How a Serbian Tech Prodigy Secured a £92,000 HMC Scholarship and the Fully Funded Lester B. Pearson Scholarship to Study Computer Science at the University of Toronto

Hello! :) My name is Katarina Šotić, and I am a 4th-year Computer Science student at the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada. Originally from Belgrade, Serbia, I spent two years studying in the United Kingdom through a full-ride high school scholarship. My passion for technology started early, leading me to begin coding at age 12 and later enroll in specialized computer science programs. I believe technology has the power to significantly improve our lives and bring people closer together when used responsibly. Currently, my interests focus on web development and cybersecurity, areas where I continually strive to grow.

Can You Share Details About the Scholarships You Received?

My first internationally recognized scholarship was the HMC International Scholarship, awarded by the HMC Independent Schools Association in the UK. This scholarship enabled students from Central and Eastern Europe to complete either the IB or A-Level program at a UK boarding school. I attended New Hall School in Chelmsford, England, with a scholarship valued at approximately £92,000, covering tuition and boarding for two years.

I am currently attending the University of Toronto thanks to the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship, which covers tuition, boarding, and book fees for all four years. This scholarship, valued at around CAD $380,000, is available to international students applying to the University of Toronto, with only one nominee per high school.

Could You Tell Us About Your Educational Background and How It Prepared You for Your Chosen Field?

Before university, I completed four A-Levels at New Hall School in Computer Science, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Physics, achieving A*s in each subject. Additionally, I participated in the British National Olympiad for Mathematics and Physics, earning gold and bronze awards, respectively. My extracurricular activities included leading my school’s Coding Club and performing as a soloist in the Chamber Choir.

Prior to my UK experience, I attended a specialized computer science high school in Serbia for two years, covering topics such as advanced mathematics, coding, discrete mathematics, and operating systems, maintaining an A+ average. Alongside this, I obtained an additional high school degree in Music Theory, consistently averaging an A grade, and earned first place in Serbia’s national music theory competition.

How Did You Approach Preparing Your Applications for Universities?

To prepare my university applications, I crafted a compelling and personal narrative in my essays and completed standardized tests such as the SAT. I also wrote over ten additional essays required by various universities. My primary considerations when selecting universities were the availability of need-based scholarships or need-blind admissions, given my family's financial constraints, along with a preference for highly rated institutions. Extensive research based on these criteria resulted in my application to approximately twenty universities in the US and Canada.

How Did You Prepare Specifically for Your Scholarship Applications?

Since the scholarships I applied for didn’t require interviews, I concentrated my efforts on writing impactful essays. I emphasized authenticity, passion, and curiosity in my narratives, combined with my leadership experiences and cultural appreciation, which helped my application resonate with scholarship committees.

What Made Your Application Stand Out From Others?

I believe my application stood out primarily due to the authenticity and clarity of my personal narrative. Rather than conforming to a perceived ideal, I embraced my unique background, highlighting experiences across diverse fields and cultures. My consistent academic performance and diverse extracurricular accomplishments, ranging from national competitions to leadership roles in clubs and music, presented me as a well-rounded candidate. Clearly articulating my career aspirations and the meaningful contributions I aimed to make also resonated strongly with scholarship committees.

If You Could Go Through the Scholarship Application Process Again, What Would You Do Differently?

If I could revisit the scholarship application process, I would begin preparations even earlier, providing more time for reflection and refinement of each application. This would allow me to obtain more thorough feedback from mentors and peers, further enhancing my essays and personal statements.

What Advice Would You Give to Students Applying for Similar International Scholarships?

My advice to students applying for international scholarships is to be authentic and clearly communicate your unique personal story. Scholarship committees appreciate genuine passion, clear objectives, and distinct perspectives. Thorough preparation is crucial, and you should aim to research each scholarship extensively, align your application closely with the scholarship’s objectives, and seek feedback from people that you trust, such as your teachers, mentors, peers, and family.