Future Choices

I am going on to study Design at IE Business School, Madrid. I chose this course as I wanted to do something creative while also furthering my knowledge of the business world. The course especially appealed to me as it offers education in specific design applications and machinery which can be otherwise extremely intimidating and inaccessible to students. The course also promotes and provides frequent and impressive work placements and internships which will help me to graduate with an impressive CV. Specifically, Mr Twohig and the Art school have impelled me to expand my knowledge of art and experiment with different formats, while Ms Langdale pushed my confidence to go abroad and curate my application. While I don’t know what I want to do afterwards, I am confident that I will have broad horizons and choices after immersing myself into a different country, culture and refining my knowledge on all areas of design.

In the summer before my Upper Sixth year, I set out to complete the personal essay for my Common Application which is the main application US universities use. I had already identified my top schools. I rated them as “safety” school, “likely” schools, and “reach” schools, making sure I had a good mixture of the three types.  My two older sisters had both used the ED (early decision) option for their US university applications and I decided to do the same. I applied on November 1st to the University of Virginia, which is my top choice. I was notified by UVA in the middle of December that I was being placed on the waitlist for decision. With that news, I set out to finish the rest of my American university supplemental essays. In the end, I applied to a total of 16 universities. I am humbled to say that I received partial scholarships to University of Vermont, University of Oklahoma and University of Arizona. I was thrilled to be admitted to the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University in upstate New York. Syracuse is my top choice until I hear from my waitlist position at the University of Virginia.

I chose to pursue the Medicine course at the University of Exeter because of its renowned reputation for excellence in medical education and research. The University’s commitment to innovation and its emphasis on early clinical exposure strongly appealed to me. Additionally, Exeter’s supportive learning environment promotes critical thinking and collaboration, qualities crucial for a future healthcare professional. In preparation for this commitment, Marlborough College has provided me with a solid foundation in academics and a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. The diverse opportunities provided to me by the College have helped to instil a strong work ethic and a passion for supporting others. After university, my long-term goal is to be a surgeon, and through dedication, continuous learning, and compassionate care, I will endeavour to improve patients’ outcomes and positively impact the lives of individuals and communities.

I have an offer to study Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge. Upon joining the College in the Lower Sixth, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical industry but was unsure as to whether that would be in human medicine, pharmaceuticals and research or veterinary medicine. I managed to organise a work experience placement at a vet practice in town, which ultimately led to me making the decision that I wanted to apply for Veterinary Medicine. The College was very accommodating, letting me leave school during my free periods to go and complete this work experience and they put me in touch with OMs who studied veterinary as well so I could ask for their advice with my applications. I prepared for my application by gaining more work experience at home and studying for my NSAA exam. My teachers gave me all the help that I needed with this exam and with my interview preparation to ensure I was best prepared for these.

After living in Hong Kong for a number of years and learning Mandarin throughout my time there, I was keen to continue expanding my knowledge of the language at Marlborough. I currently have an offer from Durham University for Chinese Studies including a year abroad where I can fully immerse myself in a Chinese speaking country. By offering the HSK courses, Ms Li and the Chinese Department allowed me to advance as well as challenge my knowledge which eventually pushed me to apply for Chinese Studies at university. I have always felt an affinity towards learning languages, particularly Chinese and I am excited to see the opportunities that will be available to me in the future because of it.

I have an offer to study Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Bristol. I have had an interest in how things were designed and built from a young age and as a result, I grew an interest in Formula 1. Engineering drew me due to its combination of both logic and creativity when approaching problems while having a strong practical element. Within my work after leaving university, I hope to promote sustainability and improve renewable technologies, in order to tackle the climate crisis. Most of my preparation involved personal research and reading, while committing myself wholeheartedly to my A levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Sport Science. I have found teachers at Marlborough very helpful in answering questions; whether it be in relation to A level content or any other research I have done, and the Futures Department played a significant role in my application.

I have an offer to study Computer Science with an industrial placement specialising in Cyber Security at Newcastle University. Marlborough was where I first started studying Computer Science and it was the opportunity I was given in Lower Sixth to complete an EPQ that allowed me to find this fascination I have for the subject. I based my dissertation on Cyber Security and it gave me the freedom to research the key areas of the subject that enriched me, leading to me being heavily prepared for the application process to universities. The College helped me with assessing all possible courses and without their help, there would have been multiple courses I would have missed and not considered. My aim is to go on after university into a career in Cyber Security.

The lead course I have applied for is Product Design and Technology (BSc) and I have an offer to study this at Loughborough University. Coming up with ideas and designing products is something I have enjoyed doing for a while. I chose this University due to the brand new facilities of the refurbished design building. To prepare for Loughborough, I had to make a portfolio of all my work consisting of the major projects I have done. I had loads of help from my DT teachers in choosing projects and refining them. Loughborough sent me a design task to complete as well, which I also got support with initial ideas and developing the final idea. In the long term, I would like to start my own design consultancy focusing on the Automotive industry which I have always had an interest in.

I have applied to study Engineering at Columbia University in New York. I have always had a passion for Mathematics and Physics, and Engineering is an amazing opportunity to combine the two together. What also really excites me about attending Columbia is their Core Curriculum which will allow me to continue studying Humanities while pursuing a STEM-based major. I particularly look forward to studying Russian Literature which I find particularly interesting. Marlborough College has always supported me and given me opportunities to explore my interests; from being part of Dr Flatres’s Engineering Team to giving me extra help when I was preparing for my SAT exam. Looking back on my application journey, I am really grateful for the encouragement that I have received from the College, especially from Ms Langdale and my tutor, Mrs Moule.

I am excited to start my new journey at the Bartlett School of Architecture in London this coming September. I participated in their summer course and found it enlightening. I experienced an innovative teaching style and an inclusive community. There were no ‘barriers’ between individuals; we shared ideas freely and turned them into reality collectively. For me, architecture is a ‘Home’, a place where we connect with others. In its subtle details, we find triggers for cherished memories that linger long after the moments have passed. Personally, I’m intrigued by the connection between architecture and memories, whether within the intimacy of family or the vastness of urban landscapes. Those inconspicuous moments became my inspiration, adding a touch of emotion to my portfolio and resonating with others; whilst my knowledge of architecture is broadened through the places that I’ve travelled, the buildings I’ve sketched, and the world behind the words in the books I’ve read. With my interpretation of architecture, I hope to design structures that not only provide shelter but also offer a sense of warmth and intimacy to those who inhabit them, like a ‘Home’.

Next year I am hoping to move north to study Music at Durham. I have chosen this institution as I really like the collegiate system there and its Music course includes modules that interest me. I would like to study Music as it is such a diverse subject that teaches you a wide range of skills that are useful in many areas of life. In order to prepare for my application, I really focused on making my personal statement strong. I did this by starting early and planning ahead, something which Marlborough helpfully encourages when it comes to the UCAS application process. Whilst I am not sure what I want to do after university, Marlborough has really taught me the importance of doing what you love.