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Columbia University

CANDIDATE: Arzoo Maheshwari, Indian Citizen

CURRICULUM: IBDP

SCHOOL: Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai

SUBJECTS: HL:  Math AA, Physics, Chemistry | SL: English Lang and Lit, Global Politics, Spanish AB

GRADES: 45/45

SAT/ACT SCORE: 1570

INTERESTED MAJOR: Biomedical Engineering

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APPROACH

We helped Arzoo strengthen and expand her existing activities while ensuring her profile reflects both academic excellence and meaningful impact. While she maintained perfect grades, we guided her towards opportunities that aligned closely with her long-term interests and intellectual strengths.

JOURNEY

GRADE 9

  • Led an initiative to support honey farmers with sales during COVID
  • Played basketball and Swimming
  • Student Council member


GRADE 10

  • Led an initiative to support honey farmers with sales during COVID
  • Played basketball and Swimming
  • Student Council member
  • STEM Science Bowl
  • Spreading love for Science across 20+ IBDP Schools

 

GRADE 11 & 12

  • Led an initiative to support honey farmers with sales during COVID
  • Played basketball and Swimming
  • Student Council member
  • STEM Science Bowl
  • Spreading love for Science across 20+ IBDP Schools
  • Completed an Omotec skilling course in electronics
  • Completed an Aeromodelling course and learned to fly and model RC planes
  • Founded an Aeromodelling Club
  • Completed physics research by investigating the angle of attack’s effect on aerodynamics to improve flight safety

THE RED PEN ADVANTAGE

  • Positioned her strong quantitative and physical sciences foundation for highly selective engineering programmes.
  • Strengthened her research credentials through selection to RSI India, a top-tier programme that reinforced her credibility as a young researcher.
  • Highlighted engineering with social impact through her stroke rehabilitation walker project, demonstrating the real-world application of engineering and physics.
  • Aligned her Early Decision application with Columbia University’s STEM ethos through hands-on engineering, science outreach across 20+ IBDP schools, and a commitment to societal impact.

OUTCOME

Offers from

Columbia 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.