Branksome Hall - Review #1

Branksome Hall has been so much more than just a school for me; it’s been the place where I found both my confidence and my voice. I think what makes Branksome unique compared to other schools is the balance between its academic rigor and the community support. It’s a school that asks a lot of you, but it also gives a lot back whether that’s in the form of encouragement from teachers, leadership opportunities, or friendships that feel more like family.

The best thing that happened to me at Branksome was discovering my voice through debate and realizing that confidence is something you can build. I’ve grown into someone who isn’t afraid to take on challenges, whether academic or personal.

If I could go back, I’d tell myself to stop worrying so much about failure because mistakes are where I learned the most. My advice to future students is to dive in. Try everything, even if it scares you. Branksome gives you so many opportunities so don’t hold back.

What I loved most about Branksome was the balance between challenge and support. It’s a school that pushes you, but it never leaves you to struggle alone.

To incoming students: embrace the journey. Get involved in clubs, sports, and events as it’s the fastest way to feel at home. My favorite place on campus was the library, where I could always find both focus and inspiration. And yes, the snack bar brownies are as good as people say.

I was hooked on science as early as Grade 7, and Branksome only deepened that fascination. The courses were challenging, but the teachers were the kind who made you feel like your questions mattered, even if you were stumbling through them. I loved how the IB program pushed us to think critically, to connect concepts across disciplines, and to apply what we were learning to real-world issues. Preparing for McGill, I feel like I’ve already been trained to study with both discipline and curiosity.

Even though I wasn’t one of Branksome’s varsity athletes, I always admired the sports culture here. Everyone was encouraged to try something new, and the focus was on building resilience as much as competitiveness. For me, joining intramural sports gave me balance outside academics and debate, and I always appreciated the energy of our athletic community.

One of the things I loved about Branksome was the way arts were woven into student life, even for people who didn’t necessarily see themselves as “artists.” I still remember friends pulling me into theatre rehearsals or music performances, and even though I wasn’t on stage, I felt part of something creative and joyful. There’s a real sense that the arts are valued here and not as extras, but as integral to who we are.

The extracurricular opportunities at Branksome are vast. Beyond debate, I was able to participate in service clubs that opened my eyes to local and global issues. Volunteering wasn’t just a checkbox, it was a way to connect what we were learning in the classroom to real-world challenges. What stood out to me was the level of student leadership; many clubs were student-led, and we were encouraged to create initiatives that mattered to us. That sense of ownership made everything more meaningful.

Living in residence was definitely an adjustment, but it became a highlight of my Branksome experience. Dorm life meant late-night conversations, study groups, and building friendships that felt like family. The dorms were well-structured, and there was always a balance between personal space and community life. I learned independence managing my schedule, taking responsibility for myself but also how to live in harmony with others. It was a crash course in adulthood in the best way possible.

The dining hall was more than just a place to eat, it was a social hub. Meals became moments to connect with friends and debrief about our day. The food itself was solid, with plenty of variety, and I always appreciated that there were healthy options alongside the comfort foods we all craved during stressful exam weeks. It might sound small, but the atmosphere of the dining hall really shaped a lot of my memories.

Being in Toronto gave us access to so many opportunities. On weekends, my friends and I would head downtown to explore different neighborhoods, try new restaurants, or attend cultural events. Toronto has a little bit of everything, from museums and concerts to hidden cafés. It felt empowering to live in a global city while also being part of the close-knit Branksome community.

The social life at Branksome is welcoming but also what you make of it. From the start, I felt supported by peers and faculty, but I also realized the importance of putting yourself out there. My closest friendships came from dorm life, debate, and shared classes, and those friendships carried me through the tougher academic times. There’s a sense of belonging here, but you have to be open to it.