In a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about both his personal dedication and the quality of education, Minkyum Kim is heading to United Kingdom to study Computer Science at the prestigious University of Cambridge. Minkyum’s acceptance into one of the most competitive and sought-after programmes in the world is no small feat, particularly for a student from South Africa. Known for its rigorous academic standards and groundbreaking research, Cambridge’s Computer Science programme has a history of producing some of the brightest minds in the tech industry. For Minkyum, who recently completed his A Levels at Reddam House Durbanville with outstanding results, the journey to Cambridge has been one of hard work, perseverance, and passion.
Earlier this year, Minkyum achieved a staggering 95% for A Level Further Mathematics, 95% for A Level Physics, and an impressive 98% in A Level Mathematics, all while accelerating his A Level studies. His exceptional results led to this opportunity to study at one of the world’s top universities, where he holds a conditional offer that has now been confirmed. Minkyum’s journey, however, didn’t begin with these recent accomplishments—it is the culmination of years of dedication, nurtured by the academic environment at Reddam House Durbanville, which offers a dual curriculum that balances the rigour of Cambridge International qualifications with the support of excellent teaching staff.
As Minkyum prepared to leave for Cambridge he shared his excitement at the new challenges ahead of him.
Q: How did you feel when you received the news of your acceptance to Cambridge’s Computer Science programme?
A: I was really happy, especially because I thought my Cambridge interview didn’t go as well as I had hoped, so seeing the “I am delighted to…” on my decision letter was a nice surprise.
Q: What inspired you to pursue Computer Science, and why did you choose Cambridge for your studies?
A: I’ve always loved mathematics because I enjoy problem-solving, but I decided to study Computer Science because programming makes me feel like I’m creating something tangible, while still giving me the problem-solving aspect that I love. As for Cambridge, aside from being one of the top universities, I chose it over other schools like Oxford because I knew several people going there, and it felt like the right fit for me.
Q: The selection process for Cambridge is known to be incredibly rigorous. Can you share what the application and interview process was like for you?
A: The first part of my application involved submitting my school grades and writing a personal statement. Cambridge has additional requirements, so I had to write a test that selected candidates for interviews. After that, I had to write another test before being interviewed, and during the interview, we discussed the questions I had struggled with on the test. It was definitely intense, but it helped me understand where I needed to improve.
Q: What are you most excited about as you prepare to move from South Africa to London?
A: There are a lot of things I’m excited about—like living on my own and experiencing life in the UK, which I’ve never visited before. But what I’m really looking forward to is meeting my friends from online communities in person. Some of them are also going to Cambridge, so it’ll be great to finally connect in real life.
Q: How has your time at Reddam House Durbanville prepared you for the challenges of studying at one of the world’s leading universities?
A: Reddam House has played a huge role in getting me here. The rigorous teaching, especially in Mathematics and Science, pushed me to always aim for higher standards. My teachers were fantastic, always motivating me to push my limits, and my peers at school were very competitive and talented, which kept me driven. I believe that environment helped me achieve my A Level results and prepared me for what lies ahead.
Q: What do you hope to achieve during your time at Cambridge, both academically and personally?
A: Academically, I definitely want to excel in my studies, but beyond that, I’m looking forward to joining societies and meeting people who share the same passion for solving problems and Computer Science. I think Cambridge will be an incredible place to grow both as a student and as a person.
Q: Once you qualify, what are your future career aspirations, and how do you plan to make an impact in the field of Computer Science?
A: I’m not entirely sure yet. Right now, I’m leaning towards software engineering, but I’m also open to exploring different fields within Computer Science at Cambridge. I’m confident that I’ll find something I’m passionate about and can make an impact in.
Minkyum’s path to Cambridge is not just a personal victory but also a point of pride for Reddam House Durbanville. As part of the internationally-renowned Inspired Education Group, the school has provided him with a global perspective and the academic foundation necessary to succeed at one of the world’s top universities. The Computer Science programme at Cambridge, with its legacy of innovation and impact, will now become the next chapter in Minkyum’s academic journey. Known for producing leaders in technology, Cambridge has a rich history dating back to the formation of the Computer Laboratory in 1937, which played a pivotal role in the development of modern computing.
Says Barry Nieuwoudt, Executive Head of Reddam House Durbanville, “Minkyum’s acceptance into this programme is not only a testament to his outstanding abilities but also to the support and encouragement from Reddam House Durbanville’s teachers, family, and friends. As he starts his first academic year at Cambridge, it’s clear that Minkyum’s future in Computer Science holds limitless potential, and his journey from South Africa to Cambridge is just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary career.”