The International Baccalaureate (IB) is your ticket to a world of opportunity. We love to hear from our alumni about their experiences once they have graduated from Impington International College. Recently, we caught up with Luke Kirilenko, who studied the IB Diploma Programme (DP) with us.
Now an International Business Major at Rider University in the United States of America (USA), Luke is also a Midfielder for the Rider University Broncs and recently won the 2023 MAAC Championship!
Read on to learn more about his current studies and how the IB helped him prepare for university life.
Can you tell us about your current studies?
I knew I wanted to do two things: to study at a university in the USA and to play soccer. I originally applied, and was accepted, to the University of Virginia, where I played club soccer for a season before I transferred to Rider University to increase my opportunities to play. I now study International Business and regularly compete in soccer tournaments.
Can you tell us about your football career?
Since I transferred to Rider University, I have honed the soccer skills I developed during my Football Scholarship at Impington International College. As a player, I have taken part in the NCAA Division One soccer tournament and won the 2023 MAAC championship – all while I maintained a 3.8 out of 4.0 GPA. I am also proud to have been awarded the Vinnie Palmere Award, which is “presented to the Rider player who best demonstrates hard work (hardest working player), academic excellence, and the values of being a great teammate.”
How did studying the IB help you secure admission to a university in the USA?
Admissions in the USA is hugely competitive and the DP is seen as a platinum standard by admissions teams. Only 12% of applicants are accepted to the University of Virginia; it is incredibly competitive but I believe that the DP gave me an edge over other applicants as it made me such a well-rounded learner.
How did Impington International College prepare you for life at university?
Through the Football Scholarship, I was able to combine a passion of mine, football, with my academic studies. This meant I could access professional coaching and take part in competitive matches while I gained an internationally recognised qualification. An IB education prepares you to be a strong researcher, speaker and writer so that you are a well-rounded learner. I don’t think that I would be having the success that I have now if not for that education and the support of the staff at Impington International College.
See Luke in action here.
