University Bound: Highlighting Annabel B.

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 Annabel B., a senior in the Bac program, who will be attending the London School of Economics (LSE) next year.

Congratulations on your acceptance to LSE! Can you share with us what made it your top choice? 

As an American at the LFC, I always knew I wanted to attend university abroad. Having friends and classmates from all over the world, I have wanted the experience of living in a different country to truly round out my international perspective on the world. The London School of Economics gradually became my top choice as I realized it was a small university focused on the social sciences and located in one of my favorite cities in the world. Coming from a school like the LFC, where my class sizes are small and where my teachers have always been open and available to continue the academic discussion beyond the confines of the classroom, I knew I wanted a university experience that was similar. I am also looking forward to meeting classmates who are interested in diving deep into the subjects I love.

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

I plan to study Language, Culture, and Society, with a focus on the French language. This course covers sociology, languages, literature, and linguistics, and my third year will be spent at Sciences Po in France. Outside of class, I’m excited to join a music club, get involved in LSE Radio, the Creative Industry Society, and hope to find some people who want to be in a band! Most of all, I hope to meet people who love studying social sciences but who are also drawn to the creative fields.

How do you think your time at LFC has prepared you for success in college?

Taking the American Section of the French Baccalaureate at the LFC has led me to love learning and diving deep into all the subjects that interest me, from languages to social sciences and history. The requirements of the Bac have taught me how to study efficiently, write long papers that really make me think, and prepare for oral presentations.

How did you approach your college admissions journey? Create a balanced list? Take advantage of global opportunities? Utilize the resources available to you at school and at home?

Although I was pretty sure from the outset that I wanted to attend university in the UK, I did apply to some schools in Ireland, Canada, and the U.S. I worked on my essays over the summer so that when school started in the fall, I was pretty much ready to get all my applications in and focus on making the most out of my Senior year.  The college counseling office at the LFC did a great job explaining all the nuances of applying to university abroad, so that by the time I was ready to send everything in, I felt confident about the process. My parents supported my dreams, and were open to all the schools I was drawn to.

Do you have any advice for future LFC students going through the college application process?

Research a lot and be open to the world. You might just fall in love with a program or a school that you had never considered before! The process of applying to university is an exciting time when you can learn about who you are, where you come from, what’s important to you, and how you want to contribute to the world.

Any other reflections you’d like to share? 

My time at the Lycée (over the past 15 years, a crazy number to say) has really been exceptional. I have been surrounded by a wonderful community, from the old building on Bittersweet to this one on Wilson, and I am sure even once I move to London.