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Northwestern University

CANDIDATE: KD, India, Mumbai

CURRICULUM: IBDP

SCHOOL: American School of Bombay

SUBJECTS: HL: Math AA, Psychology, Chemistry ; SL: English, Spanish, Economics

AP SUBJECTS: None

PREDICTED GRADES: 43/45

SAT/ACT SCORE: 1570 (SAT)

INTERESTED MAJOR: Social Policy

Approach

To translate KD’s interests into real-world impact, we recommended a data journalism internship where he examined healthcare disparities and unsafe factory working conditions. This experience added depth to his application and reinforced his academic direction. Given the competitive landscape, we advised him to pursue public policy as a strategic entry point that complemented his interdisciplinary interests. Through Kabir’s essays, we showcased his ability to bring people together—as a brother, an athlete and a mentor in his school’s High Ability programme.

JOURNEY

GRADE 9

  • Mentored gifted students for the school’s “High Ability” programme. 
  • Volunteered at “Plugged In”, the school’s CSR programme.
  • Outside Hitter, school volleyball team.
  • Left Back, school football team.
  • Recruited 200 content creators for Ping Networks’ market research programme; conducted MS Excel training for five interns.
  • Excellence Awards: Mathematics, Wind Ensemble.
  • Received the school’s “Courage and Optimism” Award. (Only six of 44 received the award).


GRADE 10

  • Chaired the school MUN.
  • Mentored 20 middle school students on impostor syndrome, humility and time management in the High Ability Programme.
  • Tutored 25 children weekly at a local orphanage through Plugged In.
  • Captained the school volleyball team at the SAISA tournament in Nepal.
  • Led the school football team to a podium finish at the SAISA tournament in Bangladesh.
  • Received the Excellence Award: Physical Education
  • Received the Courage and Optimism Award.
  • Received the Continuous Inquiry Award.


GRADE 11

  • Served as Deputy Secretary-General, school MUN; moderated debate on student debt and financial education at THIMUN 2024, Qatar.
  • Developed a mentor curriculum for the High Ability Programme.
  • Taught 12 children basic digital literacy and design thinking at Kotak Education Foundation.
  • Captained the school volleyball team at the SAISA tournament in Sri Lanka.
  • Earned “Coach’s Award” for grit and coachability on the football team.
  • Represented student-athletes on ASB Athletics and Activities Council; planned SAISA tournaments and co-designed school logo/branding for team apparel.
  • Received the Excellence Award: Psychology.
  • Received the Courage and Optimism Award.
  • Received the Continuous Inquiry Award.
  • Received the Enhancing the Lives of Others Award.

 

GRADE 12

  • Researched and evaluated maintenance, design and in-flight practices at Akasa Air; recommended sustainability improvements to the ESG head.
  • Analysed 8 years of government data on workplace accidents in India; interviewed doctors to assess female access to contraception.
  • Led an  eight-member executive team as Secretary-General of the school MUN, organising a 200-participant event.
  • Researched and designed a gamified learning platform at Cuddles Foundation to train nutritionists from 25 hospitals on paediatric cancer diets; mentored five interns.

OUTCOME

Offers from

Northwestern 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.