When Cedar’s Class of 2021 started the two-year IB Diploma Programme, they knew they were in for a challenging and transformative period in their lives. Little did they know that those challenges would entail enduring a global pandemic alongside the expected academic challenges. Indeed, in an unprecedented year of challenges for high school seniors worldwide, Cedar’s class of 2021 has proven that they can compete at the highest level and demonstrate not just successful, but remarkable outcomes for admission and scholarship awards.
The 2020-2021 admission season broke records all around. Changes to policies requiring standardised testing as well as broadened outreach to regions of the world traditionally lacking access due to a shift to virtual programming resulted in record high application numbers to institutions of all types around the world. Admissions officers cited their awe at the academic and holistic strength of applicant pools and how difficult it was to come to a decision about admitted classes. Acceptance rates also hit a record low, with competition as fierce as it’s ever been to gain admission to institutions of higher education.
In this context we can truly appreciate the resilience and grit of our largest graduating class of 17 students, collectively gaining offers to attend 42 universities and receiving merit based scholarship awards in excess of $400,000.
As Cedar is an inclusive school, all students participate in the IB Diploma Program, and those who do not pursue or earn the full IB Diploma can still earn certificates in individual IB courses, which can earn them university credit. Indeed, it is common for Cedar students to start university with credits already under their belt, with some recent graduates having amassed enough credits to eliminate an entire year of their university experience. Regardless of the path they choose (full IB Diploma or course certificates), all Cedar graduates earn the Cedar Diploma, a fully accredited, internationally accepted credential for university entry.
Of the 17 graduating students, 12 students earned the full International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with 3 graduates achieving 37 points or above. In addition to those earning the full IB Diploma, 5 students earned certificates in individual IB Diploma courses.
Cedar Director Scott Crawford praised the students determination noting that “The IBDP is a huge undertaking under normal circumstances, but to do this in such challenging circumstances is particularly impressive. The secondary leadership team and I are very proud of the students and staff for their achievements.”
They are now headed to a variety of countries including the UK, US, and Canada where intended courses of study include Business, Astrophysics, Engineering, Nursing, Psychology and Computer Science.
The flexibility, determination, and willingness to rise to the challenge they have shown is worthy of admiration. We look forward to following their progress and wish them all the very best. Congratulations to the class of 2021!
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University and Scholarship Offers
The students have collectively received offers from 42 universities in 4 different countries (see below for listing), and scholarship offers totalling more than $400,000.
U.K. Universities
Bournemouth University
City University of London
King’s College London
Nottingham Trent University
Solent University
Ulster University
University of Birmingham
University of Essex
University of Kent
University of Leeds
University of Leicester
University of Kingston
University of Plymouth
University of Southampton
University of Surrey
University of the West of England
University of Worcester
Canadian Universities
McMaster University
Ryerson University
St. Francis Xavier University
University of Toronto
Western University (Honours Business Administration Program)
York University
U.S. Universities
Arizona State University
Baruch College
Boston University
Lynn University
Maryland Institute College of Art
Maine Maritime Academy
Massachusetts Maritime Academy
New York Institute of Technology
Roger Williams University
SUNY (State University of New York) Buffalo
SUNY Maritime College
SUNY Oswego
Temple University
The King’s College
University of Tampa
University of Rochester
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Western Illinois University
German Universities
Jacobs University Bremen