According to the statistic of Office of Academic Affairs, among the 3261 freshmen recruited through Appoint Exam, 219 choose TKU as their first option. This the highest figure during the past few years. College of Engineering occupies 14% of them (109). The highest quantity rate in department goes to Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering—21. To compare the amount of first-optioner with the total acceptance in a department, the highest average rate appears at Department of Architecture—24%.

Compared with the figure of Appoint Exam last year, in which 150 students among the recruited students chose TKU as their first option, this year the figure increases by 69 students. Dr. Chen Kan-nan, Vice President for Academic Affairs, remarks that the increase in the number is attributed both to the increasing precision of acceptance location analysis, which guides students to make the proper choices, and to the high recognition of TKU’s performances no matter by the enterprises and by alumni. The geographical location, facilities, and faculty of TKU are strongly praised by the academia. Though the social preference for choosing national universities still exists, it is gradually modified by TKU’s lasting educational reputation and excellent performances of its alumni. Dr. Chen encourages TKU freshmen “make the best of the four years of studies by utilizing the bountiful resources in learning.”

Sun Yu, freshman of Dept. of Architecture, expresses that he decided to study in TKU because he was informed by his father’s friends that the faculty and curriculum in this department are excellent, and that TKU is not far from his home. He intends to consolidate his basic skills in design, strengthens English ability, and strives for chance of exchange student. “On stepping into the campus, the shining swimming pool building brightens my eyes. The caring and friendly school seniors and the warm welcoming party make me feel my future days in TKU will be hopeful and fruitful,” Sun said.

Fan Shih-yu chooses TKU’s Dept. of Chinese as her first option because of her own interest and the recommendation of her relatives and friends. Though her high school Chinese teachers were graduated from national universities, they strongly recommend TKU for her. In addition to enrich her interest in Chinese literature and cultures, Fan plans to strength English ability and other skills for her future career.

Though his Appoint Exam grade qualifies him for national universities, Tien Chun-wei chose to go to Department of Tourism and Hospitality, Lanyang Campus, TKU. “I am very interested in traveling and intend to work in the related fields in the future. TKU’s tourism and Hospitality program is the best in the nation. That’s why I come to Lanyang campus to fulfill my dream,” Tien said. He also feels confident about the system of all-English teaching and the junior abroad program. “Though all-English teaching is challenging, I will conquer my fear to immerse myself in the English studying environment. Because all the students and teachers live in the campus, the emotional connection will be very close. As for the junior abroad program, I will work part-time to save money for the expenditure. I wish to broaden my perspectives in the foreign country,” Tien added. ( ~Chen Chi-szu )