The Class of 2025 has worked hard at getting into the university of their choice, and Rohan is no different. In fact, he obtained a perfect score of 45 in his IB exams! Here's his Tanglin story.    

What is your Tanglin story?
I joined Tanglin in Year 3, having been at Thomas’s in Fulham, London beforehand. Like all 7-year-olds moving across continents, I was anxious about leaving my previous school – but what a lucky break that move has proven to be! From my first day in Class 3.1 with Mrs Jarvis, to the fantastic graduation ceremony, I feel very fortunate to have had close to the full Tanglin experience.  

Which university are you attending? What did you think scored you the opportunity at this institution? 
I’m excited to be attending Columbia University next year, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science. It’s ironic to be saying this in a profile about my IB performance – but I’d like to think that I wasn’t admitted because of my grades alone. I focused my application on how I’ve endeavoured to have an impact on Tanglin – through my role as Lead Student and my commitment to the Drama department, to name a couple – and how I’d try and apply this same mindset at university. That’s not to say grades don’t matter, though!  

Is this your first choice? What were your other choices and why? 
There were a few non-negotiables for me in the college search process, and Columbia really ticks all the boxes. I knew I wanted to be in an urban and academically competitive environment with lots of opportunities in the political sphere – all of which I will get at Columbia. It has, for years, been one of my top choices, and I’m really looking forward to attending.   

Is there anything you wish you could have done differently? 
I feel very fortunate to have next to no regrets about my time in the Sixth Form. I took every opportunity I wanted and, with the benefit of brilliant company, have had a wonderful two years. I just wish I had embraced that fearlessness and openness to opportunities earlier in my Tanglin journey. I’d really encourage Infant, Junior, and Middle school students to seize every chance they can to do something that feels fun. There’s the old expression that if you like what you do, you don’t work a day in your life; my time at Tanglin has given full credence to this statement. Pick the subjects you’re interested in, pursue the activities that appeal to you, and surround yourself with the people whose friendship brings you up.   

How did you stay motivated over the two years of the IB, especially during tough periods? 
The main piece of advice I can give all students – and their parents, too – is about the value of balance. Academics are a piece of the immersive lifestyle that is Tanglin, but your journey will feel incomplete if you spend all your time with textbooks. For the many hours I spent studying (and yes, there were many hours spent studying), I spent just as many having fun – getting to know my peers, going around the Infant school in the Griff costume, and stumbling over my two left feet in the dance show. While I feel very proud to have gotten a 45, I am even prouder of the experiences I’ve had and memories I’ve made in my Tanglin journey.