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Cornell University

CANDIDATE: LL, India, Singapore

CURRICULUM: IBDP

SCHOOL: Canadian International School of Singapore

SUBJECTS: HL: English Literature, Psychology, Economics | SL: Spanish B, Math AA, Biology

PREDICTED GRADES: 44/45

SAT/ACT SCORE: 34 (SAT)

INTERESTED MAJOR: Economics, Psychology, Industrial and Labour Relations

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Approach

LL’s application included legacy status at Cornell, as her father had completed a master’s degree at the institution. Her Extended Essay in English Literature highlighted her broader academic interests, which she contextualised in the Additional Information section. Her extracurricular profile was modest, so we encouraged her to undertake a research paper and internship, and to step into leadership roles within existing school activities to strengthen her application.

JOURNEY

GRADE 9

  • Volunteered for Cornell Cares Initiative, Willing Hearts Soup Kitchen, Singapore.
  • MUN Delegate & Winner of Most Diplomatic Delegate Award.
  • Player and Goalkeeper for Netball and Basketball.
  • Writer/Reporter: The Print CIS.
  • Achieved distinction in Theatre, Individuals & Societies, and Science.
  • Received the Service Hero Award for Excellence in Community Service.
  • Qualified for World Scholar’s Cup.
  • Qualified for Silver Team Bowl, Writing Challenge and Debate.


GRADE 10

  • Interned at Rossari Biotech.
  • Volunteered for Cornell Cares Initiative, Willing Hearts Soup Kitchen, Singapore.
  • MUN Delegate & Winner of Most Diplomatic Delegate Award.
  • Player and Goalkeeper for Netball and Basketball.
  • Writer/Reporter: The Print CIS.
  • Interned at Alchemy of Organization Development.
  • Elected as Liaison, Senate of Youth Committee.
  • Achieved distinction in Spanish, Science, Theatre, Physical Education and Design.


GRADE 11 & 12

  • Participated as lead organiser & mentor at TEDx.
  • Founded & Led the  Indian Cultural Club at school. 
  • Led the school’s senior committee.
  • Interned at Rossari Biotech. 
  • Volunteered for Cornell Cares Initiative, Willing Hearts Soup Kitchen, Singapore.
  •  MUN Delegate & Winner of Most Diplomatic Delegate Award.
  • Player and Goalkeeper for Netball and Basketball.
  • Interned at Alchemy of Organization Development.
  • Elected as Liaison, Senate of Youth Committee.
  • Interned at Square Sequel Consulting.
  • Elected Liaison, Senate of Youth Committee.

OUTCOME

Offers from

Cornell University
new york university

CANDIDATE:  
AN

GRE/GMAT:
Did not take

GPA:
3.43/4.0 (as per her WES evaluation)

Qualification:
BA Economics

Work Experience:
Less than six months

Admitted to:
NYU

Background

AN aimed for an MS in Marketing in the US and the UK. The applicant was prompt in balancing the WES evaluation and other application components. However, while brainstorming the SOP we encountered a challenge. The applicant lacked sufficient work experience, which is gained through internships. They only had a two-month marketing internship in a finance company. However, as an undergraduate, the applicant was editor-in-chief of the college magazine, co-authored academic papers and hosted an Instagram series on mental health, diversity, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Approach

While storyboarding, we strategically guided the applicant to match their academic endeavours with their desire to become an inclusive impact marketer. As an editor, writer and social media content creator for diversity and inclusivity, AN developed excellent communication skills, an understanding of different people, and concise and compelling storytelling abilities. We advised the applicant to position themself as a collaborative marketing person who understood diverse needs, has problem-solving skills and was familiar with contemporary communication platforms.

Key Takeaway

AN exemplifies how storyboarding with expert counsellors can help applicants identify experiences that align with their goals. Our strategic advice proved valuable, and the applicant received offers from programmes of their choice. It reinforced the fact that transferable skills, like problem-solving, communication, collaboration and technical proficiency, are greatly valued and can compensate for work experience.