London school of economics

CANDIDATE: Aanya Shah, US Citizen

CURRICULUM: IBDP

SCHOOL: Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai

SUBJECTS: HL: History, Economics, Math AA | SL: French B, English, Chemistry

PREDICTED GRADES: 45/45

SAT/ACT SCORE: 1530

INTERESTED MAJOR: Economics and Economic History

APPROACH

Aanya Shah had a natural inclination towards academic discussion, writing, and analysis. We, therefore, focused on writing-based internships, leadership roles, and student-led initiatives that authentically reflected those strengths.

JOURNEY

GRADE 9

  • DAIS Theatre, Actor / Production Assistant
  • MUN Delegate, School & city MUNs
  • Round Square, Senior Core Leader, Vice House Captain, Student Council

     

GRADE 10

  • DAIS Theatre, Actor / Production Assistant
  • MUN Delegate, 10+ international & city MUNs
  • Round Square, Senior Core Leader
  • Distinctions in all 4 IGCSE terms


GRADE 11 & 12

  • Deputy Secretary-General, THIMUN Singapore
  • Deputy President of the Security Council, DAIMUN / The Hague
  • MUN Club Leader, DAIS, Content Editior
  • Round Square Newsletter
  • Legal Intern, Chambers of Sr. Advocate Mihir Desai

THE RED PEN ADVANTAGE

  • Built a cohesive profile around leadership, debate and policy.
  • Curated internships and leadership aligned with intellectual curiosity.
  • Prioritised universities that would nurture her academic curiosity
  • Connected economics, history and international relations through essays.
  • Developed an authentic narrative rooted in scholarship
  • Helped secure multiple global offers

OUTCOME

Offers from

London school of economics
Georgetown University
University college London
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.