Is Non-Traditional Schooling Your Ticket to a Top University?

Alex's recent acceptance into this prestigious university showcases how non-traditional schooling can be a powerful catalyst for academic and personal success. Through the alternative educational model offered by BGA, Alex was not only able to pursue his academic goals but also explore his diverse passions, leading to a well-rounded profile that set him apart in the competitive university admissions process.

Alternative schooling often boasts a flexibility and personalisation that traditional education could never quite muster. This flexibility can give students an edge in university acceptance. How? The answer is one of the biggest buzzwords today: Experience. In Alex’s case, BGA's flexible curriculum and individualised learning allowed him to balance rigorous academics with his love for rugby, representing Portugal at the under-18 and under-20 levels, and traveling to South Africa to further his rugby career.

However, sports alone are not enough to stand out at top universities. But luckily that’s not all that Alex was afforded through BGA. This same flexibility also allowed Alex to pursue his passion for music, releasing his first single during secondary education, and exploring activities like surfing, cooking, volunteering, and traveling. These experiences were integral to his personal growth and development.

This development led him all the way to The University of California, Berkeley, which stands as one of the top public universities globally, ranking #5 in the world, and is known for its academic rigour and vibrant intellectual community. It also boasts a highly competitive admission process with an acceptance rate of just 11%. Of this minority, Alex is one. His acceptance into Berkeley's Global Studies program speaks volumes about the caliber of education and sense of global responsibility that was instilled in him throughout his time at BGA.

Education is changing, and the university acceptance process is shifting with it. Grades are no longer the gold standard when it comes to an applicant. A university needs to see the full picture, and BGA’s holistic model has allowed Alex to gain practical experience and excel in numerous fields, helping him to stand above other applicants. He credits “the places I'd been, the people I'd met, I'd travelled, the lessons I learned, the things I'd done. And that's 100% all thanks to BGA.”

Alex Vieira's story is an inspiring example of how alternative education can open doors to a world of opportunities. His journey from a disinterested student within the traditional schooling system to an invested Learner within the diverse and flexible environment at BGA has allowed him to explore his passions, overcome challenges, and set ambitious goals for the future. Alex's experiences underscore the importance of a holistic approach to education, one that nurtures not just academic success but also personal growth and resilience.

He puts it best when he says: “We're not represented by numbers, words on paper or grades, we are all a combination of stories - chapters that form into a book. What BGA has taught me is that I can write my own chapters and I can make sure that the day that I close my book it can be one that I'm proud of.”

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