Scholars Academy Program

www.ucalgary.ca/sap

Braden O’Neill, 2011 Rhodes Scholar

Why a Scholars Academy?

“One reason for the Ivies’ historical dominance,

aside from enrolling and nurturing top students,

is their elaborate prepping mechanisms that

accord students everything from mock interviews

to instruction in table manners.” Brownstein,

Andrew. “Ambitious Colleges End the Ivy Lock on Prestigious Fellowships.” Chronicle of Higher Education 48.3 (2001).

www.ucalgary.ca/sap

Program conceived by Chancellor Emeritus

Joanne Cuthbertson and modeled on successful

programs in the US that employ developmental

advising models as a framework to support high-

achievers.

High-achievers: high academic standing (though

not necessarily gifted), intellectually curious,

inspired by research, determined, articulate, and

community focused. Tomorrow’s leaders in

research, industry, and politics.

Common Concerns of High-Achievers

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Multipotentiality/Identity Concerns

Stress of High Expectations

High levels of anxiety

Early career/identity foreclosure

Time Management

Fear of failure

Peer relationships (lack of emotional intelligence)

Low self-esteem outside academic success

Coping with life issues without compromising

academics

Scholars Academy: Eligibility

www.ucalgary.ca/sap

Minimum of 3.6 (CGPA)

One year of completed

undergraduate study

Leadership potential

Academically inclined

Ambitious and articulate

Return to community

All faculties welcome

Program Benefits (aside from tartan scarves)

www.ucalgary.ca/sap

Dedicated advisor;

Recognized on official transcript under “Awards and Scholarships” and

on your Co-Curricular Record;

Travel Awards limited to students in the Scholars Academy to cover

costs of presenting at academic conferences;

The cohort experience: the stimulation and influence of peers equally

ambitious and successful from interdisciplinary backgrounds;

Annual Retreat with professional development workshops, personal

growth seminars, and the planning of your Cohort Charity Project;

Mentorship from an external community member;

Attend prestigious university/community events and have the

opportunity to network with the big leagues;

Exclusive speaker series;

Dedicated study lounge.

First Cohort: Some Statistics

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Of the 23 students comprising the first cohort, 5

are graduating:

1 scholar admitted to Harvard Law

2 Rhodes Scholarship finalists

1 scholar admitted to Osgoode Law School with

scholarship

1 scholar admitted to Master’s program at Lund

University

1 scholar admitted to Master’s program at McGill

1 scholar admitted to Master’s program at London

School of Economics with scholarship

Some statistics: Overall

Over 250 combined awards and scholarships

Average CGPA 3.86 (4 have perfect GPAs)

High School Valedictorians: 4

Work Part-Time: 14

Play piano: 8

Professional Bakers: 3

All athletically involved: kickboxing, skiing, climbing,

tennis, dancing, and one male cheerleader who

participated in the World Championships in 2010

Meet a Scholar: Taya

City of Birth: Omsk, Russia

Favourite Book: Master and Margarita Words to Live By: Everything happens for the

best

Grandest Achievement: Going back to the

university

Biggest Mistake: Not filing for an immigration

status for my parents when it was a good time to

do it.

Role Model: My x-fiancé

Charity of Choice: Doctors Without Borders

Person, dead or alive, you’d like to have dinner

with tonight: The two of my grandparents who

had passed away

Finish the sentence: In 10 years I will figure out

the formula for happy life

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Faculty/Program: Arts (Psychology)

Previous Degrees: BSc and MSc (Computer science)

CGPAs: 4.0

Meet a Scholar: Yan

City of Birth: A City in China with a difficult to pronounce English

name.

Favourite Book: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff, by Richard

Carlson

Words to Live By: "in three words I can summarize everything I

learned about life: it goes on." - Robert Frost

Grandest Achievement: Successful prenatal embryonic + fetal

development

Biggest Mistake: inheriting the short-sightedness allele from my

parents

Role Model: Dr Doran (yes, you can ask me "who" and "why" - if

you don't know him, you should!)

Charity of Choice: Martha's Table, a local Kingston, Ontario

non-charity style "restaurant" for those in need of food.

Person, dead or alive, you’d like to have dinner with tonight:

Someone I don't yet know I've met or haven't met yet.

Finish the sentence: In 10 years I will be hopefully minimizing

the number of mistakes I make on the wards or in clinic.

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Faculty/Program: Medicine (ungraded)

Previous Degree: BSc in Biology (4.0)

Medical Class: 2014 (aka: Hellbenders)

Input Activity

www.ucalgary.ca/sap

Questions?

Veronique Ram

Program Coordinator

Scholars Academy

University of Calgary

vram@ucalgary.ca

www.ucalgary.ca/sap