How a Polish Chemistry Student Earned the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto

My name is Karolina and I’m from a small town in Poland. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Toronto, St. George campus. As part of my degree, I had the opportunity to spend a year on exchange at University College London (UCL) in the UK, which was an incredible academic and social experience.

Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto, the university’s most prestigious undergraduate award for international students. Only 37 students globally are selected each year. It’s valued at approximately CAD 350,000 over four years and covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and residence. I’m truly grateful for the support it provides - it enabled me to move to Toronto and later supported my exchange and transfer to UCL for a year.

Educational Background

Throughout my education, chemistry stood out as a subject that came naturally to me and one that I genuinely enjoyed. I’ve always been curious about how things work on a molecular level, and chemistry gave me the tools to explore that. During high school, I was also involved in extracurricular projects that helped shape my academic and personal development. One of these was the STEMinist Sisterhood Project, which aimed to encourage young girls to explore STEM fields. We organized sessions with inspiring women in science and tech, hosted lectures, and created a space for meaningful discussions. I helped with organizing guest speakers and managed the project’s social media presence. A huge shoutout goes to Hanna Karwowska and Julia Mielcarz, the co-leads of the initiative, who made it all happen. The project was a major success and was even featured in the 2021 Forbes Women Poland edition of "100 Women of the Year."

Another project I participated in was "Not to Waste is in Good Taste”, which aimed to raise awareness about waste and promote sustainability through creative reuse. Reflecting on these experiences allowed me to go beyond simply listing achievements in my application. I was able to delve deeper into what I had learned, how I had grown, and how these moments shaped my future goals.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Toronto?

Because most of my IB learning experience took place during the pandemic, I had to develop strong time management skills. I focused on staying on top of my classes and found that analyzing patterns in past exams and practicing problem-solving techniques worked well for me, especially in Math AA HL and Chemistry HL.

For the Internal Assessments and Extended Essay, my biggest advice is to choose a topic you’re genuinely curious about. It might sound cliché, but if you're invested in the subject, your passion and originality will shine through, and it makes the whole process more rewarding. I didn’t take the SAT or any other standardized tests beyond the IB, as most of the universities I was considering were in Europe, where the IB Diploma is widely accepted. The University of Toronto also recognized the IB for admission, so no additional testing was required.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship?

The Pearson Scholarship application process began with a nomination from my high school. The first step I took was applying to the University of Toronto directly for the program and campus I wanted to study at. Afterward, I received a link to the Pearson-specific application, which included a series of short and long-answer questions about my interests, extracurriculars, and future plans.

One of the essay questions asked about a moment of personal growth. I’m really glad I took the time to discuss it with my parents and English teacher before writing. I ended up focusing on my involvement with the STEMinist Sisterhood Project and how it shaped me both personally and academically. The experience gave me the confidence to pursue a STEM degree and showed me the importance of representation and equity in science.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

The extracurricular experiences I shared in my application highlighted how I took the initiative to use my interests and skills to solve real problems in my community. My work in STEM advocacy and sustainability not only showed leadership and creativity but also a genuine commitment to making a difference.

More than a list of achievements, I think what stood out was my commitment to learning, listening, acting, and reflecting. I was able to show how my values were shaped by the work I had done - and how I hoped to carry them forward.

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

Be honest, be specific, and don’t be afraid to show who you are. This scholarship isn’t just about top grades - it’s about your potential, passion, and impact. Don’t worry if your path hasn’t been linear or perfect. What matters most is how you’ve used your experiences to grow.

Also, talk to people! Your teachers, mentors, and family members might see strengths in you that you haven’t recognized yet. Their insights can really help shape your essays and boost your confidence.