RMS Student Scarlett Earns Cambridge Offer for Chinese Studies

We are delighted to celebrate Scarlett, a Year 13 student at RMS, who has received an offer from the University of Cambridge to study Chinese Studies.

In this interview, Scarlett shares her reaction to receiving the offer, the inspiration behind her application, the challenges of the process, and what she’s most looking forward to in this next chapter of her academic journey.

My name is Scarlett and I joined RMS in Year 7, I was the only person from my school to come here so didn’t know anybody at first. Although I didn’t start Mandarin until year 8, I quickly fell in love with the language and I have now got an offer to study Chinese Studies at Cambridge. Not only do I love Mandarin and Chinese culture, but I also love swimming and playing piano in my free time.

Congratulations! Can you share your initial reaction when you found out you had been made an offer of a place at Cambridge?

I sat on my sofa, staring at the computer screen with my mouth wide open in shock before I turned to my parents and started squealing.

What inspired you to apply to Cambridge?

At first, I looked into Cambridge because the course had modules which covered so many different aspects of China and interested me.  However, it was after the Open day and meeting the professors, the other students and generally walking around the colleges that I was inspired to apply.

Could you tell us about the application process? Any memorable or challenging moments?

My two interviews were memorable as they were such unique experiences. Although online, I enjoyed having an academic talk about the subject I love the most with experts and the curveball questions got me thinking.

Getting started on my personal statement was pretty challenging for me as I wasn’t sure where to start but with help and guidance from the RMS Oxbridge team, by the end, I felt really happy and confident with it and handing it in felt like a big achievement. Also, reading about my subject for preparation was fun and valuable.

What are you most looking forward to about studying at University?

Apart from my year abroad in China, I am most looking forward to meeting and working with other students who are just as passionate about Chinese Studies as I am and the exploration into China’s history and culture both past and present – and The Formals of course.

How do you think your time at RMS for Girls has prepared you for this next academic adventure?