Shifting Lanes: How Class of 2024 Ethan M Went from Economics to Game Design

This article is part of a series featuring some of our outgoing Year 13 students, sharing their insights and experiences with our younger students for their own university journeys.

In our previous stories, we explored our students' progression from DUCKS to Senior School at Dulwich College Beijing. In this piece let's hear how Class of 2024 student Ethan M bravely switched lanes, how he chose his university, the hurdles he faced, and the support systems that guided him.

How has DCB prepared you for university?

Ethan M (EM): The IB course, known for its difficulty, prepared me in terms of critical thinking and analytical skills. On top of that, IB provides important experience in essay writing which is essential in university. My teachers were all very supportive, which made the journey much easier, and DCB’s university counsellors also helped with information on universities and reviewing students’ application essays.

Before choosing Game Design, I had a talk with my University Counsellor, Dr Hornbuckle, about my decision to apply to USC’s Game Design major. We both agreed it was a gamble. However, he patiently planned out what I could do to increase my chances of being admitted, which eventually worked out.

Also, the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities from which I participated in sports such as swimming and badminton.

What attracted you to USC?

EM: I have always been interested in art, even from a very young age. The idea of documenting reality on a piece of paper in your own unique style has always fascinated me. In particular, the art in games, how people were able to create such realistic yet mythical settings, has captivated my imagination.

Schools, however, often don’t offer courses related to digital art. As a result, I planned on studying economics.

But during the summer of Year 12, while doing further research on universities, I came across Game Design, which immediately caught my interest, and I knew I wanted to go for it.

I started preparing at the start of the Year 12 summer. In my situation, I was nervous because, since I had only decided then on Game Design, I didn't have any honours or activities I could add to my application, only Economics.

So, I decided to gamble, spending the entire summer making the best possible portfolio (Digital Artwork).

I knew I had to make mine stand out. For my portfolio, I decided to put together an art piece. I decided to include a storyline, characters, and setting. My portfolio had an apocalyptic theme and included 13 pages of settings, character design and background scenery - a deserted, rocky world, quite similar to the setting in the Dune movie. I saw other portfolios and I made sure to make mine different, unique and eye-catching. 

I applied to USC because it has the top 1 Game Design course in the US. I also like California's climate and the relaxing environment it offers, and I’m looking forward to meeting new people as well as California's amazing sunset views. I’m looking forward to using the university’s resources as much as possible to master Game Design.

What advice do you have for students embarking on their university journey?

EM: Start early, use your holidays wisely, and build a strong portfolio. For American universities, be prepared for the common app and supplemental essays.

If you aim to apply for an art-related major like mine, there's a likely chance you would need a portfolio, so my advice is to make your portfolio unique and as outstanding as possible so that the admission officers really stay on your application and feel like you are the right fit for the major. You need to make them feel like you should be admitted in order for you to continue pursuing your dreams and make positive changes to the community. My advice is to create a storyline in your portfolio since it is quite rare to have one. Normally applicants just create scattered art pieces and combine them together in a document.

Also, use your holidays and summer wisely. The IB years can be quite stressful, and so you need to make use of your free time.

If you're applying for American universities, get ready to write. I applied for American universities, so not only do you have your common app main essay, but you also have supplemental essays for each individual university, and if you're applying for say, 10 universities, then that's a lot of you need to prepare.

Gratitude

EM: Thank you to all my teachers and my university counsellor for their support, as well as my parents, who were very helpful with the admissions and supportive of my choice of Game Design. Also a special thanks to all my friends who have supported me throughout this tough journey.