University Bound: Highlighting Lara M.

Each year, our graduating students are accepted to universities all around the world. The College Counseling Office works closely with each student to find universities that best fit his or her goals and interests to ensure that s/he continues to excel. With the University Bound series, we highlight some of their stories. This week's interview showcases Lara M., a senior in the Bac program, who will be attending Northwestern University and studying Biomedical Engineering.

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Congratulations on your university acceptance! Can you share with us where you’ll be attending, and what made it your top choice? 

Lara: I will be attending Northwestern University in Evanston. I knew I wished to study somewhere relatively close to home, and I was looking at STEM-oriented programs. Initially, I was drawn to Northwestern by their excellent engineering department, but I also liked the flexibility it offered to take different courses and study different fields – as well as the many research opportunities that existed. I am so excited to be able to start learning there this fall! 

Do you already know what you plan to study? What types of clubs and activities are you excited to participate in on campus? 

Lara: I plan to study Biomedical Engineering and I hope to be able to minor in Computer Science. I do enjoy the flexibility that Northwestern offers to take courses outside of engineering, and I hope to be able to make time for some design courses as well. On campus, I wish to join an art and music club and to explore new activities that I haven’t done before. 

How do you think your time at LFC has prepared you for success in college, and do you have any advice for future LFC students going through the college application process? 

Lara: The French Baccalaureate is a very rigorous program that helps us learn how to get organized and how to manage heavy coursework, which I believe are essential skills for college. Additionally, the flexibility allows us to choose our own specialties and allows us to learn in-depth about subjects we plan to study in college. Furthermore, the teachers guide us to make sure that we are on track and are always ready to help us succeed. I also like the fact that going to the LFC gives me the choice to apply to study anywhere in the world, but also to stay in the United States if we wish to. 

For those who are starting the college application process, my advice would be to not leave anything to the last minute and get started early on. I assure you, you do not want to be finalizing your essays merely hours before the deadline. Take advantage of your 11th grade summer, and use your time to your advantage. This will also let you revise and perfect them in time for the deadline. Also, take your time to explore the programs that are offered at the places you are considering; you might stumble upon one that might just be the perfect fit for you or discover options that you hadn’t considered before!