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Brown University

CANDIDATE: Namrata Nanduru, Indian Citizen

CURRICULUM: IBDP

SCHOOL: Oakridge International School, Hyderabad

SUBJECTS: HL: English, History, Math AI | SL: Chemistry, Spanish B, Economics

GRADES: 36/36

INTERESTED MAJOR: Media / Communications / Journalism / Writing

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APPROACH

Namrata Nanduru’s passion for writing and communication became the foundation of her application strategy. After earning an ACT composite score of 34 out of 36, we encouraged her to retake the exam. She scored a perfect 36, placing her among fewer than 5,000 students worldwide to do so that year. We also supported her application to the New York Times School’s summer programme, where she refined sections of a book and began publication conversations. From Bennington Young Writers to the John Locke Essay Competition, every experience strengthened her distinctive writing portfolio, contributing to her admission to Brown University.

JOURNEY

GRADE 9

  • Lead role  in School Production
  • Interned at the Communications Department of a social enterprise startup involved with farmers. Developed content for their Social Media
  • Sustained involvement in Kuchipudi Dance (training & performances)
  • Writing for the School Magazine
  • Journalist in the Press Committee (MUN)


GRADE 10

  • Directed & Wrote the script for the school production
  • Sustained involvement in Kudhcipudi Dance (training & performances)
  • Writing for the School Magazine
  • Journalist in the Press Committee (MUN)
  • Started writing a book


GRADE 11 & 12

  • Creative Writing Program at the School of the New York Times (Grade 11)
  • Student Wellness Facilitator for Grades 4 & 5 (helping students express their emotions through poetry)
  • Managing Editor (Grade 11) & Editor In Chief (Grade 12) of School Magazine – Growth from being a writer since Grade 9
  • International Press Head & Editor in Chief for Oakridge MUN – Growth from being a Journalist in Grades 9 & 10
  • Outreach & PR Head for 2 initiatives started by peers for promoting Financial Literacy in Govt Schools
  • Launched her own Magazine in Grade 11 and mentored the editorial team in Grade 12 to continue it after she left
  • Lead role  in School Production (Grade 12)
  • TOI Internship in Grade 12
  • Completed her book in Grade 11. Started the process of sending it to publishing houses in Grade 12

THE RED PEN ADVANTAGE

  • Highlighted her exceptional writing ability through a perfect ACT score and accolades in leading essay competitions.
  • Built professional journalism credentials through a Times of India internship, the New York Times School creative writing programme, and worked towards publishing a book.
  • Positioned her as a communications leader by growing a Grade 9 social issues magazine into a sustained school newsletter and progressing to Managing Editor and Editor-in-Chief.
  • Showcased empathy and communication through student wellness leadership, financial literacy outreach, and sustained Kuchipudi and theatre, reflecting Brown’s collaborative, community-oriented values.

OUTCOME

Offers from

Brown 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.