From OIC to Medicine: An Interview with Alumni Isaac Tsang

Which university are you studying at now?

I’m currently a Year 4 Medical student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK).

How did OIC help prepare you for university applications?

Disclaimer: I actually had my eyes set on Dentistry during my time at OIC, so everything I did, including extracurriculars, interview prep, workplace attachments and my UCAS application, was based around Dentistry. I applied to Dundee, Glasgow, Belfast, Bristol and UCL, and I was fortunate enough to receive offers from all five universities. 
Even though I eventually chose Medicine, I think the preparation pathway for Dentistry and Medicine is very similar, and OIC provided a huge amount of support throughout the process.

One of the biggest things was the atmosphere at OIC. A lot of my classmates were applying for Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science, and instead of competing against each other, everyone genuinely supported one another academically and emotionally. Seeing everyone around you working hard towards their goals motivates you to push yourself further too. 

The interview preparation was also incredibly valuable. OIC organised weekly interview sessions led by university students, where we practised difficult interview questions and refined our answers. I kept detailed notes after every session, recording questions, strong answers from classmates and ways I could improve my own responses. 
Teachers also spent a huge amount of time helping us perfect our personal statements, which gave me a lot of confidence knowing my application had been carefully reviewed and supported. 

Work experience opportunities and university consultations were also extremely useful, especially as an international student who had not completed GCSEs before joining OIC. Staff helped me understand which universities I could realistically apply to and how to maximise my chances of success. 

What advice would you give to students wanting to apply for Medicine?

I think it’s really important to honestly ask yourself why you want to study Medicine.

A question I constantly asked myself during my time at OIC was: “Do you love the subject that you are trying to pursue, or are you simply in love with the idea of studying that subject?” 

Medicine is a demanding career, and passion is what sustains you through the difficult moments. It’s important to think about whether you genuinely enjoy helping patients and contributing to healthcare, rather than only being attracted to the prestige or image associated with the profession. 

If you are certain Medicine is the right path for you, then fully commit to it. Try to stand out by taking part in meaningful experiences such as work experience in different healthcare systems, essay competitions or relevant online courses. These experiences deepen your understanding of Medicine and help maintain your motivation throughout the application process and A-Levels. 

What are your reflections on OIC as a school?

My two years at OIC were genuinely life-changing. I grew so much as a person, both academically and personally, and I don’t think I would have developed in the same way if I had stayed in Hong Kong for sixth form. 

One thing I really appreciated was the close-knit relationship between students and teachers. The teachers and staff genuinely care about students and are always willing to support you however they can. Even after graduating, I visited OIC twice, and teachers, including my former Warden, still remembered me and our conversations. Those moments are incredibly meaningful to me. 

I also think OIC provides students with an incredible amount of support and resources, but success still depends on your own mindset and discipline. Being accepted into OIC does not automatically guarantee excellent results or university offers. Students still need to work hard and take ownership of their learning. 

Success comes from perseverance, consistency and making the most of the opportunities available to you.

Is there anything else you would like current students to know?

Teachers at OIC are absolutely incredible, and students should never be afraid to ask questions or seek help when they are struggling. 

I also think one of the most special things about OIC is being surrounded by people who are genuinely passionate about their futures. The friendships and support systems you build here are extremely valuable, and I hope students appreciate just how unique that environment is. 

Most importantly, give your best during your time at OIC and leave with no regrets.