Journey to Preferred University: Christina

I have received offers from both the UK and the US. Eventually, I decided to commit to Barnard College of Columbia University to continue my studies. I knew that I wanted to be in an urban environment, therefore the majority of schools I applied to were developed cities such as New York, London, Los Angeles etc. I then researched in-depth on the specific courses each uni offered, internship opportunities etc. Having these criteria in mind made the shortlisting process for my applications much easier. Barnard is a women’s liberal arts college with all the resources of Columbia, hence, being in a smaller community within Columbia would truly allow me to form tight-knit friendships whilst receiving a rigorous education. Although students are only required to declare their major during their second year, I am quite set on pursuing an Economics major at Barnard as I enjoy the interdisciplinary nature and applicability of Economics.

Having the flexibility to explore different subjects during IGCSE and A-level at BSKL has definitely allowed me to identify my interest in Economics whilst pursuing my other interests in Media and Psychology. My parents have always been rather supportive and respectful towards my opinions, hence, they did not interfere much with my application process. However, I have consulted them in areas regarding economics and business professions, which ultimately led me to finalise a degree in Economics.

What I've learned about the university selection journey is to start early! I would suggest narrowing down to a few potential courses before A-levels. For those who intend to apply to the UK, research the preferred A-level subject combinations of your intended course, which can give a big advantage in the future. Overall, since the abundance of universities worldwide offers a wide range of unique specialties, it is crucial to understand the experience you wish to gain from college and then identify suitable choices.