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Duke University

CANDIDATE: Anahi Reddy, Indian Citizen

CURRICULUM: IBDP

SCHOOL: Hillspring International School, Mumbai

SUBJECTS: HL: Biology, Math AA, Chemistry | SL: Business, French B, English Language & Literature

GRADES: 40/42

SAT/ACT SCORE: 1550

INTERESTED MAJOR: Biology, Biochemistry, Biological Science

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APPROACH

Anahi came with a legacy status, leadership skills and a background in dance. Early in the process, we identified gaps in research experience and internships. By Grade 11, we had helped her secure both. We researched institutions to understand what resonated most with her academically and personally. Her research paper explored the neurological relationship between music and human cognition, examining how music can enhance memory, cognition, and emotional processing.

JOURNEY

GRADE 9

  • Student Council
  • Odissi dancer
  • Research paper, Polygence


GRADE 10

  • Student Council
  • Odissi dancer
  • Digital media intern
  • Research paper, Polygence


GRADE 11 & 12

  • Avogadro exam
  • Research, Mapmygenome
  • Research, Ultrahuman
  • Head Girl
  • Odissi dancer
  • Intern, Proteomics Lab
  • Volunteer, ECG+Echo Unit
  • Volunteer, Welfare for Stray Dogs
  • 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

  • Strengthened profile by adding research and industry exposure in Grade 11 to create a rigorous, research-backed application.
  • Built a biology–neuroscience narrative through HL sciences and a research paper on music and cognition to demonstrate academic focus.
  • Developed a strong research profile through Polygence, Mapmygenome, Ultrahuman, a proteomics lab, and clinical volunteering. 
  • Demonstrated leadership, consistency and cultural depth through her progression to Head Girl and long-term Odissi dance.

OUTCOME

Offers from

Duke University
University of California Irvine
University of California, San Diego
University college London
Northeastern University
University of Washington
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.