My Story

My name is Zhibek, and I’m from Turkestan, Kazakhstan. I’m currently a 12th-grade student at the Nazarbayev Intellectual School (NIS) in Turkestan. Throughout my childhood, my family and I frequently moved from city to city, which led me to study in seven different schools. I joined NIS only in the 9th grade when the new branch opened in Turkestan. Until 10th grade, I hadn’t seriously considered applying abroad. But everything changed after I started studying at NIS. Seeing graduates being accepted into top universities around the world made me ask myself, “What if I tried too? I have nothing to lose.” And that’s how my journey began—spontaneously, but with growing determination.

Why UBC?

First and foremost, finances played a big role in my decision. For my family and me, it was crucial to find a university that offered a full scholarship, and UBC was one of the rare schools that fully covered all expenses, from tuition to living costs. In addition, UBC is highly respected for its research-driven environment, which deeply resonated with me. As someone who’s constantly asking questions and seeking answers through science, I knew this was the perfect place to grow as a researcher. UBC was also my top-choice university.

I’m incredibly honored to have been selected as one of only 27 students worldwide to receive the prestigious UBC International Scholars Award and to be admitted to the Vancouver campus—a dream I manifested every single day.

Other Universities

I was placed on the waitlist at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)—something I never expected. I believe my chances might’ve been even higher if I had taken the SAT. I also received admission offers from HKU, Loyola Marymount, Tulane, Constructor, and several other European universities.

My Stats

• SAT: Optional

• IELTS: 8.0

• GPA: 5.0 (Kazakhstan scale)

My Extracurriculars

For international students applying for full scholarships, it’s crucial to build a strong extracurricular portfolio. It’s not about how prestigious your activities are—it’s about the impact you’ve made and how clearly you present it in your application. I used to think only Olympiad winners or international awardees could get into top schools. But I’ve learned there’s no “perfect” activity—what matters most is how your work changes your community, even in small ways.

1. EM Liquid Fertilizer – Scientific Research Project

Since 9th grade, I’ve been committed to scientific research. I developed an eco-friendly fertilizer using food waste. This project deepened my knowledge in biology and chemistry, and I was lucky to win first place in both national and international competitions. Later, I collaborated with Professor Dorothy Lsoto from the University of Wisconsin–Madison on a study about air pollution in the Turkestan region. I also completed the Global Problem-Solving Institute (GPSI) program, where I gained strong skills in systems thinking and earned academic credits from UNC Chapel Hill.

2. ZeroWaste Startup 

I co-founded a startup that reduces food waste by reselling surplus food at lower prices, helping both the environment and local communities. We were selected into the highly competitive Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) accelerator by UNIDO and spent five months refining our product with expert mentorship. We even won a trip to San Francisco for our startup pitch! We collaborated with the regional representative of Danone. While the startup is currently paused, I hope to resume it soon.

During this time, I also worked as a Digital Outreach Intern & UI/UX Designer for Welfie Company, a health and wellness platform. I designed 25+ posts, built their website, and translated resources into English and Spanish. This role taught me the power of teamwork and shared vision.

3. Community Volunteering & Social Impact

In addition to my scientific and entrepreneurial endeavors, I’ve been deeply committed to community volunteering and educational outreach. As the founder and content creator of Shoqan Academy, I launched a youth-led platform that teaches geography in the Kazakh language, aiming to make academic content more accessible to local students. Over time, the project reached more than 10,000 students, and I personally translated and narrated educational materials, contributing over 150 hours of dedicated service. Alongside this, I worked as an English teacher at Inclusive Academy, where I taught children with disabilities, striving to create a more inclusive and empowering learning environment. My passion for environmental education also led me to volunteer at AirVision, a nonprofit focused on raising awareness about air pollution and promoting environmental responsibility across Kazakhstan. Through these roles, I’ve learned that real change begins with service—when you give your time, your skills, and your voice to support those around you.

My Motivation Essay and the Resources that I used

In your college essays, avoid simply listing your extracurriculars again. Instead, focus on one meaningful experience and reflect on how it helped shape who you are. For example, I wrote about my love for dance and how it unexpectedly led me toward science. Just as a dancer learns to move with rhythm, I gradually learned to recognize patterns in biology, even amidst the seeming chaos. It’s through this personal lens that your story truly comes to life.

Resources like Borderless were incredibly helpful in finding summer programs and navigating the admissions process. For essay writing, I found College Essay Guy to be a great guide in shaping my personal narrative.

Final Advice

Just try. It’s better to take a chance than to spend your life wondering what if. I know it might feel scary—you might feel like you’re not “enough.” But if you're reading this post, it means that deep inside, a part of you believes it's possible. And that spark is worth fighting for.If you're struggling with discipline or motivation, find like-minded friends. Work together on projects, prepare for tests together, and support one another. You’re not alone.

If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to message me on Instagram - I’d be happy to help! I also have a Telegram channel where I share useful resources, tips, and opportunities for students navigating the college application process. You're welcome to join!