The Backstory
My name is Menli Yazyyeva, and I’m currently a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience at Franklin and Marshall College (F&M) in the United States. I grew up in Dashoguz, Turkmenistan, where I attended a specialized STEM and English school, School No. 26. Applying to the U.S. was never something I had planned early on. But during my junior year of high school, I discovered the Undergraduate College Advising (UCA) program by EducationUSA. This program selects students and trains them to better understand the U.S. academic system, and it completely changed my path.
Through UCA, I met many alumni from different U.S. colleges and fellows who had studied abroad. Hearing their experiences made me truly inspired and motivated to apply to colleges in the United States.
Academic Path
In high school, I maintained a 5.0/5.0 GPA and was consistently recognized as one of the top students. I decided to apply to U.S. colleges as a test-optional applicant — my SAT score wasn’t as strong as I wanted it to be, and my high school was English-taught allowed me to get a TOEFL/IELTS waiver.
I also earned a 90/100 GPA in the UCA program and received a certificate of completion, which I highlighted in my applications.
The Application Process
I only applied to five schools, but my top choice was Franklin and Marshall, so I applied Early Decision I. My personal essay was about a unique challenge I faced during my teenage years and how overcoming it helped me grow stronger and more confident.
Thanks to my academic performance and strong extracurricular profile, I received a 97% scholarship at F&M, which made my dream a reality.
Why F&M?
I chose Franklin and Marshall because I was looking for a smaller, close-knit college rather than a big university environment. I was drawn to its liberal arts approach, generous financial aid for international students, and strong neuroscience program, which aligned with my academic interests.
Additionally, I loved that F&M is in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where there’s a unique mix of cultures, including the Amish community, which makes the experience even more interesting.
Additional Costs
One thing I appreciated was that the process was very affordable. Since I applied test-optional, I didn’t spend money on standardized tests, and F&M also has its own free financial aid application for international students, so I didn’t pay for CSS either.
A Closer Look at My Extracurriculars
Extracurriculars were a big part of my application. Here’s a closer look at what I did:
Chemistry Olympiad Mentor – Mentored junior students at my high school to prepare them for local and regional chemistry competitions.
Volunteer at Dashoguz American Center – Spent one year volunteering by organizing workshops and activities for the community.
Online Volunteer at BestSeed.org – Created art crafts and letters for children battling leukemia and cancer.
Red Cross Volunteer in Turkmenistan – Got involved through connections I built with EducationUSA.
Internship – Interned as an English mentor at an academic center in my city.
Life at F&M
Life at Franklin and Marshall is very community-oriented. Since it’s a small school, you get to build closer relationships with everyone, even professors. One moment that really stood out to me was during my very first class — my professor remembered my name even though I had only introduced myself once. That sense of personal connection makes the college experience so much more special.
Social Life & Networking
The community at F&M is small but very diverse, so it’s easy to make connections and build friendships. There are also great opportunities to network and get involved in clubs, events, and even leadership roles.
Looking Ahead
I’m excited to explore study abroad programs, especially in Europe, and to continue building my academic path in neuroscience and psychology.
Final Thoughts: What I’d Tell Other Students
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through my application journey, it’s this: don’t be afraid if your SAT isn’t perfect — or if you don’t even submit one at all. I didn’t have a strong SAT score, so I went test-optional and poured my energy into writing authentic, thoughtful essays. Looking back, I truly believe my essays — where I told my genuine story — were what got me admitted.
So, my advice? Be yourself, highlight your unique journey, and write essays that sound like you, not what you think admission officers want to hear. In the end, your story is the most powerful part of your application. College applications can feel stressful, but they’re also an opportunity to show your story — the real you. Be honest, stay authentic, and don’t be afraid to add your unique voice, even if it’s a little quirky. Trust me, that’s what makes your application stand out.
