As one of the founding students of NLCS (Singapore), Arjun Bhandari has spent the past years growing alongside the school itself. This August, he will begin a new chapter at Cornell University, where he will study Biological Sciences, pursuing a passion that began with a fascination for the human brain and has since evolved into a deep appreciation for scientific discovery.
We spoke to Arjun to learn more about his journey.
As a founding student of NLCS (Singapore), how would you describe your journey from your early days in the school to where you are now?
Being part of the founding cohort has been a unique experience because I have grown alongside the school itself. In the early years, everything felt new—students, teachers and opportunities were all being built from the ground up. As the school evolved, I embraced many opportunities and also had the chance to contribute to its growth through academics, leadership and co-curricular activities. Looking back, I feel that I have developed not only as a student, but also as a more independent, resilient and curious learner.
What does being part of a founding family mean to you personally?
Being part of a founding family is quite special. It means having a genuine sense of ownership and connection to the school’s story and being there from the very beginning. It has given me the opportunity to witness firsthand how a small school and a vision became a thriving community, and to know that, in some small way, I contributed to that journey.
Looking back, what are some defining moments that shaped you during your time at NLCS (Singapore)?
There was never a single defining moment that shaped me during my time at NLCS (Singapore). Rather, it has been the culmination of stepping outside my comfort zone academically and taking on increasingly independent challenges. Working on research projects, participating in rigorous classroom discussions and learning how to think critically rather than simply memorise information have all shaped me significantly. Equally important were the moments of collaboration with classmates and teachers, where I learned resilience, teamwork and the value of asking deeper questions.
What sparked your interest in Biological Sciences, and how has that interest developed over time?
My interest in Biological Sciences began with a fascination for neuroscience. I was deeply intrigued by how the brain worked and by unusual neurological cases, particularly after reading books such as The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. Over time, my interest in neuroscience expanded into other areas of biology, such as the immune system, culminating in a deeper appreciation for the complexity of biological processes and their real-world applications. Ultimately, I became particularly interested in how scientific research can be used to understand and solve problems affecting human health and the natural world.
Were there any particular projects, research, or subjects at school that deepened your passion for this field?
Definitely. My IB Extended Essay and IB Biology Internal Assessment (IA) had the greatest impact on deepening my passion for biology. My Extended Essay, which explored enzyme inhibition, allowed me to engage with scientific literature, experimental design and data analysis in a much deeper way than a typical classroom assignment. My Biology IA, which investigated the impact of human disturbance on barnacle abundance, gave me my first experience conducting field research and analysing real-world ecological data. Together, these experiences showed me what biology looks like beyond textbooks and strengthened my desire to pursue the subject at university.
How has the school’s academic approach supported your intellectual curiosity and independent thinking?
One of the most valuable aspects of the school’s academic approach is its emphasis on inquiry and independent learning. Rather than simply focusing on memorising content, we are encouraged to ask questions and explore topics beyond the syllabus, whether through academic enrichment opportunities, clubs or other activities. Through the IB programme, research projects and the support of my teachers, I developed the confidence to pursue my own interests and think critically about complex scientific problems.
How did you feel when you received your offer from Cornell University?
I was thrilled when I received my offer from Cornell University. It felt like validation of the effort I had invested throughout my time at school, both academically and through my extracurricular activities. I also felt immense gratitude towards my family, teachers and the school community who supported me throughout the journey. It was a moment that made me reflect on how far I had come since joining NLCS (Singapore) as a founding student.
What do you think set your application apart?
I believe my application reflected a consistent, genuine and long-term passion for biology. My academic choices, leadership roles, extracurricular activities and even the books I read all linked naturally to my interests and demonstrated my curiosity. My involvement in societies and clubs also showed a willingness to contribute both inside and outside the classroom.
The breadth of my extracurricular activities demonstrated my willingness to step outside my comfort zone and try new things, while my long-term commitment to activities such as chess reflected my determination to pursue the things that genuinely interest me.
What co-curricular or enrichment activities have been most meaningful to you?
For me, the most meaningful activities have been creative writing, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Bronze, Silver and Gold), chess and scuba diving, which I pursued outside of school. These experiences have allowed me to grow as a person and develop a wide range of skills and interests. They have enabled me to express myself in different ways, step outside my comfort zone and explore the natural world from a completely different perspective.
How have these experiences contributed to your personal growth?
These experiences contributed to my personal growth in different ways. Chess strengthened my problem-solving and decision-making skills, while the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award taught me perseverance. Creative writing improved my ability to communicate ideas and express myself, and scuba diving helped me develop confidence and a greater appreciation for the natural environment. Collectively, they encouraged me to become more adaptable, curious and open to new challenges.
What does becoming NLCS (Singapore)’s first Ivy League admit mean to you?
While I am grateful for the opportunity to attend Cornell University, being the school’s first Ivy League admit is not the aspect that matters most to me. What matters most is that I have been admitted to a university that is an excellent fit for my academic interests and future goals.
Many of my peers have also received offers from universities that are the right fit for them, and so I see this achievement as a reflection of the hard work and ambition of our entire cohort.
What advice would you give to younger students aspiring to follow a similar path?
My advice would be to pursue interests that genuinely excite you. At the same time, don’t be afraid to explore opportunities outside the classroom. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
I would also encourage students to keep building their extracurricular experiences. When the time comes to apply to university, you will not only have experiences that distinguish you from other applicants, but also a collection of stories and moments of personal growth to reflect upon. Some of the activities that shape you the most may be the ones you never expected to enjoy when you first started them.
How would you like to be remembered as part of the school’s founding cohort?
I would like to be remembered as someone who contributed positively to the school community and always tried to make the people around him happy. I would also like to be remembered as someone who pursued his interests and lived his life with enthusiasm and energy.
Here’s what his parents, Mr & Mrs Bhandari feel about the school:
What influenced your decision to join NLCS (Singapore) as a founding family?
The standards for entry were high, as each student had to meet the CAT4 assessment threshold. This process ensured that if my son could get through, he will be alongside with peers of similar academic strength. We were also impressed by every single member of staff we met, and how welcoming they were to students/parents from different backgrounds.
In particular, I remember a parent session where the ex-Principal, Mr Friend, spoke about the school being a place where all kinds of personalities – incl. geeks & nerds – and all backgrounds are welcomed, and where every student can thrive without fear of discrimination. That resonated strongly with us.
What were your hopes for your child when they first started at the school?
Our hope was simply for our child to be happy and to express himself freely, and it obviously helps if he’s in a small well-knit school community.
How have you seen Arjun grow over the years, both academically and personally?
He has grown at a remarkable pace, supported by excellent teachers and an environment that encouraged him to thrive both academically and personally.
Were there any moments where you felt the school made a particularly significant impact?
All teachers took the time to understand his strengths and weaknesses and worked with him accordingly.
As an example, the school significantly nurtured his love of English literature as he was an avid reader and consistently provided him with the right level of challenge to help him progress.The school significantly nurtured his love of English literature and consistently provided him with the right level of challenge to help him progress. The teachers took the time to understand his strengths and weaknesses and worked with him accordingly.
How would you describe the partnership between your family and the school?
It has been a very positive partnership, with everyone keeping the well-being of the child at heart. As each child has an unique personality, it is only to be expected that every student may have different experiences, but whenever we raised an issue or concern, the school responded promptly, positively, and to our satisfaction.
What aspects of the NLCS (Singapore) experience do you value most?
We value its close-knit community and the regular, transparent communication between parents and the school.
What was your reaction to Arjun receiving an offer from Cornell University?
Arjun and his elder brother opened the email together. We all were thrilled, absolutely ecstatic and started screaming.
What do you think contributed most to this achievement?
His focus on both academics and extracurricular activities, and his willingness to pursue the things that genuinely made him happy. He has always focused on depth rather than breadth.
The constant feedback, encouragement, and recognition from his teachers of his abilities and achievements also played an important role and contributed significantly to his success (by way of good recommendation letters).
As a founding family, how does this milestone feel in the context of the school’s journey?
We are incredibly proud of Arjun’s achievements and grateful for the school’s support in his personal and academic growth.
We did not initially realise that he would be the school’s first Ivy League admit, but once we became aware it felt good to know that, in some way, he is giving back to a school from which he gained so much by helping to further enhance its reputation.
While one Ivy League admit does not define the school’s reputation, it does help reinforce and give comfort to future families that NLCS (Singapore) is a school where students can achieve exceptional outcomes.
What would you say to prospective families considering NLCS (Singapore)?
It is a terrific and supportive school.
You will never regret choosing NLCS (Singapore).
