48 UCL, Imperial, and LSE Offers

We are proud to share that this year, our students have received an extraordinary number of offers from the United Kingdom’s most prestigious universities—43 offers from University College London (UCL), 4 from Imperial College London, and 1 from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Decisions will continue to be released throughout April and early May.

These offers reflect the exceptional academic achievement, ambition, and character of our graduating students—and also the strength of the entire school community, which has supported them every step of the way.

When looking at the past three application cycles going back to the class of 2023, DHSZ students have 75 UCL offers, 10 Imperial offers, and 5 LSE offers. 41 DHSZ students have attended Imperial, UCL, or LSE with many of the non-attendees choosing to go to universities outside of the UK.

Why have DHSZ students received so many offers?

Mr Jack Rau, University and Careers Counsellor, believes that UCL, Imperial, and LSE are typically looking for the following in applicants:

• Strong performance in external exams. Our students receiving offers from these three universities have performed well in their IGCSES and AS exams and have strong predicted grades.
• Commitment to the subject area. Many accepted students have shown a passion for their subject area – whether this is through research projects, competitions, summer programs, extracurricular activities, or other related activities they have shown a motivation for pursuing their course beyond the A Level syllabus. This comes through in their UCAS personal statement.

Why are UCL, Imperial, and LSE so popular with DHSZ students?

Ms Ren Li, University and Careers Counsellor, feels that these universities are popular because：

• All three campuses are located in central London. Students can take full advantage of, and experience, all the wonderful aspects this city has to offer.
• International environment – over 50% international students at each of these universities with LSE having around 70%, UCL 50%, and Imperial 51%.
• Large student bodies – UCL has 50,000 students, LSE has 11,000 students, and Imperial has 23,000 students. This provides our students with a huge range of classmates to learn with.
• Thousands of different degree options—DHSZ students have studied a wide range of subjects at these universities, including economics, biochemistry, geography, art, and many others.
• Extensive research opportunities for undergraduates along with highly accomplished faculty with 64 Nobel Laureate professors between the three.

#Student Quick Q&A

Q1 What excites you about  your university options?

Ryan W: UCL's libraries have more books than my TikTok feed has memes. Also, their campus is basically a free walking tour of London's  history.

Amy F: University ranking, major ranking, and also the major I like.

Nina S: UCL's Economics programme combines rigorous theoretical training with practical opportunities in London – a global financial hub.

Nemo L: UCL launched a new major [Art & Technology] about the study of AI... I am very interested in it.

Olivia L: LSE's rigorous economics curriculum and its reputation as a target school for top employers.

Angus W: UCL's rankings and reputation... I was really interested in their Geography programme.

Q2 Why did you choose UCL/Imperial/LSE?

Ryan W: UCL’s geography programme lets me study London as the textbook... their library has a globe collection that actually spins.

Amy F: UCL has the best education college in the UK... my favourite major is education and educational psychology.

Derek J: UCL’s economics faculty is highly ranked globally... London has internship opportunities.

Nina S: Curriculum: Practical courses like 'Applied Economic Analysis.'. London's strategic location for resources and internships.

James Y: Good university ranking and my chosen Major (Geography).

Olivia L: LSE’s singular focus on social sciences... specialised resources like alumni networks.

Nemo L: UCL's new Art & Technology major aligns with my interests in AI and creativity.

Charles Y: Imperial has the best academic resources for civil and environmental engineering.

Q3: Which DHSZ event did you most enjoy? Why?

Ryan W: The tree lighting at DHSZ! Twinkling lights, carols with friends.

Amy F: Drama events (Little Shop of Horrors, Addams Family)... working backstage to help actors.

Derek J: House events... variety of activities, sports, academics. Being a house captain made me feel part of a big group.

Nina S: House Competition... diverse activities from academic quizzes to sports. Collaboration across year groups turned teammates into family.

Angus W: Chatting with my counsellor about cultural differences between China and Western countries.

Sarah L: CCA activities... leadership, creativity, and competitiveness in university applications.

Q4 Who at DHSZ would you like to thank?

Ryan W: Ms Li Ren (kind and helpful).

Amy F: Psychology teachers, drama teachers, tutors (Ms Allison, Mr Ka Weng Chan, Ms Jessica Fannon, Ms Katherine Ryan, Mr Koh, Mr John Coffey).

Derek J: Counsellor Ms Rain Xie (patient advice on applications and dorm selections).

Nina S: Maths teachers Mr Yusuf Csabai and Ms Muge Ozgonul; economics teachers Ms Eileen Law and Ms Jessica Law; Physics teachers Mr Masihur Bawngi and Ms Maxine Li; cafeteria staff, security guards, the whole community!

James Y: Mr Steve Hodgkin.

Olivia L: DHSZ counselling team and interview preparation support.

Nemo L: All teachers for supporting my art journey despite past struggles.

Sarah L: Ms Sabina Jalil (charity/club support), Mr Matthew Smith (environmental inspiration), Mr Mark Coyle (application guidance).

Charles Y: Mr Sam Cui (kindness and encouragement).

Angus W: Teachers and friends for advice and overcoming challenges.

Q5 Advice for lower-year students (3 tips)

Ryan W:

1.Sleep well, don’t be anxious.

2.Contact teachers for additional work/help after class.

3.Think carefully about the friends you make.

Amy F:

1.Find your interest major and work for it.

2. Don’t be afraid of asking questions.

3.Participate in class.

Derek J:

1.Aim for higher AS grades for UK/HK offers.

2.Ask teachers/counsellors for help.

3.Create a holistic university list (not just rankings).

Nina S:

1.Discover your passion.

2.Master self-discipline.

3.Embrace the journey.

James Y:

1.Fully prepare for AS exams.

2.Revise using past papers.

3.Avoid distractions during exam seasons.

Olivia L:

1.Listen to business/tech podcasts daily.

2.Keep learning vocabulary.

3.Apply economics to your daily life.

Nemo L:

1.Choose a major you love.

2.Work hard.

3.Focus on your interests.

Sarah L:

1. Join extracurriculars/competitions.

2.Maintain grades consistently.

3.Research schools before applying.

Charles Y:

1.Organise notes after class.

2.Persevere through failures.

3.Stay positive and patient.

Angus W:

1.Prioritise grades for UK/Australia.

2.Participate in events (even if not required).

3.Use school resources (e.g., teacher feedback in English).