Build a bridge connecting Cambridge with Chinese students

Ranked 3rd in the QS World University Rankings in 2022, the University of Cambridge is undoubtedly a dream of many students who are determined to study abroad. This event has attracted more than 300 high school students, teachers, and parents to join in in-person or online, including students from Nanjing Foreign Language School, High School Affiliated to Nanjing Normal University, Jinling Middle School, Nanjing International School, Nanjing Times Bilingual School, Nanjing Ansheng School, Yuhuatai Middle School, and schools of other cities such as WLSA Shanghai School, High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, Suzhou Middle School, Changzhou Wei Ya, Tianjin Yinghua.

Ms. Olivia Matthewson, East Asia Regional Manager of Cambridge Admissions Office, attended the event online to explain in detail the features of Cambridge and the essentials of undergraduate study abroad. 7 alumni from the Department of Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Science, Economics and Political Science joined the group discussion to answer the students carefully. Through the event, teachers, students and parents have achieved a clearer understanding of planning and preparation on studying abroad.

Daping Chu, Tenured Professor of Cambridge University and Academic Director and CEO of CUNJC, wished the students a successful application. Talking about why choose Cambridge, he emphasized that for hundreds of years, Cambridge University has always adhered to the mission of "contributing to society by pursuing the highest international level of education, learning and research"; Studying at Cambridge not only means access to world-class education and research resources, but also means the opportunity to deeply understand the society in which you live and understand the spiritual core of Cambridge University, so as to actively participate in coping with and solving the global challenges faced by mankind, including food security , climate change, urbanisation, COVID-19, etc.

"It is impossible to solve the above-mentioned global challenges by any single institution or country alone, and international cooperation is especially necessary," said Professor Chu. "China plays an irreplaceable role in it. As the first overseas research institution established by the University of Cambridge, the CUNJC is the embodiment of the enthusiasm of the University of Cambridge for innovation and collaboration."

Ms. Matthewson thanked the CUNJC and alumni for their continuous support to CAO, and welcomed the Chinese teachers and students who participated in this event. "Unlike most universities, Cambridge is composed of 29 undergraduate colleges. As a member of the university, you are also a member of the college," she said. As the admissions officer of the University of Cambridge, she shared in detail the general situation of undergraduate study at the University of Cambridge from the aspects of the collegiate system, educational and support resources, student experience, and accommodation. She explained the different roles played by the college and the University in daily teaching life, sorted out the required materials and specific procedures for students to apply for Cambridge University, and answered in detail the many questions raised by teachers and students in the Q&A session.

Alumni share life and study in Cambridge

In the alumni stories sharing and group discussions, Lisa Shen, a 2014 natural science alumna from St John's College, Rex Wang, a 2012 social science alumnus from Gonville & Caius College, Zhang Weichen, a 2011 engineering alumnus from Churchill College, Danna Chen, a 2012 economics alumna from Gonville & Caius College, James Bian, a 2010 alumnus from Selwyn College, and two computer science alumni from Fitzwilliam College —2007 alumnus Jiang Yaokai and 2008 alumnus Chen Qi, shared their valuable experience with the students on undergraduate application, personal experience of studying at Cambridge University, and career development.

Rex said: "In recent years, more and more students choose to apply for subjects in humanities and social sciences. This is the second year for me to participate in the admissions briefing held by the University and the Cambridge Nanjing Centre, and I hope to provide useful suggestions for students in their application journey."

In response to the teaching content and employment prospects that students are concerned about, Qi introduced the details of the curriculum of computer science. Yaokai said that computer science is a popular application course, and the job market for computer science is broad. In the face of the confusion of high school students in the choice of natural sciences and engineering, Weichen said, " The curriculum of the Engineering Department of Cambridge University is very rich, and it pays more attention to the application of theoretical knowledge in various courses of natural science”; “In addition to top academic performance, it is also very important to show your corresponding ability of the course you apply for.” Lisa further stated that in addition to further study for a higher degree, natural science courses are more suitable for research-oriented positions such as research assistants and industry consulting.

Regarding the admission interview, Weichen and Lisa both emphasized that the underlying logic is to examine the candidate's reasoning process and way of thinking about unknown things, and use the known basic knowledge to deduce and derive. They suggested that students strengthen the ability to "think from first principle"; James and Danna said that candidates need to fully demonstrate their logical derivation and adaptability in the interview.

"The essence of economics is to try to understand human social behavior. Mathematics is an analytical tool that economics relies on at present, so economics has certain requirements for mathematical analysis ability," said Danna. James suggested that students start by reading economic newspapers and paying attention to financial media, learning to analyse economic phenomena from a simple perspective, and clarify where their interests lie.

During the one-hour discussion session, the alumni patiently answered questions from teachers, students and parents. They not only gave practical advice on application skills such as background improvement, expression logic training, and essay writing, but also provided advice on college selection, accommodation conditions, campus clubs, and academic requirements, and scholarship life rhythm.

Since 2022, the CUNJC has collaborated with CAO to organise a number of undergraduate and graduate admission events, giving full play to the role of linking alumni resources and serving Cambridge University and local needs. As the first research institution established by the University of Cambridge outside the UK, the Center's functions cover international high-end original scientific research projects, innovative research and development, achievement transformation, international academic exchanges and personnel training, and will continue to support and assist the University's educational work in future.

To learn more about the undergraduate application information of Cambridge University in 2024, please contact Ms. Olivia Matthewson, East Asia Regional Manager, Cambridge Admissions Office (olivia.matthewson@admin.cam.ac.uk) or Ms. Ze Qu, Public Affairs, CUNJC (silvia.qu@cunjc.org.cn, +86 (0)25 56676031)