Academic perfection for top student

[attach]4972[/attach]David Marrello isn’t perfect — but his high school transcript is.

The 17-year-old began his first semester at York University’s Schulich School of Business this September, after achieving a 100 percent grade average during his final year at Bishop Allen Academy.

How did he do it?

“It’s a combination of a lot of different things,” Marrello explained. “The first thing is that you have to love learning. You can’t just go to school because you need to get your marks.”

Marrello enjoyed so many subjects he couldn’t decide which one he liked best. If fact, that’s why he decided to study business.

“I love mathematics, I love English and I love social sciences,” he said. “It’s really hard to pinpoint one real area which I would say is my favourite.

“Business is the area that will allow me to still have humanities courses, mathematics courses … and I like that aspect of being able to study still broadly because I do have broad interests.”

In addition to curiosity, time management was also a major factor in his success. Making a schedule and having the discipline and work ethic to stick to it is how Marrello said he excelled in high school.

“I study multiple times for the same thing so that way you don’t just cram at the last minute,” he said. “It’s a lot about organization, a lot about hard work and a lot about loving learning.”

Not only was he an ace in the classroom, but when he wasn’t hitting the books Marrello was actively involved in his school community. He was a member of Bishop Allen’s math club and science club in addition to being the captain of the school’s Reach for the Top trivia team.

“Being involved in a lot of different clubs and organizations, being part of the school’s extracurricular life meant a lot to me,” he said.

He would also play basketball in the school gym during lunch and in the driveway of his family’s home in North York.

“I love to play sports here and there; basketball in the front driveway, tennis in the park,” he said. “I try to stay active. It’s important to not just lock yourself in a room all the time.”

Marrello doesn’t expect to achieve a 100 percent average in university and is still adjusting to post-secondary education.

“There’s little bit of a different mentality,” he said. “Your schedule needs to be more flexible in university. You need to be doing work whenever and wherever you are.”

Although he had his choice of universities Marrello picked the four-year scholarship offer from York due to Schulich’s renowned business program and it’s proximity to his house.

“I like Schulich,” he said. “When I stepped in I liked the environment and it felt like the right place for me to study for the next four years.”