Conditional Offer from Cambridge

Give another round of applause to all our year 13 students who have received university offers recently. Congratulations! In this article, we would like to share with you the story of Jason L who is conditionally accepted to the Natural Sciences course at the University of Cambridge. We hope that you will get some insights about how to better prepare yourself or your own child for similar programs or universities.

Start with interest, achieve with effort

Jason told us that his interest in biology grew from the first time he was introduced to it. "Discovering the human body’s mysteries and biology’s connections to everyday life fascinated me. For example, when studying the digestive system, I would think about how the bread I eat is converted into sugar, how it is absorbed and reused by my cells, etc. All this knowledge is relevant to our lives." And after studying three science subjects in Year 11, Jason has found a keen interest in not just biology, but science in general.

With this passion, Jason began to explore biology in depth. At school, he would often discuss topics he came across on his own with his teachers. To challenge himself, he participated in various biology and chemistry competitions including BBO (British Biology Olympiad), USABO (USA Biology Olympiad), UKCHO (UK Chemistry Olympiad), CCC (Canadian Chemistry Contest), the experiment-based iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine competition), and also participated in a project titled "Cellular mechanisms and pathogenesis of diseases such as Alzheimer's". Through these competitions, Jason has also found further interest in the subject of chemistry and has strengthened and expanded his knowledge of it, which complements his major in biology. "The process of participating in these competitions has helped me to learn more about the subject and has developed a deeper understanding of it. I am also very glad I had the chance to join our iGEM team and a good time learning biology from a different perspective, and the amazing laboratory(Synthetic Biology Lab) that the school provided, which all aided the success in my applications."

Time is short!

Although he decided early on the direction of his future studies, Jason admits that he didn't start planning meticulously until Year 12, when he realised that he had to plan his time more carefully because of the tight schedule. "There was a time when I had to prepare for another biology and chemistry competition, and I also needed to complete my IELTS within a month. So I just arranged what I would study at what time." It is Jason's self-discipline and efficiency that drives him to accomplish the goals he has set for himself quickly and steadily.

Jason's passion for biology and his exploration of the subject was supported by his teachers. His counsellor helped him through the application process and found him an opportunity of doing a mock interview. "After the mock, I had a general idea of what the interview would be like and was more prepared, which made the formal interview easier.”

In Jason's view, consistent communication and expression are important in the Cambridge interview, and his outstanding performance is dependent on consistent study. He often takes the initiative to talk to teachers after class, which on the one hand helps him to improve his English communication skills, and on the other hand, the discussion of academic topics often leads to deeper topics. He is driven by a strong drive to explore topics deeply. He has also served as a volunteer in the school library to introduce the school's features to the lower school students and has given presentations on various projects in the liberal arts class he attended. All kinds of experiences have undoubtedly strengthened Jason's communication and presentation skills in a subtle way.  Jason said that he very much wants to thank his teachers who supported and encouraged him, whom he discussed with to delve into academics and were happy to listen to his questions.

As well as keeping up with his academic studies, Jason is also active inextra-curricular activities. He loves sports and is the captain of his school table tennis team, has participated in two summer schools, is a member of the Dulwich Medical Program (DMP), and is involved in many charity events. He also went to a clinic internship as a doctor's assistant, following the doctor's hearings and learning how to put his classroom knowledge into practice. “This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the responsibility of being a doctor and strengthened my determination to study medicine in the future,” said Jason.

Comments from counsellor

Jason's advice

"Talk to your teacher whenever you have questions. Communication skills can only be perfected through practice. Decisions about your major can be explored step by step in studying, and exploring more can help you understand yourself better."

We congratulate Jason and wish him the best of luck in his future medical dreams!