My Background
My name is Anna. I’m originally from Yerevan, Armenia, where I attended Manuel Kajuni High School No. 54. After that, I pursued my bachelor’s degree in Informatics and Applied Mathematics. During my undergraduate years, I became increasingly interested in the power of teamwork and cross-cultural collaboration, and I knew that expanding my academic experience beyond Armenia could open new doors, both intellectually and personally.
Why I Chose to Study Abroad?
A few key reasons led me to this path. First, I wanted to gain international exposure and work with people from different backgrounds. I had already seen how much stronger and more creative team projects could be when shaped by diverse perspectives. Second, I wanted to go deeper into a specific area, particularly artificial intelligence and machine learning. And third, I was looking for the challenge of living on my own in a new country. I wanted the personal growth that comes with stepping outside my comfort zone.
Why Boise State?
I spent a lot of time researching universities in the U.S. and looking at programs that aligned with my interests. I didn’t personally know anyone at Boise State University, but when I looked at their computer science curriculum and their approach to research in AI, something clicked. I liked the flexibility of the program and the welcoming atmosphere of the campus
Stats
When I decided to pursue graduate studies in the United States, I was aware that academic performance and standardized test scores would play a significant role in the admissions process.
Undergraduate GPA: I completed my Bachelor's degree in Informatics and Applied Mathematics with a GPA of 17 out of 20
TOEFL: To demonstrate my English proficiency, I took the TOEFL iBT and scored 101 out of 120. This score was above the minimum requirement of 80 for Boise State University.
GRE: I applied test-optional.
Essays and Recommendations
Crafting a compelling personal statement was a priority for me. I dedicated substantial time to researching effective writing strategies, understanding that this essay was an opportunity to convey my passion for computer science and my aspirations in the field of artificial intelligence. I sought feedback from peers and mentors, revising multiple drafts to ensure clarity and impact. The final version highlighted my academic journey, research interests, and the reasons for choosing Boise State University.
Securing strong letters of recommendation was another crucial aspect. I approached my undergraduate thesis advisor and another faculty member who were well-acquainted with my academic work and could attest to my capabilities and readiness for graduate studies. I also compiled a detailed resume that encompassed my educational background, internships, participation in coding bootcamps, hackathons, and volunteer experiences.
Extracurricular Activities + Work Experience
During my undergrad, I tried to be as involved as I could. I participated in internships, hackathons, social technical coding schools, and I was also a member of the Competitive College Club by EducationUSA. Being part of CCC helped me a lot—it gave me more clarity on the application process and helped me understand how to prepare for studying in the U.S.
I did internships at places like ACA (Armenian Code Academy) and also studied at 42 Yerevan, which was an important experience for me. I participated in hackathons by Digitech and M1TQ, which helped me improve my teamwork and coding skills under pressure.
I also did some volunteering, for example, at Starmus. All these activities not only helped me grow academically and professionally but also allowed me to explore different fields and meet inspiring people.
Research Assistantship
Financing my studies in the U.S. was one of the biggest challenges. Thankfully, I was awarded a research assistantship at Boise State, which made it possible for me to study here. That support changed everything—it gave me the freedom to focus on academics and personal growth, without the constant stress of financial insecurity.
Student Life at Boise State
Living in Boise has been better than I imagined. It’s a small and safe city, which is a big plus for international students like me who are navigating a new environment. Everything is close, which makes everyday life easier.
There are tons of clubs and student events—whether you’re into dancing, sports, or AI, you’ll find your people here. I joined the dancing club and occasionally play volleyball. I also tried tennis once but got scared off (still debating whether to go back next semester!). I regularly attend basketball games and participate in an AI club that organizes events and discussions. It’s been such a supportive environment, both socially and academically.
Plans for the Future
Right now, I’m at a crossroads. I have one more year left in my master’s program, and I’m still deciding whether I want to pursue a PhD or jump straight into industry. This summer, I plan to dive deeper into my research to see if there’s a specific area I want to explore further.
Whether I continue my education or begin my professional career, I hope to bring my skills and experience back to Armenia. I’ve been involved in startup programs before, and I’d love to contribute to the tech ecosystem at home, perhaps by launching or supporting an AI-focused venture.
Advice for International Applicants
If you’re even thinking about studying abroad, my biggest piece of advice is this: go for it. If the desire is there, you’ll find the resources. Don’t wait until everything is “perfect.” Just start. Connect with people. Ask questions. Learn from others’ journeys. Being far from home and stepping into the unknown will challenge you, but it will also shape you in ways you can’t yet imagine.
For the application process itself, start early. Even though I told myself this, I still ended up with a few last-minute moments. Preparing for tests, building your profile, and researching universities takes time. American universities look at applications holistically, so every experience matters. Get involved. Volunteer. Learn. Then, when you write your story, don’t hide your gaps or weaknesses. Show how you’ve grown from them. Make your application a narrative of progress and curiosity, not perfection.
Most importantly, believe that your story matters—because it does.
