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New York University

CANDIDATE:  KS, India, Mumbai

CURRICULUM: IBDP

SCHOOL: Dhirubhai Ambani International School

SUBJECTS: Economics, Psychology, English Language and Literature (HL), Math, Chemistry, Spanish (SL)

PREDICTED GRADES: 41/45

SAT/ACT SCORE: 1330 (SAT. Chose not to report)

INTERESTED MAJOR: Psychology

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APPROACH

We supported KS by showing her how to enhance her extracurricular profile and develop a strategy that reflected her diverse interests and talents. We guided her in narrowing down Psychology as her intended major by reviewing course content across different universities, building familiarity and confidence in her choice. Her college list included both the UK and the US, including institutions within the University of California system. As her school counts both UCAS and UC campuses in the total number of applications, we were especially mindful in curating a balanced and focused list. KS applied Early Decision 1 (ED I) to NYU and planned to apply Early Decision II to Boston University if needed.

JOURNEY

GRADE 9

Activities:

  • Kathak
    Akhil Bhartiya Kathak exam Distinction.
    Performed for fundraisers & exchange programmes.
  • Taekwondo
    Achieved Black Dan 1 (2022). Black Dan (2023) & many other awards.
  • Football
    Won 2nd/3rd in ISSO Nationals and other events.


GRADE 10

  • Mini Project:
    Created “Consent Just Ask” Project, Mumbai.
  • Activities:
    Taught Indian folk dance to 40 mentally disabled students at Dance for Change, India Division.
  • Participated in a School Spanish Exchange Programme with a Round Square Trip to Brookhouse School, Kenya.

     

  • Interned at Apparel Group, Mumbai.


GRADE 11 & 12

  • Passion Project:
    Virtual Taekwondo project on a self-defence initiative.
  • Leadership Roles:
    House Captain Girl.
    Vice Captain Girl.
    Head of Layout and Design at DAIMUN, Mumbai.
    Head of Media and Design Team, for TEDx at school.

OUTCOME

Offers from

New York 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.