Hello! My name is José Wagner, and I am an 18-year-old student from a small district called “Sirigui,” located in the Northeast of Brazil. This is the story of my journey from a small city of 5,000 inhabitants to Haverford!

My Background

Coming from a public school in a small town, I faced many challenges, particularly the academic scarcity in the Northeast region of Brazil. This lack of resources made it hard to even dream of a different future. However, everything changed when the pandemic hit. During this time, I had an essential moment in my life and I started connecting with people from all over the world on Discord, growing my passion for learning different languages. By the age of 14, I had knowledge of 10 different languages!

Studying Abroad: The Decision

In 2022, I participated in a leadership course that truly opened my eyes to the idea of studying abroad. It highlighted the many benefits of such an experience, particularly the interdisciplinary approach to education, which is often lacking in Brazil.

Following this, I took part in some summer programs, which solidified my decision to abandon the Brazilian vestibular process and fully commit to pursuing education abroad. As a low-income student, this was a risky decision—I had no guarantee of securing a scholarship that would cover my cost of attendance.

Additionally, the prospect of cultural immersion was incredibly exciting. My experiences during those summer programs showed me just how enriching and transformative studying abroad can be.

Why Haverford?

I applied Early Decision to Haverford College because I fell in love with it while researching. The first thing that caught my attention was the Haverford Honor Code. It’s a core part of the college’s culture, and all students follow it, fostering trust and integrity within the community.

Another aspect I admire is how attentive Haverford is to its students. They actively listen to students' needs and ensure their voices are heard, even through structures like the student senate.

The campus environment was also a major factor. I dislike competitive atmospheres, and Haverford gave me the sense of a collaborative community where students genuinely support one another.

Additionally, the Brazilian community at Haverford played a significant role in my decision. It’s a strong, welcoming group that provided me with invaluable help during my application process.

Finally, the financial aid for international students is remarkable. Over the past three years, Haverford has awarded full-ride scholarships to several Brazilian students, making my dream of studying abroad financially possible.

Stats

I didn’t take the SAT, primarily because Haverford is permanently test-optional and my GPA was 9 out of 10.

My advice to others is not to stress too much about having a few lower grades on your school report. The key factor is to demonstrate improvement over time, as it shows your dedication and growth as a student.

Extracurriculars and Honors

My first extracurricular activity was a project I founded called “Lidera Nordeste.” It is an organization focused on promoting socio-educational development in the Northeast region of Brazil. Through our efforts, we have already impacted over 13,000 people in this region.

My second extracurricular activity was another organization I founded, called “Debatendo.” Established in 2023, its mission is to help students develop and improve their debate skills.

My third extracurricular activity involved teaching different languages. I taught Swedish, English, and Spanish both at my school and virtually.

I also put my participation in summer programs. I did the Yale Young Global Scholars, the Yale International Relations Leadership Institute and the Harvard University International Relations Scholars Program.

For my honors, I included several achievements:

1. Student Destaque Certificates – Recognizing my high academic performance.

2. Second Place in the Jovens Visionários Prudential 2024 Award – An achievement of Lidera Nordeste organization.

3. Bronze Medal in the ONHB (National Brazilian History Olympiad) – A testament to my academic dedication and interest in history.

4. Merit Scholarships for Summer Programs – Awards that enabled me to participate in enriching academic experiences abroad.

Personal Statement

The main idea of my personal statement was how I overcame the socio-educational challenges of the Northeast region of Brazil. I focused on the education and opportunities shortage in the area and shared how these challenges shaped my journey.

I highlighted how my passion for language learning and building global connections allowed me to broaden my horizons. I also shared my mission of helping others overcome similar barriers, emphasizing my commitment to making a difference in my community and beyond.

Financial Aid

I was awarded a full-ride scholarship to Haverford College. The process didn’t require a separate application—I only needed to complete the ISFAA (International Student Financial Aid Application).