Sher Chhi Ly

Washington State University

What did you enjoy about studying Cambridge International qualifications?

I enjoyed that they were very in-depth, but in a way that is not intimidating. The content of the Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International A Level syllabuses helped me to develop a very thorough and deep understanding of complex/abstract concepts that would normally be taught in universities/colleges, which aided my critical thinking skills. The work ethic that I had to adopt when I was doing my Cambridge courses really pushed me to be more diligent and curious about my studies.

How did you choose your degree course at Washington State University (WSU)?

I was always keen on technological topics and my interest grew when I was studying my Cambridge IGCSE in ICT (Computer Science). I also made a good friend through an online video game who was a CompSci graduate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and he recommended that I look for universities in Washington. There are lots of opportunities to get involved in the Washington State University community, from being a peer mentor or a student ambassador to representing WSU on an e-sport team.

How have Cambridge International qualifications helped you at university?

Although the Cambridge curriculum was challenging, it was also very rewarding and prepared me for what was to come in my higher studies here at WSU. My Cambridge qualifications also gave me extra college credits. The credits I received allowed me to skip two of the mathematics classes I needed to take as a major requirement for my Computer Science studies. I chose to retake those classes anyway just to brush up on my maths, but the prior knowledge I retained from my Cambridge International A Levels helped me excel in those classes.

Would you recommend studying Cambridge International qualifications at school to students who would like to go to university?

I would recommend studying Cambridge International qualifications to anyone pursuing higher studies, regardless of what country they choose to go to. Taking Cambridge IGCSEs and Cambridge International A Levels makes the jump into higher studies a little less dramatic and, as a bonus, having qualifications from those courses can earn you extra credits at many universities.

What is it like to study and live in the US?

My experience of studying and living here is good. My classes are going smoothly, and the school's facilities and resources are incredible. I am a first-generation student as my parents never went to college so I cannot express how grateful I am to be given this privilege to be at university and to move so far from home. Although I miss home, it is also an exciting and liberating feeling. I hope to do more travelling to other parts of the country.

What are your career aspirations?

In the future, I hope to become an intern for a tech firm and acquire hands-on experience in the tech industry. I plan to specialise in either cybersecurity or AI and machine learning. I have faith that with enough hard work, I will one day make it big.

Read more about Sher Chhi Ly’s education journey.