Career, College, and University Admission Counselling

Personalised and Purposeful Guidance

At Dulwich Pudong, university and careers counselling is about far more than university applications, it’s about preparing our students for lives of purpose and meaning.

Our counsellors help students look beyond admissions decisions to envision what long-term success means to them. Through individualised guidance and reflection, students learn to take the driver’s seat of their own journey, from Senior School to university and beyond.

“We guide each student to discover not just where they’ll go next, but who they’ll become along the way.”

Our Best-Fit Philosophy

At the heart of our university counselling program is the belief that success in higher education, and beyond, comes from finding the right fit. While we proudly celebrate our graduates’ offers from top global universities, our true success lies in helping students find their best-fit institutions, those that align with their goals, values, and aspirations.

A best-fit university is one where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired to grow both academically and personally. We guide students to reflect deeply on who they are, their interests, learning styles, goals, and values, and match these with institutions that will nurture their individual strengths.

Rather than chasing rankings or trends, our approach empowers students to make informed, confident decisions about where they will thrive. Through thoughtful conversations, self-assessment, and exploration, we help each student discover the environments that will bring out their best selves, the places where they can contribute meaningfully and continue their journey of growth and discovery.

By the time they reach their final year, students approach the university application process with confidence, a clear sense of identity, and the skills to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. Supported every step of the way by our dedicated University and Careers Counsellors, they are prepared to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions as they apply to universities around the world and take their next steps as globally minded, future-ready graduates.

Our Counselling Approach

Our approach combines reflection, skill-building, and personalised support around five key pillars:

Agency: Empowering students to take ownership of their applications and future pathways.
Decision-making: Teaching frameworks for thoughtful, values-driven choices.
Leadership & Initiative: Encouraging confidence and independence at every stage.
Values & Impact: Guiding students to understand what matters most and how they wish to contribute.
Advocacy & Guidance: Acting as strong advocates for students within the College and with universities worldwide.

Our University and Careers Counselling (UCC) Department provides regular updates and resources for students, parents, and staff both online and in person. We also host university fairs, visits, and workshops to ensure our community stays informed of global trends in higher education.

Beyond university admissions, we connect students to the world of work through partnerships with businesses and our Worldwise Alumni Network (WAN), giving them access to mentors and role models across industries.

A Journey from Year 9 to Year 13

Our university counselling journey begins in Year 9 and grows progressively through Senior School:

Year 9 → Introduction to university pathways and subject options.
Year 10 → Exploration of the World of Work through reflection and career insights.
Year 11 → Decision-making in action through our “Reverse University Fair.”
Year 12 → Students take full ownership of their application process with structured support. Counsellors work closely with students and parents to identify universities and programs that fit their individual interests, strengths, and aspirations.
Year 13 → As applications approach, counsellors provide detailed guidance on every step, from shortlisting universities and writing essays to navigating application platforms. It is also the year of celebration of their achievements and next steps into university life.

Each stage builds confidence, reflection, and clarity ensuring that when it’s time to apply, students are ready to make informed and authentic choices.

Partnership with Parents

We believe that university planning is a partnership between students, parents, and counsellors. Parents are invited to our Parent Academy presentations, ask questions during our monthly Q&A sessions, or meet with the counsellors for a more private conversation. We strongly encourage parents to join the conversation and become a ‘partner’ throughout the student’s journey as a resource and sounding board, but above all provide unconditional support to their student.

Parent Testimonials: e.g., “The UCC team helped our daughter find the perfect environment where she’s truly thriving.”

Meet Our Counsellors

Mr. Carlo Kuepers

Originally from the Netherlands and now also a proud Canadian, Mr. Kuepers has built a career that bridges continents and communities. With over 25 years of international experience across North and South America, Europe, and Africa, his career spans both the private and public sectors, including leadership roles with multinational companies, the United Nations, government, and higher education. His global career has always centred on connecting people, ideas, and opportunities.

His passion for supporting young people as they plan their futures, brought him to Asia. As a University and Careers Counsellor at leading international schools in Japan and Singapore, he has navigated students and families through the complexities of university exploration and applications. Drawing on his broad professional experience, he helps students identify pathways that align with their individual goals, interests, and strengths. Known for his patient, pragmatic, and approachable manner, he is committed to ensuring that every student feels heard, valued, and supported as they prepare for life beyond school.

Mr. Kuepers obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s in International Business from Maastricht University (the Netherlands) and a Master’s in Industry, Trade, and Development from the University of Manchester (UK). He earned his College Counseling degree from UCLA and holds accreditations through Times Higher Education and the British Council.

An active member of the international counselling community, Mr. Kuepers regularly attends and presents at conferences worldwide. He serves on the Global Affairs Committee of the International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC) and mentors counsellors through the IACAC Mentor Year Program.

Mr. Rorie Macdonald

Originally from the UK, Mr. Macdonald completed his undergraduate studies at Cambridge University where he read history. He started his education career as a teacher of history and geography at an international school in Shanghai. In his former school he established the school's University Counselling Office in 2016 and ran the office until he joined Dulwich College Pudong in August 2021. During that time he supported student's applications to places in universities all over the world. In 2023 he obtained his International College Advising Certificate from The University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education.

He is a member and regular attendee of various professional communities including The GUCC (Global University Counsellor Connect), EARCOS-CIS (East Asia Regional Council of Schools – Council of International Schools) Institute on International Admission and Guidance, International ACAC (Association of College Admissions Counselling) and China ICAC. Most recently he has presented to the wider-Counsellor community on the following topics AI: Transforming University Admissions & College Counseling and Medical Applications.

Ms. Ruru Huang

Since beginning her counseling journey in 2010, Ms. Huang has guided students with empathy, insight, and a deep belief in helping every individual find their best fit path. Her experience spans nearly ten years in Beijing’s public schools and four years at a bilingual school in Shenzhen before joining DCSPD, where she continues to support students in discovering their strengths and building confidence for life beyond school.

At DCSPD, Ms. Huang leads the UCC Ambassador Program, invites guest speakers to share real-world insights, and hosts virtual university fairs to expand access to global opportunities. She has participated in global counselor fly-ins, visiting institutions across the UK, US, Netherlands, Canada, and Switzerland to expand opportunities for students. Beyond her role on campus, she is a member of the International ACAC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, where she promotes global citizenship and social justice. Passionate about making a difference, Ms. Huang believes education is most meaningful when it empowers students to grow with purpose, empathy, and courage.

A dedicated advocate for collaboration and professional growth, Ms. Huang serves as the Chair of the Research, Scholarship, and Learning (RSL) Committee in the largest organization for counselors and admissions professionals in China—the China Institute of College Admissions Counseling (China ICAC). She has led national initiatives such as the Leadership Institute, Annual Report, and Speaker Series, and was named China ICAC’s Mentor of the Year in 2023 for her commitment to supporting fellow counselors. She also speaks regularly at international conferences and helped found both the Beijing Western Consortium University Fair and the Great Bay Area College Counseling Connect.

Ms. Ida Huang

Ms Ida Huang earned her Bachelor of Arts in Advertising from the University of San Francisco in the United States. She has nearly ten years of experience in international education, focusing on university counselling for high school students and academic and career planning for secondary and undergraduate students.

At Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, Ms Huang serves as the University and Careers Counselling Coordinator. In this role, she supports counsellors with daily administrative tasks, assists students with transcript requests, coordinates SAT and PSAT testing as the Lead Site Supervisor, and manages university visits by liaising with representatives and communicating key information to the school community. In addition, Ms Huang serves as the school’s Alumni Coordinator and is passionate about connecting current students and alumni through meaningful engagement, mentorship, and community initiatives.

She is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC), and China ICAC. She is also a certified Career Advisor accredited by The International Association of Career Advisors (IACA).

Strength in the Dulwich Network

Our counsellors are part of the wider Dulwich College International network, collaborating across schools to share best practices and insights. Many serve on international committees alongside university representatives, ensuring that our students benefit from the latest knowledge and trends in higher education.

University Destinations

Dulwich Pudong graduates continue to top universities and specialist programmes around the world.

A compilation of university selections across six continents.

From Oxford to NYU, from the University of Hong Kong to Parsons School of Design — our alumni thrive at institutions that reflect their individuality, ambition, and global outlook.

Your Journey to Top Universities Starts Here

Interested to know more? Discover the resources, support, and inspiration to take your education — and your future — to the next level.

Meet Some of Our Recent Graduates

About Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong

Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong is an international school in Shanghai, China, serving over 1,600 expatriate English-speaking students across three schools - DUCKS (Early Years and Year 1&2), Junior School (Years 3-6), and Senior School (Years 7-13).

Up to Year 9, our students follow the English National Curriculum. DUCKS Early Years students follow the UK Early Years Foundation Stage framework with a Dual Language approach. In Years 10 and 11 (Grades 9 and 10) students follow the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (I/GCSE) curriculum and in Years 12 and 13 (Grades 11 and 12) all of our students enter the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.

Dulwich Pudong was founded in 2003 as the first independent British school in Shanghai. It is the founding school of Dulwich College International which now operates 7 schools in 3 countries. Dulwich Pudong graduates regularly score well above global averages on the IB exams and matriculate to the world’s most selective universities.

For more information about the UCC services of Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, feel free to contact our UCC team at: [email protected].