An Unusual Path to the University of Cambridge

Dulwich College Suzhou is thrilled to announce that Chad B, a member of our Class of 2024, has been accepted into the University of Cambridge. Hailing from a Korean background, Chad is celebrated for his intelligence, commitment, and exceptional skills in science and mathematics. We are excited to have him share his experiences with us!

At Dulwich College Suzhou, our student community is dynamic and diverse, encompassing a wide range of international backgrounds. Each student contributes their own unique talents and interests. We are committed to fostering a comprehensive learning environment and tailoring our teaching methods to accommodate individual needs. Let’s dive into Chad B's insights on preparing for university applications and his study experiences!

Q: While reviewing the experience back, what subject was the most challenging for you and how did you overcome the problems?

The most challenging subjects for me were the languages: English A Language & Literature and Korean A Literature. Sometimes I struggled to understand the author’s purpose. How am I supposed to know what an author’s intention is if I’ve never met or spoken with them? Nevertheless, I managed to cope with these subjects by forcing myself to read and analyze the books. I studied all the different types of texts for Paper 1, analyzed the similarities and differences for Paper 2, and memorized everything. 

Overcoming problems with the most difficult subjects is simple: invest your time and effort. At first, progress may not be obvious. You might continue getting the same grades, which can be frustrating and even depressing. However, as your efforts accumulate, you’ll eventually see how much you’ve improved.

Q: Are there any tips you would like to share with us about the interview/assessment process with University of Cambridge? Is there anything you have learnt from it?

People who are interested in applying to universities like the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London already know that most courses require you to take an assessment, followed by an interview, provided your application is of high quality. About the assessment,  you should review different syllabuses in advance and fill in any gaps on your own. 

As for the interview, the professors aren’t necessarily looking for right or wrong answers. They want to see how you think and why you think that way. Of course, getting the correct answer right away is ideal. However, don’t be nervous if you realize your answer is wrong. Be flexible, and try to get hints by asking questions about things you’re unsure of. Professors are often willing to give you hints, so why not take advantages of that? You shouldn’t feel discouraged or embarrassed about giving a wrong answer. Once you recognize it, adapt and correct yourself.

Q: Are there any teachers or counselors you particularly would like to say thank you to, and why?

There are many teachers I want to thank. First, Mr. Devlin, who supported me throughout my entire university application process. Early in the morning, late at night, and even during holidays, he helped me with my personal statement, offering suggestions and ways to reduce the character count. I also want to thank my science teachers, Dr Tang and Mr Aitkenhead. Dr Tang assisted me with the chemistry section of the admission test. Despite her busy schedule, she provided tips and methods for solving questions I couldn’t figure out. 

Mr. Aitkenhead also helped me in various ways. He was my Physics EE supervisor and not only guided me to achieve an A on my EE but also helped me earn awards in the BPhO. He helped me validate the equation I derived for the relationship between the angle of attack and lift force. Additionally, he answered my in-class questions, and his explanations were incredibly meaningful, helping me grasp the core knowledge behind theories, which deepened my understanding of physics. Last but not least, I am deeply grateful to Mr Gora. Most students at DCSZ know him as an economics teacher, but to me, he was someone I could turn to for interview preparation. The time he spent with me doing mock interviews was invaluable. 

To all the teachers I’ve mentioned, thank you again for your time and the support you gave me.

Q: You have made a lot of great achievements on science. Would you mind sharing a bit about your story of falling in love with Science and Technology and how did you find the best way to make progress on those subjects?

Making progress in science subjects isn’t as hard compared to languages. Review the content you learn every day. Make clear notes. Don’t hesitate to ask your teachers questions. Sciences have clear answers and explanations behind them, unlike the languages. Make sure you understand the concepts, questions, and answers, rather than just memorizing them. I’m referring to Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science here. Biology is an exception. Past paper questions are always helpful, but don’t simply memorize the answers. Understand why they’re correct. The same questions won’t appear on your exam, so memorizing answers is pointless. Instead, go back to your textbook, search Google, or watch YouTube videos. Use your time and resources wisely to maximize your understanding.

Q: Do you have any tips for students about the university application experience? Anything you want to share?

The biggest tip I would give to current Year 13 students preparing their applications, and to Year 12 students who will start their applications next year, is to build strong relationships with your teachers. They are the ones who know you well and can genuinely support you on your journey. They are the experts on the subject, so don’t hesitate to ask them questions. Other tips include managing your time wisely and having a clear plan. The application process takes a long time, and if you miss the deadline for registering for an admission test, you’ll have to wait until the next year. Also, preparing your application doesn’t mean you can neglect your academic work. You’ll still be working on your IAs and EE, and TOK is coming up soon. If you spend all your time on your application, it will affect your grades. Therefore balance your time carefully. 

At this point, some students may be considering applying to universities in both the USA and the UK. Keep in mind that they have completely different application processes. Before you start applying, make sure you know what you want to do. Don’t waste time working on US applications if your goal is to attend a university in the UK.

We appreciate Chad B's insights. His suggestions are genuinely valuable and practical. Congratulations on his success. We wish him a bright future!