The Class of 2025 has worked hard at getting into the university of their choice. Here's Nuria's story. 

What is your Tanglin story?  
I started in Tanglin in Year 12. I was born In Spain and attended two schools there before moving to London at the age of eight. My family relocated to Singapore when I was 11 and I finished my GCSEs at Dover Court International School. While considering my options for Sixth Form, I realised that the IB Diploma wasn’t the best fit for my goals. Since I knew I wanted to pursue acting, I felt that focusing on three chosen subjects, rather than six compulsory ones, would give me greater clarity and direction. In 2023, I joined Tanglin to begin my A Level studies in Drama, French, and Art & Design. 

You previously applied to both Royal Holloway and Guilford School of Acting. Which institution did you eventually choose, why and what did you think scored you the opportunity at this institution?  
I ultimately confirmed Royal Holloway University of London; however, I remain on the reserve list for the Guildford School of Acting (GSA) at the University of Surrey. Unlike GSA, Royal Holloway didn’t require an audition or interview, but I believe that my personal statement clearly captured my drive and passion for the subject. I received an offer from Royal Holloway within 24 hours, whereas the GSA application process was much more extensive, requiring a pre-recorded audition and a live interview.  

Is this your first choice? What were your other choices and why?  
Although GSA was my first choice, I know Royal Holloway will be an amazing fit for me, and I’m excited to start there—even if a place at GSA doesn’t open up before September. I also applied and received offers from the Universities of Exeter and Bristol. However, their courses weren’t quite what I was looking for as they focused more on theatre and performance rather than acting specifically. 

Is there anything you wish you could have done differently? 
Looking back, I wish I had also applied through UCAS Conservatoires, which would have given me the opportunity to join a drama school instead of a university. That said, one of the key reasons I chose Royal Holloway was its focus on inclusion within the acting industry, in contrast to the intense competition often found in drama schools.