Flying the flag
Ms Gagnon is a US University Advisor at Wetherby Senior School and works for UES Education, who are specialists in US college applications.
“Study abroad remains hugely popular at Wetherby Senior, with boys recognising that it is a fantastic chance to enjoy a different culture and way of life first-hand. In addition, since the North American undergraduate system typically allows you to explore a wider range of subjects before declaring a major, it can be particularly attractive to sixth formers who wish to explore a broader range of topics before specialising.
“However, applying to study in the USA or Canada can be an incredibly complex process, so I provide one-to-one guidance to Wetherby Senior boys on applying to North American colleges. My colleague, Dr Smith, Director of UES Education, undertakes weekly group sessions on preparing application essays and, since early preparation is essential, these start in Year 11. This is a great way to ensure Wetherby Senior pupils are fully prepared for this new and challenging admission process.
“As I tell boys at Wetherby Senior, one of the big differences between US and UK university applications is that American institutions care just as much about your character – including hobbies, volunteering, and interests – as they do about your academics. Of course, from my perspective, this means advising young people on how to curate and promote their profile is a difficult but rewarding task.
“I’m very proud of our results at Wetherby Senior. In just three years, our Sixth Form has received forty offers for boys to study in the USA. On A Level Results Day in August 2022, 43% of our cohort had applied to study outside the UK. This meant nine sixth formers joined a US college, including our first alumnus at an Ivy League institution (University of Pennsylvania). In addition, five alumni joined a Canadian college, including one boy with a McGill University scholarship.
“For motivated students, North American universities represent a life-changing experience, where what they do outside of lectures is just as fulfilling as what they do inside. I’m very happy to be supporting and encouraging the ambitions of young people at Wetherby Senior, helping them add a reward global perspective to their future studies.”
An extraordinary London school, a springboard to the world
#WetherbySeniorPortraits
Wetherby Senior sixth formers have been snapping around London, taking photos of what our capital city means to them.
Check out Wetherby Senior’s final issue of The Barometer for...
Wetherby Senior sixth formers have been snapping around London, taking...
Ms Gagnon is a US University Advisor at Wetherby Senior...
