ISN Nice's 'University Pathways' highlights the academic goals of our students.

This week, read our interview with Rory and Xavier, who hope to study Psychology and Computer Science.

 

Could you introduce yourself and tell us how long you've been at ISN 

Rory: Hi everyone, my name’s Rory - I have been at ISN since 8th Grade. 

Xavier: I'm Xavier, I'm an IBDP Grade 12 student studying Maths, Computer Science and Physics at higher level and Economics, English LangLit and French B at standard level. 

  

What are your current plans for after Grade 12?  

Rory: I will be pursuing Psychology at a university in the UK or Ireland which will lead me to a Masters degree in Applied Psychology. 

Xavier: I'm expecting to go to university straight after school. I'm going to apply to Computer Science courses in the UK with a focus on artificial intelligence at Imperial College, UCL, Loughborough, Durham, and Bath.  

  

Why have you chosen this path? How will it help you to reach your personal or career goals? 

Rory: I have chosen this path due to an interest in the subject which led me to carry out personal research resulting in a clear determination to study Psychology. Originally, due to my involvement in sports, I was looking at courses in the subject and discovered that I wanted to broaden my horizons so that I wasn’t channeled into a narrower course. This is why I chose psychology over sports psychology or sports management. I also want to pursue a career where I can help others. 

Xavier: I have chosen this path because computer science and mathematics are my passion, they're what I enjoy doing the most at school and I feel like I can definitely get an enjoyable and meaningful career out of studying computer science. My goal is to one day be able to pursue a career working with artificial intelligence and be part of the growing sector of artificial intelligence being used for new research and for unique ways to help people over the world. 

 

In what way has ISN helped you plan and prepare your applications?  

Rory: The ISN counselling services helped me to find the perfect selection of universities to apply to. They also helped on a 1:1 basis in navigating the application platforms and our group sessions have been useful in introducing me to a wide range of universities. Unifrog and Crimson resources have also been great. 

Xavier: We have had some great counseling sessions with our university counsellor Mrs. Smith, who has helped us the entire path. I also did personal research, and used tools such as UniFrog, MyUniChoices, and the UCAS platform. I also asked other people for their opinions. ISN has been of great importance obviously in my course selection. 

 

Have you faced any challenges over the last two years and how did you overcome them? 

Rory: Over the last two years I have made a major shift in my future plans which was a challenge, as originally up until Grade 11 I had been interested in pursuing a course in Engineering. The self-realization that psychology was much better for me was a major change. My family, the university counsellor, my SEN tutor, and teachers helped me to know more about making this important decision. Going through this journey with a close group of friends has been invaluable. 

Xavier: Over the last two years the IB has been really really challenging - a huge step up from everything else I had done before in terms of the level of academic performance required to reach the top and the amount of effort and time management needed also. With COVID being an ever-present threat to our exams and studies it has not been easy throughout these one and a half years so far, but ISN has luckily only had to endure a few weeks of lockdown and our studies during those times were continued online. Over time I think I've managed to learn to expect the amount of work that the IB requires, but day after day it increases and I am becoming more aware of the importance of time management as a result of this. 

  

What are you most excited about for next year? 

Rory: Studying psychology at university, living alone, meeting new friends, playing sport, living in a different country and culture.  

Xavier: I'm definitely excited for the IB to be finished next year! Like I said, it's a tough journey and I see the light at the end of the tunnel, so I just have to accomplish that final stretch. I'm a little nervous about my uni applications but hopefully if I get into my top choice I can look forward to a new and exciting chapter of my life in the UK! 

 

Anything else you want to add? 

Rory: I have truly appreciated attending ISN and having the opportunity to complete the IB programme. The teaching here is incredible and I’ve so enjoyed my time at the school. I can’t believe that graduation is only 4 months away! 

Xavier: To all future IB students: work hard - harder than you think you need to - in the first year!