From Beijing to Brown: Class of 2025 Sophie S

Seven years ago, Sophie S stepped into Dulwich College Beijing with a passion for numbers and a mind attuned to problem-solving. Yet beyond formulas and theorems, she uncovered another passion—bringing people together. Whether coordinating school-wide events or leading student initiatives, she thrived on the energy of collaboration, watching ideas come to life through teamwork.

Reflecting on her time at DCB, Sophie shared, "I've become more capable, connected, and excited to implement my ideas within the school community. My experience here taught me the value of great teachers, something I look forward to in university. It also made me more independent, encouraging me to trust my voice in my application essays rather than relying on others' opinions."

Now, as she prepares to study Applied Mathematics at Brown University, Sophie reflects on her journey at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) and the lessons she's learned along the way.

Building Community at DCB

Sophie's time at DCB was marked by her commitment to bringing people together. As Vice Chairperson of the Student Council, she organised events like Secret Valentines, Halloween movie nights, and the Key Stages 4 and 5 Formals — a particularly meaningful achievement as it was their first one since the pandemic.

"It was our first time hosting this event in 4 years," she recalled, "We put in a lot of effort over months, from budgeting to securing venues, coordinating participants, and arranging catering. Knowing how much it meant to others kept me motivated."

Her dedication to fostering a sense of belonging extended to initiatives like the Wall of Thanks, a digital board in The Hive that she started last year that displays over 600 messages of gratitude from students to their peers, teachers, and staff. "I wanted everyone in the school to feel acknowledged and supported," Sophie explained. The project was so impactful that she included it in her Brown University application video.

Exploring Creativity Through Theatre

Theatre was a cornerstone of Sophie's DCB experience. From her first foray into House Drama in Year 8 to directing Wodehouse House Drama and performing in Fame the Musical, she found a creative outlet that also deepened her connections with others. She even started an improv club, took IB Theatre, and collaborated with local Beijing groups and theatres such as the West Theatre (西区剧场), where she connected with the directors, actors and stage directors, attended workshops and helped with their productions.

Leading with Purpose

Sophie's leadership extended across numerous roles at DCB. She served as Head Student Prefect, Wodehouse House Captain, led service groups such as the Azalea Project, a CCA where she was the co-president that supported EGRC (Educating Girls of Rural China) through busking and event sales.

She was also the Global Citizenship Prefect and the Deputy Secretary General of the 2024 Model United Nations team. Her involvement in service groups, particularly those supporting girls in rural China, reflected her belief in using her skills to uplift others. She was also a member of the Women's Health and Menstruation.

Why Brown?

Two years ago, Sophie was selected as one of around 300 girls worldwide invited for free to the MIT Math Prize for Girls competition. "As a girl passionate about math, my journey has often felt lonely," she recalled. "But there, for the first time, I was surrounded by others who shared the same passion for the subject as I did. It was humbling and inspiring to bond with some of the best mathematicians in the country, showing me what was possible."

This experience solidified her love for mathematics and determination to pursue it at the highest level. When it came to choosing a university, Brown stood out to her for its collaborative academic environment, open curriculum, and vibrant location.

"I'm drawn to applied mathematics because I love exploring how math intersects with other fields," Sophie explained. "Unlike many other highly ranked schools, Brown's academic environment stresses collaboration, pushing away from grade deflation and competition. Brown's applied math department is renowned, and its undergraduate program often ranks #1 in the country. I'm also excited about the Open Curriculum, where everyone in your class has chosen to be there and is genuinely interested in the subject."

University Planning and Advice

Sophie's journey to Brown wasn't without its challenges. She began considering her university list during the summer between Year 12 and Year 13, finalising it at the start of Year 13. For standardised testing, she initially tried both the SAT and ACT before deciding the ACT suited her better.

"I liked the ACT more because, although it was more time-pressured, it allowed me to focus on improving my time management rather than memorising vocabulary," she explains. "It took me a year to get my ACT score where I wanted it."

Her advice to younger students:

As she prepares to embark on her next chapter, Sophie is grateful for the support she's received along the way. "I would like to thank my friends Laetitia, Elena, Rachael, and my parents for being there for me and always supporting me," she says. She also extends her gratitude to her teachers: "Mr Rossall, Ms O'Rourke, Ms Whitehouse, Mr Lee, Mr Lopez, and my subject teachers."

At Dulwich College Beijing, we place students at the centre of a holistic learning experience that empowers them to develop essential skills and values, including DCB Values, agency, wellbeing, leadership, and innovation. These attributes prepare them not only for academic success but for lifelong learning and future careers.