I came to Greenwood High from a CBSE school, where there wasn't a lot of exposure to opportunities to study abroad. Information was short in supply, or, indeed, so abundant on the internet it was too difficult to ascertain its reliability. Making the decision to transfer to IB was a big one, no doubt. I had to be sure it would pay off with a great college placement in the future. Before joining, my mother had asked for advice from the school's vice-principal, who directed her to Ms. Aditi Diwan. She played a vital role in soothing my mother's anxieties about college abroad, and then directed me to a life-changing opportunity in the city in physics for the summer that entirely redefined how I approached my ambitions. In part, one of the greatest experiences was indirectly due to her knowledge of available opportunities. Having her guide me through the college application process was an incredible benefit. The biggest hurdle in applying to college isn't the application itself, but the stress that comes with it. Every little mistake you make, say in a test, absolutely freaks you out, and the building anxiety has a negative impact on your application itself. It is easy to shortchange yourself and, indeed, on the other hand, it is easy to be over-ambitious and end up disappointed. Having someone like Ms. Diwan to help you manage your expectations is a great asset, considering she has seen students with similar accomplishments in the past and their results. Besides, she has a vast knowledge of a lot of schools, from students like myself who have been attending them, and her ability to connect aspiring students with students in the college is immensely valuable. When it comes to actually putting together an application, her advice in how best to present yourself is invaluable. Having a resource like her help you organize the entire process is incredibly helpful. I am thankful for how she helped me be where I am at the University of Pennsylvania, and I highly recommend other students to utilize her as a resource.
- Anirudh, U Penn Class of 2023