My name is Raushan. I am a graduate of the FLEX program and a student at New York University in Abu Dhabi.
My background
In fact, when I was in America for FLEX, I didn't have time to apply to universities. Perhaps it was because I was too engrossed in the American school and didn't realize how time flew by. Back in 10th grade, before going to America, I was considering applying abroad. After returning from America, I intended to apply to Nazarbayev University. Unfortunately, my SAT score wasn't sufficient to submit an application. After graduating from high school, my brother convinced me to take a gap year, and throughout the summer, I prepared to apply to universities abroad.
Universities I applied to
I applied to only two universities, NYU Abu Dhabi, and Northwestern Qatar, and I got accepted to both.
About FLEX
FLEX was one of the best decisions in my life because it not only transformed me as a person but also changed my social circle. At that time, 119 people passed FLEX, and I had the opportunity to meet different people from various countries around the world. Additionally, after my trip to America, I developed a sense of patriotism, to the extent that I even started managing social media accounts in Kazakh. Representing my country while I was in America was a wonderful experience for me. Moreover, thanks to FLEX, I had the opportunity to study in an American school and interact with teachers there. Applying for universities abroad was convenient for me because the teachers there were familiar with the application process, and I received a recommendation letter from my favorite art teacher and my coordinator.
Gap year
I applied to both universities for early decision and early action, so I had thoughts about what I would do after. After receiving the admission decisions, I began getting to know other admitted students. Later, one of my new acquaintances, who was also admitted, came up with the idea to create a project to assist those who want to study abroad, and I dedicated a significant amount of time to that initiative. This was a new and unique experience for me. The biggest advantage of a gap year is the freedom it provides. I started taking guitar lessons, pursued my passion for drawing, and engaged in activities that allowed me to develop and explore what I enjoy doing
Why I chose NYUAD
Perhaps for many FLEX alumni, NYUAD is their dream university because of its 'study away' program. This means that during their studies at the university, students have the opportunity to go abroad for education in other countries. I became highly interested in this program after my trip to America because I realized that I enjoy traveling, exploring different cultures, and meeting diverse people. Additionally, I liked that NYUAD is a liberal arts university, which means that choosing a specific major right away is not as important. In the first year of my studies, I can take various courses that interest me, and then in the second year, I can decide on my specialization. As of now, I still don't know exactly what I want to study, so I plan to take different courses and explore various options to find a suitable major. Factors such as the location and the presence of a significant number of Kazakhs also influenced my decision.
Financial aid
I have been awarded a fully funded scholarship (full-ride scholarship) by the university, covering all my expenses, including tuition, flights, accommodation, and meals. Additionally, I receive an additional scholarship of approximately $2100 per year, if I remember correctly. In total, my financial aid amounts to $82000 per year.
My stats
My GPA is 4.96 out of 5.
I took the IELTS exam twice. The first time, I scored 6.5 in 10th grade before my trip to America, and the second time, I took it after completing high school and scored 7.0.
I also took the SAT exam four times. When I was in America, I took the SAT twice, but both times I scored low, with a score of 1120, due to insufficient preparation. Then, when I made the decision to seriously prepare and apply to universities abroad, I achieved a score of 1430. However, this was not sufficient for admission to NYUAD, as their average score requirement is around 1500-1510. I even remember asking during their free webinar whether it was worth applying with a score of 1430, but they advised me to apply with a minimum of 1500. Finally, I took the SAT again in the fall and achieved the desired score of 1500.
My extracurricular activities
Business: Started a handmade jewelry shop when I was 15 years old.
FLEX Projects: Worked on presentations, participated in various events, and more during FLEX.
Internships: Worked at a children's clothing store.
Volunteering: Engaged in online volunteering with UNICEF and completed 50 hours of volunteering in the USA.
TikTok Blog: Managed a TikTok blog about FLEX and learning English.
Musical Instruments: Played the guitar, piano, and dombra.
Artistic Pursuits: Explored drawing and participated in exhibitions, created posters for school events.
Musicals: Participated in various musicals.
Advice for high school students
Be yourself. The main thing is not to compare yourself to others. Engage in activities that you truly enjoy, and don't torture yourself by doing something you don't like.
