Interview with Wellington Scholar

Bowen's educational journey began at Wanquan Junior School and the Second Nankai Middle School, two highly respected local schools in Tianjin. In this traditional educational environment, he excelled academically but began to question the emphasis on grades as the sole measure of success. With his parents' support, he embarked on a transformative journey to an international education. “Wellington’s extensive resources and its focus on individual development strongly appealed to me,” he shares.

Bowen's connection with Wellington started earlier, during his participation in summer camps at the school while he was in junior and middle school. The immersive learning experiences, along with the school's open and inclusive campus culture, played a significant role in shaping his educational choices. 

This connection solidified when Bowen met August, a Wellington graduate who had also received a full scholarship and was later admitted to the University of Pennsylvania. “August showed me what is possible here,” Bowen elaborates.

Bowen achieved an IELTS score of 6.5 in middle school, showcasing his strong academic foundation. However, the scholarship assessment at Wellington looked beyond academics. 

During the interview process, which involved tests and multiple discussions with the Master and Heads of Senior School, Bowen’s perspective on problem-solving and future planning was thoroughly evaluated. “The interviews focused more on how I view problems and plan for the future, not just on my academic scores,” he recalls.

Bowen’s diverse interests, including playing the piano, basketball, and boxing, underscored his potential for well-rounded development. “I want to be a learner with both academic depth and breadth in life,” he notes.

One of the key reasons Bowen chose Wellington was its rich resources, especially its co-curricular program. The school offers a wide array of activities from early years through the senior years, providing valuable opportunities to explore various directions. Bowen has already actively participated in initiatives such as the STEP Maths, Freakanomics, the AMC Maths competition, and Model United Nations. For those interested in AI, the school offers the Computing Club and VEX Robotics.

“At Wellington, co-curricular programs aren’t just ‘optional extras’—they are integral to academic planning. Through these programs, we find the direction we are passionate about,” he explains.

2025/26天津惠灵顿课外课程学院正式开启！Academy Programme is Open Now

Bowen aspires to attend top universities, including those in the Ivy League in the US, and Oxford and Cambridge in the UK. The extensive curriculum at Wellington allows him to pursue interdisciplinary studies, particularly in artificial intelligence. “The courses here encourage experimentation and support in-depth exploration—whether in academic research or interest development, there are platforms and resources to match. This is exactly the kind of education I need.” he says.

Bowen’s journey is not just about a successful transition; it’s a testament to how Wellington’s holistic educational offerings can fully unleash pupils’ potential. Here, he is steadily becoming a better version of himself. May his time at Wellington nurture him into a globally minded citizen, with inner fulfilment and wide horizons, ultimately reaching his dreams.