If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.(James 1:5)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.(2 Timothy 2:15)
Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.(Psalm 37:5)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.(2 Timothy 2:15)
Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.(Psalm 37:5)
Future Vision
AAEF is proud to imagine a future world in accordance with the United Nations' sustainable development goals. AAEF seeks to equip its students to transform the world by providing a rigorous Christian education and developing their personal and professional lives. To this end, all staff of AAEF share our Chairman's future vision.
Finding Global Solutions to Global Issues
The United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development, as outlined in paragraph 54 of United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/70/1 of September 2015, are:
- No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere.
- Zero Hunger: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
- Good Health and Well-Being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
- Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
- Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
- Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
- Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
- Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
- Reducing Inequalities: Reduce income inequality within and among countries.
- Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
- Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
- Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy.
- Life Below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
- Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
- Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
About our Chairman
Bruce Knotts
Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office Director
Unitarian Universalist Association, International Resources
website
Bruce Knotts is Director of the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office and the Chairman of the CAU Advisory Board. He was born and raised in Southern California, and received his Bachelor’s Degree in History from Pepperdine University and his Master’s Degree in International Education from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, both in California. Bruce was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ethiopia, then worked for Raytheon in Saudi Arabia and on a World Bank contract in Somalia before joining the Department of State as a U.S. diplomat in 1984. Bruce retired from the Foreign Service in 2007 and joined the Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office as its Executive Director at the beginning of 2008.
Videos
Interview with WPTV
April 6, 2018
Bruce Knotts on GCTV with Bill Miller
February 17, 2017
Unity in Diversity
March 27, 2016
On Climate Change and the Commit 2 Respond Campaign
March 4, 2015
Challenges in Myanmar: Human Rights and the Role of Interfaith Dialogue
March 4, 2015
Spirituality, Environmental Justice, and Human Rights
November 12, 2011
US Universities Rankings:
http://www.usnews.com/rankings
National Universities Rankings
Schools in the National Universities category, such as Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania, offer a full range of undergraduate majors, plus master's and doctoral programs. These colleges also are committed to producing groundbreaking research
http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities
National Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings
The National Liberal Arts Colleges, including schools like Wellesley College and Bowdoin College, emphasize undergraduate education and award at least half of their degrees in the liberal arts fields of study.
http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-liberal-arts-colleges
Ten Schools Admissions Organization (TSAO)
The Ten Schools Admissions Organization (TSAO) is a group of leading, private preparatory schools in the United States.
The organization was established in 1956 on the basis of common goals and traditions. The schools focus on a cohesive standard of education for the whole person.
Choate Rosemary Hall
Wallingford, CT
Grades: 9-12/PG
Deerfield Academy
Deerfield, MA
Grades: 9-12/PG
The Hill School
Pottstown, PA
Grades: 9-12/PG
The Hotchkiss School
Lakeville, CT
Grades: 9-12/PG
The Lawrenceville School
Lawrenceville, NJ
Grades: 9-12/PG
The Loomis Chaffee School
Windsor, CT
Grades: 9-12/PG
Phillips Academy
Andover, MA
Grades: 9-12/PG
Phillips Exeter Academy
Exeter, NH
Grades: 9-12/PG
St. Paul's School
Concord, NH
Grades: 9-12
Who To Admit: How Do Universities and Colleges in America Decide?
by Mike Steidel
Director of Admission,
Carnegie Mellon University
The process of deciding who gets into American universities and colleges is unlike any other in the world. It’s a delicate balancing act that involves many factors: academic indicators and measurements about you, characteristics that make you unique, and the goals and priorities set by individual universities and colleges.
You’ve probably heard a lot about what you need to do in order to apply to an American college or university. What you don’t hear is how colleges and universities evaluate the applications they receive—particularly those from international students.
You might wonder, for example, what parts of the application universities rely on most when making decisions. How do college or university goals and priorities affect an admission decision about you? And how important are factors such as language proficiency, participation in school activities and organizations, artistic talent, etc.?
While there are no absolute answers to these questions, one thing is certain: rarely is a student admitted based on only one factor. American colleges and universities evaluate many things to determine admission. It’s the combination of many different pieces about you that ultimately makes the American admission process unique. In many ways, it is like a puzzle that an admission office must piece together to decide whether or not you will be a good match.
Because each college or university has a specific set of goals, priorities, and objectives, each one may differ in the emphasis it places on various parts of the application. What you can be sure of is that your application will receive a fair and open review. Admission committee members have years of experience reading applications, understanding the potential of applicants, and making evaluations about which candidates will be the best match. Admission decisions are always made carefully and professionally. That’s why it can take a few months for these committees to decide who will be offered admission.
So, how do American universities review applications? They do so thoughtfully, with institutional goals and priorities in mind. Almost all college and university admission committees read the material you submit to uncover strong reasons to admit you. Except for some very large public or private institutions, most admission decisions are not based on numerical formulas or on the results of one comprehensive examination. In fact, offices of admission take great care to understand the person behind the paperwork—the “real you.” To do that, admission committees review each of the following, in roughly this order of importance:
- Secondary school achievement
- Standardized tests
- Essays and personal statements
- Letters of recommendation
- English language proficiency
- Activities and special talents
While all of these credentials are part of the decision of which applicants to admit, each plays a slightly different role in the admission process, so let’s review them.
Secondary school achievement
While it’s not the only factor considered, your academic achievement during secondary school is the most significant part of your application. Your performance will be reviewed within the context of your school and the curriculum you pursued: International Baccalaureate classes, American-style courses, or the typical educational sequence in your home country. Admission committees also consider the academic level of the courses you have taken. They are most interested in students who have challenged themselves to the best of their ability in the context of their school course work. Paying particular attention to your success in the most difficult areas of your curriculum, they try to assess the “fit” between your academic background and their university’s programs.
Helpful Hint: There are no universal standards in which you are automatically admitted or immediately denied admission. Each school evaluates applicants using its own criteria. Your guidance counselor can help you select the universities you’re most suited for based on your academic preparation, your goals, and your personal preferences. You need to try to find a good match between yourself and the academic rigor of the colleges to which you apply.
Standardized tests
Standardized tests (such as the ACT or SAT) can serve an important purpose: they provide admission committees with a common set of criteria to evaluate the skills and aptitudes of students who come from hundreds of different schools and whose backgrounds and academic preparation vary widely.
Helpful Hint: It is important to take required tests well in advance of the deadline for submitting your applications; your counselor can provide you with dates. Just as there is no single secondary school level of achievement that guarantees you admission, there is no universal score or threshold that automatically guarantees or denies admission.
Essays and letters of recommendation
If you do not have the opportunity to visit the colleges you’re interested in or interview with an admission representative, the application essays and letters of recommendation can be very important. Your essay helps an admission committee understand your personality, your perspective on life, and your special interests and skills. Essays and recommendations should reveal more about you as a person and as a potential member of the university community.
Recommendations provide important insights about your academic abilities and your contributions to your school and your community. These letters should be written by people who know you well and who can attest to your qualifications. You might ask teachers, college counselors, and even employers to write your letters of recommendation. Be sure to tell them what you plan to study in college and give them a brief summary of your accomplishments. Remember to ask them to complete the recommendation well before the deadline so that your application is not delayed.
Helpful Hint: Personal essays can be challenging to write, but they work best when they reveal information about your interests, goals, thoughts, and unique qualities that might not otherwise be mentioned in the application. Think about what other information an admission committee should know about you. Don’t restate what you’ve already included in other parts of the application. Start early and plan to work on several drafts before you settle on a final version.
English language proficiency
If your native language is not English, most colleges and universities will ask you to demonstrate your ability to read and write in English to ensure your English skills will not be a barrier to your success as a college student. Your language proficiency will be reflected on several parts of the application, but most American colleges and universities will require you to take the TOEFL.
If you feel your English skills aren’t as good as they could be, don’t be discouraged. Your scores will improve with frequent use and constant practice. A university may still admit you, although you may be required to get additional language training and practice before you’re allowed to pursue a full course schedule. That additional training may be provided by the university.
Helpful Hint: TOEFL is the most widely used test for evaluating English ability, and many colleges and universities require it for admission. If you plan to take it, make arrangements to locate a testing center and take it soon.
Activities and special talents and interests
A review of your involvement in school activities helps admission committees understand how you spend time outside of the classroom and how you might contribute to organizations, activities, and teams on campus.
If you have a special ability or talent in athletics, music, art, theater, debate, or a similar area, make sure the colleges and universities you apply to know about it. Many schools are pleased to receive a portfolio, CD, or other media that demonstrates your unique ability or accomplishments. However, always check with the college or university first: most schools have firm policies about submitting supplementary materials. If you do send a portfolio, be sure such materials are representative of your best work and only long enough to provide a glimpse of your talent or ability. Never send original pieces of work or items that must be returned to you.
Helpful Hint: Few students are admitted solely on the basis of special abilities or talents. However, evidence of special talents provides admission committees with proof of the breadth and depth of your interests, and it complements the other parts of your application. Also, be aware that universities will not penalize an otherwise strong student whose limited involvement in activities is the result of fewer opportunities at his or her school.
All universities and colleges have a set of institutional values that affect who is admitted each year. For example, a college or university may strive to enroll a balanced number of freshmen across all academic disciplines. Another college or university may value students with high levels of co-curricular engagement, leadership, or service. Still others may believe it is important to maintain gender balance, and others may value geographic or ethnic diversity. These institutional needs can guide who is ultimately admitted and can often account for why great students may not be seen as great matches for every college or university.
American universities actively encourage international students to apply, valuing the contributions you’ll make to their college community. If you are considering an American university or college, start by searching for universities that fit your academic, personal, and social interests. If you do, your application is more likely to be reviewed favorably, and you’re more likely to be offered admission at the university of your choice.
77 Personality Traits
Unique, Independence, Autonomy, Self-confidence, Creativity, The courage to challenge the authority,
Humanistic Solicitude, Honest, Leadership, Communication skills, Self-control, Self-government, Self-
management, Responsibility, Tenacity character, Excellent potential, Enthusiasm, Initiative, Positive
thinking, Companionable, Joy, Peaceful mind, Compliance, Generous, Kindness and helpful (Mercy,
Leniency, Fraternity, Good-heart), Preciseness, Optimistic, Efficiency, Dedication, Open Mind,
Sportsmanship (Spirit and physical skills), Good habits and behavior, Academic ability, Language skills,
Writing skills, Willing to learn (Enjoy Studying), Learning Concentration (Reading habits), Brightness
acuity, Reliability Consideration, Range and depth of knowledge, Humanistic quality, Artistic quality,
Mature and stable, EQ (Emotion quotient), Modest humble (spiritual knowledge), Independent research
ability, Mastering and applying knowledge ability, Hands-on skill and creation ability (Comprehensive
capability), Sense of humor, Dealing with frustration ability (Compression strength), Interpersonal skills
and teamwork, Honesty, Integrity (Loyalty), Trustworthy, Values of life, Moral consciousness (moral and
ethics), Virtues, Wisdom, Respectful attitude, Respect for life (Caring for Animals), Self-understanding
ability, Adventure spirit, The pursuance of the meaningful life, Spiritual values , observant, Imagination,
dream (vision, ideals, human pattern), Logic analysis capability, Abstract thinking ability, Scientific spirit,
adhere to the spirit of Pursue the truth, Moral courage (Courage to defend justice) , Grateful, Tolerance
(Indulgent), Peace mediation capacity (Peacemaker), Personal happiness awareness, Dream of changing
the world (love can change and make a better world).
申请美国名校，学生需要具备的77种人格特质：
独特性，独立性，自主性，自信心，创造力，勇于挑战权威的勇气，人文关怀(关怀他人，关怀世界，关怀家人，关怀弱势者，关怀需要被帮助的人)，真诚(坦诚)，领导力，沟通能力，自律性与自制力(Self-control, Self-government, Self-management), 责任感，坚韧的性格，优秀潜能，积极性，主动性，正向思考，对人热忱(性格友善)，喜乐(Joy)，平和的心灵(Peaceful mind)，守法的精神，性格慷慨，性格仁慈善良与乐于助人(Mercy, Leniency, Kindness, Good heart)，性格认真谨慎(做事严谨)，性格开朗活泼，做事有计划与效率，奉献的精神(Dedication)，开放的心灵(Open Mind)，热爱运动(具有运动家的精神与体育技能)，良好的生活习惯与行为，学术能力，语言表达能力，写作能力，乐于学习(Enjoy Studying)，学习专注力(阅读的习惯)，思考的敏锐性与警觉性，思考的精确性，知识的广度与深度，人文素质与教养，艺术特质，音乐特质，成熟稳重(Mature and stable)，情商，柔和谦卑，好奇心(求知的精神)，独立研究的能力，掌握与运用知识的能力，动手设计与创造的能力(综合性的组合与分解能力)，幽默感，对挫折的处理能力与态度(抗压能力)，人际协调能力与团队协作能力，诚实(Honest)，正直(Integrity, Loyalty), 守信(Trustworthy), 人生价值观，道德意识(Moral and Ethics)，美德(Virtues), 智慧，尊重人的态度(Respectful)，尊重生命(爱护动物)，自我反省的能力(认识自我)，冒险精神，追求人生的意义，精神价值观(Spiritual Values)，观察力(敏锐的观察力)，想象力(Imagination)，梦想(远景，理想，人的格局)，逻辑分析的能力，抽象思考的能力，科学的精神，坚持追求真理的精神(Pursue the truth)，道德勇气(捍卫正义的勇气)，懂得感恩(Grateful)，宽容，和平调解的能力(Peacemaker)，认识幸福的意义与价值，改变世界的梦想(Vision, One dream can change the world; make a better world)。
培养这些人格特质是进入常春藤联盟大学与取得其全额奖学金的关键条件。
