How a Nigerian Scholar Won the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship to Study Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Toronto

My name is Aisha Adamu, and I am from Nigeria. I attended the International Community School of Abuja, where I cultivated a deep love for learning and service. Currently, I am an undergraduate student at the University of Toronto, where I am pursuing a double major in Psychology and Neuroscience with a minor in Diaspora and Transnational Studies. My decision to study in this field stems from a passion for medicine, mental health, and the African diaspora. I am particularly interested in neurology and hope to pursue a career in neurosurgery. What excites me most is the potential to use neuroscience and psychology as tools for systemic change, especially in education and healthcare within African and diasporic communities.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Details

In 2024, I received two major scholarships: a full-ride to Howard University and the prestigious Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship to the University of Toronto. After thoughtful consideration, I committed to the University of Toronto. The Pearson Scholarship covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence support for four years, making it one of the most comprehensive scholarships available to international students in Canada.

Educational Background

My academic background in high school laid a strong foundation for my university journey. I completed 14 Advanced Placement (AP) exams, earning ten scores of 5 and a few 4s, with a final GPA of 3.98. My coursework was rigorous and interdisciplinary, but I focused heavily on AP Psychology and the sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science, knowing they aligned with my future academic and professional goals. These efforts also earned me a semester’s worth of college credit before I even stepped foot on campus.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Toronto and the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship?

Applying to universities and scholarships required intentional planning. I began by identifying my unique niche and the story I wanted my application to tell. I saved money in advance for application fees and started drafting my essays early, revising until they clearly reflected my values, achievements, and aspirations. I understood the importance of a cohesive narrative, and I made sure every part of my application, activities, writing, and recommendations tied back to my passion for neuroscience, psychology, and the African diaspora.

To prepare for standardized testing, I took the SAT and scored 1530. I relied heavily on free resources like Khan Academy and YouTube for targeted practice, especially in math and reading. For scholarships, I made sure to maintain a high GPA throughout high school and cultivated strong relationships with my teachers, ensuring that their recommendation letters would reflect my commitment, work ethic, and character. I wrote several drafts of each essay, refining my ideas until I was proud of the final product.

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Toronto?

Studying at the University of Toronto has been an intellectually enriching experience. If you’re looking for an institution that will challenge you academically, I highly recommend U of T. It is rigorous, yes, but it also offers diverse opportunities to explore your interests, meet inspiring people, and grow holistically.

How Does the University of Toronto Support International Students?

The university also does a great job supporting international students. With one of the largest international student populations in Canada, U of T has dedicated services like the Centre for International Experience, which made my transition to a new country smoother. Before university, I had never been to Canada, but now Toronto feels like home.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because of the clarity and consistency in my narrative. I showed a strong focus on how my academic interests and extracurricular activities were interwoven with my long-term vision of contributing to the African diaspora through medicine and education. Passion and purpose were at the heart of everything I submitted.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I could do anything differently, I would start even earlier. Although I began my applications ahead of schedule, juggling multiple essays and deadlines became stressful at times. Starting earlier would have made the process more manageable.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

To anyone applying for competitive scholarships like the Lester B. Pearson, my advice is simple: give it your all. If you put in the effort and stay true to your story, you’ve got this. It’s not impossible, it just takes passion, planning, and persistence.