My Background

My name is Ulviya Choban, and I’m half Kazakh, half Turkish. I have spent most of my life in Kaskelen, a suburban area near Almaty, Kazakhstan. Living in Kaskelen came with challenges, especially when it came to accessing extracurricular opportunities, as most resources were located nearly two hours away in the city. However, I didn’t let that stop me from pursuing my goals. I attended Galaxy International School, a value-based school with an integrated A-Level and Kazakh curriculum. I have been at this school for 12 years and have never transferred.

Why I decided to study abroad

I’ve dreamed of studying in the U.S. since 6th grade because of its holistic approach to evaluating students. Unlike many systems that focus solely on test scores and academic metrics, the U.S. values a student’s unique qualities, experiences, and character. I believe I am more than just numbers, and I was inspired by a system that appreciates creativity, leadership, and individuality.

Another major factor is the language barrier I faced in Kazakhstan due to the dominance of Russian. I knew studying in an English-speaking environment would allow me to truly enjoy my education.

Why USA and Bryn Mawr

While the U.S. was my top choice because of its exceptional education quality and diverse opportunities, I also considered Hong Kong and South Korea for their strong academic programs and affordability, given my low expected family contribution. I even applied to the Education University of Hong Kong and was invited for an interview, but my Early Decision results from Bryn Mawr came out much earlier, solidifying my decision to study in the U.S.

During the summer of my junior year, I participated in around 20 college interviews. One of them was with Bryn Mawr, and my conversation with an alum went so well that I knew I wanted to apply. Through the Tri-College and Quaker Consortium, I can take classes at Haverford, Swarthmore, and the University of Pennsylvania, gaining access to resources across four top colleges. As a liberal arts college, Bryn Mawr prioritizes small class sizes, allowing for stronger connections with professors and more personalized academic support. The college gives first-year students the freedom to explore different subjects before declaring a major, which is perfect for someone like me who values flexibility in learning.

Bryn Mawr’s history as a women’s college and its commitment to diversity and empowering women was another factor for me. Additionally, the college provides a free public transportation pass, allowing up to 240 rides per month—a huge advantage given its proximity to Philadelphia, just 20 minutes away. Above all, Bryn Mawr meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need of its students, which made it an ideal choice for me.

Stats

My GPA is 5/5, and my IELTS score is 8.0. I opted to apply test-optional as I didn’t achieve my target score on SAT. While my school offers an A-Level curriculum, students have the option to opt out, which I did, and applied without A-Levels or IGCSEs.

Extracurricular Activities

I used all 10 activity slots in the Common App, with my top four centered around Computer Science. I co-authored a published research paper and am currently working on another titled “The Ethics of AI in Cybersecurity.” Through the New York Academy of Sciences' Junior Academy, I contributed to a project that surveyed public perceptions of AI in mental health support.

I also founded VolunTeens, a volunteering club that raised $5,000 to help around 100 families affected by floods in Western Kazakhstan. As a mentor and host at the Speaking Club at American Space, I trained and led discussions on various topics. My other extracurriculars include playing the C Flute, participating in a virtual exchange program, managing a TikTok page, joining Girls Who Code, completing internships in tech, and taking Cybersecurity courses offered by Google.

College Essays

My personal statement focused on my struggle to use a particular perfume after my parents moved to the U.S. for a year, leaving me in Kazakhstan with my elder sister. The story served as a metaphor for loneliness and hesitation but ultimately reflected my journey toward independence.

For my supplemental essay to Bryn Mawr, which asked about authenticity, I wrote about feeling like I didn’t fit in—neither fully belonging to Kazakhstan nor Turkey because of my appearance and accents in different languages. I shared how I learned to accept my identity and refused to let others define me. I believe my essays were the strongest part of my application, as they were deeply personal, unique, and demonstrated significant growth.

Application Timeline

My application process began in 9th grade, gradually becoming more intensive with each passing year. In 11th grade, I participated in Study With US, a fully funded college preparatory program that provided guidance to central asian students. The program focused on standardized tests, academic English, and the overall U.S. college application process. My mentor played a crucial role, teaching me how to create a well-balanced college list and write compelling personal and supplemental essays.

Although I feel my application journey started a bit late, it ultimately worked out. From 9th to 11th grade, I concentrated on excelling in my honors and building a strong extracurricular profile while familiarizing myself with the Common App. By mid-11th grade, I had written the first draft of my personal statement, which I polished consistently over time. At the end of 11th grade, I took the IELTS and achieved a score of 8.0 on my first attempt. During the summer before 12th grade, I focused on requesting letters of recommendation and registering for interviews, ensuring that every part of my application was thoughtfully prepared and polished.

Helpful resources + Using Borderless

I used a variety of tools and resources during my application process. Kollegio.ai was incredibly helpful as a free platform with all the resources needed for college applications. I also utilized Essay Guy to refine my essays and Borderless to read other students’ stories for inspiration. However, the Common Data Set (CDS)  proved to be the most valuable resource. It allowed me to research critical information, such as acceptance rates for international students, average financial aid packages, and how colleges evaluate applicants. Using this data, I strategically targeted schools that considered standardized tests as optional, as I identified this as one of my biggest disadvantages.

I subscribed to Borderless for a month and made full use of its resources. I used the college list generator and extracurricular reviewer, which were incredibly helpful in organizing my application. In fact, Borderless is how I discovered Bryn Mawr College!

Financial Aid

I received full financial aid, covering tuition, housing, meals, and additional expenses (through campus employment). My total aid package is valued at around $320,000, and it did not require a separate application other than a CSS profile.

Personal Advice

Don’t chase brand names. Applying to colleges in the U.S. is not just about throwing darts and hoping for the best, it’s a strategy that requires careful planning and informed decisions. As an international student, you’re competing against a global pool of talent, especially for the limited colleges that offer full financial aid.

If you’re a girl, I strongly recommend looking into women’s colleges, as they often provide unparalleled opportunities for personal and academic growth. Focus on finding schools where you fit, not just famous ones. Choose a college that values you as a student and as a person, and where you’ll have the space to grow and succeed.