Meet Alex, a 17-year-old high school senior with a passion for numbers and coding that blossomed during a summer camp for young programmers. Growing up in a small town, Alex often tinkered with video games and algorithms, dreaming of one day developing innovative software or diving into the world of quantitative finance. Although academics haven't always come easily, Alex's commitment to extracurricular activities—like leading the math club and participating in hackathons—has helped build a robust profile. With university applications on the horizon, Alex is navigating the delicate balance between ambition and realism, weighing the dream of a top-tier program against a more secure option. With their sights set on the University of Waterloo, Alex is eager to carve out a future in tech while also staying grounded in practical choices.