From arriving in Canada as apprehensive Grade 10 students to securing elite global university placements, twin brothers Ryan (Wenxian) and Matthew (Wenyu) Zhong have completed a remarkable two-year academic and personal transformation at Columbia International College (CIC).
Prior to their graduation in June 2026, the brothers both accepted offers to the highly competitive Engineering Technology & Management (ETMAS) program within the Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering (ABE) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).
Ranked #2 undergraduate program in the United States by U.S. News & World Report (2025), UIUC’s ABE department is a powerhouse of STEM and managerial education. Its graduates are highly sought after by industry giants such as Caterpillar and Anheuser-Busch, spanning the sectors of agtech, energy, construction, and manufacturing.
Overcoming Challenges to Achieve Academic Excellence
When Ryan and Matthew first arrived at CIC in May 2024, overcoming language barriers was their primary obstacle.
“When I first came to Canada, my biggest fear was public speaking,” Ryan recalled. “I would get incredibly nervous and struggle to find the right words in front of crowds.”
Matthew, who began in the ESL program, adopted a proactive mindset:
“I told myself: if my English speaking isn’t perfect, I need to make more friends and practice. No matter the challenge, just do your best.”
Supported by CIC’s immersive ESL curriculum, both brothers quickly adapted. Their academic progress culminated in top honors:
- Ryan received the Grade 12 Advanced Functions Subject Award with a final grade of 99%.
- Matthew received the Grade 12 Physics Subject Award with a final grade of 94%.
A Highly Decorated List of University Acceptances
In addition to their joint UIUC acceptance, the brothers earned prestigious offers across the United States:
Ryan Zhong (Offers Received):
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) – Engineering Technology & Management
- University of California, Davis (UC Davis) – Applied Physics
- University of California, Irvine (UCI) – Applied Physics
- University of California, Merced – Physics
- Rutgers University – Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, & Physics
Matthew Zhong (Offers Received):
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) – Engineering Technology & Management
Guiding Dreams: Personalized University Admissions Support
Unlike traditional, high-stakes single-exam systems, CIC’s continuous assessment model evaluated the brothers’ classroom performance, quizzes, projects, and daily growth, allowing them to consistently showcase their academic potential.
To navigate their post-secondary pathways, the twins worked closely with Grace, a university guidance counsellor in CIC’s University Placement Office (UPO). The UPO provided tailored support at every critical stage—from course selection and profile building to essay editing and final admissions strategies.
Brothers, Teammates, and Leaders
Beyond the classroom, Ryan and Matthew were highly active in the campus community. They played basketball together and demonstrated strong civic responsibility by completing nearly 100 hours of community service each.
Reflecting on their journey, the brothers emphasized the strength of their bond:
“Even though we may pursue different engineering disciplines in the future, we have always supported each other. Having someone who shares your goals and understands your experiences in a new country is incredibly valuable.”
Offering advice to incoming international students, they added:
“Everything will feel unfamiliar at first, but give yourself time. Step out of your comfort zone, get involved in activities, and take full advantage of what CIC offers. You will grow much faster than you think.”
