Katrina: Choosing SCIE may be the most suitable path for me

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Katrina

class of 2022, University of Cambridge

When I first entered the SCIE, like many people, I had no clue what I should do. Every day is about attending classes, doing homework, and participating in many clubs with classmates. After spending almost two semesters, going out and experiencing school life in the UK, I signed up for summer school in Oxford with my classmates. I was faced with the first choice: among biochemistry, engineering, enterprise, etc., I picked enterprise, so I changed from no direction to the general direction of the business.

When I got the summer school graduation certificate at the said business school, it was the first time I felt like the distance between me and Oxbridge was not that far.

When I got to G2, my life became much busier. In addition to the knowledge in school, I established a club with my best friend, participated in a business competition with a group of good partners, and later landed the project of our business plan in Shenzhen…

I have to say that the outbreak of COVID-19 at the end of 2019 might make many people lose opportunities and activities. But for me, this is a milestone in my growth.

During the worst period of the epidemic in 2020, all of us were asked to attend an online class. Apart from the arranged time for online classes, I found that I suddenly had a lot of free time. Inspired by some seniors, I read some economics-related books. From the enlightenment book “Milk Cola Economics”, I realized the application of economics in life for the first time. To explore further, I read some in-depth professional books.

At the same time, in the face of the upcoming international exams (IGCSEs) that were uncertain whether it would be held or not, it was possible to use a portfolio of evidence. So I made a timetable for myself from 6 am to midnight, urging myself to study every day. At the same time, I also have zoom meetings with a few classmates.

During the G2 summer vacation, I participated in bank internships, and an academic research program, and explored different majors.

A1 is a very busy academic year, I have chosen five ALs, and at the same time have to take into account the extension of the economics area. In addition to the three science subjects (physics, mathematics, and advanced mathematics), I also wanted to improve my essay writing ability, so I chose two very literary subjects, economics and sociology. I was enjoying the excitement that sociology offered me through data, case studies, and theories, and was tortured by piles of notes to memorize. Facts have proved that studying society has allowed me to fully experience the sparks that can be brought by combining different disciplines. The research methods of AS study and the education of AL study provided a booster for me to explore the path of economic branches, and helped me to better explore development economics, especially the education part.

So, with the predicted 4A* and 1A*, I came to the application season that I heard about since I was admitted to SCIE. Regarding the personal statement, I got a lot of good advice from UCO teachers and economics teachers. I really appreciated my counsellor Robert who taught me not to pursue blindly the reputation of the university, repeatedly asked me ‘why economics’ to confirm that I like this subject, guided me very patiently to revise each edition of the paper, and sometimes exchanged his views on some economics topics.

I believe that for the majority of people, the application season will be bumpy. At this time, it is best to have one or more companions. This partner does not necessarily need to apply for the same major, but the partner should be the one who can give positive responses and positive energy. Because the application season is already hard enough. 

When I received the Cambridge results, I felt that every day’s hard work paid off. I was surprised because no one can guarantee that they will be admitted. But it is undeniable that I have had countless times of anxiety, more than 20 drafts of personal statements, a bundle of math problems, and countless mock interviews…

I grew up in a very free family without too many constraints. My parents always choose to support me, so I am also happy to communicate with them often about my ideas.

In the process of study and application, I found that the acquisition of information resources can affect the efficiency and quality of the study. So I set up my blog, which is https://katrinaliu.blog. I plan to upload my sociology notes of AL and AS, what I found useful while reading that can help with the development of economics, sociology, and some insights from my university studies (and maybe some life updates haha). This is probably what I’ve been wanting to do during the application season, because every time I find some great articles and videos, I just can’t keep track of them.

Looking back at the road I have walked, choosing SCIE may be the most suitable path for me. There are rich social activities, some excellent teachers, and interesting friends. I think the upcoming university life will be a new journey full of unknowns and waiting to be explored. I hope that I will always keep my original intention, and not forget the strong passion that I once had. When I look back three or four years later, at that time, I would be the person I admire the most.