From SVP IBDP to Kyoto University
How Tristan Earn a Full-Ride Scholarship
“I am grateful that SVP encourages us students to pursue our interests beyond the classroom. As a result, I felt confident and did not worry about my portfolio.”
Hello, my name is Tristan, and I am honoured to be pursuing a degree in Economics with a full-ride scholarship from Kyoto University. As a former student of the IBDP at Sekolah Victory Plus, I am also grateful to have been accepted into other top universities such as Waseda University, Nagoya University, and Kyoto University of Advanced Sciences (KUAS).
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Discovering His Path During the IBDP
Fun fact: Japan was not my first option when I began the Diploma Programme (IBDP). However, after I visited Japan last year, I was captivated by the culture, and even more so by the campus of Kyoto University. At that moment, I knew there and then that this was where I wanted to be.
My interest grew even more after I learned during SVP’s annual university fair that Kyoto University offers full-ride scholarships to international students. Not only does it cover full tuition, but it also provides a personal allowance of up to 120,000 yen per month.
While the scholarship was a crucial factor, the final cherry on top was discovering that the final two years of the program are taught primarily in Japanese. This will become an incredible opportunity to prepare me for postgraduate studies and a career in Japan.
Shaping His Profile Beyond the Classroom
During my time in SVP, I actively joined various co-curricular activities, such as sports, academic competitions, and leadership roles. While these experiences certainly helped build my profile, I joined them simply because I was passionate and genuinely interested in each one. I am grateful that SVP encourages us students to pursue our interests beyond the classroom. As a result, during the admission process, I felt confident and did not worry about my portfolio.
However, a major obstacle I faced was trying to balance my university application efforts with my academic endeavours. I was overwhelmed by a plate full of deadlines—from EE and TOK, to Internal Assessments and Individual Orals, while also preparing for external exams. Luckily, I did not go through this alone. I constantly sought guidance from my teachers and counselors, who were very supportive during this hectic period. Moreover, the school’s friendly environment helped foster a strong relationship between students and teachers, which made it easy for me to request authentic recommendation letters with confidence. Honestly, I would not have made it this far without their help.
Although the IB coursework may seem very demanding, it really helped me sharpen my academic writing—an essential skill when it came to university admission essays. The ability to not only generate insightful ideas but also articulate them cohesively requires practice, and it is something that universities value. Furthermore, it prepares me for writing-intensive assignments that I’ll encounter in university. Thus, while I am relieved that I don’t have to repeat the IBDP programme, I am thankful for the skills and values that I’ve gained through this experience.
Reflections and Advice for SVP IBDP Students
From feeling anxious about my university destination to receiving my full-ride scholarship, there are two things that I’ve learned during this journey. Firstly, it is okay to be unsure about your future, especially in the first year of the Diploma Programme (IBDP). As I have mentioned in my valedictorian speech: rather than fearing that uncertainty, embrace it. Treat it as an opportunity to discover your passions and explore who you truly are. Second, never be afraid to ask for help—whether it be from your family, friends, teachers, or anyone you trust. Having a support system helps make the journey less overwhelming. It is always okay to ask for guidance, because you are not forced to carry everything all by yourself.
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