstanding Graduate of Beijing's Higher Education Institutions, and graduated from Harper Adams University in the United Kingdom with First-Class Honors. From academic research and innovation competitions to student leadership and cultural activities, her well-rounded development reflects the aspirations and achievements of today's BUA students.

A Global Pathway to Academic Excellence

With a clear ambition to pursue postgraduate study overseas, Ye chose BUA's Sino–UK "3+1" Cooperative Education Program when selecting her university after the National College Entrance Examination. She completed the first three years of her undergraduate studies at BUA, receiving bilingual instruction and comprehensive disciplinary training, before spending her final year at Harper Adams University in the UK. The program fully incorporates Harper Adams University's curriculum and quality assurance system, delivering instruction through English-language textbooks and internationally aligned assessment methods. For Ye, it provided a smooth transition from studying in China to academic life abroad.

Faced with English-medium coursework and an intensive academic workload, she embraced the challenge rather than retreating from it. Under the guidance of her instructors, she immersed herself in English-language academic literature, actively participated in classroom discussions, and gradually became less dependent on translation tools. The program's "language first, specialization second" approach equipped her to master overseas inquiry-based learning early on. Transforming from a passive student into an active academic explorer, she ultimately achieved a First-Class Honors degree in the UK.

A Disciplined Approach to Academic Success

Throughout her undergraduate studies, Ye consistently ranked first in her cohort and received the University's First-Class Academic Scholarship twice. Reflecting on her study habits, she summarizes her approach in three words: initiative, rhythm, and reflection. By initiative, she means actively seeking out academic literature, asking questions, and engaging in discussions rather than waiting for instruction. Rhythm refers to breaking weekly learning objectives into manageable daily tasks, balancing English-language development with professional study. Reflection involves regularly evaluating learning outcomes and adjusting study strategies accordingly. "The College of International Education offers us an abundance of opportunities and platforms from academic writing to innovation competitions," she said. "Our responsibility is to stay grounded, remain focused, and make steady progress every step of the way."

During the graduate school application process, Ye simultaneously prepared for the IELTS examination, completed her academic coursework, participated in research competitions, and undertook several internships. By planning each stage carefully and breaking long-term goals into monthly and weekly tasks, she successfully managed every step of the application process, from preparing application materials and achieving her target language score to submitting applications to multiple universities.

Guided by Mentors, Inspired by Innovation

Beyond academic study, Ye actively participated in scientific research and innovation competitions, earning numerous awards, including a First Prize in the "Challenge Cup" Capital University Student Extracurricular Academic and Technological Works Competition, a Third Prize in the Beijing Division of the China International College Students' Innovation Competition, a First Prize in the provincial Youqing Cup Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, and both First and Second Prizes in the Agriculture and "Nonglin Cup" College Student Extracurricular Academic and Science and Technology Works Competition.

Looking back on her academic journey, Ye speaks with deep gratitude for the faculty members who guided her along the way. "What I remember most vividly is the countless rounds of revision from selecting a research topic to completing the final paper," she recalled. "When I wrote my first academic paper, I had no idea how to structure an argument or build a logical framework. Teachers Xu Yang and Lü Rui patiently guided me through every stage from writing a literature review to developing approaches for data analysis and provided detailed feedback on every revision." She particularly remembers one piece of advice that changed her perspective: "Try approaching the problem from the perspective of the root system." That simple suggestion opened an entirely new line of thinking and helped her overcome a major research obstacle. It was through this patient mentorship that she was able to grow rapidly as a young researcher.

Ye also led a student team focusing on the commercialization of intangible cultural heritage crafts, including traditional indigo dyeing in Guizhou and traditional straw weaving. Drawing on the business expertise she acquired through her major in International Economics and Trade, she led the development of the project's business model, brand positioning, and marketing strategy, exploring market-oriented approaches to preserving traditional craftsmanship. To further broaden her skill set, she independently earned professional certifications in Python programming and artificial intelligence, integrating technological tools with business thinking. This interdisciplinary background expanded her analytical capabilities and became one of the distinctive strengths of her applications to leading international universities.

Growing Through Diverse Experiences

Over the course of four years, Ye completed six internships spanning human resources, technology enterprises, urban development, and international trade. Rather than limiting herself to a single field, she deliberately sought diverse professional experiences to broaden her perspective and identify her long-term career goals. "Only after entering the workplace did I realize how different classroom learning is from real-world practice," she reflected. "Skills such as communication, problem-solving, and the ability to learn quickly are often just as important as professional knowledge."

Outside the classroom, Ye served as Director of the Office of the University Youth League Committee, performed with the Chinese Orchestra, and worked as a broadcaster for the campus radio station. Together with fellow orchestra members, she won the Gold Award in the instrumental category at the 2022 Beijing College Students Music Festival and the Silver Award in the same category in 2024. She attributes her ability to balance academics and extracurricular commitments to careful prioritization, effective use of fragmented time, and the way different experiences reinforced one another. Performing on stage also strengthened her confidence and communication skills in public speaking, project presentations, and academic defense.

Looking back on her university years, Ye summarizes the experience with three words: dedication, growth, and fulfillment. Late nights in the library writing research papers, inspiring conversations with her mentors, and her experiences studying in the United Kingdom all became defining moments that shaped her personal and academic development. "I am deeply grateful to the mentors who guided me in both academic research and innovation competitions, and to the College of International Education of BUA for providing such an international learning platform," she said. "I hope every student who comes here can find the path that best suits their own growth."

Looking ahead, Ye remains committed to pursuing excellence. "I will carry with me the courage and resilience that BUA has instilled in me as I continue my studies in business at Imperial College London," she said. "I hope to repay my alma mater's support through continued academic achievement." Ye Yitong's journey from the College of International Education of BUA to one of the world's leading universities offers a vivid example of the University's commitment to cultivating globally minded, high-caliber talent. Looking forward, BUA will continue to build on its Sino–Foreign Cooperative Education programs to nurture more graduates equipped with professional expertise, international perspectives, and innovative capabilities, empowering them to pursue their ambitions on the global stage.