Mark graduated with an outstanding IB Diploma score of 41 points, completing an exceptionally rigorous programme with four Higher Level subjects: Mathematics AA, Physics, Economics, and Chinese B. Beyond academics, he was a leader of the QAIS Robotics Team, earning international recognition at the MakeX World Championships and FIRST Robotics competitions, and co-developing a remotely operated robot to enable virtual graduation during COVID. He also gained real-world experience through engineering internships, UC Berkeley’s Pre-College Program, and Columbia University’s SHAPE Program. Equally accomplished in the arts and athletics, Mark was the lead in Romeo and Juliet, crew manager for Shrek, a violinist, club founder, and multi-sport athlete. 

Mark’s ability to inspire others is perhaps best captured by a Grade 3 student who, after watching his Personal Project presentation, said, “I want to be an engineer like Mark when I grow up.”  

Hear from Mark directly:  

How did Amerasia and the IB prepare you for university? 

Mark: “My IBDP results meant I was able to waive many required classes, which allowed me to follow a more accelerated path in my major at university. This also opened up other opportunities, such as pursuing an additional minor or getting more involved in extracurricular activities, since I didn’t need to repeat coursework I had already completed in high school.”

Can you tell us more about how that works? Which subjects were credited, and did you need a specific score? 

Mark: “It really depends on the university. At UC Berkeley, all of my Higher Level IB courses count for credit and allow me to waive classes, while my Standard Level courses do not. I took four Higher Level subjects—Physics, Economics, Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, and Chinese B—and each of these helped me waive certain required courses. For example, I was able to waive all three of Berkeley’s humanities and social science requirements, which helped streamline my schedule and complete more advanced courses in a shorter time frame.”

What has most shaped who you are during your education at QAIS? 

Mark: “I’m really grateful for the opportunities I’ve been able to take advantage of and be exposed to. Through them, I’ve developed into a more balanced, well-rounded inquirer and student. I’ve been involved in sports such as basketball, soccer, climbing, and volleyball, while also being deeply engaged in the arts, music, productions, and drama—all alongside the intense academic demands of the IB Diploma Programme.

This is especially true at Amerasia. Even though we are a very small school, there are so many opportunities available to students, and you’re genuinely encouraged to take them on.”

Any last thoughts?  

Mark: “I think Amerasia is a really tight-knit community, and there are many advantages that come with that; especially throughout primary school, middle school, and high school. It shapes you not only intellectually, but also as a person. You’re able to build close connections with your peers, your teachers, and even the school leadership. That kind of opportunity doesn’t exist everywhere, and it’s something students should truly take advantage of when studying in an IB programme at a small school like Amerasia.”