How Sara from Japan Turned Her Passion for Archaeology into a Dream Offer

When it comes to pursuing a dream, few students demonstrate as much determination as CGA student Sara from a remote area of Japan. This year, Sara received the exciting news that she had been admitted to the University of Cambridge’s Archaeology programme - a goal she had been working toward since middle school.

In this blog, we share Sara’s journey through CGA academics, extracurricular leadership, and university preparation that led her to one of the world’s most competitive universities - along with a Sasakawa Scholarship - this scholarship will fund Sara's studies for her undergraduate degree, including the tuition, college and living fees.

A Passion for Archaeology

Sara’s interest in Archaeology started young. She was fascinated by human history and how artefacts, cultural records, and remains help us understand societies of the past.

I had been thinking about applying to Cambridge since I was in middle school,” Sara explained. “It’s been a seven-year dream. I was fascinated not only by the prestige of the university, but also by its supervision style and the opportunity to work closely with professors in my subject.

Building Her Academic Pathway at CGA

At CGA, Sara chose A Level subjects that reflected her strengths in both the humanities and analytical thinking:

• History
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics

To extend her learning, she also completed the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a research-based programme that develops independent study and critical analysis skills.

The EPQ was one of the most substantial and helpful programmes for me,” Sara shared. “It prepared me not only for Cambridge interviews, but also for the kind of independent study expected at university.

This combination of academic depth and research practice laid the foundation for her Cambridge application.

Bringing Archaeology to Life Beyond the Classroom

Sara didn’t just study Archaeology on paper - she found creative ways to bring the subject into her extracurricular activities:

• Online Museum Project: Curated artefacts from the past and cultural histories in a digital space.
• CGA Scholars Society: Led workshops on critical thinking and research skills.
• NGO Piece of Peace: Built cross-cultural dialogue with students around the world, connecting history and peacebuilding.

“Extracurriculars like the museum and NGO club weren’t just projects - they helped me connect Archaeology to real-world contexts. They became good additions to my supercurriculars and they showed that my passion extended far beyond the classroom.”

Preparing for Cambridge

The application process was intense. Sara attended two interviews, each with two subject-specialist interviewers.  Thanks to mock interviews and coaching at CGA, she was ready for the challenge.

I was nervous at first, but I had practised so much through CGA’s mock interviews that I knew how to articulate my ideas. The mock interviews at CGA asked challenging questions about archaeology, ethics, and interpretation of evidence - and I felt prepared.

Finally, the email she had been waiting for arrived.

At 7:09 p.m. Japan time, I saw the word ‘Congratulations’. Seven years of determination had finally come true.

Looking Ahead

Sara is excited to join a close-knit community and immerse herself in one of the world’s leading Archaeology programmes. Beyond her undergraduate degree, she hopes to pursue postgraduate study and contribute original research to the field.

I want to keep learning and eventually contribute my own research in Archaeology. This is just the beginning.

What We Can Learn from Sara’s Journey

Sara’s story is a powerful example of how clear academic focus, extracurricular passion, and tailored support can open doors to the world’s top universities.

At CGA, students like Sara are empowered to:

• Choose A Levels that align with their goals

• Develop independent research skills through the EPQ

• Explore passions through extracurriculars and leadership

• Receive personalised support for university applications

  If you’re inspired by Sara’s story and want to explore how CGA can help you achieve your university dreams, speak to an advisor.