From National Chemistry Champion to Genetics at Toronto: Milica's Story

Milica believes the code to the future is written in our DNA. A National Champion in Chemistry and a Vice-Champion in Physics, she is not just studying science—she is already contributing to it, having published a research paper on "The Evolution of the Population That Plays Cooperative Games."

Driven by a desire to solve the most pressing medical issues of our time, Milica looked for a university that could match her ambition. She found it in Canada, securing her spot at the prestigious University of Toronto.

Student Snapshot

• Target Major: Genetics / Biotechnology
• The "Spike": National Chemistry Champion + Published Research
• Outcome: Accepted to Genetics at the University of Toronto (Top Global Research University)

Equedu: Milica, you are a published researcher and a national champion in both Chemistry and Physics. You had your pick of universities. How did you land on the University of Toronto?

Milica: I approached my college search with a strict checklist. I wasn't just looking for a "good school"—I needed a specific culture.

I wanted a progressive, liberal environment that encourages free thinking, but I also needed a top-tier Genetics program with heavy research output. The University of Toronto was the only place that checked every single box. It felt like the obvious choice because it balances elite academics with a very forward-thinking campus culture.

Equedu: You mentioned that the structure of the education system was a major factor. Why did you feel you had to go abroad to achieve your goals?

Milica: In Serbia and much of Europe, the curriculum is often rigid. You pick a lane and stay in it. Equedu showed me that in North America (the US and Canada), I could design my own education. I didn't want to just study Biology. I wanted to merge my background in Physics and Chemistry with Biology to pursue a career in Biotech. Finding a program that allows that level of interdisciplinary freedom is almost impossible back home. I had to go where the system was built for cross-pollination.

Equedu: Let's talk about the application process. What was the biggest "wake-up call" for you?

Milica: Definitely the SATs. That was a humbling experience.

When I first looked at the Math portion, I looked at my national awards and thought, "I already know all of this. I don't need to prep." That was very deceiving. My mentor had to give me a reality check. They showed me that knowing the math is different from mastering the test. I had a long way to go to get the score I needed.

The same happened with the essays. I thought I could write them in a few days. In reality, it takes 2–4 weeks to perfect a personal statement. Realizing the sheer size of the global competition—and how little room there is for error—was scary, but necessary.

"My mentor had to give me a reality check. They showed me that knowing the math is different from mastering the test."

Equedu: You were used to strict, formal relationships with professors in Serbia. How did working with a mentor compare?

Milica: It was refreshingly different. I loved that it was a "peer-to-peer" relationship.

In high school, everything is very official. But at Equedu, my mentor was someone who had gone through this exact process recently. They weren't just giving me theory; they were giving me field notes. It was friendly and informal, which made it easier to be honest about my fears and my weaknesses.

Equedu: Before you started, you felt a bit lost. How did the mentorship change your daily routine?

Milica: Before Equedu, I was paralyzed by the options. I didn't know where to start.

Across the bachelor placements Equedu has supported into North American research universities since 2019, the single most consistent failure mode is exactly the one Milica describes: applicants confuse content mastery with test mastery, and the SAT punishes the difference. The applicants who treat the SAT diagnostic as a separate workstream from their academic strength consistently outperform.

The mentorship streamlined everything. It turned a chaotic process into a to-do list. Instead of worrying about "everything at once," I could focus on the task in front of me. Being able to organize my time properly—and having someone validate that I was on the right track—was probably the most helpful part of the journey.

Equedu: What is your advice for students who want to follow in your footsteps to UofT?

Milica: Start early. Do not leave anything for the last moment. Procrastination can cost you admission and financial aid. And secondly: Believe in yourself. When you look at the acceptance rates, it can feel daunting. But if you put in the hard work and keep your focus, everything is possible.

Ready to design your own education? Milica found the freedom to explore Genetics in Toronto. Find your path today, contact our team.