How Sara from Japan Secured Her Place at Cambridge

When Sara was in middle school in Japan, she set her sights on a dream that felt almost impossible: studying Archaeology at the University of Cambridge. For a teenager thousands of miles away, at a school system very different from the UK’s, the pathway to one of the world’s most competitive universities seemed daunting.

Cambridge requires not only top academic results but also evidence of independent research, subject passion, and the ability to perform under pressure in interviews with leading professors. For Sara, this meant she needed more than strong grades - she needed the right environment to nurture her ambition and give her the tools to compete on a global stage.

That’s when she joined Crimson Global Academy (CGA), an international online private school. At CGA, she found the academic rigour, mentorship, and personalised support that allowed her to align her studies with Cambridge’s expectations. From A Levels and an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to extracurricular leadership and mock interviews, Sara steadily transformed her dream into a concrete plan.

Five years later, after countless hours of study and preparation, Sara achieved what once felt out of reach: an offer to read Archaeology at Cambridge University.

Academic Focus: Archaeology from Day One

Sara’s fascination with human history and cultural heritage inspired her to set Cambridge as her goal early on:

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

At CGA, she pursued A Levels in History, English Literature, Sociology, and Mathematics. Alongside these, she completed the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), a rigorous research-based programme that helped her develop the independence and critical thinking Cambridge values.

CGA Academic Pathway to Cambridge

1. A Levels – History | English Literature | Sociology | Mathematics
2. Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) – Archaeology-focused independent research
3. Application Preparation – Mock interviews, critical thinking workshops, personal statement support
4. Outcome – Conditional then official offer to study Archaeology at Cambridge

Sara highlights the online EPQ programme offered at CGA as key to her success at school and beyond:

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

Beyond the Classroom: Building a Global Academic Profile

Sara’s extracurricular activities made her application stand out by connecting her passion for archaeology to real-world impact:

• Online Museum Project – Curated wartime artefacts and stories, blending archaeology and digital learning.
• CGA Scholars Society – Co-led workshops fostering research and debate among peers.
• Peace for Peace NGO Club – Co-founded an initiative linking history, culture, and peacebuilding.

Sara explains the value of her extracurriculars:

Extracurriculars like the museum and NGO club weren’t just projects — they helped me connect Archaeology to real-world contexts. I could speak about them in my interviews, and they showed that my passion extended far beyond the classroom.

Cambridge Application Journey

Sara faced four challenging interviews, where professors asked her to analyse evidence and debate ethical questions. Thanks to CGA’s tailored interview practice and admissions guidance, she felt confident under pressure.

In January 2025, she received a conditional offer that would change her life's trajectory. Sara describes the life-changing moment:

At 7:09 p.m. Japan time, I opened my email and saw ‘Congratulations.’ It was surreal - five years of determination had finally come true.

Just this month in August, Sara received the official offer to read at the University of Cambridge.

Why Cambridge and the UK College System?

Cambridge’s college system appealed to Sara for its close-knit academic community and supervision model. She valued the opportunity for one-to-one learning with leading academics, something she had already experienced through CGA’s EPQ mentorship:

The smaller community really suits me - it means I can get to know everyone, rather than feeling lost in a huge college campus.

Looking Ahead

Sara plans to pursue postgraduate research and contribute to the field of archaeology. Her journey highlights how CGA supports ambitious students by:

• Encouraging academic specialisation early on.
• Offering rigorous research opportunities like the EPQ.
• Providing personalised admissions support.
• Fostering leadership through extracurriculars.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Cambridge Students

• Start with a clear academic passion.
• Use A Levels and EPQ to build subject depth.
• Develop leadership through extracurricular projects.
• Practise interviews and critical thinking.
• Choose a school that aligns with top university expectations, and provides tailored admissions guidance.

Sara’s story proves that with passion, preparation, and the right school environment, international students can secure places at the world’s most competitive universities.