News and Social Media

It’s been an exciting start to the academic year here in the Professional Guidance Centre. We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming a variety of representatives from across the world.  

New York University

Our first speaker was Lisa Mortini, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at New York University. Lisa spoke with students from UC4 to SFC2, as well as parents who were able to join virtually. She highlighted NYU’s global presence, with campuses across the world in Abu Dhabi, Shanghai and New York discussing the unique features, similarities and differences of each location, and outlining the benefits and challenges of enrolling at each.

Lisa also emphasised the importance of finding the right ‘fit’ when applying to US universities. She noted that NYU seeks students who are self-driven, ambitious and innovative - qualities frequently demonstrated by CLC students.

Additionally, she provided a comprehensive overview of the application process, covering everything from academic requirements to extra curricular involvement, and stressed the critical role of supplemental essays. This holistic approach to admissions allows universities to evaluate the ‘whole’ student, offering a broader context to the application rather than focusing on just one aspect. We’re so grateful to Lisa for giving up her time to teach us more about NYU and answer all of our questions.  

McGill University and University of British Columbia

We then moved north to Canada, welcoming both Melanie Element, Senior Recruitment Manager at McGill University and Nadia Syskova, International Student Recruiter at the University of British Columbia. Both provided valuable insights into studying in Canada, before highlighting the unique opportunities available at their respective institutions.

Students were able to ask questions, including, for example, what are the pathways to studying Medicine in Canada? Interestingly, we also learned that current Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is an alumnus of both institutions! Attendees left the session not only more informed about global education opportunities but also very pleased with the freebies of pens, stickers and badges!  

Sommet Education

Moving across continents, we welcomed Anna Zaleski, Regional Admissions Manager of Undergraduate Programmes at Sommet Education.

Sommet Education is a world leader in hospitality education. The organisation brings together five institutions, including Les Roches and Glion, across 20 campuses around the world, with each campus having its own unique identity and programme focus.

The workshop was fun and interactive, replicating the teaching style at Sommet institutions, with students having to hone their communication and leaderships skills in a challenging task involving Lego building! The PGC Hub was buzzing that evening as students allowed their competitive sides to emerge!  

University of Chicago and Barnard College

In the final week before half term, we had two virtual visits from the University of Chicago and Barnard College, both very popular universities with CLC students.

Katie Quille Chaszczewski, Deputy Dean of Admissions at the University of Chicago, spoke to both pupils and parents about the importance of fit and the unique academic culture at UChicago.

Grace Bradley, Associate Director of Admissions at Barnard College, explained how Barnard College offers the benefits of small, intimate college classes in a collaborative environment dedicated to women, along with access to the vast academic resources of Columbia University just across the road.

We are so grateful that both representatives were able to join us online to meet our students.  

University of Oxford

The PGC took a group of SFC1s to a University of Oxford Admissions Talk which was held at The King’s School in Gloucester.

Penelope (SFC1) has reflected on the trip:

On Tuesday 24th September, the Oxford University Society held an admissions event for schools in Gloucestershire as part of its outreach programme.

The evening provided valuable insight into the inner workings of the Oxford admissions process, with the goal of giving students a better understanding of how they see each individual student holistically and what they specifically value the most.

To illustrate this, there was a detailed presentation about the admissions process and timeframe, as well as snapshots/anecdotes from life as an undergraduate at Oxford. There was ample opportunity for questions to be asked of the broad panel of current students or a faculty member at the end of the presentation.

I was able to learn so much about the different types of degrees offered, how the college culture at Oxford University works, what to include in my personal statement and the reassuring sense that what matters most is conveying passion and genuine interest for my subject.