The Immerse Education Essay Competition provides the opportunity for international students aged 13-18 to submit essay responses to a pre-set question relating to their chosen subject. The competition is run by the Immerse Education company, who run summer programmes at Cambridge University. This August, a number of our Grade 12 students entered the competition.
Jap Kevin Susanto
Psychology: Is Psychology a science?
Winner of a 10% scholarship to study Psychology at a summer programme at Cambridge University in the summer of 2021.
I choose Psychology under the motion of “is psychology is a science” which is a debate that has been parleyed upon by scholars and researchers worldwide. I approached this motion from the methodological and systemic process of psychology and the purpose behind the study of psychology. I personally felt like the competition was a great opportunity for me as a student to practice critical thinking and gave me a chance to see the subject is a more scholastic view.
Rachel Widianto
International Relations: Is the United Nations still relevant?
Winner of a 30% scholarship to study International Relations at a summer programme at Cambridge University in the summer of 2021.
I chose this topic because it would allow me to explore deeper into the major I want to take in the future as well as apply knowledge I have learned from DP Global Politics. I feel that now I have gained a better understanding of the United Nations and its function. I feel ecstatic that I was able to write an essay in a short amount of time as well as receive a 30% scholarship from Immerse Education for their summer programme.
Clarissa Lilananda
English Literature: Literature is elitist. Do you agree?
Winner of a 30% scholarship to study English Literature at a summer programme at Cambridge University in the summer of 2021.
The topic interested me as I am a DP English A Language & Literature student, who is keen on the subject. I wrote about the elitist history of English literature and fused it with my personal approach to the subject as an Indonesian high-school student. I ended up highlighting the fact that it was ironic for me to write on the prompt and ruminate on thoughts of whether or not literature is elitist – as I am writing in hopes of winning a prize that is fairly ‘elitist’. I approached the subject with a curiosity for postcolonial theory, and ended up learning a lot about the topic.
Overall, I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to submit an essay for this competition, and to have received a prize for it.
In case anybody reading this might have a penchant for writing essays, but is not sure on what to do with this skill, take this as a sign! Find a publication, competition, or medium where you can showcase your unique perspective for the world to read!
Your words are power, and someone out there needs to hear what you have to say.
Ethan Nathanael Nurtjahja
Law – Legal decisions should be automated using algorithms. Discuss
Winner of a 20% scholarship to study Law at a summer programme at Cambridge University in the summer of 2021.
I wrote about the benefits and limitations of potentially using algorithms within the judicial system, I also went into detail about realistic applications of using algorithms to determine sentences and how they compare to conventional means.
Quite recently I’d received an email stating that I had been awarded a partial scholarship for their summer programme. I was ecstatic to hear that until I realised that due to current circumstances and uncertain conditions, I may not be able to join their summer programme.
The competition opened the opportunity for me to write something I had a passion for, it was a good experience to have and it could possibly help my future prospects.
Matthew Wongsodirdjo
Medicine – What makes a good doctor?
Winner of a 20% scholarship to study Medicine at a summer programme at Cambridge University in the summer of 2021.
I explained that the Hippocratic Oath, emotion, and competence are the characteristics of a good doctor. At first, I thought I would not win the competition. Why? Although I had made a cohesive plan with an excellent introduction, the body and conclusion were weak. To my surprise, I won a 20% scholarship to Immerse Summer College.
In conclusion, I felt really proud of myself since this shows that I’m capable of succeeding with a cohesive plan and hard work.
Vishnu Chakkaravarthy Sureshkumar
Management – What business leader has made the biggest impact on society in the last 50 years?
Winner of a 20% scholarship to study Management at a summer programme at Cambridge University in the summer of 2021.
I chose Management for my response as I’m planning to major in commerce or MBA in the future. I tailored an essay to analyze how Lee Kun Hee, the chairman of Samsung, has had the biggest impact on society in the past 50 years in terms of development and sustainability. I chose Samsung in particular as in the 50 years their growth has fluctuated tenfold, they have diversified into different markets and has always provided customers with high-end products.
I feel satisfied with my work since I was chosen as one of the winners across thousands of different essay responses, receiving a partial scholarship to be mentored under caliber professors in the management programme. Furthermore, I will use this opportunity to advance my essay skills which eventually will benefit me in the future.
