In the United States, Today is National College Decision Day, by Frank Whitaker, Minister Counselor for Public Affairs, U.S. Embassy Beijing

美国驻华使馆公使衔新闻文化参赞白诗浪

May 1 is an exciting and important milestone; the date marks “national college decision day” in the United States.  Students decide by this date which college or university is the right fit for them.  I congratulate those students who have received acceptances already and those who will receive acceptances in the coming months.  You should be proud - you’ve jumped a series of hurdles to get where you are now.  You have narrowed down your selection of institutions that you think will help you to grow academically and socially.  You have poured your hearts out in essays and application forms.  You have prepared for and taken rigorous tests.  You have fulfilled commitments to your communities in extra-curricular and volunteer activities.  This process has helped you to grow.  A great education can change your life and guide your future.  You are ready! 

五月一日是一个令人兴奋同时也很重要的里程碑一样的日子。这天在美国被称为“全国大学入学决策日”。学生们需要在这天选出一所最适合他们的大学/学院。在这里我祝贺所有已经收到录取通知书和在接下来的日子即将收到录取的同学们。你们应该为自己突破层层困难最终站到现在的位置而倍感自豪。现在你已经缩小了选择范围，知道哪所高等教育机构可以帮助你在学术和社交方面得到足够的提高和成长。你在申请文书写作和填写申请表格中倾注了所有的心血。你已经努力准备过并经历了各种严苛的考试。你完成了在课外活动和自愿者活动中服务社区的承诺。所有的这些过程都帮助了你的成长。伟大的教育可以改变你的生活，指导你的未来。你已整装待发！

As the father of six children, I have gone through the college application process many times:  the anticipation of waiting for acceptance letters and the thrill of when they arrive, the family conversations about deciding whether a small liberal arts school or a big state school is the right fit.  These are all very personal decisions and each person must decide what is right for them. 

作为一名六个孩子的父亲，我已经很多次的陪伴我的孩子完成大学申请的过程。等待录取结果时的期翼；拿到录取结果时的兴奋；在家里不断谈到的到底是小型文理学院还是大型的州立大学更适合。这些都是非常个人的决定。每个人都应该作出最适合自己的决定。

While you make your choices today, I want to point out how remarkable it is to have this choice to make.  The greatest advantage of your generation is the amount of options and opportunities that you have.  In the moment, the decision might feel challenging, but I celebrate with you the choices you get to make and the opportunities they will undoubtedly open in your future.

当你在这一天作出选择的时候，我想说这是一个非凡的时刻。你们这代人最显著的优势就是拥有众多的选择与机遇。此时此刻，你可能会觉得这个决定会充满挑战性。但是我要祝贺你所要作出的决定与未来毫无疑问的即将敞开的大门。

I encourage each of you to consider what is important to you and where you will be happiest.  That’s why we encourage students to “be yourself” when you apply, so that you find the right fit institution.  There are over 4,000 accredited U.S. colleges and universities; each offering unique experiences to their students.  Over one million international students, including many Chinese students, are now in U.S. higher education institutions, maintaining the United States’ long-standing position as the world’s top host nation for international students.  U.S. colleges and universities welcome international students for the valuable diversity you bring to American campuses.  

我鼓励你们每一个人去考虑什么对于你来说是最重要的，你在哪里会最开心。这就是为什么我们鼓励学生们在申请的时候坚持“作自己”，这样你才可以找到最“对”的那所大学。在美国有超过4000所被认证过的大学与学院。每一所都为他们的学生提供独一无二的学习经历。有超过一百多万国际学生现在在美国的高等教育机构接受教育，其中包括了非常多的中国学生。这使美国一直保持了世界上有最多国际学生选择入读的国家。美国的大学和学院欢迎国际学生给美国大学校园带来的宝贵的多元化。

As a father who has been there, I will leave you with some simple advice as you make your decisions today.  Study what you are passionate about.  Go to a school that wants you, and that has the staff and faculty to support your dreams.  Make your choices with not just your head but also your heart. There are schools and universities in America to fit every dream.

作为一名经历过这一切的父亲，在这个决策日我想给你一些朴素的建议。学习你最有激情的专业。去一所需要你，同时学校的教职人员支持你实现梦想的大学。不单用理智的头脑来做决定，也去追随心灵的方向。在美国总有一所大学可以装得下你的梦想。

There is a fitting chengyu for days like college decision day, “The journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step.”  By making your choice of schools today, you are embarking on an exciting journey and I wish you all the success in the world.

在这里有一条非常适用于这个“大学入学决策日”的成语：千里之行，始于足下。在做抉择的时刻，你也在开启一趟令人激动兴奋的旅程。我祝大家前程似锦。