My journey to Ivy League Success

"Dream big… but take small steps to get there. It’s so important to have an aspiration and dream but one big leap will not get you there." 

One of our first-ever boarding students, Nina, has reached the culmination of her RST journey with an impressive early decision offer from the prestigious Ivy League, Brown University. We caught up with her to find out how her big dreams and small steps have led her to this exciting pathway.

How does it feel to have received this prestigious offer from Brown University?  

Honestly, it has been extremely surreal and as cliché as it sounds it feels like a dream come true. I’m really proud of everything I’ve done to get to this point and excited to experience what Brown has in store for me. I’m also very grateful for the support system I’ve had around me – my teachers, parents and friends, who have all had a profound impact on my life and shaped me into the person I am today.

I can’t wait to experience Brown and its Open Curriculum. Growing up, I was encouraged to try new things and take advantage of every opportunity given to me, regardless of whether or not it was within my comfort zone. So this unique aspect of Brown captivated me, as the freedom to tailor my studies to my interests and curiosities aligns perfectly with my upbringing and provides me with endless possibilities in my future.

Can you reflect upon the support and guidance that you received throughout the higher education application process?

The higher education application process was no easy feat. I attribute much of my success to my teachers, the Higher Education (HE) team, my parents and the school community, each of whom provided me with invaluable guidance, support and encouragement. The HE team was crucial in preparing me and guiding me on my path; extensive informational talks, essay writing sessions, US-specific events and one-on-one support, the comprehensive approach made it feel more manageable. They helped me navigate the Early decision deadline and provided personalised feedback on my essays - but most importantly, their belief in me was key to my success.

Looking back at your time at RST, what are some of the most significant ways the School has supported your academic and personal growth?

RST has been invaluable in countless ways. The teachers here have been primary drivers of my success, providing me with rigorous academic challenges that pushed me to excel and ensured the strong academic record that universities look for. Their encouragement and passion in their subjects have sparked my curiosity and greed for knowledge. The facilities and extracurriculars the School offers have given me the best opportunities to engage in a variety of things – from sports tournaments, concerts, productions – which all have contributed to my holistic development. Despite RST following a British curriculum, this school and US universities both agree that ‘The Whole Person’ really is ‘The Whole Point’!

How has being a weekly boarding student  here prepared you for university life?

Through boarding, I have gained a sense of independence that will undoubtedly help me tackle university life. I’ve developed my organisational skills, time management and responsibility. Moreover, with all the extra time, I have been able to further broaden my experiences of different activities and extracurriculars, as well as deepen my exploration of my current passions. I know these skills I have developed in boarding at RST will carry through to my experience at Brown. But more than that, I think the most important thing I have gained is the ability to turn an unfamiliar place into somewhere comfortable, safe, fun, and somewhere to call a second home.

What advice would you give to students aspiring to attend top universities?

One piece of advice I would give is to start early and plan early. All top universities have different characteristics. They each have their own requirements and specific things they are looking for, so it is crucial to devise a plan based on this knowledge. In general, however, the US application process is very holistic so my advice would be to throw yourself into any opportunity given to you, regardless of whether it is within your comfort zone. Top US universities look at far more than just your academic record; they look at beliefs and ideas that are shaped by your passions, so opportunities and experiences are just as important.

What are you most excited about regarding your future at university?

What is life going to be like there? Who am I going to meet? Will I find classes hard? These are all questions that run through my mind. It is an excitement towards the ‘newness’ I am going to experience - getting to know a new environment, exploring new places, meeting new people and, with the Open Curriculum, trying new subjects. I can’t wait to see how I will adapt to a life I’ve never known before!

How do you plan to contribute to your university community based on your experiences at RST?

At RST, I have been in so many different communities, such as the basketball team, choir, orchestra, drama, and I plan to do the same at Brown. With all the different clubs and societies Brown has to offer, I know my commitment to these communities at RST will translate into my contribution to Brown as I seek to join acapella groups, choir and recreational sports teams. Beyond that, at RST I have gotten the chance to mentor and tutor younger students, particularly in music, and this has sparked a passion in me to continue that at Brown, where I want to pass on my knowledge and love for music to others.

What are some of the most valuable lessons you've learned during your time here?

The words on the School wall: ‘Be yourself, everyone is already taken’ (Oscar Wilde)

What are your academic and personal goals for your time at university?

I want to explore as many subjects and activities as I can, deepening my understanding of my passions whilst branching out and trying things I’ve never done before. Maybe I’ll try out architecture, biophysics or something completely new like astronomy. The ultimate goal is to lead me onto a path I feel passionate about, whether that be towards graduate school or a career I want to pursue, I am prepared to put all my effort into building myself a foundation that will set me up for life.

How has your role as Head Girl helped you develop key skills and qualities? 

My role as Head Girl has given me countless opportunities to develop personal skills which I wholeheartedly believe will contribute to my success in the future. Being Head Girl has provided me with a chance to give back to a community that has supported me throughout my time here, and with that, empathy has been a crucial quality I’ve developed. Adapting to problems, collaborating to come up with solutions, and communicating with the community - these are some of the numerous skills I’ve gained that will be transferable for university and beyond.

What advice would you give to students on how to choose the "best fit" for them?

I think the way to find your ‘best fit’ is by understanding all the options you have in front of you, as well as understanding and knowing your own passions and interests.  Every place has something different to offer, so it is really about finding which place would provide you with the best opportunities and would push you towards your goals and help you succeed. More importantly, it is about choosing somewhere you know will make you happy.

What message would you like to share with the younger students at RST about the importance of hard work, dedication and pursuing dreams?

Dream big… but take small steps to get there. It’s so important to have an aspiration and dream but one big leap will not get you there. Set small goals, create small successes, and experience small failures, because eventually they will accumulate into something bigger. But it goes without saying that putting in the hard work, the long hours and your full effort is the only way to get there. Consistency is key; each step you take builds momentum. So embrace the challenges, and enjoy the journey as you progress to your final destination.