Top U.S. University acceptances for Class of 2025, International School of Qingdao

Today, we’re thrilled to share more exciting updates from the Class of 2025! Following our earlier announcement on SNU (Seoul National University), several of our seniors have received outstanding offers from universities across the United States. From world-renowned research institutions to top design and liberal arts colleges, their achievements reflect both the strength of their academic preparation and the character they’ve developed during their years at the International School of Qingdao (or ISQ for short). Let’s celebrate these well-earned milestones together as we look forward to their next chapters!

Dana Brimacombe - Cairn University, Pre-Physical Therapy

Dana first joined the International School of Qingdao in Grade 6 and is now graduating after seven memorable years. A dedicated student-athlete, she served as captain of the volleyball, soccer and basketball teams during her junior and senior years. This fall, Dana will attend Cairn University on a full-tuition scholarship, majoring in Pre-Physical Therapy while competing on their NCAA Division III women’s soccer team. She shared that the greatest lesson she’s learned at ISQ is “to be thankful and love people well.” Her advice to younger students: “Join as many activities as possible. Doesn’t matter if you don’t think you’re interested—just do it for the memories.” From Vida to FAF, spring trips to sports tournaments, Dana will especially miss the close-knit LifePlus community that helped make those memories unforgettable.

Matthew Choe - Emory University, Finance & Business

After nine years at the International School of Qingdao, Matthew is heading to Emory University to study Finance and Business. He received offers from Case Western Reserve, Fordham, and several University of California campuses, but Emory stood out as the next step in his academic journey. One of the most important lessons he’s learned at ISQ is to be proactive and take every opportunity seriously. In five years, he sees himself working on Wall Street at an investment banking firm. His favorite ISQ memories? The unforgettable adventures and friendships built during Spring trips.

Leeann Kim - University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Hotel Management

Leeann first joined the International School of Qingdao in 2011 as an ECC student, later returning to complete her final seven years here. Now, she’s preparing to begin a new chapter at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she will study Hotel Management—following acceptances from universities including San Diego State, Purdue and Penn State. Looking ahead, Leeann sees herself “experiencing around the world” and learning something new each day. Her advice to underclassmen? “Slow down a bit and remind yourself that everything will be okay… because it will be.”

Eugene Park - Texas A&M University, Engineering

Eugene joined the International School of Qingdao in 10th grade and is now graduating after three impactful years. This fall, he will head to Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in Engineering. Reflecting on his time at school, Eugene shared that what he will miss most are the people—the community that shaped his high school experience. His advice to underclassmen is simple but bold: “When you are hesitated to do something or not, do it.”

Claire Sun - Parsons School of Design BFA, Communication Design

Claire joined the International School of Qingdao in third grade and, over the past 10 years, has quietly but powerfully expressed herself through art. With a deep passion for design, Claire describes art as a way to bring emotion into reality: “我热爱将每件作品从混沌中带到现实，艺术让我看见了新生命。” She speaks through visuals rather than words, using color and texture to share emotions and ideas that often go unspoken. Claire has been accepted by top design schools including CCA(California College of the Art）, SVA(School of Visual Arts New York City), SAIC(School of the Art Institute of Chicago), Pratt Institute, and ArtCenter College of Design, and this fall, she’ll begin her studies in Communication Design at Parsons School of Design in New York. Her dream is clear, and she’s boldly stepping into it.

Justin You - University of California, Berkeley, Philosophy

Justin is graduating from the International School of Qingdao after six meaningful years and will attend the University of California, Berkeley to study Philosophy. He received offers from many top universities, including Vassar College, Emory University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and multiple University of California campuses, but chose Berkeley to continue exploring his intellectual passions. At ISQ, he learned to follow curiosity without fear and to be thankful for the people and community around him. Justin’s advice to underclassmen: “Be curious and do what your heart says—but also grow your discipline. Be thankful, be humble, and always keep learning.” He will miss the love and encouragement he found here and cherishes the memories of watching his peers overcome challenges and grow.

Amy Zhao - Boston College, Applied Psychology

Amy joined the International School of Qingdao in second grade and is now graduating after 11 incredible years. This fall, she will attend Boston College to study Applied Psychology, a field inspired by her interest in understanding people and helping others. Reflecting on her time at ISQ, Amy shared that her best memories come from traveling with friends—whether on school trips or special events, those shared experiences made a lasting impact. Her advice to younger students: “Try everything and don’t confine yourself. Time goes by so fast, so don’t regret anything.”