Growing Up

I was born and raised in a small town on the west side of Kazakhstan. For most of my childhood, I went to a public school there, from first to ninth grade, because in Kazakhstan, we have an eleven-year school system.

When I turned sixteen, my family moved to the capital city, Astana. It was a massive change. Going from a small town to a big, modern city where everything moved faster, even the way people talked and studied, was a shock at first. But it was also exciting. I joined a private school there called Astana Garden School for my final two years. The transition taught me how to adapt quickly. I think moving later in life definitely helped when I moved to the U.S.; at least the transition period was smoother.

Why I Decided to Study Abroad

My motivation to study abroad started early. My two older brothers were already studying and living in the U.S., and I used to visit them often with my family. Those trips made me realize how much I liked the educational environment there. I loved how interactive the classes seemed and how many opportunities existed outside of just academics.

It wasn’t really a tough decision for me; it felt natural. I’d already seen what life could look like there. I did briefly consider applying to universities in Canada, but managing applications across different systems was overwhelming. So, I decided to focus all my time and effort on U.S. schools.

Getting Into the University of Oregon

When acceptance letters started coming in, I was in disbelief. I received a full tuition offer from Drexel University in Philadelphia and then another from the University of Oregon. I’d been to Oregon before because my brother studies at Oregon State University, which is nearby, so my family already knew and liked the area. That sense of familiarity made the decision easier.

Oregon also felt like the perfect balance, not as hectic as the East Coast but still diverse and academically strong. I accepted the offer, and looking back now, it’s one of the best choices I’ve ever made.

Scholarships and the ICSP Program

At the time of my acceptance, I got a merit-based scholarship that covered around $20,000 per year for four years. It didn’t cover everything, but it gave me a solid start. Later, I received another scholarship through the International Cultural Service Program (ICSP) — an initiative at the University of Oregon that supports international students who share their culture through community presentations and events. The ICSP adds $2,500 per year, and what I love about it is that it’s not just financial aid: it encourages cultural exchange.

Combined, these scholarships cover my entire tuition, and even a little more. My parents help with living expenses like housing, food, and clothes, but tuition-wise, I don’t pay a cent. It’s something I never take for granted. I know how rare that is for international students, and it reminds me every day why hard work matters.

My Academic Stats and the SAT Marathon

If there’s one part of my journey that defines persistence, it’s preparing for the SAT.

In my public school years, my GPA averaged around 4.89 out of 5. In private school, I maintained a perfect 5.0. To be honest, public school in Kazakhstan is tougher than private school, but those years taught me discipline.

When it came to standardized tests, I took both the IELTS and the SAT. I got a 7.0 on IELTS, then retook the writing section and super-scored to a 7.5. The SAT, though… that was a long story.

I took it six times. My first official score was 980 out of 1600. My final super-score was 1520. That’s a 540-point difference, and it didn’t happen by luck. I spent months studying daily, doing practice tests, analyzing my mistakes, and memorizing patterns. When I first started, my English was rough. I barely understood some of the reading questions. But every test taught me something new.

My biggest tip for anyone preparing for the SAT is simple: practice, don’t panic. The math section is about patterns. The verbal section is about rhythm and logic. Use official College Board practice tests, focus on consistency, track every question you get wrong, and practice. Practice is the biggest advice you’ll need.

That’s how I did it.

Life Beyond the Books: Basketball and Student Government

Academics weren’t my only focus. Basketball was a huge part of my life. I played for eight years. I had competed nationally and even won a few regional championships.

In my last two years of high school, I also joined the student government and became the Minister of Media and Communication. My school used Telegram a lot, so I created a Telegram bot to help streamline announcements and club updates. It was a small project, but one I was really proud of.

Between basketball, leadership, piano, and math Olympiads, I filled out eight out of ten possible slots for extracurriculars on the Common App. It wasn’t just about quantity; I just tried to show what genuinely mattered to me.

The Application Process: From Confusion to Confidence

I started taking the admissions process seriously around March of my 10th grade. At first, it felt like too much with essays, recommendation letters, standardized tests, and deadlines, but once I got into a routine, it became manageable.

I had incredible support from EducationUSA Kazakhstan, an organization that helps students apply to American universities. They guided me on how to choose schools, prep for the SAT, and write essays that reflect personal growth rather than perfection. I also had college counselors at my private school who checked my essays weekly. Having that structure made a huge difference.

My biggest piece of advice for future applicants: don’t do it alone. Get feedback, whether from counselors, teachers, or someone familiar with U.S. admissions.

As for recommendation letters, I had more than most. I submitted five: from my math teacher, English teacher, school CEO, college counselor, and an EducationUSA advisor. Most universities only require three, but I wanted to show a complete picture of my work ethic and character.

Adjusting to Life at the University of Oregon

My first week in the U.S. was… intense. Everything felt new: the campus layout, the class schedule, even small things like how professors expected class participation. I remember feeling uncomfortable the first few days, but that changed fast. Orientation week at Oregon is full of team-building activities, football games, and other social events for freshmen. That’s where I met my first friends, and some of them are still close to me today.

As an international student, adapting to a new culture takes time, but the people here were welcoming. I liked how approachable professors were: they encourage you to ask questions and discuss projects one-on-one.

My Classes

I’m majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science. My first year was mostly intro courses, Calculus I and II, Computer Science I and II, Chinese Pop Culture, and Introduction to Business Administration.

Those first few terms felt manageable because I was still adjusting to life abroad. The classes helped me understand how to learn in an American university setting. Now, as I head into my sophomore year, I can already feel the workload growing. Assignments are more frequent, and classes move quickly, but it’s rewarding when you start mastering the rhythm.

Balancing Studies, Research, and Work

The spring term of my first year was probably the toughest so far. I was doing homework almost every day while also applying for research opportunities and internships. I reached out to professors whose work aligned with my interests in math and computer science, and I also explored on-campus jobs to gain experience.

It’s definitely a balancing act: learning how to prioritize and plan. But the challenge pushes me to grow. My advice for anyone planning to study abroad: don’t underestimate how much time management matters. Classes, jobs, and social life all depend on your ability to plan your days intentionally.

Looking Ahead

After graduation, I plan to stay in the U.S. for graduate studies. I want to pursue a Ph.D. in either Mathematics or Computer Science. I might take a gap year before that to gain more experience and explore career options, but my long-term plan definitely includes higher education.

Studying abroad has taught me way more than academics, as I’m sure it has to many international students. It’s taught me how to live independently and understand other cultures as well as mine. Whenever I do presentations for ICSP or talk to students curious about Kazakhstan, I feel like I’m bridging worlds a little.

My Advice to Future Applicants

If I had to give one piece of advice to anyone applying to universities abroad, especially from countries like Kazakhstan, it would be this: start early. Timing matters more than anything else. The earlier you begin studying for standardized tests, writing essays, and seeking scholarships, the less stressful the process will be.

Also, don’t let comparison stop you. Everyone’s journey looks different. Some students get in with perfect stats, others with incredible stories or achievements. Focus on your strengths.