Introduction

My name is Evangeline, and I grew up in Accra, Ghana. I attended Achimota Secondary School. Now, as an incoming first-year student at Bates College in Maine, let me share how I was able to get there.

Why I Want to Study Abroad and in the US

I decided to study abroad because, as I was growing up, I realized I wanted to pursue a career in research. I sought a wide range of opportunities that I couldn't find within my home country. Ultimately, I chose the United States due to the availability of substantial funding from various universities and colleges. This financial support would help me achieve my career aspirations and goals. While other countries might offer similar opportunities, I haven't seriously considered them primarily because of the language barrier.

Why Bates College?

I love Bates College's inclusive academic environment and their tight-knit community. Not to mention, there are more than enough opportunities to support my educational career. Although I am currently undeclared in my choice of major, Bates is an excellent fit for the fields I am considering: Biochemistry and Economics. Additionally, I applied to Dartmouth University, Yale University, Hamilton College, and Colgate University.

Stats

• SAT: I applied test optional 

• GPA: 4.0 , with all As on 

• My leaving exams (WAEC): All A’s 

Extracurriculars

• I founded my own non-profit organization. My passion lies in disability advocacy and understanding the policies that impact disabled individuals. To address this, I initiated a self-buddy program where high school volunteers were paired with differently abled children. These volunteers acted as supportive "big siblings", helping their younger counterparts navigate both school and life.

• Additionally, I volunteered with the Africa Dyslexia Organization  in Ghana. Through this experience, I gained insights into disability-related policies and actively participated in advocacy campaigns.

• Lastly, during my time in high school, I served as the student body president.

Essays, Time & Help

My college essay centered around my life, my family, and the diverse communities to which I belong. To prepare my college application, it took me about a month. I applied during both the early decision 2 and regular decision, about a month after my graduation. For the help I needed with my college application, I received assistance from a non-profit organization called The Veritas Foundation. The mentors there helped me structure and refine my application.

Finances

I received full need-based financial aid from Bates College, which covers the cost of tuition, food, housing, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses for my entire four years in college. Thanks to this full scholarship, I do not require much additional financial support from my parents to cover my living expenses. For application costs, I applied using the Common App fee waiver. Additionally, I had a CSS profile fee waiver (used for financial aid applications) from all the schools I applied to, so I didn't incur any expenses.

The End

To the next set of college applicants: Showcase your passions. Admission officers seek candidates who can demonstrate genuine enthusiasm and commitment. Without conveying your passion, you may not stand out in the selection process. Best of luck! 😊