My Background Information

My name is Dila. I was born in 2004 in Kastamonu, Turkey, where I lived until I started high school. After excelling in the national high school entrance exams (LGS), I was awarded a scholarship to attend Bahçeşehir Nakkaşetepe Science and Technology High School. Throughout this period, I benefited from the opportunities my school provided and proactively sought out programs aligned with my interests. These experiences eventually led me to become a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University, where I study Psychology and Media on a full scholarship.

Why I Chose to Study Abroad

 I think the biggest reason (though it might sound a bit childish) was my obsession with the enormous, historic campuses and the strong sense of school spirit in American universities. Since childhood, I’ve wanted to find a community where I could truly feel I belonged, and many US universities seemed to promise that.

Why I Chose the US to Study Abroad

As I mentioned, I don’t think there’s another country that places such equal emphasis on both education and social life. Maybe the UK comes close, but ultimately, despite its challenges, the US is still seen as the land of opportunity, which was very appealing to an 18-year-old high school student.

Other Countries That I Considered

During my application process, I also applied to universities in the UK and Canada and received acceptances from both.

Why I Chose JHU

Throughout high school, I planned to focus on health technologies in the future. In that sense, JHU, often considered the Hacettepe or Cerrahpaşa of the US (these are well-known medical universities in Turkey), seemed like the perfect option for me.

Other Colleges That I Got Accepted Into

I received scholarship offers from the University of Toronto, the University of Washington, the University of Bristol, and the University of Michigan for their electrical engineering programs.

My Stats When Applying to Colleges

My IELTS score was 7. I took the SAT twice and scored 1440 on my second attempt. I didn’t take any AP or IB courses. Also, most of my friends applied with test optional this year, so I felt like the SAT lost its importance for my application Cycle.

My Extracurricular Activities

This is going to be a long one, haha!

In 7th grade, I was diagnosed with high ocular pressure, which, if untreated, could have led to vision loss. As someone living in a small town like İnebolu, where education resources were already limited, and with reading being my greatest passion, I became determined to find a solution. Thanks to treatment, I overcame this challenge, but it gave me a purpose in life: advocating for educational equality for visually impaired students, especially in STEM and literature. 

In high school, I designed an audiobook library app and participated in the Technovation Challenge. I was selected as one of 32 students out of 30,000 applicants for the Young Guru Academy (YGA), where I provided STEAM education to over 500 visually impaired students across Anatolia. I also interned at the Edison Award-winning startup WeWalk, which produces smart canes for the visually impaired, as their youngest intern.  

Currently, through my project, Jorge, I provide free audiobooks to children and host a weekly book club with 30 visually impaired students. Jorge has won recognition, including funding from ETI and the Community Volunteers Foundation’s “Youth Power Challenge.” I’ve been featured in Forbes, Fortune Turkey, and ShiftDelete YouTube channels and was named one of the "16 Women Shaping Tomorrow" by Google and MediaCat.  

Additionally, I’ve been involved in robotics since my freshman year of high school. I served as team captain for FRC from 2021 to 2023, where I organized workshops for over 150 students to promote gender equality in robotics. I also founded STEM Girls, a nonprofit aiming to reduce gender inequality in STEM fields.

My Common App Essay

Initially, I struggled with this. Like many students, I thought about how to make myself seem more interesting. After an Early Decision rejection from Cornell, I changed my strategy and decided to be myself. I wrote about how, as a girl growing up in a football-obsessed country, I despised football because it deprived us of family weekends. But after attending a Beşiktaş match with my dad, I realized football wasn’t just about 11 men chasing a ball; it was a way to unite people from different backgrounds toward a shared purpose. I tied this realization to how JHU, with its diverse and goal-oriented student body, felt like the perfect place for me.

My Application Process and How I Structured It

It took a very long time—probably around 1.5 years. I started by creating a resume. Seeing all my activities laid out helped me craft essays and extracurricular lists. This was helpful not only for applications but also because CVs are crucial for various opportunities in college, too.

Resources That I Used In This Process

There wasn’t a specific resource I relied on. I mainly explored university websites, Medium articles, Reddit, Quora, and YouTube videos. These were excellent starting points for me.

Financial Aid

Considering the Turkish Lira-Dollar exchange rate, gladly, I’m attending JHU on a full scholarship. My aid covers my tuition, books, housing, and meal plan.

Application Process for the Aid

You need to submit a CSS Profile to demonstrate your family’s financial situation. As I know, some universities, like Princeton, have their own systems for this process.

About Education at JHU

The campus is beautiful, and the people are kind and supportive. The same goes for the professors, many of whom are genuinely passionate about teaching. The school offers incredible opportunities and opens doors due to its prestige. The only downside is that our main sports team focuses on lacrosse, so we don’t have that classic American football culture.

First Week at JHU

My first week was delightful and full of memorable moments. I brought Turkish coffee with me from home and made some for my dorm mates in the shared kitchen. I even read their coffee grounds as part of a fun cultural exchange! Later, I shared Turkish delights with everyone on my floor, which was a great icebreaker and helped me connect with new friends quickly. I think these two activities are very common among all Turkish students who are studying abroad…

Adaptation Process

Adapting to JHU was smoother than I anticipated, though there were challenges. The support systems on campus, such as orientation programs and student clubs, played a huge role. I leaned on both Turkish and international student groups to find a sense of familiarity while also embracing new experiences.

Cultural Factors When Adapting

The Cultural differences were notable, everything from communication styles to how people approach time. Americans are generally more individualistic and open about expressing their opinions, which was new for me but also refreshing. The food and social norms also took some time to get used to!  

Understanding and accepting these cultural differences helped me adapt faster. Instead of trying to replicate what I was used to back home, I embraced the diversity and openness of the American culture, which made my experience much more enriching.

Campus Life and Environment at JHU

The campus is vibrant and welcoming, with an incredible balance between academics and extracurriculars. There’s always something happening, like guest lectures, cultural events, or club activities. Despite the rigorous academics, students genuinely support one another, which fosters a collaborative atmosphere.

Outside of Class at JHU

OHM OHM Firstly, I’m the vice president of our Turkish Student Association. Also outside of class, I’m active in TEDxHopkins, tennis, and student blogging for Hopkins Insider. I’m also part of several volunteer initiatives and enjoy exploring Baltimore’s museums and local history. 

Academic Workload and Work-Life Balance at JHU

The academic workload is intense but rewarding. Time management is key! I’ve learned to prioritize tasks and carve out time for self-care and socializing. Thankfully, JHU offers plenty of resources like tutoring, study groups, and mental health support.

Making Friends at JHU

It was easier than I expected, thanks to orientation activities and student organizations. People here are curious and open-minded, so it’s easy to strike up conversations. My tip: Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself or join a club! You’ll quickly find your circle!

Tips for Connecting and Networking

Be proactive and authentic. Join clubs or events related to your interests, and don’t hesitate to ask professors or peers for advice. Building connections at JHU is about being approachable and genuinely interested in learning from others.

Plans After Graduation

I’m not sure, but I plan to work in the intersection of psychology and technology, ideally focusing on projects that enhance mental health and education. In the long term, I’m considering pursuing graduate studies to deepen my expertise.

Best Pieces of Advice for International Students

Start early and stay organized. Focus on what makes you unique and build a compelling narrative around it. Research your target schools thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to seek help from mentors or online communities. Most importantly, embrace the journey! It’s as much about personal growth as it is about academics.

How I Became a Strong Applicant for Admissions at JHU

I really don’t know, but I wanna believe it was my unique blend of academic achievements, leadership experiences, and commitment to social impact that set me apart. My journey reflects resilience and a desire to create meaningful change, which aligns with JHU’s values.

Key Oppurtinites at JHU

JHU provides unmatched research opportunities, connections to global leaders in various fields, and a collaborative learning environment. Additionally, its strong emphasis on community impact and interdisciplinary studies makes it a hub for innovation and growth.

Aditional Comments

Firstly, I want to say thank you, Armağan, for contacting me about this interview opportunity! I hope my answers will help other students who are struggling with their application process! Studying abroad isn’t just about academics. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing diversity, and discovering yourself in ways you never imagined. At JHU, I’ve learned the value of persistence, collaboration, and staying true to my roots while growing into a global citizen. If you’re considering this journey, know that it will challenge and transform you in the best ways possible!