One of Only 179 Perfect IBDP Scorers Worldwide, She Credits Her Strong English Foundation
United Daily News Special Report 《18萬考生179人滿分 楊日茵IBDP奪冠成台灣罕見學霸》
The results of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) were recently released, highlighting a rare achievement for Taiwan as Eagle alumna Elizabeth Yang earned a perfect score. Standing among 180,000 candidates worldwide, Elizabeth Yang secured her place among the top 0.01% of candidates worldwide, becoming one of only 179 students globally to achieve full marks. A key foundation for this remarkable achievement was the strong English proficiency she developed from a young age, which allowed her to broaden her horizons, identify her strengths, and pave her way toward the world’s most prestigious universities.
Since the 1980s, the IBDP has been recognized by the global educational community as a gold standard of academic excellence and one of the most influential international curricula. More than 3,000 renowned universities worldwide accept the IBDP diploma. Completing the program and passing the global examinations provides students with a significant advantage in overseas applications and often offers opportunities to earn university credits, allowing them to graduate earlier than their peers.
Academic experts note that achieving a perfect score of 45 requires a student to earn 7 points in each of the six elective subjects, while also achieving "A" grades in the Extended Essay (EE), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) components to gain 3 additional points. This year, the global average score was 30.24. Typically, a score of 38 or higher is necessary for admission to top-tier universities. For instance, the average entry requirement for Princeton University, currently ranked first in the United States, is 43 points.
Reflecting on her journey to a perfect score, Elizabeth Yang attributes a profound influence to the comprehensive educational system at the American Eagle Institute, where she studied from preschool through junior high. The immersion environment, English-language winter and summer camps, and NASA overseas study tours provided a modern and evolving learning experience. Learning from international teachers helped her absorb different cultures and master the language, allowing her to connect directly with the world. This early global perspective aligns perfectly with the IBDP’s emphasis on creativity and open-mindedness, giving her a lasting academic advantage.
Her strong English foundation has also allowed Elizabeth to excel in international competitions and programs. In 2021, she achieved the highest individual score in her group at the United States Academic Decathlon (USAD). In the same year, she received the Best Student Award in the AEBS Global Leadership Program and earned a score of 1550 out of 1600 on the SAT.
Another key factor behind her success is her meticulous note-taking strategy. Elizabeth avoids traditional tables or copying information word for word. Instead, she prioritizes understanding, capturing only essential keywords after she has fully grasped a concept. This "understanding first, writing second" approach has deepened her retention of knowledge over the years, helping her build a deeper and more lasting understanding over time.
Furthermore, Elizabeth maintains a disciplined lifestyle. She follows a strict routine of exercising immediately after school and avoids late nights to ensure proper rest. Balancing school clubs with regular physical activity helps her manage stress and prevents her life from being entirely consumed by academics. Elizabeth believes that being able to maintain her own pace comes from the strong foundation she developed during childhood, allowing her to approach each day with a positive mindset.
Outside of the classroom, Elizabeth is a passionate advocate for social welfare and believes in the transformative power of education. She serves as an Eagle Charity Ambassador and a volunteer for the International Rotary Club. She has frequently traveled to rural schools to assist with English learning camps and provide remote teaching, bringing encouragement and support to students in underserved communities.
A recent graduate of Kang Chiao International School, Elizabeth is set to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to major in Economics. UCLA is recognized as one of the most competitive public universities in the United States, ranking second among national public universities in the 2022 U.S. News World University Rankings. While significant challenges lie ahead, Elizabeth remains optimistic and confident. She remains open to future possibilities, driven by a desire to utilize her talents to serve society and continue growing and contributing to society.
