About Me and My Background

Hi everyone! I’m Argine from Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh. I currently live in Yerevan, Armenia. For a little context, I spent my freshman and sophomore years of high school in the small town of Chartar, Nagorno-Karabakh, where I attended the local middle school. I began learning English in my first year of high school, shortly after the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, and since then, it has become my dream to study in the U.S. In 2023, after a nine-month blockade by Azerbaijan and the war on September 19-20, the government of Nagorno-Karabakh announced its dissolution, and the region officially came under Azerbaijan’s control. This led to the displacement of thousands of ethnic Armenians, including my family.

I’m interested in politics and human rights advocacy, and I’m committed to promoting educational development in crisis contexts.

Why I Chose To Study Abroad

Growing up in an underrepresented region, I realized how limited opportunities could be in my community, especially for young people who dream big. I wanted to gain access to a broader, more diverse education that would challenge me intellectually and expose me to new perspectives. Studying abroad, particularly in the U.S., offered me the chance to become part of a global community, which would enable me to create more opportunities for others in my own community.

Academic Achievements & Test Scores

I’m a valedictorian with a GPA of 9 out of 10. In the Armenian education system, a 9 is considered equivalent to a 10, and many schools, including mine, don’t use grade 10. So, 9 was the highest possible GPA.

For the standardized tests, I took the DET (3 days before Harvard’s deadline lol), scoring 140, and applied with my NLEs (National Leaving Exams), which can be submitted instead of SAT/ACT. I took Math and scored 20/20. Even though I took the DET, note that language proficiency tests are not required for Harvard.

Honors That Shaped My Journey

In addition to winning the regional and national stages of the English Language Olympiad in Nagorno-Karabakh twice, I had the honor of being one of only two participants from Nagorno-Karabakh to advance to the final stage of the Olympiad in Armenia, where I competed against top students from across the country. Furthermore, I won a visual arts contest organized by WHO Armenia and UNESCO IITE. I’ve received recognition in essay competitions and various conferences related to my field of interest.

Extracurricular Activities

For extracurricular activities, I completed two internships—one at an international school, and another at a leading tech company.  I was an active member of the U.S. Department of State-sponsored Competitive College Club (CCC) and its Regional Congress. I was also a member of the European Youth Parliament - Armenia. At my school, I founded and led a cultural club designed to unite refugee students from Nagorno-Karabakh.

For community service, I led educational sessions on local democracy for refugees as part of the UNDP’s Resilience for All program. I also volunteered for a youth digital media project, where I raised awareness on adolescent health, gender equality, human rights, and bullying prevention. In total, I volunteered for five different organizations, helping them boost their brand visibility. Additionally, I offered free English lessons to underprivileged students from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Why Harvard Felt Like Home

While I applied to several top liberal arts colleges in the U.S. for the incredible opportunities they offer, Harvard was my top choice. Harvard stood out to me not only for its academic excellence but also for its deep commitment to public service and global impact. As I plan to go deep into Government and Educational Studies, I believe Harvard will give me both the tools and the platform to work toward long-term change, especially in post-conflict and marginalized communities. Additionally, I knew amazing individuals who attended Harvard, and it was an honor for me to be part of their community. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to connect with thought leaders, changemakers, and peers who are equally driven to make a difference.

Zhingyalov Hats & Self-Discovery: My Personal Statement Journey

My personal statement focused on a personality trait I struggled with, and how I came face-to-face with it while making Zhingyalov Hats, a traditional dish from my homeland, with my grandmother. I used that moment as a metaphor to reflect on my broader life experiences and personal growth.

My Vision: Studying Government to Rebuild Communities

Through my Government concentration and Secondary Field in Educational Studies at Harvard, I plan to explore how public policy and education can work together to create sustainable change. My long-term goal is to contribute to building more just, inclusive, and resilient societies. In the future, I hope to work at the intersection of policy, human rights, and education.

Financing My Studies

I was fortunate to receive a full-ride scholarship to attend Harvard, thanks to the university’s generosity and its strong commitment to educational equity.

Advice for International Applicants

As an international student, it’s important to be proactive: seek out resources, connect with current students or alumni, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. The process can feel overwhelming, but keep going. Most importantly, believe that your background and experiences matter. They can be your greatest strengths.

Advice for Future Harvard Applicants

For anyone planning to apply to Harvard, my main advice is to make your application as multi-dimensional as possible. Show not only your academic strengths but also your passions, values, and how you've made an impact in your community. Harvard values authenticity, so don’t be afraid to share your unique story, even if it doesn’t fit a traditional path.

Tools Used When Applying

Even though applying to the U.S. was a big dream of mine, I had no idea how the process worked at first. Joining EducationUSA Armenia’s Competitive College Club (CCC) changed everything. With thoughtful mentorship and guidance, CCC helped me understand the entire process and craft a strong application in less than five months, which led me to Harvard!