Nematoulaye Diallo, CIC ‘24, secured a stunning $623,000 CAD in total scholarships from universities, making her one of the top scholarship earners in CIC’s 45-year history!

Nema and her brother joined CIC in 2021. With an impressive Grade 12 average, coupled with her exemplary leadership skills and unwavering dedication to the school community and beyond, she has earned coveted offers from some of Canada’s top universities.

• McGill University - Desautels School of Management (Commerce)
• McGill University (economics)
• University of Toronto - Rotman Commerce (Commerce)
• University of Toronto, St. George (Architecture)
• University of Toronto, Mississauga (Commerce)
• York University - Schulich School of Business (Business Administration)
• York University (Commerce)
• Western University (Management & Organizational Studies)
• University of Ottawa (Finance)
• University of Ottawa (Management)
• Toronto Metropolitan University (Finance and Accounting)
• Concordia University (Commerce)
• Total Scholarships: $623,000 CAD

Nema:

"My CIC experience was about finding myself and learning to stand on my own two feet. I encountered challenges that pushed me to develop resilience and independence.

The friendships I cultivated made me enjoy my CIC journey more, because they were about navigating the ups and downs of boarding school life together. Whether it was staying up late stressing for finals or just laughing together at lunch, they made my time at CIC special.

I went above and beyond success criteria in my schoolwork, which helped me achieve a high average and earn multiple top subject awards. I also got involved in the community by taking leadership roles in the student council, athletic council and residence leaders, organizing events and gaining valuable leadership skills, racking up over 160 community service hours. I additionally participated in DECA, which helped me develop business skills."

Hossein Kasaei, CIC ’24, unlocks his “secret formula” for academic success. Not only has he secured admission to the top engineering and computer science programs at Canada’s best universities, he’s also bagged an impressive $194,000 in scholarships.

• University of Toronto St. George (Engineering)
• University of Toronto St. George (Computer Science)
• University of Waterloo (Computer Science)
• McGill University (Engineering)
• McGill University (Physical, Earth, Math & Computer Science)
• University of British Columbia (Engineering)
• University of Alberta (Engineering)
• McMaster University (Computer Science)
• McMaster University (Engineering)
• Queens University (Engineering)
• University of Ottawa (Computer Engineering)
• Western University (Engineering)
• Total Scholarships: $ 194,000 CAD

Hossein:

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank my parents for their unconditional support. They believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself and stood by my side through life’s bitter and unfair realities.

What does it take to get accepted to the best engineering programs in Canada? Simply studying. Sure, other things are considered when you apply to top universities, but ultimately, it all boils down to the fundamentals. How efficiently one can study and how much one can gain from it are essential parts, but they both depend on the individual and the extent to which they are willing to go. To put it concisely, there is no escaping it; the binary will always catch us, one way or another, expected or unexpected.

I take a step back and reflect on what I’ve accomplished so far. In the grand scheme of life, the difficulties lose their might and become banal. When facing challenges, I do not believe solely relying on motivation is effective; it certainly helps but will not always be present. In the absence of motivation, resolve is what carries one through. In a practical sense, discipline is more reliable in times of difficulty, or so I believe.”

Qiudi’s journey began when she attended CIC's summer camp during her 10th grade vacation. Drawn by her curiosity about the world and the vibrant multiculturalism she experienced, Qiudi decided to stay at CIC. With students from over 70 countries, CIC broadened her international perspective, nurturing her empathy and worldview.

After graduating from CIC in 2019, Qiudi pursued post-secondary education in the USA.

• University of Washington, Anthropology & Dance (B.A.)
• Yale University, East Asian Studies (M.A.)

She made history as the only Asian girl in the Whiffenpoofs, a collegiate a cappella singing group at Yale University that year. Her passion for linguistics and cultures took her to Moscow to study Russian, intern at the United Nations in Kazakhstan, and teach in Tibetan villages.

Qiudi also co-founded the band Glintwine with Yale alumnus and musician Pu Xiaobo, serving as the lead singer. In 2022, the band released its debut album "Sip on That Glintwine," blending neo-classical, jazz, Latin, and other musical styles. Professor Zhang Shuai from the Central Conservatory of Music praised Qiudi 's unique voice as "exquisite, wild, mysterious, a voice not to be missed."

Qiudi:

“Thank You CIC. I met wonderful friends from all over the world from Russia, Mexico, from Africa to South East Asia.

So when I talked to them and when I study about different cultures or read about it, I am able to really put myself in their shoes and look at things from a different perspective, other than where I am from. That experience really changed my world view.”

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. In 1988, Francis Pan graduated from CIC and continued his education at the University of Toronto. 30 years later, he proudly enrolled his daughter, Nikki, at CIC. Following her successful graduation from CIC in 2019, Nikki pursued a science program at Dalhousie University.

The family reunion at Nikki's graduation ceremony at Dalhousie University in May 2023 served as a genuine testament to the transformative power of education in Canada.

Francis Pan:

“It was a great journey at CIC. I cherish each and every moment I spent there. My experience at CIC 35 years ago could be very different from Nikki’s, and CIC has changed a lot over the years. This could be only possible due to the consistent efforts put in by the school. I am so grateful to all the CIC teachers and staff for providing the best education.”

Nikki Pan:

“My experience at CIC has been amazing. Being an international student, I had the anxiety of adjusting to a new country at the beginning, but CIC has helped me a lot throughout the years. Above all, I’m so grateful that CIC has given me the opportunity to explore my passions and pursue my dream!”

Congratulations to the father-daughter duo. We are immensely proud that their time at CIC has provided them with a strong foundation and equipped them with the knowledge and skills needed to reach their goals.

Ziqian Liu, an accomplished student who graduated from CIC in 2018 and University of Waterloo in 2023, has been accepted into Ph.D. programs in Computer Science at:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Princeton University
• Cornell University
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

These prestigious programs have offered him not only a full ride scholarship but also a generous yearly fellowship stipend of over $50k USD.

Ziqian offers tips and tricks for aspiring students interested in pursuing computer programs in university.

He emphasizes that top programs like University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto require high averages and noted the value of Waterloo's co-op opportunities with companies like Google and Amazon.

Ziqian highlights the fast-paced nature of university work, advising students to use resources like Leetcode and Coursera for preparation. He stresses the importance of balancing work, planning, and consulting course ratings.

He also underscores the importance of strong English communication skills and academic integrity.

Harlin Singh arrived at CIC in October 2022 and graduated in May 2024. Throughout her journey, she embodied leadership by example, radiating kindness and sincerity in everything she did. Her passion for fostering a welcoming environment at CIC has left a lasting impact. Congratulations on her impressive university acceptance offers and scholarships:

• University of Toronto St. George (Life Sciences)
• University of Massachusetts Amherst (Biological Sciences)
• McMaster University (Life Sciences)
• University of Waterloo (Life Sciences)
• Stony Brook University (Science)
• Toronto Metropolitan University (Biomedical Sciences)
• Total Scholarships: $ $236,000 CAD

Harlin:

“My time at CIC has been shaped by the opportunities and experiences. One of the highlights of my CIC experience has been my involvement in extracurricular activities. I dedicated myself to the Student Council, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with my peers to organize events and initiatives that enriched the student experience.

Additionally, my participation in Model United Nations sharpened my public speaking and diplomacy skills, while the Crochet Club provided a creative outlet and an opportunity to give back to the community.

To me community service is an essential part of life. It helps you leave a mark in your community and develop selflessness. Through the volunteer opportunities at CIC, I was able to act on my empathy, which to me is the greatest form of intelligence.

Equally, my academic journey at CIC has been equally fulfilling. The rigorous curriculum and supportive faculty challenged me to strive for academic excellence. The learning environment sharpened my intellectual curiosity and critical thinking, preparing me for the future.

I maintained a healthy schedule that allowed for both study and leisure. I stayed motivated and retained information effectively by using engaging study methods like watching videos and creating flashcards. This approach helped me achieve academic success while also developing valuable skills for the future.

Vo Dinh Huy Nguyen, CIC ’20 and Schulich School of Business ’24, has been awarded the Governor General’s Silver Medal, recognizing his outstanding scholastic achievements!

When Nguyen first came to CIC, he focused solely on academics, avoiding extracurricular activities. However, inspired by friends who balanced both successfully, he decided to get more involved. He joined various teams and clubs, becoming a Student Council executive leader, a Model UN team member, and a peer tutor in English, Math, and Business.

He also participated in competitions, earning accolades like the Best Delegate Award at the CIC MUN conference and placing in the Top 5 at the McMaster High School Business Heroes Competition.

His time at Schulich was marked by multiple competition wins and active community involvement, including serving as president of the Schulich Accounting Society and mentoring hundreds of students. In May 2024, Nguyen graduated from Schulich with the highest GPA in his cohort, specializing in accounting.

The Governor General’s Academic Medals are the highest honor for exemplary Canadian scholars. Nguyen credits his success to his supportive parents and sees the award as a testament to his journey as an international student.

Nguyen is now enrolled in Schulich’s Master of Accounting program, aiming for a CPA designation, and will start a full-time job at Deloitte Toronto.

In 2019, at the age of 12, Elina Brodovska took a courageous decision to leave her family in Ukraine and join the Junior Middle School at CIC.

Thanks to the supportive community at CIC, she was able to overcome new challenges and thrive. She strongly believes that hard work and unwavering dedication are essential for achieving one’s dreams, and that our persistent efforts will ultimately be rewarded.

• University of Toronto: St. George (Social Sciences)
• Ryerson University (Business Technology Management)
• York University (Commerce)
• Western University (Media, Information and Technoculture)
• University of Toronto: Scarborough (Social Sciences & Humanities)
• Total Scholarship: $345,500 CAD

Elina:

“In my CIC journey, I understood from the beginning that I wanted to develop my knowledge in something related to both business and the environment. Throughout my time at CIC, starting from junior school, my teachers encouraged critical thinking and creativity through various tasks. I did well in these activities, and as a result, decided to explore all the business-related courses.

Of all the courses, Economics in grade 12 was the most stimulating and challenging for me. I enjoyed conducting various types of investigations and inquiries from different perspectives.

Furthermore, the course covered a global overview of development, supply chains, and logistics. This course helped me understand real-life concepts and how businesses operate successfully.
I have taken advantage of every opportunity CIC has offered, including joining trips, events, and clubs, selecting a wide range of courses, and serving on various leadership teams.

I joined the Student Council and Athletic Prefects, which not only helped me gain up to 90 community service hours but also developed my leadership skills. These experiences have contributed to my success as a student, earning me top subject awards and recognition for my character and high achievements.

At CIC, I learned the importance of seeking help when needed and not being afraid to do so. The community is supportive and encouraging, always willing to help students achieve their graduation goals and prepare for their future endeavors.”