Esther Tung, CIC Class of 2024 graduate, reflects on the experiences that have shaped her into the individual she is today. But first, let’s give a round of applause for the amazing university offers and scholarships she has received!
- University College London (Applied Medical Sciences)
- King’s College London (Biomedical Sciences)
- University of Edinburgh (Biomedical Sciences)
- University of California Santa Barbara (Life Sciences)
- University of California Davis (Biological Sciences)
- University of California Irvine (Biological Sciences)
- University of California San Diego (Life Sciences)
- University of Toronto, St. George (Life Sciences)
- University of Toronto, Mississauga (Forensic Science)
- University of Toronto, Scarborough (Life Sciences (Health Sciences)
- McMaster University (Life Sciences)
- University of Waterloo (Life Sciences)
- Case Western Reserve University (Life Sciences)
- Ontario Tech University (Life Sciences)
- York University (Biomedical Sciences)
- Total Scholarships: 128,500 CAD
Esther:
My CIC experience was surrounded by supportive teachers and good friends. From playing badminton on the weekends to spending time at prom with my best friends, to watching the Raptors play in the Scotiabank Arena, each experience holds a special place in my heart.
One of the most remarkable experiences during my time at CIC would undoubtedly be the notification of my acceptance to UCL. As I received the offer to pursue studies at UCL on Valentine’s Day, an overwhelming sense of excitement permeated the guidance counsellor’s office. Celebrating this significant milestone alongside my closest confidants, including my best friend, boyfriend, and university counsellors, I consider it a truly memorable Valentine’s Day gift.
Since Grade 9, I’ve been diligently crafting my after-school and summer activities to delve deeper into my chosen field. From assuming roles such as Student Council President, Outreach President, and Clan Captain to honing teamwork and collaboration through football, I’ve aimed to cultivate a multifaceted skill set conducive to future success. Engaging in internships during summer breaks further affirmed my vocational aspirations, offering invaluable insights into the realities of a medical researcher’s life.
Reflecting on these experiences, I recognize their pivotal role in fostering the confidence necessary to pursue applications to universities in the United States, the UK, and Canada.
Applying to Stanford, something I once believed to be inconceivable, became a tangible aspiration, culminating in an unexpected waitlist placement—a testament to the work and dedication I put in.
Receiving unwavering support from my counsellor, Ms. Annie, gave me the courage and resilience to get through university application season, applying to the UK, the US, and Canada.