SHIV MATHUR is a young international cricket star in Hong Kong – and now a successful US college applicant. He tells us how he was able to juggle sport and school, and how tutoring by BartyED helped him get into UCLA.
Congratulations on getting accepted into UCLA! How did you feel when you heard the news?
I felt genuinely happy and excited about the future. Getting into a good university was a goal of mine, and the news confirmed that my effort paid off. It brought a smile to my face. I also felt grateful for the support from my family and from the BartyED team throughout the process – my success felt like their success too.
What will you be studying and when do you start?
I’ll be studying economics at UCLA, starting in September. I’m excited to grow academically at university, learn new things and really enjoy the process. This is a new chapter in my life, so there’s a mix of excitement and a tinge of nervousness about going off to college.
Tell us about your schooling in HK.
I went to Hong Kong International School, and I’m incredibly grateful for the support I received throughout my academic and athletic journey. The school’s flexibility allowed me to manage playing professional cricket and maintain good academic results.
The most impactful courses I took at HKIS were AP Micro and Macroeconomics, AP Statistics, AP Psychology and AP BC Calculus. They simultaneously challenged and intrigued me; I enjoyed learning the nuances of each subject and connecting them to the real world.
Any particular study routines that helped with your success?
When I was on tour with cricket, I made sure to communicate with my teachers to make sure I stayed on track, and so they could help me when I returned. I also planned ahead before each semester, setting up a clear schedule of the weeks I would be playing sport, and ones where I needed to prioritise studying. Overall, the combination of communication, planning and time management kept my studying consistent.
What role did the tutoring by BartyED play in this?
They helped me a lot with both essays and exam prep. For writing, they helped me refine my essays while still keeping my own voice, and they gave me clear suggestions and strong guidance. For exams like the SAT and AP tests, they provided useful study strategies, materials and a lot of valuable practice, which helped me feel prepared and confident.
Tell us a bit more about your cricketing success, and how the sport might feature in your future.
I’ve loved playing cricket for Hong Kong and developing as a player. Cricket has taught me things that go beyond the pitch: staying consistent, working consistently and handling high pressure. I’m not entirely sure what cricket holds for me in the future, or what it will look like in terms of leagues or international cricket, but I’m excited to find out and keep working toward what’s possible.
A note from the BartyED team
“It’s always a pleasure to work with students as diligent and hard-working as Shiv. Getting admitted to UCLA is a tremendous achievement. While their headline acceptance rate sits at around 9%, it’s always more competitive for international students. In recent cycles, UCLA has continued to receive the highest number of applications of any university in the USA (147,000 for class of 2030). And while the acceptance rate drops to 6-7% for international applicants, you can be sure the acceptance rate for ambitious students from Hong Kong and China is even lower. Well done, Shiv!”
For tutoring enquiries or support with university admissions, contact BartyED at 2882 1017 or enquiries@bartyed.com.
bartyed.com
This article on how tutoring by BartyED helped a young international cricket star in Hong Kong get accepted by UCLA first appeared in the Summer 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest mag or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.
