Gaining Admission to One of the UK’s Top Universities: Eric’s Online Learning Journey

At just 17 years old, Eric from Sydney, Australia, has already crafted a path to success that extends beyond borders. Recently accepted into the prestigious Economics and Statistics programme at University College London (UCL), Eric's journey exemplifies how Crimson Global Academy (CGA) empowers students to design their own futures through flexibility, academic rigour, and personalised support.

An Early Start and an Accelerated Path

Eric joined CGA while in Year 8, initially combining his online studies with a traditional physical school. In 2024, he successfully graduated a year early, thanks to CGA’s flexible age requirements and tailored learning model. *“I originally took **A Levels *to accelerate my education and expand my knowledge. The online model really appealed to me because it saved time and was super convenient, being able to just hop into class from my laptop was a game-changer,” Eric shared.

CGA's broad subject offerings allowed Eric to explore his passion deeply. He pursued A-Levels in Economics, Mathematics, and English Literature, gaining both depth and versatility. “What I really appreciated was the range of subjects available through CGA. It gave me the flexibility to dive deeper into economics and really confirm that this was what I wanted to pursue at university,” he explained.

Support That Makes a Difference

Eric discovered CGA through a Global Educational Summit. Once enrolled, he received guidance from Bob Fan, CGA’s Director of University Admissions, who played a critical role in helping him map out his academic and application strategy. “Bob helped me figure out which country I wanted to apply to, which degree, and then we narrowed it down to the right universities,” Eric said.

Eric also attributes his success to the unwavering support of his teachers. “My CGA teachers played a huge role - not just through academic support, but with university references and confidence-building. My economics teacher in particular really helped nurture my passion for the subject,” he added.

Striking the Right Balance with Extracurriculars

Despite a demanding academic load, Eric thrived outside the classroom. He:

• Founded the Economics and Finance Society at his physical school
• Contributed to the CGA student newspaper
• Participated in the John Locke Essay Competition
• Co-authored a research paper
• Stayed active with ice skating, tennis, and swimming
• Attended weekly art classes
• Joined multiple student societies

“The flexibility of CGA allowed me to keep such a busy schedule. Not having to commute gave me back so much time,” Eric shared.

Crafting a Unique University Application

Eric’s application to UCL reflected his dual academic experience and extracurricular passions. With CGA’s expert guidance, he crafted a UK-style personal statement that highlighted both academic achievements and personal initiative. “Studying at both CGA and my physical school gave me a unique story, and CGA helped me position that really effectively in my application,” he said.

Receiving his offer from UCL was a moment Eric will never forget. “It was surreal. My mum was over the moon, and I had this two-week adrenaline rush. Even better, I found out a friend of mine also got into the same course, completely by coincidence”.

Grateful for the Global Community

Beyond academics, Eric is thankful for the friendships and connections he built at CGA. “I’ve met incredible friends from all over the world, from Europe to South Africa and the U.S., and gained so much from the global community here,” he said.

Launching into the Future

CGA prepared Eric to launch himself confidently into one of the world’s top universities. Through expert instruction, university admissions guidance, and a global online learning environment, Eric built a holistic profile that stood out to competitive institutions.

“Without CGA, I wouldn’t have been able to graduate a year early or take A Levels, which were crucial for UK university applications. CGA opened doors I didn’t even know existed,” he said. “I’ve recommended it to others and always say that, if you're ready to take on the challenge, the experience is incredibly rewarding.”

Ready to create your own pathway to success? Join Crimson Global Academy today and start your journey to the world’s top universities.