
Managing university applications while on national service isn’t easy – and Dover Court International School’s guidance counselling team is ready to help its alumni do just that.
Shantanu was in his second year as a full-time national serviceman when he started his university applications. Despite having graduated in 2022, his Careers and Higher Education Guidance Counsellor from Dover Court International School continued to guide him through the application process.
The educators at Dover Court go above and beyond to support students even after graduation. The school is dedicated to guiding its students through every stage of their educational journey, especially during major transitions like starting national service (NS). Shantanu’s experience highlights just how valuable this support can be.
Dover Court’s counselling team was “a shining beacon” for the alumnus

When asked about his busy year balancing NS duties and university applications, Shantanu said it all went smoothly, thanks to his Dover Court counsellor. “Ms. Hani Rahman was my go-to for anything university-related. She’s been guiding me since Sixth Form, and she always made me feel confident about the process,” he shared.
With Ms. Rahman’s support, Shantanu mapped out a clear timeline for his applications. By starting early — gathering references and drafting personal statements while still at school — he stayed on track. His efforts paid off, earning him a spot in his dream course at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Shantanu benefitted from his Sixth Form curriculum as well

Sixth Form students in Dover Court follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), a pre-university course that’s known for its rigour.
In Shantanu’s experience, the challenging nature of the IBDP helped him develop resilience, which prepared him for life after school. He shared, “IBDP instilled resilience, which I found useful during NS as there were moments when my limit was tested. Having a resilient mindset helped me persevere during those tough times.”
Doverians past and present are always welcome to reach out to the school
Whether your child is an existing Dover Court student, or one who has already graduated – the school is always ready to help. “Whether it’s preparing for NS, or going through university applications – we want students to know that they’re not alone. Dover Court is here to provide guidance, resources, and assistance every step of the way,” Hani Rahman said.
Wondering if Dover Court could be a good fit for your child? You can reach out to its Admissions team to find out more too.
This post is in partnership with Dover Court International School.