Category: Blog

1. Advancement Categories

First Round: Teams that receive Gold Honors at the China Finals.

Second Round: Teams that receive Silver Honors at the China Finals.

Third Round: Teams that receive Bronze Honors and have direct advancement eligibility.

Waitlist: Teams that did not receive direct advancement eligibility.

Note: The BPA Global Round advancement does not include the S-Pre Bilingual Team and ML Chinese Team categories. The estimated results announcement period will be announced on-site.

2. Event Location Options

BPA Global Round is divided into two locations:

BPA (U.S.): Held in Nashville, USA.

BPA (Asia) x WYF Championship: Held in Hong Kong, Asia.

Both locations have the same academic assessment components, academic evaluation standards, value, certifying bodies, and university recognition. Students can choose either based on their own schedule.

1. Project-Based Division (Subjective)

Eligible Grades: 9-12 (ML Lower-Secondary: 6-9; S-Pre High School Bilingual: 9-12; S-Classic High School Classic: 9-12).
Participation Format: Team participation (3-4 members/team).
Assessment Format: Develop a business plan based on a real-world case study.
Suitable for: Students with a strong interest in business; good at teamwork; eager to participate in hands-on business challenges; focusing on cultivating interdisciplinary foundational skills.
Cutting-edge Case Analysis Method: Four-step case approach: Define the problem, collect data, analyze solutions, implement and evaluate.

2. Academic-Based Division (Objective)

Eligible Grades: 9-12.
Participation Format: Individual participation.
Suitable for: Students with a preliminary interest in business; those who want to systematically learn the basics of business; those who want to explore various business sub-fields to determine their future major and career direction.

① Strong Economics Theory Foundation & Good Presentation Skills

Top Choice: NEC
NEC is a classic “academic” competition that places great emphasis on the depth and breadth of a student's understanding of economic theory. The Adam Smith Division (Advanced), in particular, has objective questions whose difficulty and scope even exceed the AP/A-Level/IB economics syllabi.
Ideal For: Students who are currently or have already systematically studied micro/macroeconomics. If your child possesses strong critical thinking, presentation, and teamwork skills, NEC is an excellent stage to showcase their academic abilities.

② Limited Financial Knowledge

Top Choice: SIC
SIC is a very “beginner-friendly” finance competition. The simulation trading platform is intuitive, the strategy report requirements are standard but moderate in difficulty, and there is a trading division for students with zero experience. The strategy division requires team collaboration to complete a comprehensive investment strategy report, which is very helpful for gaining an initial understanding of the investment analysis framework.
Ideal For: Students who have a strong interest in finance and the stock market but have little prior hands-on experience. SIC can serve as a preparatory competition for Wharton, allowing you to test whether your child is suited for the finance competition path at a lower cost.

③ Broad Interests

Top Choice: BPA
BPA is an extremely “inclusive” competition. Its subjective project division allows students to choose business topics that interest them. It doesn't test how well you've memorized economic theory, but rather whether you can identify problems, propose solutions, and execute them like a true entrepreneur or business manager.
Ideal For: Students interested in “business + interdisciplinary” fields; students who excel at teamwork, are hands-on, and creative; or students who haven't decided on a specific business direction and want to explore their interests through a project.

1. Official U.S. Endorsement, Globally Recognized

BPA is one of the three major business competitions in the U.S. (alongside FBLA and DECA), with over 60 years of history; triple-certified by USED, CTSO, and NASSP, its value is unquestionable; regarded as a key proof of business acumen and leadership in applications to top U.S., UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore universities.

Real Case: Many students admitted to Wharton, Stanford GSB, LSE, and NUS Business School have included BPA awards in their main essays or activities list as core evidence of their "business passion."

2. Boosts University and Summer School Applications

Summer School Competitiveness: Stanford Pre-Collegiate, Penn Wharton Leadership Program, Berkeley Haas Summer, and other top business summer schools explicitly favor students with BPA experience.
Enhances Applicant Profile: Whether applying for economics, finance, management, or computer science, data science, design, BPA provides interdisciplinary application scenarios.
Shows Sustained Exploration: From preparation to competition, it demonstrates your proactive thinking and long-term commitment to the business world.

3. Seamlessly Connects with International Curricula, Boosts School Grades

The BPA syllabus has a high overlap (over 90%) with mainstream international curricula.

Advantage: Preparing for BPA means simultaneously reviewing school business content, learning through competition, and achieving twice the results with half the effort.

4. Systematically Develops Six Key Future Abilities

BPA is not just a knowledge test, but a crucible for skills.

These are exactly the "soft skills" most valued by Ivy Leagues, G5 universities, and top tech companies.

Mistake 1: Only "Business Students" Can Participate

Truth: BPA offers three major tracks, covering students with diverse backgrounds:
- Business Management (Marketing, Finance, HR) → Suitable for business/social science students
- Information Technology (Cybersecurity, Java, Data Analytics) → Suitable for CS/STEM students
- Creative Design (Graphic Design, Digital Media) → Suitable for arts/media students
Suggestion: Computer science students can choose "Cybersecurity," art students can choose "Brand Visual Design," using BPA to build a unique interdisciplinary profile.

Mistake 2: Neglecting Presentation and Expression

Truth: Subjective events (Case Study / Presentation) account for a large portion of the score in BPA. Expression = Score.
Judges look not only at "what you did" but also at "how clearly you explain it." In the business world, value of an idea = Content × Presentation.
How to Solve:
- Practice a 3-minute business speech once a week
- Learn TED-style structure: Pain Point → Solution → Data → Call to Action
- Record and review your body language and speech speed.

Mistake 3: Blindly Forming "All-Star" Teams

Truth: Complementary skills matter more than individual strength. An ideal team should include:
- Strategist (good at framework building, logical organization)
- Data Analyst (proficient in Excel modeling, financial calculation)
- Presenter (fluent, strong stage presence)
Suggestion: Create a "skill inventory" before forming a team to ensure no role overlaps or gaps.

Mistake 4: Cramming, Lacking Long-term Planning

Truth: BPA covers many detailed knowledge points (e.g., "FTC functions," "marginal cost calculation"), and cramming cannot form a system.
Scientific Preparation Schedule:
- 3–6 months ahead: Systematically study BPA Official Handbook + core textbooks
- 2 months ahead: Practice by module + mock presentations
- 1 month ahead: Full simulation + team integration

Academic Events

Format: Advanced deepening based on themes selected at the China Finals (e.g., Marketing, Financial Analysis, IT Security, etc.);
Tasks: Focus on global issues (e.g., ESG, AI Ethics, Supply Chain Resilience) to complete:
- In-depth research report (10–15 pages in English)
- 8–10 minute professional presentation
- Q&A session (judges include corporate executives/professors)
Assessment Focus:
✅ Rigor of business models (SWOT, PESTEL, 4Ps, etc.)
✅ Data analysis and visualization skills
✅ Academic English expression and logical closure

Production/Project Events

Format: Submit creative work onsite or before the competition (e.g., brand VI design, app prototype, marketing video);
Tasks: Present the work + explain business logic + respond to judge inquiries;
Suitable Directions:
- Design: Graphic Design, Digital Media
- Technology: Cybersecurity Plan, Java Application
- Entrepreneurship: Startup Pitch, Social Enterprise Proposal
Strategic Advice:
Strong academics → Choose Academic track to compete for high-value awards.
Strong hands-on skills / portfolio → Choose Practical track to showcase differentiated strengths.

① Competitive Events — Main Honor Track

Nature: Continuation and advanced progression of the China Finals track;
Process:
- Global issue framework released 2–4 weeks before the competition;
- Teams complete research, modeling, and report writing;
- Live presentation + Q&A;
Evaluation Criteria:
Depth of content (40%) | Logical structure (30%) | Professional presentation (20%) | Innovation (10%)
Awards: Global Finalist, Top 10, Champion
Highly Competitive: This track is the “rigorous academic experience” most recognized by Ivy League / G5 universities.

② Open Events — Comeback Fast Track

Nature: Exclusive to the USA Global Finals; on-site “mystery box” challenge;
Format:
- On-site registration → draw a prompt → 30–60 minutes preparation → impromptu speech/response;
- Topics cover business fundamentals, current issues, logic puzzles (e.g., “How to market traditional tea to Gen Z?”);
Advantages:
- Does not rely on prior preparation; tests breadth of knowledge + quick thinking;
- Many past cases of participants “failing the main arena but making a comeback via Open Events”;
- Additional Special Recognition certificate awarded.
Target Audience: Students who are quick thinkers, broadly knowledgeable, and skilled in impromptu expression.

International Economics Olympiad (IEO)

As the only economics-focused event among the 13 global scientific Olympiads, IEO was initiated and is chaired by Nobel laureate in economics Eric Maskin. It covers over 50 countries and regions. Its results are highly recognized by economics and business programs at world-leading universities such as Harvard, Yale, Oxford, and Cambridge. National team selection is the highest proof of an applicant's academic strength. Hanlin students have continuously broken through in IEO, cumulatively securing multiple national team selections over the years, maintaining a leading position in the industry:

2025: Student L successfully selected for the IEO China Hong Kong Team

2025: 2 students successfully selected for the IEO China National Team

2022: 5 students successfully selected for the IEO China National Team

2019: 1 student successfully selected for the IEO China National Team

National Economics Challenge (NEC)

Organized by the Council for Economic Education (CEE), NEC has a history of over 20 years and is the most influential high school economics competition in the United States. Its content overlaps with 85% of the economics knowledge points in AP, IB, A-Level, and other international curricula. Over 60% of global round participants are admitted to top 30 universities such as Harvard and Yale each year, making it an extremely valuable background enhancement project for business school applications. Hanlin students have consistently dominated the NEC global stage, achieving top global rankings for two consecutive years with numerous remarkable feats:

2025 NEC USA Round: Teams from WLSA, Shebei, and Qidi won QT+CT double global first place; teams from Qidi, Qingmiao, and SAS won global second place

2024 NEC USA Round: Teams from Pinghe, Xinghewan, and Linke won global second place

1. Official Recognition by Globally Top Institutions, Maximizing Application Competitiveness

As an International Olympic system event, IEO results are widely recognized by globally top universities. Historically, 65% of award winners have successfully entered economics programs at Ivy League universities, HKU, and other top institutions, and 30% of top performers receive direct invitations to summer schools at Wharton and the University of Chicago. Meanwhile, NEC experience is listed by Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and other prestigious schools as a key reference for business school applications. Over 60% of global round participants ultimately enter Ivy League or UK G5 universities. Oxford University's economics department even regards the NEC Global Round Gold Award as a direct certificate for autonomous admissions.

2. Full Alignment with Business Training Systems, Early Preparation for University Academic Requirements

The assessment systems of these two major events deeply align with the business training logic of overseas prestigious schools: IEO includes three modules—economics theory assessment, financial practice, and business roadshow—comprehensively evaluating students' micro/macroeconomics knowledge, financial investment abilities, and business case analysis skills. NEC, through economics assessment, case analysis, economic innovation challenges, and other segments, fully hones students' critical thinking, logical reasoning, public speaking, and teamwork skills. The preparation process essentially equates to completing undergraduate-level foundational economics coursework in advance, significantly improving students' performance in international curricula and academic adaptability.

3. Creating a Differentiated Application Background, Highlighting Personal Core Strengths

In an era of increasingly homogenized business school applications, major achievements such as IEO national team selection and top NEC global round rankings allow applicants to stand out among a sea of candidates. Whether it is the academic depth shown by individual event honors or the leadership and collaboration skills demonstrated in team events, these achievements precisely align with the selection criteria of Ivy League and G5 schools for future business leaders, becoming core materials in personal statements and interviews, significantly boosting the success rate of applications.

1. Top-Tier Business Faculty Team, Full Protection for Preparation

Core mentors of Hanlin's business research and teaching team graduated from economics and finance-related programs at global top institutions such as Ivy League and G5 schools. They have years of experience teaching and leading teams in international competitions, deeply understanding the question-setting logic, scoring standards, and preparation techniques for IEO, NEC, and other events. Most mentors have national team participation/coaching experience in competitions and official certification in international curricula, enabling them to precisely identify competition focus areas and students' weaknesses and develop targeted preparation plans.

2. Exclusive Research and Teaching System, Suitable for All-Stage Learning Needs

Addressing the pain points of no official systematic textbooks for IEO and NEC events and scattered available materials, Hanlin's research and teaching team, leveraging years of teaching experience, has created exclusive refined lecture notes and preparation material systems:

Deeply analyzing core competition points, covering microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics and current affairs, business case analysis, and other full-module content, highly compatible with AP, IB, and A-Level international curricula

Integrating past competition real questions, systematically breaking them down by focus and difficulty, with exclusive answer templates and problem-solving techniques to help students efficiently grasp question logic

Creating tiered content from introductory foundation, basic reinforcement, sprint elevation, to national team selection for students at different levels, suitable for preparation needs at different stages

3. Tiered Course System, Personalized Teaching Services

Hanlin has created a flexible and diverse course system for students with different foundations and preparation goals, including full-program courses, intensive courses, sprint courses, one-on-one exclusive tutoring, and other course types. It supports both online and offline teaching modes, meeting the learning needs of students both domestically and internationally. At the same time, the teaching team provides full-cycle academic support services, from pre-competition planning, detailed knowledge lectures, real-question mock tests, to pre-competition sprint, team integration, and mock defense. They track students' learning progress throughout the process, adjusting teaching plans in real-time to ensure students fully adapt to the competition rhythm and maximize their potential.

1. "All-rounder" Students Wanting to Explore the "Big Business" Direction

Target Audience: If you currently only know that you want to study business but are unsure whether to choose accounting, marketing, or management, BPA is the best "touchstone". Students can choose from various formats including objective assessments, business presentations, and team documentation based on their interests. This flexibility is great for those wanting to clarify their academic direction through competition.[reference:0]

2. Strong Communicators and "Stage-Presence" Presenters

Target Audience: Unlike purely paper-based tests, BPA includes extensive live presentation sessions. This suits students who are outgoing, skilled at creating high-quality slides, and adept at presenting business plans in fluent English. BPA judges place great value on professional demeanor, including business attire, eye contact, and the ability to think on your feet.[reference:1]

3. International Students Aiming for Top 30 Universities

Target Audience: Admissions officers highly value a student's "career readiness" when considering a business background. BPA, known as a "preparatory course for the workplace," provides awards that strongly prove you not only possess academic knowledge but also the practical ability to solve real-world business problems. It serves as a powerful endorsement for applications to business schools in the U.S. and U.K.[reference:2]

1. The "Professionalism" Challenge in Knowledge Coverage

The Challenge: The objective section of BPA examines professional knowledge in great detail. Many test points involve commercial law, tax rules, advanced accounting standards, etc., which are only superficially covered in standard AP/IB/A-Level textbooks. Students need to dedicate their summer to significant extracurricular academic strengthening.[reference:3]

2. The "Mental Toughness" Test of Live Presentations

The Challenge: The final round of BPA usually includes a judge's Q&A session. The judges, often real-world industry professionals or professors, will pose extremely sharp questions about your plan. If the team's coordination isn't tight or if they lack a deep understanding of their plan, it's easy to crumble psychologically under the spotlight.[reference:4]

1. Extremely Diverse "Track Selection" System

BPA competitions cover multiple fields, including business finance, marketing, computer science, visual design, information technology, and more.

Beginner's Strategy: Even if you are not a business student, you can expand your diverse abilities and tap into your rich potential in this interdisciplinary competition.

Low Entry Barrier: This "menu-style" selection allows every beginner to find an entry point in their area of strength, avoiding forced competition in unfamiliar fields.

2. Perfect "Academic + Practical" Dual Transition

BPA's assessment format is divided into objective tests and subjective presentations.

Beginner-Friendly Aspect: The objective test section helps beginners systematically organize foundational business knowledge (such as marketing principles, basic accounting, business law, etc.) in a short period. Meanwhile, the presentation section guides you through writing a business plan, teaching you how to conduct yourself professionally in the workplace. This tiered difficulty setting enables students to transition smoothly from "zero knowledge" to "business in action."

1. Official Certification from the U.S. Department of Education

BPA has received official recommendation and recognition from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). This means its transcripts and certificates are highly recognized globally (especially by North American universities). In the eyes of admissions officers, a BPA award is strong evidence that a student possesses "essential workplace skills."

2. Alignment with the "Desired Profile" of Top Business Schools

Top business schools (such as NYU Stern, Wharton, Cambridge Judge, etc.) value not only GPA but also a student's professionalism.

Core Value: The communication skills, teamwork, public speaking, and respect for business ethics emphasized by BPA perfectly align with the profile of future business leaders that top business schools aim to cultivate.

3. Excellent "Leadership" Credential

In application essays, an experience of coordinating conflicts within a BPA team, optimizing solutions, and calmly delivering a presentation to judges is far more valuable than vague mentions of club activities.

1. Official Background

BPA is far from an obscure event. It holds dual official certifications from the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)[reference:0] and is a key recommended event by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)[reference:1]. In North America, BPA is seen as a "cradle" for nurturing future business elites, and its certificates are highly recognizable when applying to US Top 30 universities and even Ivy League schools.

2. Academic Depth

BPA's objective tests involve a wide range of business knowledge, often exceeding the scope of AP or IB textbooks. Achieving global awards in these subjects is impossible without a solid academic foundation.

3. Workplace Logic

BPA's most challenging aspect is its extreme emphasis on professionalism. From the formatting standards of a business report to the attire, pacing, and eye contact during presentations, it evaluates whether students can think and express themselves like true business professionals. This cultivation of comprehensive skills is precisely what top business schools value most.

1. Trap #1: Following the Crowd in Category Selection

Avoidance: BPA's subject areas vary significantly. Choosing the right category can directly increase your chances of winning by 50%.

2. Trap #2: Underestimating Formatting Requirements

Misconception: Spending a lot of time refining creative ideas while not carefully reading the official handbook.

Avoidance: BPA is an extremely rigorous competition. If your report's font is incorrect, line spacing is wrong, or citations are not strictly formatted as required, judges may directly deduct up to 20% from your professionalism score. In BPA, details are everything.

3. Trap #3: Memorizing Your Presentation Script

Misconception: Rote memorization of the live presentation; one forgotten line leads to total collapse.

Avoidance: Judges value your ability to think on your feet and interact. Practice the Q&A session extensively, and prepare stress tests for potentially questioned aspects of your plan, such as profit points or feasibility. Remember, you are pitching a business concept, not reciting a textbook.

4. Trap #4: Neglecting Your Professional Image

Misconception: Wearing sneakers or ill-fitting casual suits to formal presentations.

Avoidance: BPA has strict requirements for business formal wear. A well-tailored suit, tidy hair, and confident business etiquette are essential for scoring high marks.

1. NEC: Pure Academic Depth

Focus: NEC represents the "ceiling" of economics competitions. It examines students' deep understanding of macroeconomics, microeconomics, and international economics & current events.

Logic: Similar to Olympic discipline competitions, it emphasizes vertical depth of knowledge and logical reasoning. You need to skillfully apply various economic models (such as the AD-AS model, game theory, etc.) to explain complex social phenomena.

2. BPA: Comprehensive Workplace Readiness

Focus: BPA is known as a "preparatory course for the workplace." It not only tests business knowledge but also assesses students' practical application, public speaking, teamwork, and professional ethics.

Logic: Similar to a business simulation sandbox, it emphasizes the breadth of knowledge and the ability to solve real-world problems. You need not only to understand concepts but also to create a compelling PPT, write a business plan, and confidently pitch your proposal to judges.

1. Choose Based on "Subject Strengths"

Choose NEC: If you are highly interested in mathematical models, logical derivation, and macroeconomic policy, and you are currently taking advanced economics courses in AP/IB/A-Level, NEC will maximize your academic research abilities.

Choose BPA: If you are interested in marketing, creative planning, and accounting practices, or if you excel at socializing, organizing, and coordinating, and wish to experience a real workplace environment in advance through a competition.

2. Choose Based on "Ability Profile"

Academic/Analytical Type: Suitable for NEC. You prefer immersing yourself in data and theories, proving your intellectual depth through objective tests.

Presentational/Multipotentialite Type: Suitable for BPA. You not only want to learn knowledge but also wish to exercise your public speaking, leadership, and business writing skills.

3. Choose Based on "Target Major"

Target: Pure Economics, Public Policy, Econometrics. → First choice: NEC.

Target: Marketing, Business Administration (pre-MBA direction), Accounting, Human Resources. → First choice: BPA.

1. ML (Middle School) Group

Grades: 6-9
Language: Submissions and presentations may be in Chinese or English.
Difficulty: Most basic task design, focusing on understanding business concepts.
Key Limitation: Cannot advance to Global Finals. Perfect starting point for beginners.

2. S-Pre High School Bilingual Group

Grades: 9-12
Language: Chinese-English bilingual environment, moderate English requirements.
Difficulty: Higher than ML but lower than S-Classic, focusing on business model construction.
Key Limitation: Cannot advance to Global Finals. Ideal stepping stone before aiming for S-Classic.

3. S-Classic High School Classic Group

Grades: 9-12
Language: Full English required throughout.
Difficulty: Highest level, with option to choose official designated topics or open topics.
Core Advantage: The only sub-category that can advance to Global Finals (USA/Asia). A golden credential for top-tier university applications.

1. Align Goals and Vision

The entire team must agree on the target sub-category (ML, S-Pre, or S-Classic) and ultimate goal (award-seeking or experience-focused) to avoid internal friction later due to misaligned objectives.

2. Complementary Skills, Avoid Homogeneity

An ideal team should include the following roles:

Strategic Analyst: Skilled in market research and data interpretation.

Content Strategist: Proficient in business plan writing and storytelling.

Visual Designer: Responsible for presentation design and infographics.

Lead Presenter: Fluent in English with strong stage presence.

3. Plan Ahead, Divide Work Efficiently

Clearly assign responsibilities for report writing, presentation creation, speech rehearsal, logistics coordination, etc., at the early stage of team formation to ensure a smooth preparation process.

4. Meet Deadlines

The deadline for both team formation and registration is December 7, 2025. Ensure all registration and team confirmation processes are completed by this date.

1. "Hard Currency" for College Admissions

BPA experience is highly recognized by top universities such as Harvard, Cornell, and Oxford. It effectively demonstrates the business acumen, leadership, and teamwork skills that admissions officers value, greatly enhancing application essay competitiveness.

2. Authoritative Endorsement, Corporate Recognition

Officially certified by the U.S. Department of Education (USED) and CTSO, with long-standing support from global Fortune 500 companies including Microsoft, HP, and Hilton. The value of this credential is unquestionable.

3. Academic "Accelerator"

Preparation content highly overlaps with international curricula such as AP Economics, A-Level Business, and IB Business Management, with over 90% overlap in core knowledge points. The preparation process serves as deep consolidation and application of classroom learning.