Have you noticed a rising trend among Singapore's brightest students? More and more of them are setting their sights on the United Kingdom's most prestigious universities, Oxford and Cambridge. This trend is not just a passing fad but a significant shift in the educational aspirations of our students. The number of students heading to Oxbridge has been steadily increasing, particularly among those from top schools such as Raffles Institution (RI) and Hwa Chong Institution (HCI).
In this article, we explore this phenomenon in detail.
The Rise of Students Heading to Oxbridge
RI and HCI have distinguished themselves not just in Singapore, but globally. They were the only two schools outside of Britain that featured in a league table ranking schools with the highest number of offers from Oxbridge, published by The Telegraph in 2023. RI placed second while HCI came in fifth.
The growing interest in Oxbridge isn't limited to these top institutions. Overall, Oxford recorded an increase in applications from Singapore between 2020 and 2022, compared with the preceding years.
Similarly, Cambridge saw an uptick in applications from Singapore.
Supportive Schools Fuel Students Heading to Oxbridge Trend
The rising trend of students heading to Oxbridge can be attributed in part to the substantial support they receive from their schools. Institutions like RI and HCI have dedicated departments guiding students through the rigorous overseas university application process.
This includes helping students prepare personal statements, attend interviews, and meet application deadlines.
Moreover, these schools conduct regular talks on overseas universities, offer one-to-one consultations, and remind students about important deadlines.
Furthermore, platforms like the annual education, career and scholarship fair provide students with insights from local universities and scholarship partners.
Beyond Top Schools: Other Students Heading to Oxbridge
While RI and HCI may lead the pack, they aren't the only Singapore schools with students heading to Oxbridge. Other local schools like Nanyang Junior College, Victoria Junior College, NUS High School of Mathematics and Science, and National Junior College also send students to Oxbridge, albeit in smaller numbers.
The Power of Environment
Professor Tan, a leading educational sociologist, asserts that the environment in which students find themselves plays a significant role in shaping their decisions. Schools like RI and HCI have a high concentration of top-performing students who are more likely to set their sights on prestigious institutions like Oxbridge.
Being an Oxbridge graduate carries considerable international prestige.
According to Prof Tan, such graduates often enjoy a competitive edge in the job market and have access to extensive networking opportunities. These connections can translate into job offers and career advancements post-graduation, making the Oxbridge journey a rewarding one.
A Glimpse Into the Application Journey
HCI alumnus Ng Hui Ru, currently studying economics and management at the University of Oxford, began her application journey in June of her second year at JC.
She described the experience as stressful, juggling preliminary exams with the completion of her personal statement. Despite the stress, Ng found her school's talks and sessions by external organisations helpful in understanding the application process.
Ng received offers from both British and American universities, but she ultimately chose Oxford. She was drawn to the unique course offerings, particularly the combination of economics and management. Oxford also stood out due to its small-group tutorial system, which fosters in-depth discussions between students and professors.
Ashlyn Cheong, a former Anglo-Chinese Junior College student currently studying law at Oxford, credits her teachers for their support during the application process. They played a vital role, in reviewing her personal statements, conducting mock interviews, and advising her on university choices.
Despite the hefty annual fees of about £30,000 (S$51,000), Cheong's parents encouraged her to pursue an Oxford degree. They believed the opportunity to learn from some of the best minds and broaden her horizons was worth the investment.
Cheong also received offers from other British schools, including the University of Bristol and the University of Nottingham, but she chose Oxford. Her decision was driven by the desire to aim for the best, even if it meant stepping into the unknown.
Her words resonate with many Oxbridge aspirants: "Choosing to dive into the unknown when many around you crave normalcy is a hard choice, but you don’t know what opportunities you miss if you never step out of the boat.”
The Oxbridge Aspiration
This trend of Singaporean students heading to Oxbridge is indicative of the global aspirations of the country's youth. It also shows the effectiveness of school support systems that guide students towards achieving their university goals.
For students and parents considering this path, remember that an Oxbridge education, while prestigious, is one of many pathways to success.
It is essential to choose a path that aligns with the student's interests, capabilities, and long-term goals. After all, success is not just about where you study, but what you make of your education.
Are you a student considering an overseas education? Or a parent trying to understand the process better? Stay tuned for more articles on the subject!
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