Joe W: From Practice to Imperial College
In the latest 2025 QS World University Rankings, Imperial College London was ranked 2nd globally. Among our school's Class of 2024, one student has received two offers from Imperial College—Joe W, who has been admitted to both Biological Sciences and Medical Biosciences majors! Now, let's dive into the final offer story for the current school year and hear about Joe's growth and discoveries during his time at DHSZ.
Joe W (Y13)
Imperial College London - Biological Sciences- Medical Biosciences
University of Manchester - Biomedical Sciences
University of California-San Diego - Biological Sciences
University of California-Davis - Biological Sciences
University of California-Irvine - Biological Sciences
Discovering Passion Through Practice
When Joe was in Year 11, he joined the school's iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) team. He recalled, "In my first iGEM competition, I followed upper school students to explore research topics on solving cancer vaccine challenges. This experience gave me a great sense of accomplishment, and I continued to participate and serve as an advisor for the next two years, guiding the lower school students on different research projects." Through these practical activities, Joe discovered his strong interest in the field of biology and realised this might be his future path.
In addition to winning the gold medal in iGEM, Joe also excelled in various external biology and chemistry competitions, such as the British Biology Olympiad (BBO) gold award, ranking in the top 10% among Chinese students, the USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) gold award, and the UK Chemistry Olympiad gold award... Holding multiple trophies, he told us that, "While the gold awards are certainly the goal, what's more important is that these competitions have propelled me to learn more relevant knowledge. I also really enjoy the competition process, seeing it as a way to enhance my own capabilities."
Reflecting on his outstanding performance in these competitions, Joe summarised that in addition to delving deeper into the curriculum and syllabus, he also actively learned a lot of extended knowledge and tackled complex topics. He is particularly grateful for the meticulous guidance and support from his biology teacher, Mr Murdoch Mackay.
Grow in Dulwich
Also in Year 11, Joe initiated and led the “Journal Society” CCA. He gathered fellow students passionate about academics to discuss a wide range of fascinating academic topics, including biology, economics, and philosophy. He explained, "We would introduce our respective areas of interest and share different insights. For example, we once explored from a psychological perspective whether our every choice is based on utilitarianism, engaging in extensive brainstorming during the discussions." Joe also frequently encouraged his team members to participate in relevant academic competitions, putting their ideas into practice. He himself wrote a theology-related essay during this period and was shortlisted for the John Locke Essay Competition. Joe stated that through leading and participating in this CCA, he has enhanced his critical thinking, multi-perspective problem analysis, and effective problem-solving skills. This atmosphere of mutual learning has not only enriched his understanding of many concepts but also helped him uncover different perspectives and viewpoints.
Apart from academics, Joe sees DHSZ as a fertile ground where he can constantly exercise himself and showcase his talents. As a music enthusiast, after learning that the school holds the musical performance annually, he consecutively participated in the musical "Guys and Dolls" and "Shrek" - "Although I was not the lead, the experience of performing made me more confident." He also represented Year 11 students and participated in the school's Young Musicians Competition. As a member of the student council, he was also involved in organising various large-scale school events, such as the Color Run and Music Festival, significantly enhancing his coordination skills and leadership.
Getting Two IC Offers with an Attractive Personal Statement
Joe's counsellor, Mr Steve Hodgkin, provided him with tremendous support during the university application process. "Whether it was choosing a major, selecting schools, or preparing for university interviews and written tests, I found Mr Hodgkin's advice to be very valuable and helpful."
When writing the personal statement, Joe was always thinking about how to make them "more interesting." Mr Hodgkin provided him with many professional revise suggestions. Ultimately, Joe received offers from both of his Imperial College applications, which he attributes to the highlights in his essays, "I included my interesting experiences from participating in activities and an essay I wrote about the evolution of the biological clock. The biological clock is a similar mechanism found in both animals and plants, and I found it very fascinating, so I wanted to research its evolutionary process." It was Joe's demonstrated passion for the field of biology and academic potential that impressed the admissions officers.
In addition, Joe was also admitted to top universities like the University of California, San Diego. "California itself has many large-scale biotech companies, offering abundant internship opportunities for undergraduates, which really appeals to me." As Joe embarks on his university journey, the future is filled with endless possibilities. He hopes to maintain his love for science in his future studies and research and transform it into a career pursuit.
Advice for Lower School Students
During the university application process, the communication with teachers is crucial. When choosing the major, select a direction you are genuinely interested in, rather than sacrificing your interests and hobbies just for the sake of a prestigious university. Only then can you truly thrive and find fulfillment.
