Charting Paths to Success: Strengthening University Guidance at Lakefield College School

At LCS, we are always working on ways to best support our students on their journey to post-secondary education. In response to feedback from both parents and students requesting increased university guidance starting in Grades 9-11, we are pleased to expand our university application support for students earlier in their LCS careers.

Our Guidance Counsellors have recognized the growing trend of students seeking post-secondary opportunities across the globe. With this in mind, our Guidance team is dedicated to providing additional resources and assistance to support these aspirations. This spring, we are excited to offer Grade 11 students several workshops tailored to university applications in different countries.

One recent highlight was the visit from representatives of Charles University in Prague. Known for its esteemed tradition in medical education, Charles University's First Faculty of Medicine stands as the tenth oldest medical school globally. Dr. Eitan Brizman, Vice-Dean, shared the remarkable success of Charles University graduates on the American Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), boasting an impressive pass rate of 96%. To provide perspective, this surpasses the pass rates of renowned institutions such as Harvard University and the University of Ottawa.

During their visit to Canada, Dr. Brizman also met with representatives from the University of Ottawa, the Ottawa Hospital, and the Czech Embassy. Together, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enable Canadian students studying at Charles University's First Faculty to complete their clinical rotations at the Ottawa Hospital. Similar agreements have been established in Israel and Germany, offering students the opportunity to begin clinical rotations in their home countries.

Contrasting the Canadian and Czech education systems, it’s important to note that while Canadian students interested in medicine typically undergo undergraduate studies and MCAT exams before commencing their medical degree, students in the Czech Republic can progress directly from high school by passing an entrance exam. Furthermore, an online Medical exam prep course, featuring over 1,300 sample questions, equips students with the necessary preparation.

Applications for these opportunities remain open until late April, and in some cases, extend until the end of May or June. With the potential to achieve a medical degree within 5-6 years and commence practice immediately, secondary students (at LCS and beyond) are poised for success.

The visit from Charles University provided an excellent opportunity for our students to explore and consider their future options. As we continue to expand our university guidance initiatives, we remain committed to nurturing and empowering our students to pursue their academic and professional aspirations, wherever they may lead them.