Annabel L, our 2021-22 Head of School, left STAHS for Harvard with 11 Grade 9 GCSEs and A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Economics and Computer Science A levels. She explains why she rejected Cambridge, what she misses most about the UK, and the part STAHS had to play in her success …
How would you describe your time at STAHS?
I had an incredible time at STAHS and made some of my best friends and favourite memories there. I was exposed to so many different opportunities which became transformational to my life, whether that was trying lacrosse in Year 7 or choosing Computer Science in Year 9. I definitely wouldn’t be half as confident and willing to try new things if I hadn’t gone to STAHS!
How did the School help you achieve your potential?
The encouragement from teachers at STAHS to try and keep at lots of different activities led me to be where I am today. I definitely was told that I was trying to do too much at times but with the support of teachers I was able to balance everything I wanted to achieve academically and extracurricularly!
You were Head of School: what was that experience like for you and what did you learn from it?
I loved being Head of School. It taught me so much about public speaking, managing people and personalities, and improved my organisational skills exponentially. It was definitely a learning curve as we went into Michaelmas term whilst trying to also apply to universities, but I came out with skills I will use forever.
What are your fondest memories of your time at STAHS?
My times on the lacrosse team definitely were some of my absolute favourite memories at school. A particularly special occasion was getting to captain the first team alongside Thea to a top eight finish in the country for my last Nationals.
What made you choose Harvard over Cambridge?
I had a place to study Computer Science at Cambridge but ultimately chose Harvard for a couple of reasons. The first was that I love the liberal arts system and had struggled choosing between studying CS and Economics originally for the UK. Choosing Harvard meant that I could keep breadth in my studies and try lots of different classes.
Another big part for me was the emphasis on getting involved with extracurriculars, which has led me to be in lots of different clubs, such as the Tour Guide programme and Women in Business. Last but not least, I love to travel and not only do I get to live so close to Boston but I’ve also had the chance to visit lots of different states, from Colorado to New York to California, and stay with friends in all of them, which has been awesome!
What are you studying?
I’m studying Computer Science and Economics with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality studies! The liberal arts system in the US really gives me a chance to try lots of different classes and I’ve been trying my best to stretch myself across different departments.
Can you describe the process of applying to a US university?
The US application process is very different from the UK; during the application the US is really trying to get an understanding of you as a person and what makes you tick. There’s one main essay and then each college usually asks for supplemental essays, and these can be on anything. I wrote my main essay about how bad I am at art, so it’s not like the UK personal statement which is purely academic! There also might be interviews but these are just another opportunity for the college to learn about who you are as a person and whether you’d be a good fit for their institution.
How does the US university experience compare to the one your peers are having in the UK?
I think the main differences have been the range of people I’ve been able to meet and the different classes I’ve been able to take. The student body at Harvard represents every state in the USA and over 140 countries, which means I’m in classes with extremely diverse experiences and thoughts. Despite being a CS and Economics student I’ve taken classes called ‘The Role of the Government’, ‘Why is there no cure for Health?’, and ‘Afrikaans’ to name a few. These are also taught by awesome professors who are at the top of their field; some have even won Nobel Prizes!
What advice would you give to any current STAHS students considering studying in the US?
Go for it! This was the best decision I have ever made and although it might seem like a big jump it’s been so rewarding and I’m so glad I did it. And if anyone has any questions about applying I’m more than happy to help answer them!!
What are the British foods/shops/behaviours that you miss the most?
I definitely miss my mum’s Sunday roast dinners the most. I didn’t even realise most Americans didn’t know what roast dinner was until I told them!
What ‘British’ things do you say and do, according to your American friends?
The ones I always get picked up on is saying ‘cheers’ instead of ‘thank you’ and ‘jumper’ not ‘sweater’. I’ve become a bit American though according to my British friends but the Americans still say I’m extremely British. I’m in a weird limbo but trying to stay as British as possible.
How diverse is the student community at Harvard? Are there lots of Brits?
The student body at Harvard is extremely diverse and something I’m super grateful for. At Harvard there’s about 110 Brits at any one time and this academic year international students comprise around 16% of undergraduate students. I’ve loved being able to meet people from all corners of the globe and get to learn about their culture whilst sharing mine.
How often do you come home?
I spend the majority of the year in the US and come home normally three times a year, for Christmas and then at the beginning and end of summer. I love going home and catching up with my family and friends from STAHS. I’m also fortunate that my family comes out to visit Boston usually for a weekend every year!
Do you plan to stay in the US after you graduate?
At the moment I think I want to stay in the US immediately after graduation and either stay in Boston or move down to New York. Long term I have no clue but it will probably be between London, Boston and New York!
What are your career goals?
I’m hoping to do something within finance; this last summer I did an investing internship but next summer I’m trying investment banking. I’m just trying to try as much as possible to figure out what I want to do before I go into full time.
