Good day!
I am a Filipino male who is currently a sophomore at a public Canadian high school. I am enrolled in their International Baccalaureate program (still in Pre-Diploma though) gaining decent grades* as follows:
*predicted grades
Pre-Diploma English 10 - 7 (97%)
Pre-Diploma FMP (Math) 10 - 7 (98%)
Pre-Diploma French 10 - 7 (96%)
Pre-Diploma Social Studies 10 - 7 (96%)
Pre-Diploma Science 10 - 7 (96%)
This is my Grade 11 (Year 1 I.B) Schedule for the next school year:
IB YEAR 1:
-Math (SL)
-English (HL)
-French (SL)
-History (HL)
-Biology (SL)
-Chemistry (HL)
-T.O.K and C.A.S of course
EXTENDED DAY COURSES:
-Drumline 11
-Yearbook 11
-Senior Leadership 11
For University Admissions, I am relying HEAVILY on scholarships/financial aid since my parents cannot meet all of the tuitions of most universities in Canada/U.S. Although my aunt (who is an American citizen in the U.S) is willing give us some financial support. This is the main reason I’m working the best I can right now.
My ECs are as follows:
~Peaked an interest in playing snare drum in my school’s drumline band and piano (starting lessons in about a week)
~Senior Leadership
~K.E.Y Club
~Starting a summer internship in the United States (I’m shadowing a doctor around his research facility)
~LINK Crew (school group dedicated to helping the freshmen in our school adjust to the environment of our high school)
~I have been playing badminton and volleyball both leisurely and competitively for 6 years
~Starting Muay Thai classes during Grade 11 (Year 1 I.B)
~Tutoring job (Math and English)
I know they aren’t as impactful and mind-blowing on a University Application as some of my peers’ but they are my passions and I love pursuing them (although I’d like to add some more community-based activities to my background).
I have a LOT of questions that need to be answered since I am leaning towards the medical field (I’m pursuing my childhood dream of becoming a neurosurgeon, and no I do not watch Grey’s Anatomy although I heard its a pretty decent show):
- I am torn between choosing a Canadian or American University. I've been doing research about the perks and downsides of both options and honestly, I have made no progress. My parents DREAM of me attending U.B.C in Vancouver (since I live one and a half hour drive away) but I'm leaning towards McGill if I choose to go to Canada. If I choose to go to America, I don't know if its a good idea considering the Ivys as my choice of undergrad since apparently Medical Schools don't look into your choice of undergrad that heavily. (Take into factor lifestyles, financial aid, reputation, etc.)
- If I do choose to study undergrad in Canada, should I go pursue my studies in Medical School in Canada or in the U.S? If I do choose to study undergrad in the U.S, should I pursue my studies in Medical School in Canada or in the U.S? Take into factor lifestyles, tuitions, reputation, etc.
- I'm planning on adding more ECs that are health-focused. There is a high school volunteer program at our local hospital but the minimum grade to participate in it is Grade 11 so that's out until the next school year. Any ideas on what I should do to help me make stand out in my ECs (preferably those associated with the health/human services)? I would like to start an independent fundraiser at my school to gather nutritious snacks, juices, water for those families in our local hospital whose child/ren is/are sick and admitted. I don't know if its a good idea (or if it would garner support since my school is notorious for not being involved in any school-related activities) but I'd like to try.
- Any advice on pursuing full I.B Diploma next year? I know it's going to bring hell upon me but I'm built for it. Hopefully, I still could get 7s but with what my upperclassmen are saying, it's highly UNLIKELY.
- Any more activities/camps/opportunities I could get into? I would really like to show my passion for neurosurgery towards my future application reviewers and interviewers. I want to be a strong candidate for any university and medical school that I may apply to in the future. Our school district has some career programs that I could get into but I should definitely check with my counselor first.
These are some of the questions that I have right now. So many decisions to make in such a limited timeframe. My parents want an answer by the end of the year since they know the struggle of not taking these applications very seriously. I feel all the pressure and I don’t want to crack, especially if it concerns my future. I am hoping for comments and answers that could help me in making this big decision!
Thank you!/Salamat!/Merci Beaucoup!
-becoming.atlas