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University of Nottingham

CANDIDATE:  KS, India, Mumbai

CURRICULUM: IBDP

SCHOOL: Dhirubhai Ambani International School

SUBJECTS: Biology HL, Chemistry HL, Math AA HL, English HL, Physics SL, French SL

GRADES: 44/45

UCAT SCORE: 2660/3600 (Band 1)

INTERESTED MAJOR: Undergraduate Medicine (MBBS)

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Approach

KS joined us in grade 10, aiming for medicine in the UK while also considering a BS/MD in the US. We helped her build a profile that met both pathways, giving her time to explore before deciding. Since she started early, we strategically paced her preparation to balance academics with activities such as clinical placements, rural health campaigns and research. Alongside this, we helped her develop interpersonal skills for the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).

When her UCAT score was lower than expected, we shifted focus to medical schools that valued her academic strength. Through extensive, university-specific mock interviews, she refined her responses to deliver with confidence and clarity. Her discipline, adaptability and openness to feedback, supported by dual-pathway preparation and targeted interview coaching, positioned her to succeed in one of the UK’s most competitive admissions processes.

JOURNEY

GRADE 10

  • Supported students with learning disabilities at the SRCC Centre for Child Development
  • Mentored peers in science and developed a STEM learning kit with Tribes for Good
  • Organised salt and antibiotic awareness sessions for 1,800+ villagers through Rural Health Campaigns
  • Coordinated CPR and BLS training for 500 students and 30 health volunteers
  • Published a paper on teaching BLS in schools as a Lumiere Research Scholar
  • Gained exposure to specialised cancer care at Tata Memorial Hospital
  • Hosted the KRIY8 Show podcast, interviewing experts on genetics and kidney disease
  • Completed online courses on antibiotic resistance (Open learning) and genetics & evolution (Coursera)
  • Won the National Jury Award for a short film on gender inequality


GRADE 11

  • Taught English and mathematics at Aseema Charitable Trust
  • Facilitated play-based learning for life skills at Toybank
  • Shadowed doctors at HN Reliance (paediatrics, multidisciplinary care) and Bombay Hospital (nephrology, cardiology, surgery, radiology)
  • Learned RT-PCR and genetic techniques during genetics lab shadowing
  • Completed Brighton & Sussex Medical School online work experience in clinical care and ethics
  • Submitted essay on antibiotic resistance and medical optimism for the OXBRIGHT Essay Competition


GRADE 12

  • Led a multi-subject peer tutoring initiative (CAS project) and created an academic resource bank
  • Conducted vision screenings and health awareness sessions at the ICU2 Eye Camp, Malvani Slum
  • Delivered educational games to children at Toybank: The Opentree Foundation
  • Presented adolescent antibiotic resistance research at the Fifth World Congress on Infectious Diseases
  • Presented salt consumption study at the European Society of Hypertension, Berlin
  • Studied physiology, anatomy and medical conditions at King’s College London Pre-University Programme
  • Won 3rd place nationally in the University of Manchester “Bugs and Drugs” competition
  • Participated in Fête de la Francophonie in Dubai

OUTCOME

Offers from

University of Nottingham
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.