National University of Singapore Visit

On Thursday, representatives from National University of Singapore (NUS)  brought an atmosphere of academic depth and forward-looking dialogue to the our campus.

This visit went far beyond a routine admissions briefing, it was a deep conversation on “What kind of talent does the future of higher education require?” and a meaningful alignment of educational philosophies and practices.

Event Recap: Beyond Applications, Defining Excellence

13:30 – 14:20 | Keynote Session: Redefining “Excellence” in a Changing World

Professor Sim delivered a thought-provoking address, noting that in the selection process of leading global universities, academic results are merely the entry ticket, not the deciding factor.

NUS's renowned “Holistic Admissions” process represents a deep exploration of each applicant’s motivation, intellectual quality, and potential for growth.

• Holistic Evaluation: NUS adopts a comprehensive approach to admissions, assessing not only academic performance but also extracurricular involvement, leadership, and personal character.
• The Strategic Value of the Personal Essay: Referring to the five key short-answer questions, Professor Sim emphasized that their goal is not to list accomplishments, but to tell a story of personal growth. Strong responses reveal a student’s individuality, values, and insights, connecting their journey meaningfully to NUS's academic environment and future vision.

14:20 – 14:50 | Roundtable Discussion: Deepening Collaboration and Connection

The session that followed marked a shift from one-way information sharing to genuine two-way collaboration.

DHSZ leadership, university & careers counsellors, and NUS representatives engaged in a constructive dialogue around the shared question: How can we better support outstanding students as they step onto the global stage?

• Curriculum Alignment: Both sides examined how the A-Level curriculum connects with NUS’s undergraduate education. The admissions team reaffirmed the value of A-Level studies in developing critical thinking and research abilities, offering clear academic expectations and valuable feedback for curriculum enhancement.
• Scholarship Opportunities: The NUS team introduced a range of scholarships and financial aid programmes for international students, outlining their selection criteria and application procedures. They stressed that these initiatives aim to attract and support talented students, helping them achieve their academic goals while fostering a diverse and inclusive learning community.
• Fair and Inclusive Admissions Philosophy: NUS reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, all applicants, regardless of nationality, compete on the same merit-based platform. The university welcomes students from a wide range of cultural and educational backgrounds, believing that diversity fuels creativity and innovation on campus.
• The Qualities of an Outstanding Student: While academic excellence remains a vital foundation, NUS looks beyond grades to identify students who demonstrate curiosity, initiative, self-reflection, and collaboration. Unique personal experiences and the values they reveal are far more significant than titles or awards alone.

The visit from the NUS Admissions Office marks another milestone in DHSZ's growing collaboration with world-leading universities. It provided Dulwich students with an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with admissions officers and gain first-hand insight into how top universities select and nurture future leaders.

Further, it reaffirmed the global recognition of Dulwich's whole-person education philosophy, which emphasizes not only academic excellence but also personal growth, living the school values, and preparation for life beyond school. Looking ahead, we hope to see more DHSZ students equipped with curiosity, creativity, and resilience, and continuing their journeys to world-class universities such as NUS... to Grow in Dulwich and Thrive in Life.