My background

Hi everyone! My name is Alina, and I am a 16-year-old girl from Kokshetau, a small city in the northern part of Kazakhstan. I am currently a senior at the IT Lyceum named after Al-Farabi, a highly regarded school among the city’s institutions. However, my school is a public institution and does not follow an AP or IB curriculum based on the American system. Unfortunately, studying abroad is not a common path for its students, as most typically attend local universities after passing the UNT (Unified National Test).

Despite these limitations, I truly love my school for the welcoming and supportive environment it provides, which has allowed me to achieve a lot. I am also incredibly grateful for the friendships I have built here. We have created a sincere and close-knit community where we treat each other like brothers and sisters (love you all)!

Why Qatar

There are many reasons why I chose Qatar over other countries, but the most significant ones are the opportunities it offers and the vibrant community of people there.

Qatar is an excellent destination for education, work, and living. With its diverse workforce and abundant opportunities, it provides a rich environment for personal and professional growth from various perspectives. Additionally, my family is Muslim, and my father was hesitant about allowing me to study in the US or Europe due to his concerns. On top of that, securing a full scholarship in the US is highly challenging, especially given my IELTS waiver.

I also remember coming across a chat for applicants applying to universities abroad, and there were countless messages about studying in Qatar. Seeing so many discussions sparked my curiosity, and after a while, I decided to do my own research. Later, I came across personal Instagram accounts of Kazakh students in Qatar and saw their posts and stories about university life there.

I was deeply impressed by their content—it showed such a vibrant and exciting experience—and it inspired me to take my shot. That’s when I decided to apply to my dream university and study in the country I had come to admire!

Ultimately, Qatar became the best alternative, and I’m confident in the choice I made!

Why Northwestern University in Qatar

I chose Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) because it perfectly aligns with my values, aspirations, and future goals. What drew me to NU-Q is its connection to Northwestern’s main campus in Evanston, Illinois, which ensures that the academic system, standards, and traditions are consistent across both campuses. However, being part of NU-Q also offers a unique cultural and educational experience in the heart of Education City, Doha.

Education City is a dynamic hub that hosts branches of 8 prestigious international universities, each offering specialized programs. At NU-Q, the focus is on two highly respected majors: Journalism (which I am planning to study) and Communication.

Another aspect I love is the vibrant community shared among students from different universities within Education City. NU-Q’s smaller class sizes foster close connections among peers and professors, but the shared dorms and facilities create opportunities to interact with a broader, diverse student body. It’s an environment that balances close-knit academic experiences with a rich, multicultural community.

What truly excites me about NU-Q are the countless opportunities it provides. From internships and study abroad programs to travel experiences and the chance to make lifelong friends from around the globe, NU-Q opens doors to personal and professional growth. Additionally, the university supports students in earning their own money through campus jobs, fostering independence and support for international students.

I was so confident in my choice that I applied to NU-Q through the Early Action cycle, focusing all my energy on this one application. This reflects how much I believe in the opportunities and experiences NU-Q can provide to help me achieve my dreams.

Stats

I applied to NU-Q without an IELTS certificate, a high GPA, and as both an international and SAT-optional student. Miraculous, isn’t it? Let me explain my situation in detail.

During the Early Action cycle, I did not have an IELTS certificate, which is usually required to demonstrate English language proficiency. I was extremely upset and even considered giving up. However, while exploring NU-Q’s website, I discovered their English test waiver policy. There are two criteria for a waiver: the first is being a native English speaker, which clearly wasn’t my case, and the second is achieving a qualifying score on the SAT or ACT.

I had taken the SAT once, and while my overall score was not high enough to apply as an SAT student, my Verbal section score was strong—around 650+. NU-Q’s policy states that if your SAT Reading and Writing score exceeds 600, you can request a waiver for English language tests. I applied for the waiver, and it was approved! This meant I only used my SAT score to waive the English test, and NU-Q considered my application as SAT-optional, which worked in my favor.

In addition to navigating the IELTS waiver process, I submitted my school transcript with a GPA of 4.7/5.0. Although it was not perfect, I balanced this with strong essays and extracurricular activities that demonstrated my potential and alignment with NU-Q’s values. Ultimately, I was offered admission.

Based on my experience, I recommend submitting a solid IELTS score (preferably 7.5 or higher) and a GPA of at least 4.7/5.0 if possible. If one area of your application is not as strong, focus on compensating with strengths in other areas, such as essays, extracurricular activities, or recommendation letters. Remember, a well-rounded application can make all the difference!

Extracurricular activities

As a high school student, I founded and coordinated two large regional social projects that gained recognition from the regional governor. One of my projects even secured a financial grant, enabling me to assemble a dedicated team of 30 mentors, 5 counselors, and 10 volunteers. Together, we improved the academic performance of children in our community, and our work was featured on a local TV channel. Beyond academics, I organized activities and sessions for over 70 children with special needs, including those with autism and cerebral palsy, at a local boarding school. I also had the honor of volunteering at Kazakhstan’s first-ever Winter Inclusive Games, bringing together 150 children with disabilities from across the country.

During the devastating floods in Kokshetau, I prepared some Iftars for the local flooding response team, stepping up in a time of need. I also offered free English tutoring to three students, aiming to give back through education, which had always been my passion.

Professionally, I ventured into event coverage, capturing the essence of over 10 traditional Kazakh ceremonies through photography and videography. I edited videos, sold photos to more than 90 guests, and even directed three short films. These experiences not only enhanced my technical skills but also helped me understand the value of preserving culture through storytelling.

As an aspiring journalist, I took charge of my school’s website, where I directed coverage of different events and interviewed 3 exceptionally talented children. As an editor-in-chief, I compiled a comprehensive school chronology from 2018 to 2024 and introduced an innovative house-point rating system.

Debating was another avenue through which I honed my voice. I participated in numerous tournaments, winning 1st or 2nd place in city competitions and securing a spot in the Top 15 at the National Championship. I also won two school tournaments and earned a 30,000 KZT prize.

Motivated to share my knowledge, I founded the “University Preparation Club (UPC),” which became a platform for students aspiring to study abroad. Through free resources, lessons, and webinars, the club empowered others to pursue their dreams, just as I was pursuing mine.

As a member of my school council, I embraced leadership roles in the Childcare Fraction. I conducted acting workshops for students and coordinated various entertainment events. These initiatives helped foster a vibrant school community while addressing important social issues.

Content creation became another passion of mine. I edited over 20 client videos and served as the personal videographer for a regional dance ensemble, producing professional content for over 60 dancers. My work included capturing large-scale events, such as a concert attended by more than 1,000 people at Kokshetau’s cultural center.

Looking at my honors, I earned two international awards, one national honor, and two regional accolades for achievements in debates, Olympiads, essays, and filmmaking.

Reflecting on my journey, I recognize that my application to Northwestern University in Qatar was more than just an individual pursuit—it was a statement. I wanted to prove that a student from a public school in Kazakhstan, where resources are scarce and aspirations are often limited, could dream big and achieve even bigger. My essays, activities, and experiences were not just a summary of my accomplishments; they were a reflection of my determination to inspire others and redefine what is possible.

I may not have had a perfect GPA or the traditional resources of elite schools, but I crafted my own path. Through hard work, creativity, and resilience, I turned every challenge into an opportunity, making my dream of studying at NU-Q a reality.

Personal Statement

In my personal statement, I focused on telling the story of my magical childhood, which I believe helped me express my passion for my future major and offer a detailed glimpse into my life. The most impactful part, in my opinion, is how I shared my own personal story rather than talking about others. Through this narrative, I was able to demonstrate my growth and development. Honestly, I think I prefer my “Why Northwestern” essay and other optional prompts more than my personal statement because they allowed me to dive deeper into my goals and how they align with the university’s offerings.

In my “Why Us” essay, I aimed to show the admissions committee that I had thoroughly researched the university. Instead of focusing on its most popular traditions or achievements, I highlighted specific aspects of Northwestern that resonated with me. I began the essay with a personal story, capturing the reader’s attention, and then smoothly transitioned to explaining why I felt Northwestern was the right fit for me. I discussed particular courses and professors that sparked my interest, even mentioning a specific class I had seen online, and described my impression of it.

One tip I would offer is to focus on writing about the specifics—those elements that set the university apart from others—and avoid mentioning the obvious. It’s also important to subtly emphasize why you are a great fit for the school. The connection between your goals and what the university offers is key in making your application stand out!

Helpful resources

I use my Telegram a lot and even created a chat for myself called “Goal to uni,” where I save any important information to make sure I do not miss any insights. There are also many chats and channels related to studying abroad that I joined. One of the most common ones for Kazakhs is “collegehub,” but I also searched for other relevant channels. Through these communities, I made new friends from across Kazakhstan, including some who were also admitted to universities in Qatar!

I think networking is super important, but it is also crucial to avoid toxic environments. I really dislike when people forget the purpose of these chats—to support and motivate each other—and instead start humiliating others and trying to push out the competition. It is important to stay in spaces that are positive and focused on helping each other grow.

Financial aid

There are two types of financial aid: merit-based scholarships from universities and need-based assistance from Qatar Foundation. I received a need-based financial aid package from Qatar Foundation, which covers my full tuition and housing costs. However, it is not just a typical scholarship—it also includes an interest-free loan that will be forgiven if specific criteria are met. After graduation, I will be required to work in Qatar for a set number of years, as outlined in the contract. Alternatively, I could return home and repay a percentage each month to Qatar Foundation. Personally, I feel staying in Qatar is the more suitable option, given the promising salary, abundant opportunities, and strong community there.

At first, the idea may seem a bit overwhelming, but if you’ve carefully chosen your major and the country you want to study in, it will not feel so difficult. That said, I highly recommend giving it serious thought before committing to enrollment.