My name is Ayauly, and I'm a 20-year-old sophomore at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.

Admission process

I began seriously considering the idea of applying abroad during 10th grade when quarantine started. I realized the need to prepare in advance, given the challenging nature of the admission process, which might necessitate several years of preparation. As a result, I started attending webinars about the admission process and acquainted myself with the necessary requirements.

In 11th grade, I dedicated myself to preparing for the SAT and IELTS exams, achieving scores of 1510 on the SAT and 7.0 on the IELTS.

As for extracurricular activities, I am a professional dancer. Having danced since I was three, I've consistently been active beyond academic pursuits. Additionally, I have won several international dance competitions, which I always highlighted on my applications.

Academically, my GPA stands at 4.92 out of 5.0, as far as I recall. I particularly enjoyed chemistry and, during the 10th grade, actively participated in related projects.

I served on the student council for three years, taking a lead role in organizing cultural events. Additionally, I played a part in organizing Model United Nations (MUN) conferences and volunteered at a festival for children with disabilities.

When applying to Bocconi University, the required documents included GPA and SAT scores; alternatively, one could opt for the Bocconi admission test. A motivational letter was also mandatory, with the option to add a CV if desired.

Universities I applied to

I applied to several universities and scholarships: Stipendium Hungaricum in Hungary, Aalto University in Finland, Bocconi University in Italy, Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, University of British Columbia in Canada, and Türkiye Bursları in Turkey. I received scholarship offers from all, except for the University of British Columbia, where I was admitted without a scholarship.

Scholarships at Bocconi

When you apply to Bocconi University, you're automatically considered for the Bocconi Merit Award. This award, which I currently hold, recognizes academic excellence and covers full tuition.

The Bocconi International Award, on the other hand, usually covers only 50% of tuition. Although I initially received this half-tuition coverage, I found it financially challenging to pay the rest. Consequently, I decided not to enroll. But on the very last day of enrollment, the university reached out, asking why I hadn't accepted. After explaining my financial concerns, they generously increased my coverage to 100% and waited for my enrollment.

This responsiveness speaks volumes about Bocconi University's dedication to its students. I know others studying in Italy who say their institutions don't always support them or respond to communications. In contrast, Bocconi consistently assists its students, something I'm truly thankful for.

Additionally, there's the ISU Bocconi Scholarship. This not only covers tuition but also offers a stipend and opportunities for on-campus employment. Applications for this particular scholarship are open in July.