How Online A Levels Helped One Student Earn a $76k US Scholarship

When Roman realised his traditional high school in Moscow wasn’t going to support his goal of studying abroad, he made the tough decision to leave. He enrolled at Crimson Global Academy (CGA), for its international school offering of A Levels, and took full ownership of his education.

Today, Roman is preparing to start university at Grinnell College in the United States. He received a $76,000 need-based international grant, and credits CGA with helping him get there.

Starting Again, With Bigger Goals

Like many academically motivated students, Roman knew he was capable of more. The structure of his previous school left him frustrated.

For the final two years of high school, I realized my school wasn’t going to be sufficient to meet my long-term academic and professional goals. This is because the school followed a typical mainstream curriculum focused only on getting a local Russian school diploma, with rigid modules that did not permit learners to progress, so I was feeling held back and lacking flexibility, especially since I was dreaming of studying abroad.

CGA offered him an alternative route, one that focused on flexibility, challenge, and international outcomes.

As a result of leaving mainstream schooling, I was able to access the resources I needed to succeed at the international level and focus more on independent study, travel to testing centers outside Russia, and give 100% to my personalised education plan, where I took full ownership of my time, resources, and curricula in order to achieve my long-term dream of studying abroad.

The Road to University Abroad

Before CGA, Roman’s goals were broad and undefined. He knew he wanted to study overseas, but not how to make that happen.

They were ambiguous. I always wanted to study abroad and have an international community, however, the Russian school system is not suitable for that.

As he began to work with the CGA university counselling team, he began to refine his plans, eventually deciding to apply to the US rather than Europe.

My plans were vague at that time, and only one change was taking a course on US, rather than Europe.

Applying to universities as an international student is competitive, especially when financial aid is involved. Roman learned that being strategic was just as important as aiming high.

That measured approach led him to Grinnell College, where he found a programme that allowed him the academic freedom he was looking for.

“I got accepted into Grinnell College in the USA. It follows an open curriculum, so I can follow any major I desire. I will be doing Economics and German studies majors.”

Grinnell: The Right Fit, With the Right Support

Roman’s offer from Grinnell came with a generous scholarship and a sense of disbelief.

I was in disbelief. I was told that international students needing full aid have an incredibly low chance. Only 33% prospective students need as much aid in Grinnell, so the process was extremely competitive. I was really happy and that day was my lucky day.

When asked what made his application stand out, Roman highlighted the strength of his extracurricular profile.

Grinnell gives only need based and merit based aid. I received a need-based international grant. Extracurricular activities played a big role. I had done research of the university, which, I assume, is the significant reason of my acceptance.

A Global School With Real Community

One of the biggest changes for Roman was the sense of community he found at CGA, something he didn’t expect from an online school. He also found space to grow as a leader and take part in student life.

I could be active in school life. I co-led a Math club and became an Academic Prefect, whereas in physical school no such positions existed.

And the international classroom was more than just diverse, it was engaging.

Interesting, I know more about other countries, and it’s just spectacular to talk to people coming from diverse backgrounds and cultures. I found many friends and there is no language barrier between us.

Roman’s story is a great example of how online schooling can offer more than just flexibility. With academic rigour, expert teachers, and tailored university guidance, CGA helped him take control of his future.

From Moscow to Iowa, with a world-class education behind him, Roman is ready for what’s next.

Speak to an Academic Advisor today to discuss your child's university goals.