My Background

Hi! My name is Asia, and I’m excited to share my journey to McGill University, where I’m currently a senior and set to graduate in 2025. I was born and raised in Barcelona, but when I was six, my family moved to Los Angeles for two years before we returned to Spain. From first grade through high school, I attended the American School of Barcelona (ASB).

ASB provided so many amazing opportunities. The IB program was one of the biggest opportunities because it’s perfect for students who want to study abroad. I was also involved in a variety of activities, like organizing a TEDx conference as part of my CAS project and competing in debate, which gave me a strong knowledge for my future.

Why McGill and Canada?

When I started thinking about studying abroad, I knew I wanted to live in a vibrant city that had a student-centered atmosphere. After researching universities in Canada, McGill and Montreal stood out. The city had everything I was looking for: affordability and an exciting college environment.

McGill also had a unique advantage: students who complete the IB diploma can graduate in three years instead of four. For me, this made McGill even more appealing compared to U.S. universities. Plus, the tuition and cost of living were significantly more affordable than U.S. schools, which was a major factor in my decision.

McGill is a very reputable university, so hearing positive reviews from alumni sealed the deal for me. They all spoke about how much they loved their experience, and I realized McGill was the perfect choice.

Interestingly, McGill wasn’t my initial first choice. I applied to other schools in the U.S., including Brown and Duke, and was waitlisted at Duke and rejected by Brown. Looking back, I’m so glad things worked out the way they did—McGill has been an incredible fit for me.

My Major

At McGill, I’m majoring in Political Science and Economics, which is a perfect combination of my interests in policy, global systems, and understanding how economies work. My program is part of the Faculty of Arts, so it’s very research and paper-focused. It’s not as hands-on as a business program, but I enjoy the academic rigor and how it challenges me to think critically about the world.

Stats

I graduated high school with a predicted IB score of 44 out of 45. My higher-level subjects were English, Global Politics, and Economics, while my standard-level subjects were Math AA, Chemistry, and Spanish A.

Since I applied during the COVID era, many schools, including McGill, were test-optional, so I didn’t take the SAT or TOEFL. Canadian universities don’t typically require standardized tests, which made the application process much simpler.

Application Process

Applying to McGill was refreshingly straightforward compared to U.S. universities. Canadian schools like McGill base admissions heavily on grades, so my IB results were the most important part of my application. There were no essays, no SAT requirements, and no extracurricular lists to submit: just transcripts and academic performance.

For my U.S. applications, I did have to write essays, and my debate coaches were the ones that helped me tell my story effectively. They gave me great feedback and helped me refine my ideas. If you’re applying anywhere, having mentors or older students who have been through the process is so valuable!

Extracurriculars and Professional Experience

In high school, I was very involved in activities that shaped my leadership and teamwork skills. I was part of the WSDC League, representing Team Spain in the World Schools Debating Championship. Debate taught me how to think critically and argue persuasively, which has been invaluable in my academic journey.

I also served as student council president and led my CAS project by starting a TEDx program at ASB. I obtained the license for the school, organized the event, and worked with students, teachers, and parents who wanted to give TED Talks. Seeing the event come to life and being featured on the official TEDx platform was a proud moment for me.

Outside of school, I pursued competitive horse riding, which I’ve continued at McGill as the captain of the equestrian team. It’s been a great way to stay active and build friendships while balancing my academic workload.

Financial Aid & Scholarship

I didn’t apply for any scholarships when I applied to McGill, which I now realize was a missed opportunity. I didn’t know at the time that some scholarships were available based on IB scores. That’s something I would recommend to anyone applying to university—always look into financial aid and scholarship options!

McGill’s affordability compared to U.S. universities was a major factor in my decision, and I didn’t require financial aid. But for students who need it, McGill does offer several options to explore.

How It’s Going

McGill has been everything I hoped it would be. The academic workload can be intense, especially with its reputation as a rigorous school, but it’s manageable with good time management. I’ve been able to balance my studies with extracurriculars and a social life, which is important to me.

Living in residence during my first year was one of the best decisions I made. It helped me meet so many people right away and made the transition to university life much easier. Montreal is such a vibrant city with so much to do, so I’ve never felt bored or isolated.

Plans After Graduation

After graduating in 2025, I plan to move to the U.S., where I have residency and can work. I’m currently exploring creative fields like art consulting, art business, and publishing. I know I want to be in a big city like New York or Chicago, so I’m focusing on opportunities there. It’s exciting to think about the next chapter of my journey!

Advice for International Applicants

For anyone applying to university, my biggest piece of advice is to apply broadly. I never expected to end up at McGill, but it turned out to be the best decision for me. Don’t limit yourself to one country or a handful of schools—sometimes the unexpected choice is the right one.

I also recommend speaking to older students and mentors who can offer real insights into what university life is like. When you’re in high school, it’s easy to focus on prestige, but factors like location, program fit, and affordability are just as important.

Finally, if you’re applying to multiple countries, start early and give yourself plenty of time to navigate the different systems. Each country has its own process, and being organized will make everything much smoother.