Click the link to view the full version: From WASCZ to Cambridge: A Veterinary Dream
University of Cambridge
Among the world’s great centres of academic excellence, University of Cambridge continues to hold an undisputed leading position—ranked 6th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and among the top three in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Students from WASCZ have, for several consecutive years, secured places at this prestigious institution. Graduates including Jason Chen (Class of 2023), Cici Ding (Class of 2024), and Charlie Poulton (Class of 2025) have gone on to read Natural Sciences at Cambridge.
This year, that connection has been further strengthened: Sophia Wu has successfully secured an offer to study Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge. With an acceptance rate of around 10% for this highly competitive programme, her achievement once again reflects the strength and depth of WASCZ’s holistic education.
WASCZ Class of 2026
Sophia Wu Fonteyn House International Scholars(British)
Offer Reveived
University of Cambridge
-Veterinary Medicine
University of Bath
-Natural Science
A Level Predicted Grades
Biology A*, Chemistry A*, Maths A*, Art A
Sophia’s offer arrived a full month later than expected, making her acutely aware of the weight of waiting.
She had been preparing for this moment for a long time. She had studied animal skeletons through art, explored the mechanisms of life in academic lessons, and witnessed the lives of creatures protected in veterinary clinics. Throughout her journey at WASCZ, Sophia continually pushed the boundaries of exploration. Every step strengthened her conviction that she was on a path guided by her passion.
01 Her Veterinary Dream, Built Step by Step
This piece, created for her A Level Art course, depicts the skeletal structure of a deer. While her lifelong love of art might seem far removed from surgical tools and diagnostic instruments, it became a unique and integral part of her academic journey.
“Integrating animal anatomy into my art is the core of my work,” Sophia explains. She studies the skeletal forms of different species, reads research on evolution, and sketches the structures of life stroke by stroke. This interdisciplinary exploration not only enriched her art but also deepened her fascination with diverse species. “These elements became a crucial part of my personal statement when applying to university,” she adds.
Beyond art, her three other A Level subjects provided a solid academic foundation. Chemistry offered a molecular perspective, mathematics honed her logical and analytical thinking, and biology, the subject she found most engaging, combined hands-on practice with direct relevance to veterinary science, giving her a profound understanding of how living organisms function. Together, these three pillars firmly supported her veterinary ambitions.
With her goal increasingly clear, Sophia set her sights even higher. Very few UK universities offer veterinary medicine, and after careful research, she chose to aim for Cambridge—a university that best matched her academic style. With an average acceptance rate below 10%, it was an intensely competitive path, yet the teachers at WASCZ helped build her dream, step by step.
“When preparing for the interview, my biology teacher, Mr Mukherjee, compiled a specialised question list that greatly expanded my theoretical understanding.”
“Mr Youell, although not my A Level teacher, often discussed concepts beyond the syllabus with me, supporting my university preparation.”
“My tutor, who is a professional veterinarian, played a pivotal role in broadening my knowledge, introducing me to new developments in the field, and helping clarify many doubts.”
“Ms Wu, my university guidance teacher, accompanied me throughout the entire application process, providing meticulous support for both my personal statement and interview preparation.”
Sophia recalls each of these supports with gratitude. It was this sustained, personalised guidance that brought her ever closer to her dream, culminating in her successful admission to University of Cambridge’s veterinary medicine.
02 Every Life Deserves Our Utmost Effort
Sophia undertook an internship at a small animal clinic in Shanghai, marking her first real immersion into the world of veterinary medicine—intensive consultations, complex diagnoses, the operation of various instruments, and owners in the waiting room, anxious yet hopeful.
She witnessed the full scope of the profession and saw, firsthand, the moments when every life was treated with unwavering dedication. “When I saw an animal recover from a critical condition and reunite with its owner, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment and joy,” Sophia recalls.
Before this experience, she had been torn between pursuing human medicine and veterinary medicine, unsure of her future path. But the emotional impact of these moments solidified her choice. “I have loved animals since I was a child, and I want to give back to them in some way,” she reflects.
While hands-on practice revealed the tangible impact of veterinary work, her experiences in competitions highlighted the breadth of the field. Faced with biology and chemistry Olympiad content that extended far beyond the curriculum, she had to think beyond established frameworks and make judgements in uncertain situations. This type of pressure-tested application not only broadened her academic perspective but also strengthened her problem-solving abilities and capacity for rational thinking.
At WASCZ, both competition resources and practical opportunities are designed to encourage students to extend their learning outward. For Sophia, each step in her practical journey confirmed the same questions: Do I truly love this path? Am I willing to invest long-term effort and dedication? Through repeated experiences, the answers became increasingly clear.
03 Unlocking the Introvert Within
Sophia, of Chinese heritage but raised in the UK, had long been curious about China. Motivated by this curiosity, she travelled over 9,000 kilometres to join WASCZ as an international scholars—immersing herself in the realities beyond imagination, experiencing the depth and warmth of the culture, and, in the process, discovering a braver and more confident version of herself.
On arrival, the sudden change in environment, language, and culture initially left her feeling uneasy. These concerns, however, were quickly eased by the support offered through WASCZ’s boarding system. A stable daily routine, along with care from housemaster and rommates, allowed her to quickly find a sense of belonging.
“Before coming to this school, I wasn’t particularly outgoing, but boarding life helped me become more socially confident and open,” Sophia reflects. Living in a nurturing social environment taught her to interact harmoniously with people from diverse backgrounds. It also strengthened her independence, as she learned to take responsibility for her academic planning, time management, and daily life.
As one of the year’s Prefects, Sophia stepped further out of her comfort zone. She helped organise school events and collaborated with peers from various backgrounds. She admits that socialising was once a challenge, but in this environment, she learned how to connect with others, express herself in teams, and develop understanding and respect for differences.
Music became another pathway for Sophia to open up. From self-learning guitar and piano to experimenting with drums, and from joining a rock band to performing in the percussion ensemble, she explored different forms of musical expression. Together with friends, she performed in the House Unison.
“Seeing the results of our careful rehearsal come to life on stage was unforgettable,” she says. Music became a genuine passion and an emotional outlet, enabling her to pursue her artistic ambitions.
Thanks to her experiences at WASCZ, Sophia now has a clear vision for the future—deepening her academic expertise, broadening her horizons, and maintaining her love of art and music. Her career goal is to become a veterinarian specialising in exotic animals. “I am fascinated by the diversity of different species,” she explains.
At WASCZ, students are not confined to predetermined expectations. Within a supportive environment that values individual strengths, she was able to clarify her interests and approach new opportunities with assurance. Interdisciplinary classrooms, varied experiences, inclusive boarding facilities, and educators committed to nurturing each student’s unique abilities collectively contribute to this approach. The philosophy is built on the principle that every individual merits dedicated attention and support.
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