Congratulations to Yuka in Year 13, who has received offers from Nagoya University – School of Agricultural Science, University of Osaka – School of Science, Department of Chemistry, Kyushu University – International Undergraduate Program in Bioresource and Bioenvironment, University of Tsukuba – College of Agro-Biological Resource Sciences and Keio University – Faculty of Environment and Information Studies to study Agricultural Science.“Bangkok Prep helped me become independent, confident and globally minded — preparing me not only for university studies, but for life beyond the classroom.” — Yuka🎓#BangkokPrep #PREParingforLife #AcademicExcellenceWe caught up with Yuka for some Q&A's about her journey to university:What motivated you to make your university and course choices?I became interested in how science can be used to solve real-world problems, especially in agriculture and the environment. Through studying biology and chemistry, I developed a strong interest in research and sustainability. This motivated me to apply to Japanese universities with strong science programs, where I hope to contribute to environmental and agricultural research in the future.What subjects did you study in Sixth Form and IGCSE?IGCSE - Triple science, English Lit, English Language, Japanese (World Language), Maths, Further Pure Mathematics, Photography, Geography, BusinessSixth Form - A level Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Chemistry and BiologyHow has your time at Bangkok Prep prepared you for your university studies?My time at Bangkok Prep helped me become more independent and confident in managing my studies. The international learning environment encouraged me to communicate with people from different backgrounds and develop critical thinking skills. I also learned how to balance academics, extracurricular activities, and university applications. In addition, the FPC team was very knowledgeable about Japanese universities, which made the application process much smoother and more approachable for me. I believe these experiences will help me adapt well to university life.Can you share a specific example or story where a teacher particularly helped you in your university application process?One example that really helped me during my university application process was the support I received from my science teachers.When applying to chemistry programs, my chemistry teacher kindly took the time during study periods to discuss the research topics I hope to pursue in the future before I wrote about them in my personal statement. Her advice helped me explain my interests and ideas in a more advanced and academic way.For my agricultural science applications, my biology teacher also spent time discussing my interest in developing pesticides that are safer for both the human body and the environment. We talked about current issues surrounding pesticides, and her advice helped me think more deeply about my future goals and research interests.Which ECA, Community Service or Work Experience activities were you involved in both in school and outside, and how did these experiences influence your university choice or career aspirations?I was involved in a range of leadership, sustainability, and community service activities both inside and outside of school. As an Academic Prefect in Year 13, I helped organise mentoring programs and gave presentations to support younger students with their subject choices and school life.Outside of school, I interned at a B2B startup developing sustainable plant-based leather from upcycled fruit waste to address food loss and environmental issues. This experience strengthened my interest in sustainability and environmental science.I was also involved in community service activities in Khlong Toei, where I organised workshops for children at a local library about replanting trees and environmental awareness. In school, I worked with the Primary Eco Team students to conduct similar environmental workshops. These experiences reinforced my interest in sustainability and creating positive change within communities.Are there any awards that you’ve received while studying at Bangkok Prep that you are particularly proud of?One achievement I am particularly proud of is receiving the Academic Award for Mathematics at last year’s Prize Giving ceremony. I was also very grateful to receive a scholarship offer from Nagoya University, which was an important milestone in my academic journey.What are you most excited about as you transition to university?I am most excited about being able to explore subjects that genuinely interest me at a much deeper and more specialised level. I look forward to conducting research, discussing ideas with people who are equally passionate about science, and challenging myself in a new academic environment. I am also excited about living independently in Japan and experiencing a completely new stage of life both academically and personally.What advice would you give to current students who are about to start the university application process?One thing I found difficult was balancing university applications with A Level studies, so I would recommend starting preparations as early as possible. I think it is helpful to make a list of the things you are genuinely interested in and the goals you may want to pursue in the future.I also realised that, when writing a personal statement or application essays, it is important to understand your chosen topics much more deeply than what you actually mention in your applications. If you feel that you lack knowledge or experience in a certain area, don’t hesitate to ask teachers for guidance or reach out to companies or organisations related to your interests to learn more. These experiences can help you better understand your interests and strengthen your applications.Looking back, what would you have done differently during your time at Bangkok Prep to better prepare for university?Looking back, I think I would have started preparing for university applications earlier and explored my academic interests in more depth from a younger age. Balancing A Level studies with applications was challenging at times, so I realised the importance of planning ahead.For A Levels especially, I think it is very important to study ahead during the summer holidays, as it makes managing both academics and university applications much less stressful later on. I also feel that I could have been even more proactive in taking part in activities related to my interests. I think I could have taken more opportunities to speak with teachers, researchers, and organisations related to the subjects I hope to study in the future.
