University Application Stories from the Class of 2024
Photo Credit: Victoria Heath/Unsplash
As the Class of 2024’s high school journey comes to an end, students are starting to receive acceptances from post-secondary institutions. This year’s seniors have applied to a variety of programs in universities both within Canada and abroad.
Caskey McFerrin (12) applied to Bachelor of Arts programs across the country, like the University of British Columbia (UBC), University of Victoria (UVic), Dalhousie University, and University of Alberta.
When deciding on which universities to apply to, one of his main considerations was the location of the school. He eventually decided that he wanted to pursue his education in a larger city. In addition to the location, he considered the school’s academic ranking and the feedback of previous students regarding their experiences with the program and school.
Similarly, Cassie Moore (12) applied to arts and humanities programs across Canada like Carleton University, Queen's University, UBC, and UVic. “I wanted options across the country. Since I don't really know what I want to pursue yet, I believe general arts and humanities are great areas where I could decide on my major later on.” She added, “I actually dropped a class, so I’m not eligible for UBC anymore.” Nevertheless, she was accepted to all the other universities she applied for.
Cindy Si (12) applied to Langara College and the University of Alberta's Nursing and Kinesiology programs, as she enjoys encouraging improvements in physical performance and functional independence. Si also thinks she has an understanding of the work because she has had extensive sports physiotherapy, and appreciates the flexible and accommodating schedule of her physiotherapist.
Ellena Arthur (12) applied to programs across Canada in the fields of science and art. Arthur has been interested in science-related topics ever since elementary school, and she has known that she wants to pursue a career in science since she was young.
“University of Alberta got back to me in less than a week. They don’t have a dead period like most universities do where they don’t give out admissions for some time. They just do them as they go, so it’s a really good safety school,” said Arthur. “It’s also a really solid school to apply to early, as it’s a top Canadian university with low costs.”
Sunny Poon (12) applied to business programs at UBC, Simon Fraser University (SFU), Western University (UWO), and McGill University. “I didn’t really have the thought to defer or take a gap year, because I wanted to get through university as soon as possible so I don’t drag it on.” Poon believes that a career in business is the best fit for him because he feels other career paths are less applicable in the real world. He thinks going into business will help him develop his social skills and ability to form deeper connections.
Many students initially thought about deferring their education to take a gap year but ultimately chose not to. Allison Lee (12), who plans to pursue an education in music, thought about taking a gap year because she skipped grade 4, and is therefore a year younger than most of her peers. Lee believed delaying her college application season would be beneficial, but the longer she spent in high school, the more competent she felt, and the more ready she was to continue her education in university.
Lee applied to schools across the United States, like the University of North Texas and the Juilliard School of Music. “The faculty at these schools are really good, and I think they can help me improve and become a better musician,” she said. “I’ve also made personal connections with a lot of the faculties as well.” Her Hamber alumni friends who attended those schools provided her with further advice regarding applying for these programs.