Four seniors in our class of 2016 and one student from the class of 2015 just received notice of their early acceptance into international universities! They knew what they wanted and focused on preparing early enough to apply for scholarships. With the help of their Guidance Counselor, Ms. Márcia Guedes, the five soon-to-be university students have filled all requirements to enter universities abroad.
Two universities have already accepted Gabriel da Motta, and he is waiting for responses from 16 others. Gabriel received acceptance letters from the University of Virginia and a full scholarship from Loyola Marymount University in California - both for Computer Science. Ricardo Zatz was accepted by two universities in Canada – the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto. Victoria Martins has her spot reserved at the Ontario Institute of Technology in Forensic Psychology. Mariel Jeffris got into Indiana University Purdue Indianapolis in Electrical Engineering and won a 50% scholarship from Florida Tech in Energy Engineering. Erik Imbuzeiro (class of 2015) received a 50% scholarship from Florida Tech in Aerospace Engineering.
When asked about what it is like applying to universities abroad, Gabriel used the words complicated, stressful and demanding. “It wasn't the smoothest process, but Marcia finished her part quickly, sending all of my transcripts, teachers’ recommendation letters and other required documents so I was able to push through and work on my essays by the midyear break.” “Deadlines were crazy. The school was supportive in helping me arrange all of the documentation (transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) and Márcia was always there to help. Not only was she a great when organizing all of the materials, but she also gave me some emotional support along the way,” said Mariel.
The fact that Mariel and Ricardo are enrolled in our National High School Program did not limit their options in applying to international universities. “I am sure that with the preparation I have in the National Program I could get into the University of Brasília without a doubt. My Advanced Placement classes, my incredible professors and the whole school community have made me feel prepared and capable of attending university here or anywhere in the world! The school provided me with SATs, AP exams and various mock exams to train, for which I am most thankful,” said Ricardo.
Ricardo shared that he has put much effort into his academic performance since his early years in High School. “I fought hard to keep all my grades above 8 so when the time came to apply, I felt comfortable and happy with my overall performance to such an extent that I ended up applying to the country's top 3 universities.”
We congratulate Gabriel, Ricardo, Victoria, Mariel and Erik on their success and know they will take the virtues and skills they learned at Nations with them wherever they go. They represent the best of Nations. #proudtobenations