My name is Ebube, and I am from Enugu, Nigeria, but I was born and raised in Abuja, Nigeria. 

Why I Chose to Study in the U.S.

The decision to study abroad stemmed from my desire for better educational opportunities. The resources, diverse perspectives, and advanced research facilities available in the U.S. were major factors in my decision. Also, many of my family members and relatives are based in the U.S., making it my home away from home.

Why UC Berkeley?

I applied to 19 schools, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Brown, Cornell, Duke, and more. Ultimately, I was accepted to USC, Case Western, Tulane, and Baylor through early action and UC Berkeley through regular decision. I also got waitlisted from Emory and Wake Forest. I chose UC Berkeley because of its good academic reputation in multiple areas (in case I decide to switch focus or double major), its location in California with numerous STEM opportunities, its prestige, and its relative affordability compared to other options.

My stats 

I had a GPA of 3.99/4.00. I got a 1360 on my SAT, but I went test-optional for every school except Baylor. In my National Leaving Exams, WAEC, I had 6 A1s, 2 B2s, and 1 B3. I didn’t take any other exams or English proficiency tests since English is my first language.

Extracurriculars and Honors

I submitted 9 extracurriculars in my application. They were:

• Volunteering at an Educational Support and Therapy Center: For four years, I worked as a teaching assistant, helping individuals on the spectrum with speech, occupational, and physical therapy.

• Orator and Host for Whole School Evaluation at the Food & Nutrition Department: I organized luncheons for over 40 participants and coordinated the serving of meals made by our department.

• Homemakers Club: I served as both a timekeeper and later as secretary over four years.

• Sales Executive at Pronet Technologies: A two-month job where I managed sales, customer service, and record-keeping.

• Church Leadership: I was a lay leader and usher for over four years.

• I was also co-head of my school’s Social Events Planning committee, founder of a book club, co-director and actress in the drama club, and part of my school’s Whole School Evaluation Physics Department for a year.

For my honors section, I didn’t really have strong awards, but I submitted awards I had gotten at my high school. I was on the honor roll three times, got the award for best in math in grades 10 and 11, and then had awards for 3rd place in geography, biology, and physics.

My College Essays

I greatly believe this was the aspect that MADE my application. My college essays were deeply personal and reflected the most challenging aspects of my life. For my personal statement, I wrote about my experience living with sickle cell anemia and the struggles that came with it. I shared how it kept me from participating in sports, attending events like Nigerian International Secondary Schools Model United Nations (NISSMUN), and even led to missing half of my final year in high school, which meant I couldn’t run for a prefectship position. I opened up about the financial burden it placed on my parents and the emotional toll it had on my family and friends. But most importantly, I highlighted how my faith in God carried me through those tough times, ultimately leading to my cure. I also talked about how it shaped my dream of helping others with sickle cell in Nigeria, especially those who struggle to access the medications or care they need.

In my supplemental essays, I showcased different aspects of my personality and passions. I wrote about my work at the therapy center, where I supported individuals on the spectrum, and how I pride myself on my emotional intelligence. I also shared my love for creating PowerPoint presentations on topics that interest me, like King Henry VII or the Titanic. I discussed my love for reading and cooking, my academic goals, and how my chosen major aligns with my aspirations to improve the lives of others living with sickle cell. Each essay painted a picture of who I am, what I value, and the impact I hope to make in the world.

The Application Process

Preparing my college applications was a two-year process. Initially, I intended to apply during my final year of high school, but a medical emergency related to my sickle cell condition caused me to defer my applications by a year. This decision, made in consultation with my parents, gave me the time I needed to recover and fully commit to the application process. During this period, I researched colleges, explored potential majors, and refined my understanding of what I wanted in a university. I also experimented with various topics for my personal statement, ultimately deciding to share my journey with sickle cell. Once I returned to school, I completed my WAEC exams and spent four months preparing for the SAT while revising my essays. By November, my personal statement and supplemental essays were nearly finalized, and by January 2024, I submitted my applications, officially beginning my gap year.

Resources I used

I would say UStrive, College Essay Guy, CollegeVine, Borderless, and TikTok helped me. But my major help was from UStrive, as my mentor helped review my essays and extracurriculars and advised me regarding decisions I was unsure of. He also provided resume help.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

As an international student, I didn’t qualify for financial aid at Berkeley since it’s a public university. However, I received the African American Initiative Scholarship, which helps offset some costs.

Life at Berkeley So Far

I plan to declare Public Health as my major on a pre-med track, and so far, the education has been nothing short of exceptional. The academic environment is incredibly motivating, with high-achieving students around you pushing you to do your best. While the coursework can be challenging, the university offers countless resources like free tutoring services, office hours, and supportive peers to help students succeed. 

My first week at Berkeley was exciting. There were so many social events, free stuff, and welcoming people. However, there were moments when I felt out of place, largely due to my background, but with time, I began to overcome the imposter syndrome. Adapting to life at Berkeley has been a process, and while I’m still finding my footing, I’m taking it one day at a time.

Outside of class, my extracurricular involvement has been limited so far since I just finished my first semester. For now, I enjoy going to the gym, exploring the area, and occasionally taking myself out, either solo or with friends. I’m also participating in a leadership academy workshop, and I plan to get more involved next semester as I find a balance.

The academic workload at Berkeley depends on the classes you take and how well you manage your schedule. Personally, I found the workload manageable this semester—not easy, but not overwhelming. I am big on time management. Prioritizing my sleep and food are non-negotiables for me. Being proactive academically rather than procrastinating just gives you enough time to do things for yourself.

Making friends has been a gradual process. It wasn’t easy at first—not because of the school itself, but because everyone is busy adjusting to the demands of college life. Over time, I’ve made connections and acquaintances, and friendships are forming little by little. 

Advice for Future Applicants

1. Take the SAT and aim to do your best.

2. Be yourself in your essays because they only get a few minutes to know you.

3. Use as many resources as you can get and afford.

4. Do your best, and let God do the rest.