Application Power Hour: Dedication and Drive on the Road to College

16 November 2025William L, Ellis ‘26

While the soccer fields echo with cheers, classrooms fill with enthusiastic students, and dorms ring with laughter, a dedicated group of Grade 12s has been working above and beyond. These students are taking control of their futures, putting in the extra hours to shape the path to their next chapter. 

Welcome to the college application season. 

As we approach November, the infamous college application month, students, teachers, counsellors, and the Brentwood community unite in writing essays, finalizing applications, and doing what’s necessary to secure spots at their dream post-secondary institutions. 

“Although none of us can confidently say we love writing additional essays and filling out long, confusing application forms, the process has made me reflect on my life’s journey, which has been really refreshing,” explains Brandon R, Ellis ‘26. “I plan to study in Canada or Hong Kong, and I really hope I can find a new home next year that welcomes me as much as Brentwood has these past four years.” For Brandon, a Brentwood lifer, leaving a place he has called home for so long is bittersweet. He’s excited to explore a new challenge next year, but first, he plans to soak up every remaining memory here. 

None of this arduous process would be possible without the unwavering help of the University Counselling team. Mr Rodrigues, Ms Hall, and Ms Beausoleil have stayed up late and woken up early to set up student meetings, meticulously write recommendation letters, and help Brentwood students apply to schools all over the world. 

“Despite most Grade 12s dragging their heels, ignoring deadlines, and scrambling to get things finished, it is always fun to be a part of the process as they complete their applications,” mentions Mr Rodrigues, Director of University Counselling. “They offer fascinating insights about themselves, and I love learning new things about them.” For Mr Rodrigues, every year brings its own challenges and excitement, but his passion and care for each student never go unnoticed. 

The support extends regardless of destination. Whether a student is applying to Germany, Singapore, the United States, or Canada, the excellent team is always willing to help. “I really want to say thank you to Mr Rodrigues and the university counselling team for making me feel my educational journey never has a limit,” conveys Mansur U, Rogers ‘26. “I’ve thought of applying to England, America, and even some Asian universities. No matter what I want to study or where, the university counselling team has helped me each step of the way and motivated me through the process.” 

A huge thank you goes to the University Counselling team once again. To Mr Rodrigues specifically, thank you for always making me feel like you were not just helping me, but were a genuine part of my journey as well. Although I still have time before I submit all my applications, I will always be grateful for the opportunity to get to know you as a person and to share insightful conversations. In a process many consider stressful, you remind us all to enjoy the journey, take it step by step, and that everything will be just fine. 

To the rest of my Grade 12 peers, I wish us all the very best as we take steps towards a huge transition in our lives. It still feels surreal that we are growing up, transitioning from young, naive Grade 9s to mature Grade 12s. Let’s keep fighting the good fight, stay positive, and support each other through this whole process. I cannot wait to see all the amazing things we will accomplish this year and the places we will be next year. 

In the meantime, though, let’s keep living in the moment and making memories, because in just 210 days, it will be the last time all of us are together as one big family.

William L, Ellis ‘26