Personal Background & Why NYUAD
Hi, I am Ayberk from Konya, Turkey. I studied at Nesibe Aydin Science School, which follows a national curriculum and specializes in science, technology, and holistic development.
First, I chose to study abroad because the education system in Turkey was deteriorating, and university rankings were declining—I couldn’t even find a single institution in the top 500 global rankings. Second, I wanted to build my professional career abroad, which led me to apply to prestigious research universities in the U.S., where I had a better chance of receiving full financial aid as an international student to study computer science. However, when I heard my friends planning to apply to NYUAD, I started my application one week before the deadline to assess my chances of admission. Then, as I learned more about the school through various channels, I realized it might be an excellent choice for me.
My GPA, SAT, and Proficiency Tests Stats
My GPA was 4.0 when evaluated using the American system, and in the Turkish GPA system, my score was 99 out of 100. My SAT score is 1530, and I took three AP exams: a 5 in Calculus BC, a 5 in Computer Science, and a 4 in Chemistry. I did not submit my Turkish exam scores because they were all administered after the application deadlines at the end of my senior year. Additionally, I took the Duolingo English Test to demonstrate my English language proficiency and scored 150 out of 160.
Extracurricular Activities & Projects
My extracurricular activities were all based on coding and computer science. I include projects such as my Rise Project and others related to health and computer science. In high school, I pursued photography, astrophotography, and aviation photography—topics I also mentioned in my essays. Additionally, I gained experience in Model United Nations (MUNs), editorial work, and graphic design for a magazine. I was also involved with an NGO called YGA in Turkey, where we conducted STEM sessions and science camps for children in earthquake-affected regions who lacked access to proper education.
Application Steps & Suggestions
To study abroad, you must begin preparing for every aspect of your application at least four years before the deadline. Nevertheless, I decided to study abroad in my sophomore year and started studying for my AP exams, the SAT, and doing research projects two years before applying. What I mean is that your CV, statistics, essays, and financial plan must be planned well in advance so that you are ready to apply. Personally, it took me three months to polish my essays and prepare the other components of my Common App.
My suggestions for international students who want to apply to competitive overseas schools are:
- If you are someone applying to colleges without prior knowledge—or if your school and teachers don’t understand the application process—you will have to research extensively through social media, Google, and other online resources. What I mean is that you should be independent enough to research opportunities, programs, and projects you can apply to, because colleges are becoming increasingly competitive each year, and as an international student, you must also be competent enough to secure scholarships and admission.
- Try to make your CV, stats, essays, and portfolio as strong as possible, and always have backup options when applying to competitive schools, because you can never be certain whether you will be admitted, rejected, or awarded a scholarship.
- Start writing your essays as early as possible, because as someone who began comparatively late, it is essential to begin polishing your essays well before the deadlines.
Student & Work Life in the UAE
In my first semester, I took Calculus, which I had previously studied in 11th and 12th grades, and Intro to CS, which I had already learned before. Additionally, NYUAD provides core classes from the core curriculum to help you identify your major more closely. Another class I took was called "The Human Value” taught by a teacher and cinematographer from NYU Tisch. In this class, we shot short films and videos. Another course was a class on space diplomacy, taught by a former head of the United Nations office. This semester, I am taking discussion-based classes such as thermodynamics, printmaking, and physics.
Furthermore, the first two weeks after I arrived in the UAE were amazing because I met many people from different parts of the world, which made adapting to NYUAD much easier than expected. Outside of class, I engage in sports like rock climbing, swimming, cycling, and working out at the gym. I also have a campus job for up to 5–10 hours a week, where I do videography and photography. In addition, I was offered an internship at a travel agency I found at a career fair.
Future Plans After & Before Graduation
After graduation, I plan to stay in the UAE, get a job for four to five years, and then transfer to other companies in Europe or the USA. On the other hand, I might move to Turkey and work in the tech industry or develop my own startup.
As for plans before graduation, NYUAD has mandatory study-away semesters, and I intend to go to Paris, France, for one academic semester. In the first semester of my junior year, I will go to New York City under J-1 exchange visa terms provided by NYUAD.
