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Leading with Sisterhood: Carmen's Journey from DCB to Oxford Law
Joining a new school —let alone moving to a new country — at the start of the IB programme may sound daunting for some. But for Class of 2025 Carmen, who came from a small girls’ school in London, any worries about settling in were immediately eased by what she described as DCB’s “beautiful campus and wonderful staff.” She recalled, “From the very beginning, the staff and teachers were so welcoming to my family. DCB was truly a lighthouse, guiding us as we settled into Beijing and our new life.”
Carmen is Spanish and Polish and grew up in the UK. The eldest of six siblings, being the ‘older sister’ came naturally to her, a role that extended to the opportunities she embraced at DCB. Soon, she will embark on the next chapter at the school of her dreams at the University of Oxford in Law, a passion she uncovered and nurtured during her days at DCB.
Big Sister Leadership
A look at Carmen’s hobbies — kickboxing, feminist literature, and public speaking— reveals her dynamic personality. “I always try to support, encourage, and empower younger students around me. From Head Prefect and Head of Wodehouse to President of the school’s girl club, my time at DCB was marked by one constant: sisterhood.”
One of her fondest memories is leading Wodehouse as Prefect during House Singing 2024, where she taught and coordinated a performance to Timber and Sugar. “My warmest recollection wasn’t just the spectacular second place we won, but also huddling last minute for an improvised pep talk and a motivational speech – it felt like a moment of true community. Despite the struggles, we were all in this together, determined to do our best.”
As one of the Head Prefects, Carmen awarded prizes during Prizegiving, an event where students’ accomplishments and hard work are acknowledged. She also fondly recalled cheering on friends performing in Moonlight Madness and Founder’s Day, winning the Hawkins Human Spirit Award for unconditional kindness in Prizegiving, and celebrating when the school organisation she co-led, Women’s Health and Menstruation, was awarded 20,000 RMB by the FoD Enrichment Fund.
“The immense love and success I’ve experienced in DCB have only driven me to work harder, strive for more, and grow in confidence and self-fulfilment to help others achieve it too.”
Why Oxford
“Oxford has always been my dream since I was a little girl,” Carmen explained. “Being accepted for Law feels like one step closer to achieving a lifelong goal, not just in outcome but in the resilience, hard work and the relentless hope that has come to define it.”
It was during her time at DCB that Carmen realised her passion for Law and how it came to her quite naturally, despite initially leaning towards History. She even set up a Law Society where they conducted Mock Trials with Key Stage 3s, learning the intricacies of court procedures whilst applying legal principles to real-world scenarios.
Her confidence in public speaking grew through the Worldwise Student Debate, Model United Nations, and when she chaired DIMUN and SUZMUN, debated in SHASMUN, applied for Head Prefect, and conducted interview panels with university faculty, such as when ANU visited DCB.
A look at Carmen’s hobbies — kickboxing, feminist literature, and public speaking— reveals her dynamic personality. “I always try to support, encourage, and empower younger students around me. From Head Prefect and Head of Wodehouse to President of the school’s girl club, my time at DCB was marked by one constant: sisterhood.”
One of her fondest memories is leading Wodehouse as Prefect during House Singing 2024, where she taught and coordinated a performance to Timber and Sugar. “My warmest recollection wasn’t just the spectacular second place we won, but also huddling last minute for an improvised pep talk and a motivational speech – it felt like a moment of true community. Despite the struggles, we were all in this together, determined to do our best.”
As one of the Head Prefects, Carmen awarded prizes during Prizegiving, an event where students’ accomplishments and hard work are acknowledged. She also fondly recalled cheering on friends performing in Moonlight Madness and Founder’s Day, winning the Hawkins Human Spirit Award for unconditional kindness in Prizegiving, and celebrating when the school organisation she co-led, Women’s Health and Menstruation, was awarded 20,000 RMB by the FoD Enrichment Fund.
“The immense love and success I’ve experienced in DCB have only driven me to work harder, strive for more, and grow in confidence and self-fulfilment to help others achieve it too.”
Why Oxford
“Oxford has always been my dream since I was a little girl,” Carmen explained. “Being accepted for Law feels like one step closer to achieving a lifelong goal, not just in outcome but in the resilience, hard work and the relentless hope that has come to define it.”
It was during her time at DCB that Carmen realised her passion for Law and how it came to her quite naturally, despite initially leaning towards History. She even set up a Law Society where they conducted Mock Trials with Key Stage 3s, learning the intricacies of court procedures whilst applying legal principles to real-world scenarios.
Her confidence in public speaking grew through the Worldwise Student Debate, Model United Nations, and when she chaired DIMUN and SUZMUN, debated in SHASMUN, applied for Head Prefect, and conducted interview panels with university faculty, such as when ANU visited DCB.
Receiving on behalf of WHM the FoD Enrichment Fund for ¥20,000.
Preparing for Oxford
Carmen’s university preparations began in February of Year 12. “The first step was narrowing and deciding the five university choices available for UK applicants. I chose two safety and three reach schools. For Law, I had to prepare for an additional test – the LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test).
She emphasised the importance of grades for UK applications. “IGCSE results and University Predicted Grades from Year 12 to 13 are crucial. For Oxbridge applicants, IGCSEs are weighed even more heavily than IB predicted grades.”
“For Oxford Law, similar to Medicine and other high-demand majors, the central faculty actually ranks candidates based on iGCSE scores and standardised test results. The highest ranks are chosen for interviews, and from there, the interview score is considered. In short, competitive universities have a very standardised and fair system of selection, unlike the USA system. This can be a huge advantage for those who choose to prepare well.”
The second step was to read, read, read. “For Personal Statements, know your subject well and show fervent interest for it. From the end of Year 12 and all throughout summer, I read Law books I was interested in, which I enjoyed incredibly. Along with my summer reading, I began practising for my LNAT, which is based on comprehension and argumentation and participated in a summer internship. I even had the opportunity to shadow a Lord in Parliament and oversaw the legislative side of law-making, witnessing Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak debating over the King’s Speech in the House of Commons!”
Carmen also attended a two-week summer course at the University of Oxford on a scholarship won through an essay competition the previous year. “My History teacher recommended I enter the competition, for which I’m extremely grateful! Don’t hesitate to ask your teachers about competitions or essay opportunities to enrich your Personal Statement!”
There, she met a Cambridge Law Professor who became her mentor. “I met up with her for sushi lunches and stayed after lectures to ask her questions about her academic journey, law book recommendations, career options, and life in the university!”
Her two weeks at Oxford didn’t just help her prepare for a future there; it also solidified her love for the college she will ultimately attend – Exeter College. “We attended a Baroque Candlelight concert in Exeter’s chapel, where I was stunned by the beauty of the architecture and soaked up the warmth of the campus. The students were extremely welcoming, and I felt right at home. “I cannot underestimate the importance of choosing a school that is your best fit.”
And, of course, there’s the final interview. Carmen had four mock interviews — including sessions with her counsellor, Ms Meng, a teacher from Dulwich College in London, a Cambridge graduate, as well as a Law-specialist teacher at Dulwich College Seoul. “The whole international Dulwich community supported me. I felt very thankful and extremely supported.”
Her final real interview occurred after school, and in Ms Tomaszun’s office. “It went very well, though I had a funny moment when one of our Ayis walked in mid-interview. I couldn’t explain in Chinese that I was on a call! Thankfully, the interviewers only laughed at my struggling Chinese and continued gladly with the interview. It’s a funny story to recollect – proof that admissions officers don’t expect you to be perfect!”
Advice to future applicants
Carmen’s advice is clear: “Don’t underestimate your potential. Apply for those reach schools, believe in yourself, and don’t fear tough odds when you can take them on. Most importantly, don’t let your confidence and positivity depend on these university results, as a rejection does not constitute a personal failure. As my family has always taught me, failure is not the absence of succeeding, but only the absence of trying. Be brave, take risks and use all of the opportunities this wonderful senior school gives us. With the right amount of initiative and effort, I’ve learnt that DCB is a launchpad for a future of success and self-discovery.”
Gratitude
Carmen is deeply grateful to her counsellor, Ms Meng, who she felt always believed in her and pushed her to do her best. She also thanks Ms Anderson-Au and Ms Tomaszun for their support. “I’ve been truly touched by all the overwhelming support and love I’ve received in DCB, and I’m extremely grateful for it.” But above all, Carmen’s gratitude extends to her siblings and parents, who have supported her “every single step of the way”.
Carmen’s university preparations began in February of Year 12. “The first step was narrowing and deciding the five university choices available for UK applicants. I chose two safety and three reach schools. For Law, I had to prepare for an additional test – the LNAT (Law National Aptitude Test).
She emphasised the importance of grades for UK applications. “IGCSE results and University Predicted Grades from Year 12 to 13 are crucial. For Oxbridge applicants, IGCSEs are weighed even more heavily than IB predicted grades.”
“For Oxford Law, similar to Medicine and other high-demand majors, the central faculty actually ranks candidates based on iGCSE scores and standardised test results. The highest ranks are chosen for interviews, and from there, the interview score is considered. In short, competitive universities have a very standardised and fair system of selection, unlike the USA system. This can be a huge advantage for those who choose to prepare well.”
The second step was to read, read, read. “For Personal Statements, know your subject well and show fervent interest for it. From the end of Year 12 and all throughout summer, I read Law books I was interested in, which I enjoyed incredibly. Along with my summer reading, I began practising for my LNAT, which is based on comprehension and argumentation and participated in a summer internship. I even had the opportunity to shadow a Lord in Parliament and oversaw the legislative side of law-making, witnessing Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak debating over the King’s Speech in the House of Commons!”
Carmen also attended a two-week summer course at the University of Oxford on a scholarship won through an essay competition the previous year. “My History teacher recommended I enter the competition, for which I’m extremely grateful! Don’t hesitate to ask your teachers about competitions or essay opportunities to enrich your Personal Statement!”
There, she met a Cambridge Law Professor who became her mentor. “I met up with her for sushi lunches and stayed after lectures to ask her questions about her academic journey, law book recommendations, career options, and life in the university!”
Her two weeks at Oxford didn’t just help her prepare for a future there; it also solidified her love for the college she will ultimately attend – Exeter College. “We attended a Baroque Candlelight concert in Exeter’s chapel, where I was stunned by the beauty of the architecture and soaked up the warmth of the campus. The students were extremely welcoming, and I felt right at home. “I cannot underestimate the importance of choosing a school that is your best fit.”
And, of course, there’s the final interview. Carmen had four mock interviews — including sessions with her counsellor, Ms Meng, a teacher from Dulwich College in London, a Cambridge graduate, as well as a Law-specialist teacher at Dulwich College Seoul. “The whole international Dulwich community supported me. I felt very thankful and extremely supported.”
Her final real interview occurred after school, and in Ms Tomaszun’s office. “It went very well, though I had a funny moment when one of our Ayis walked in mid-interview. I couldn’t explain in Chinese that I was on a call! Thankfully, the interviewers only laughed at my struggling Chinese and continued gladly with the interview. It’s a funny story to recollect – proof that admissions officers don’t expect you to be perfect!”
Advice to future applicants
Carmen’s advice is clear: “Don’t underestimate your potential. Apply for those reach schools, believe in yourself, and don’t fear tough odds when you can take them on. Most importantly, don’t let your confidence and positivity depend on these university results, as a rejection does not constitute a personal failure. As my family has always taught me, failure is not the absence of succeeding, but only the absence of trying. Be brave, take risks and use all of the opportunities this wonderful senior school gives us. With the right amount of initiative and effort, I’ve learnt that DCB is a launchpad for a future of success and self-discovery.”
Gratitude
Carmen is deeply grateful to her counsellor, Ms Meng, who she felt always believed in her and pushed her to do her best. She also thanks Ms Anderson-Au and Ms Tomaszun for their support. “I’ve been truly touched by all the overwhelming support and love I’ve received in DCB, and I’m extremely grateful for it.” But above all, Carmen’s gratitude extends to her siblings and parents, who have supported her “every single step of the way”.
Inaugurating the House Cup with the House Prefects 2024-2025
