With 97% of our Sixth Form leavers securing their firm choice of University, Sophie’s upcoming adventure to study Mechanical Engineering at Columbia, is just one of the many exciting opportunities awaiting this year’s crop of Sixth Form leavers. Sophie shares with us why she chose Columbia, a bit about the application process and what she’s excited about as she prepares for life in America. She also leaves her fellow ESMS students a bit of parting advice.
What are you studying there, and what inspired you to choose that course?
I’m looking forward to studying mechanical engineering within Columbia’s Engineering school, though students don’t declare specific majors until later on. Until then, I’ll be set up with base engineering classes, as well as Columbia’s core curriculum. Engineering has always appealed to me as a hands-on application of everything I love about physics and maths, so it felt like the clear choice to me when I first began to think about my university plans.
What inspired your decision to apply there?
Both the engineering course and core curriculum really appealed to me. In the Scottish system especially, there’s a rush to cut down subjects and interests early on. Although I’m dedicated to studying engineering, at Columbia I’ll also take classes from literature to music, and I can expand both my engineering knowledge and other passions simultaneously.
How did the school help you secure your place there?
The school was great with helping me to get in touch with former pupils studying in the US and with the official side of things. Mr Garden, in particular, put a lot of time into helping me with everything from reference letters to transcripts, so I’m very grateful to him and my other teachers for all the support. I looked for external support regarding SATs and essays – there was a lot to learn about the US system!
What are you looking forward to the most about starting university?
I’m excited for pretty much everything, especially meeting so many new people and getting to know New York!
How are you preparing for the move to university life, and the move abroad?
There’s loads to figure out before I head over to New York, from my visa to accommodation and catering. I’ve also been sorting through all of my clothes to try and decide what gets to come with me, as well as reading up on things to do around Manhattan. Having visited before, there hopefully won’t be too much of a culture shock!
What are your current career aspirations after Columbia?
I’m really interested in aerospace engineering and would love to get into the field. That being said, I’ll have plenty of time and space at Columbia to figure out exactly what I’ll want to do after graduating, whether that’s further education or finding practical experience. I also feel that there’s a substantial gap in the number of politicians with a STEM background, and having really enjoyed EYP and Model UN I would love to get involved.
What extracurricular activities are you planning to pursue in New York?
Columbia is home to hundreds of extracurriculars of every possible kind, and New York offers even more opportunities. With such a wide range of options, there will be plenty of chances to keep up my music, debating, and even kayaking, as well as picking up some brand-new interests along the way. With hockey as well, I’ll likely be kept very busy!
What aspects of your time with ESMS will you take with you to the next chapter in your education?
The school has been an incredible environment to learn and improve in. Beyond the courses and extra-curriculars, the support at ESMS has certainly made an impact on how I’ll approach life at university and beyond.
What’s been the highlight of your time at ESMS?
Having been at ESMS for over a decade, it’s tough to pick out one single highlight. However, the common factor in every great experience has been the people there with me.
Tell us a bit about the friendships you’ve made?
My friends and I are all extremely diverse in our interests and personalities. Though we’re all heading off on our own paths at the end of this year, I know that any extra distance will be more than made up for in support for each other through the years to come.
If you had to give one piece of advice to students starting at ESMS, what would it be?
My advice would be to take advantage of all of the options available, whether that’s joining a club you never thought you would, or asking for a bit of extra help. You have the choice to get involved with pretty much anything, but you can’t just wait for opportunities to find you – you have to be willing to take that first step yourself.
Any advice for our current S5 students, ahead of their last year?
Take the time to recognise how much work you’ve done to get where you are. I know how easy it can be to get wrapped up in how much there still is to do, but you should be proud of yourself for getting so far, and back yourself in believing that you can go further.
