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University of Cambridge

CANDIDATE: Eesha Gheewala, Indian citizen

CURRICULUM: IBDP

SCHOOL: Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai

SUBJECTS: Psychology HL, Biology HL, Chemistry HL, Math AA SL, English Language and Literature SL, Spanish ab initio SL

GRADES: IB predicted grades: 45/45

INTERESTED MAJOR: Psychology

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APPROACH

Eesha came to us with brilliant academics and a target budget set by the family. We helped her overcome insecurity/lack of confidence around her extracurricular profile, focusing instead on her academic achievements and depth. Her extracurricular activities were presented in a way that demonstrated her involvement, commitment, and learning in an impactful manner. Despite her being unwell before some deadlines, we ensured strong applications were submitted well in time. 

JOURNEY

GRADE 9

  • Member – Press Team of the school’s annual MUN
  • Hobby photographer
  • Trained Dancer/Choreographer – Kathak; Ballet; Bollywood; Jazz
  • School Leader & Delegate, RoundSquare Events


GRADE 10

  • 8 Merit Certificates, ICSE board exams: for scoring among the top 0.1% of 220,000 students in 8 subjects
  • Member – Press Team of the school’s annual MUN
  • Hobby photographer
  • Trained Dancer/Choreographer – Kathak; Ballet; Bollywood; Jazz
  • School Leader & Delegate, RoundSquare Events


GRADE 11 & 12

  • Research Paper on Cognitive Biases
  • Global Rank 1 & Certificate of Distinction: Avogadro Chemistry Exam
  • Head of Writing – Press Team of the school’s annual MUN
  • Summer Psychology Intern at a hospital
  • Apprentice (shadowing a psychologist)
  • Head – Media/PR, Design/Decor, Photography, 1) TEDxYouth 2) HOPE Fete (core org. team) 3) Shakespearean Soiree 4) Language Day (Event Leader)
  • Volunteer & Teacher for 20+ G8-10 marginalized students; Prep for Nat’l Merit-Means Scholarship Test
  • Leader, Photography Club
  • Trained Dancer/Choreographer – Kathak; Ballet; Bollywood; Jazz

THE RED PEN ADVANTAGE

  • Shortlisted countries and universities that matched her budget and academic strengths, then identified the Cambridge college best suited to her profile.
  • Deepened her psychology profile through a research paper on cognitive biases, a hospital psychology internship, and a shadowing apprenticeship.
  • Positioned her communication and leadership through media, performance, and event leadership, highlighting skills central to psychology.
  • Aligned her academic profile with Cambridge’s expectations through exceptional grades, independent research, and targeted mock interviews that strengthened her confidence.

OUTCOME

Offers from

University of Cambridge
London school of economics
University college London
University of Edinburgh
UCLA
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.