u/Heavy_Series_886

Hi, I’m someone who wants to learn more about the world and beyond through books

Honestly i tried learning through the internet but its no use for me

Im looking for books that talk about

I want both beginner and intermittent

1. Astronomy/Astrophysics
2. Geobiology/Astrobiology
3. Marine and deep sea biology
4. Wildlife biology
5. Planetology
6. Ancient life on earth (it can be through history of people, animals, or science)
7. Geology
8. History of feminism
9. Paleontology
10. Art/fashion or something that talks about creativity

I prefer books that contain images and i don’t mind the rest

Will appreciate recommendations

Not a chance me post; I'm looking for advice on what I can improve and how to make my application stronger before ED1 or ED2

Profile
Grade 11 emarati student at an American-curriculum school in the UAE, graduating in 2027

Planning to apply ED1 to NYU Abu Dhabi

Intended major: Biology

Long-term interests include ecology, conservation, marine biology, environmental science, and potentially astrobiology

Interested in eventually pursuing a research-focused career involving biology, fieldwork, conservation, and international scientific work

I have not been heavily involved in school extracurricular activities or competitions, largely because I have not had many opportunities to participate through my school

Planning to become more involved in science-related work during Grade 12, including starting or coordinating a substantial science project

Academics
Grade 11 first-term overall average: 91%

Physics: 96%

Algebra: 97%

English: 94%

Strongest academic areas are science, mathematics, and English

Academic performance has improved significantly compared with previous years

Biology / Science Interests
Strong and growing interest in biology, ecology, conservation, marine biology, and environmental science

Interested in the relationship between organisms and their environments

Particularly interested in eventually exploring areas such as:
Ecology

Wildlife conservation

Marine biology

Oceanography

Environmental biology

Astrobiology

My interests are still developing, but Biology is currently the field I want to pursue at university

Planning to use Grade 12 to develop a more substantial science project or student-led scientific initiative because I have not previously had much opportunity to participate in school-based science activities

Science Communication & Leadership

.Founder / organizer of Orbit, a student-led virtual astronomy, physics, and biology club

.Worked with other students to develop and publish science-related content

.Contributed to research and educational writing for the club

.Worked collaboratively with other students on scientific topics

.Completed a Uranus research/report project as part of the club's published work

.Interested in developing more substantial science leadership and project coordination during Grade 12

Competitions
.Tom Rocks Maths Essay Competition: Participated by writing an essay about time dilation in Interstellar

Did not place or receive an award in the competition

Limited competition participation due in part to a lack of opportunities and support from my school

Community & Other Activities
Tutoring: Tutored siblings and classmates, helping more than 12 students academically

Business Fair: Participated in a school business fair and helped raise approximately 700 AED for charity

American Sign Language: Learning ASL and educating others about its importance and inclusivity

Family responsibilities: Took on significant responsibilities at home alongside school and extracurricular interests

Science writing and educational content creation

Recommendations
Physics teacher: Planned recommendation for Grade 12

Math Department Leader: Taught me in Grade 8 and has known me since then, providing a long-term perspective on my academic development and character

Plans Before ED1

Begin a substantial science project or student-led scientific initiative in Grade 12

Develop stronger Biology-related extracurricular involvement

Continue building my science communication and research interests

Prepare for the ilets

Determine whether submitting the SAT would strengthen my application

Develop a stronger and more focused university application narrative around Biology

My questions:
What would you focus on improving in the months before ED1?

For someone applying to NYU Abu Dhabi for Biology, what is missing from my profile?

How concerning is my relatively limited competition and school-extracurricular participation?

Would starting a substantial Biology/science project in Grade 12 meaningfully strengthen my application?

What type of project would demonstrate genuine interest in Biology rather than simply adding another extracurricular?

How can I make my application stand out despite not having a long list of awards or competitions?

Do my recommendation choices make sense, particularly the Physics teacher and the Math Department Leader who has known me since Grade 8?

Here are my ideas (I’m willing to apply to nyuad) so if you have previous experience or are willing to help please do I will appreciate it

For my personal essay

1. Vaseline

This essay will revolve around a simple blue and white jar of Vaseline.

Growing up, my mother used Vaseline to protect our wounds. One of my fondest memories with her: I scraped my knee playing a game where I was protecting my sister. She cleaned the cut, spread Vaseline over it, and told me — Vaseline protects wounds, just like you were protecting your sister. In that moment, she taught me that protection is gentle, quiet, and constant.

When she passed, I tried to become the Vaseline for my family. I tried to hold us together, to shield everyone from the pain, to be the one who never cracked. But somewhere in that effort, I lost myself. I was so busy protecting everyone else that I forgot I needed protecting too.

The turning point came when my dad passed out and I thought I lost him. In that moment, I realized I had been running on empty — trying to be the healer without ever letting myself be healed.

What saved me was science. Learning how the body heals, how cells repair, how wounds close — it gave me a language for my own recovery. I realized that healing isn't instant. It's a process. It takes time, care, and the right conditions. Just like Vaseline doesn't heal a wound — it creates the space for the wound to heal itself.

In the end, I learned that I don't have to be the Vaseline for everyone. Sometimes I just need to let myself be the wound that's allowed to heal.

2. Living vs. Existing

This essay will revolve around a single idea my mother planted in me long before she left.

She used to tell me and my sister: Everyone can exist, but only some people truly live. I didn't fully understand it then. I do now.

When I lost her, I stopped living. I kept going — I ate, I slept, I went to school, I took care of my siblings. From the outside, nothing was wrong. But inside, I was just existing. Moving through the motions. A body without a pulse that mattered.

The turning point came when my dad passed out and I thought I lost him too. In that moment, the terror of losing him again — of losing another parent — broke something open in me. I realized I hadn't been living. I had been existing just being their

But in that laying next to him, I chose differently.

I started living again through three things: science, memories, and family.

For supplementary

Koshary: my first time eating it after my father remarried and how it felt unfamiliar with it cause growing up I was taught that unfamiliar meant wrong so | always avoided mentioning my mixed family. (So this can work as either a personal or supplementary)

Hated how being a princess while playing meant I needed saving and how I changed my thinking of cultural beliefs

So growing up our house felt like a hotel so I can talk about the different people who lived in our house and how it changed my perspective

So im not in college now but im going to be in a year and I have a deep passion for ecology/conservation and geobiology/astrobiology and im planning to do a masters ( so i want a uni with strong global connections)

So my current college list is:
1.NYUAD (REACH) biology major with electives and a minor
2. Khalifa (safety) earth and planetary science with a minor in environment and sustainability
3. UAEU or AUS

So I wanna know if there is a college that will limit me or bridge me locally more than globally

Thank you will appreciate any help!

So im an upcoming senior with like zero honers and awards so I wanna know if nyu focuses on awards ir ecs more

For reference these are my ecs and academics

Academics:
GPA: 3.7–3.9
AP Classes: 1 (bio) not done but will do
Honors: 0
College Courses: 0

Extracurricular Activities:

**Research Certificate (Research):**Participated in a summer program to gain foundational skills in research writing, contributing to club projects and enhancing analytical thinking.

Tutoring (Community Service): Tutored siblings and classmates, leading to grade improvements for over 12 students, which enhanced my mentoring and leadership skills.

**American Sign Language (ASL) (Hobbies):**Actively learning ASL to increase future opportunities and educate others on its significance.

****Family Responsibilities (Hobbies):****Assumed caregiving responsibilities for siblings from a young age, fostering maturity and resilience.

Mandarin Language (Hobbies): Currently learning Mandarin to enhance global communication skills.

Review Article (Research): Co-authored a review article on NASA's Uranus mission, set for publication in the Young Science Journal.

TikTok Account (Own Initiative): Founded an educational TikTok account with over 100 videos on climate change, women’s rights, and STEM topics, enhancing peer learning and engagement.

Virtual Club (Own Initiative): Founded a global virtual club to connect STEM enthusiasts, fostering research and blog writing skills.

Tom Rocks Math Essay Competition (Writing): Wrote an essay on time dilation in "Interstellar" for a competition, improving analytical and writing skills.

And im planning from September to October to work on school projects and enter at least on competition or get recognition from school

So im an upcoming senior with like zero honers and awards so I wanna know if nyu focuses on awards ir ecs more

For reference these are my ecs and academics

Academics:
GPA: 3.7–3.9
AP Classes: 1 (bio) not done but will do
Honors: 0
College Courses: 0

Extracurricular Activities:

**Research Certificate (Research):**Participated in a summer program to gain foundational skills in research writing, contributing to club projects and enhancing analytical thinking.

Tutoring (Community Service): Tutored siblings and classmates, leading to grade improvements for over 12 students, which enhanced my mentoring and leadership skills.

**American Sign Language (ASL) (Hobbies):**Actively learning ASL to increase future opportunities and educate others on its significance.

**Family Responsibilities (Hobbies):**Assumed caregiving responsibilities for siblings from a young age, fostering maturity and resilience.

Mandarin Language (Hobbies): Currently learning Mandarin to enhance global communication skills.

Review Article (Research): Co-authored a review article on NASA's Uranus mission, set for publication in the Young Science Journal.

TikTok Account (Own Initiative): Founded an educational TikTok account with over 100 videos on climate change, women’s rights, and STEM topics, enhancing peer learning and engagement.

Virtual Club (Own Initiative): Founded a global virtual club to connect STEM enthusiasts, fostering research and blog writing skills.

Tom Rocks Math Essay Competition (Writing): Wrote an essay on time dilation in "Interstellar" for a competition, improving analytical and writing skills.

And im planning from September to October to work on school projects and enter at least on competition or get recognition from school

16f arab, looking for people ( doesn’t matter where you are from but please female) I just need people who love to talk and give advice or just rant about random stuff i want people who can actually want a friendship as in a strong friendship where we trauma dump, laugh, joke, cry, or do whatever friends do

So about me
I love to talk about life in like a deep perspective, give advice, make random jokes, read, research and learn about topics regarding ecology, animals, astronomy, physics, history, geology like I can talk about such topics for hours on end

So yeah if your someone ( preferably a girl) who’s also looking for a friend 🙃 we can connect!

Hi everyone,
I'm currently a high school student in the UAE and I'm planning to pursue an international career in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or a related field. My long-term goal is to complete my bachelor's in the UAE and then continue with a master's (and possibly a PhD) abroad before working internationally in research or conservation.

Right now, NYU Abu Dhabi is my first choice. I really like its Biology program because of the liberal arts approach, research opportunities, global reputation, and the fact that its professors come from leading universities around the world. However, I know admission is extremely competitive, so I'm trying to explore other options as well.

My current backup plan is Khalifa University, where I'm considering the BSc in Earth and Planetary, possibly alongside a minor related to environmental science (if possible, to keep ecology open). Even though my main passion is ecology and conservation, I'm open to discovering, especially because Khalifa has strong research and internationally trained faculty.

What I'm really looking for is a university in the UAE that:

1.Has internationally recognized professors with strong research backgrounds.

2.Gives undergraduates plenty of research opportunities.

4.Has a good reputation with universities abroad for master's admissions.

5.Can help me build an international research career rather than limiting me to the UAE.

6.Has strengths in ecology, conservation, environmental science, biology, Earth sciences, or related fields.

Are there any universities besides NYUAD and Khalifa that I should seriously consider? I'd also love to hear from anyone studying Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or Earth Sciences in the UAE.

If you've graduated from one of these programs or know people who have, were they able to get into good master's programs overseas? How did you find the professors, research opportunities, and overall academic environment?

I'd really appreciate any advice or personal experiences. Thanks!

Hi everyone,
I'm currently a high school student in the UAE and I'm planning to pursue an international career in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or a related field. My long-term goal is to complete my bachelor's in the UAE and then continue with a master's (and possibly a PhD) abroad before working internationally in research or conservation.

Right now, NYU Abu Dhabi is my first choice. I really like its Biology program because of the liberal arts approach, research opportunities, global reputation, and the fact that its professors come from leading universities around the world. However, I know admission is extremely competitive, so I'm trying to explore other options as well.

My current backup plan is Khalifa University, where I'm considering the BSc in Earth and Planetary, possibly alongside a minor related to environmental science (if possible, to keep ecology open). Even though my main passion is ecology and conservation, I'm open to discovering, especially because Khalifa has strong research and internationally trained faculty.

What I'm really looking for is a university in the UAE that:

1.Has internationally recognized professors with strong research backgrounds.

2.Gives undergraduates plenty of research opportunities.

4.Has a good reputation with universities abroad for master's admissions.

5.Can help me build an international research career rather than limiting me to the UAE.

6.Has strengths in ecology, conservation, environmental science, biology, Earth sciences, or related fields.

Are there any universities besides NYUAD and Khalifa that I should seriously consider? I'd also love to hear from anyone studying Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or Earth Sciences in the UAE.

If you've graduated from one of these programs or know people who have, were they able to get into good master's programs overseas? How did you find the professors, research opportunities, and overall academic environment?

I'd really appreciate any advice or personal experiences. Thanks!

Hi im an upcoming senior and is willing to apply to nyuad for biology along with electives in physics and earth science my questions are-:

1. How are the biology courses right and do they include ecology and conservation

2. Is biology a good choice in nyuad ( considering it is strong in liberal arts)

3. If im someone who wants a career in science specifically geobiology or conservation would you suggest khalifa or nyuad

4. What are the pros and cons in going to nyuad

5. Do they focus heavily in research writing and science communication or field work and data work

6. If im someone who is stronger in science and has weak areas in writing is nyuad still a good option due to creative writing being mandatory

Thank you will appreciate any help!

Hey everyone, I wanted to get some opinions and my chances on my application in general.
I'm an Emirati student. My grades
Grade 9: 85%
Grade 10: 81% (definitely my weakest year 😭)
Grade 11 Term 1: 91%
Algebra: 97%
Physics: 96%
for my Grade 11 Term 2: 93%
Algebra: 98%
Physics: 98%

For Grade 12, my goal is to graduate with 98%. I'm also planning to take Advanced Physics and AP Biology (my school just started to offer)

My ECs are a bit different because I missed a lot of opportunities. I couldn't attend a research camp or take a summer job because my parents weren't supportive.
So I decided to create opportunities myself.

1.Started a virtual science club focused on astrophysics, biology, and related sciences.
17 members and growing
4 blog posts published
Ongoing collaboration with a non-profit

2. Wrote a collaborative review article via club about NASA's Uranus mission that's being reviewed for publication in the Young Scientist Journal.

3.Started a TikTok account where I explain SAT concepts, AP Biology, difficult science topics, and sometimes discuss women's rights and climate change.

4.Tutor my classmates before science exams.

5.Help teach and take care of my younger siblings.

6.Participated in a school business fair and helped raise 700 AED for charity.

7.Currently learning Chinese and sign language.

8.Participated in the Tom Rocks Essay Competition. I didn't place, but I wrote about time dilation in *Interstellar*, used actual relativity equations, and it really improved my writing and creativity.

My testing goals are:
SAT: 1500+
IELTS: 7.5

Hi I’m an upcoming senior who is writing my college essay and I am struggling I have ideas but I have never been a writer so I need serious help and tips from people who had past experience

Will appreciate any help!

BT I’m applying to nyuad

Hi I’m an upcoming senior who is writing my college essay and I am struggling I have ideas but I have never been a writer so I need serious help and tips from people who had past experience

Will appreciate any help!

BT I’m applying to nyuad

Hey everyone, I wanted to get some opinions and my chances on my application in general.
I'm an Emirati student. My grades
Grade 9: 85%
Grade 10: 81% (definitely my weakest year 😭)
Grade 11 Term 1: 91%
Algebra: 97%
Physics: 96%
for my Grade 11 Term 2: 93%
Algebra: 98%
Physics: 98%

For Grade 12, my goal is to graduate with 98%. I'm also planning to take Advanced Physics and AP Biology (my school just started to offer)

My ECs are a bit different because I missed a lot of opportunities. I couldn't attend a research camp or take a summer job because my parents weren't supportive.
So I decided to create opportunities myself.
Started a virtual science club focused on astrophysics, biology, and related sciences.
15 members
3 blog posts published
Currently writing a review article about NASA's Uranus mission that's being reviewed for publication in the Young Scientist Journal.
Started a TikTok account where I explain SAT concepts, AP Biology, difficult science topics, and sometimes discuss women's rights and climate change.
Tutor my classmates before science exams.
Help teach and take care of my younger siblings.
Participated in a school business fair and helped raise 700 AED for charity.
Currently learning Chinese and sign language.
Participated in the Tom Rocks Essay Competition. I didn't place, but I wrote about time dilation in \*Interstellar\*, used actual relativity equations, and it really improved my writing and creativity.

My testing goals are:
SAT: 1500+
IELTS: 7.5

For my personal statement, I have a few ideas and I'd love to know which one sounds the strongest:
Late-night thoughts & siblings: A quiet night spent taking care of my siblings leads me to wonder about the improbability of our existence as a family and how responsibility shaped my curiosity about life.
Sunday 5 a.m. Moana: My nine-year ritual of waking up every Sunday at 5 a.m. to watch Moana, how it became my only peaceful moment, taught me discipline, and how the movie's meaning changed as I grew and now watch it with my family.
Koshary & embracing the unfamiliar: My first encounter with koshary as a child becomes a story about fearing the unfamiliar, adapting to change after my mother's death and my father's remarriage, and learning that different does not mean wrong.
Board game: A board game losing its dice becomes a metaphor for losing my mother and learning that even when life loses an important piece, we can create new ways to keep moving.
Sock cupboard: My treasured cupboard of socks becomes a story about why ordinary objects held extraordinary meaning and what they reveal about my childhood and identity.
Closed door: Standing in front of a closed door symbolizes my fear of change and how stepping through it transformed my understanding of loss, growth, and new beginnings.
Different roots: Growing up with multiple cultural roots, I struggled to understand where I belonged until I realized that having many identities is a strength rather than something to hide.
Hijabi Barbie: Growing up before seeing a hijabi Barbie and how representation, identity, and seeing myself reflected changed the way I viewed belonging and confidence.
Princess & feminism: Why I hated being called a princess as a child, how my understanding of femininity changed over time, and how I redefined what strength and womanhood mean to me.
Makeup creasing & aging: My frustration with makeup creasing evolves into a reflection on perfection, embracing imperfections, and realizing that growing older is something to appreciate rather than fear.
Probability of existence: Learning about the improbability of human existence leads me to reflect on my own life, my family, and how that realization changed the way I see the world and my place in it.

For my supplemental essay, I'm thinking about writing either:
1.living around people from different cultures,
2.having multiple cultural roots,
3.or how interacting with people in my science club changed my perspective.

So... what do you all think? What are my strengths and weaknesses? Which essay idea stands out the most? And is there anything you think I should improve before applying?

Will appreciate any help thank you!

Hey everyone, I wanted to get some opinions and my chances on my application in general.
I'm an Emirati student. My grades
Grade 9: 85%
Grade 10: 81% (definitely my weakest year 😭)
Grade 11 Term 1: 91%
Algebra: 97%
Physics: 96%
for my Grade 11 Term 2: 93%
Algebra: 98%
Physics: 98%

For Grade 12, my goal is to graduate with 98%. I'm also planning to take Advanced Physics and AP Biology (my school just started to offer)

My ECs are a bit different because I missed a lot of opportunities. I couldn't attend a research camp or take a summer job because my parents weren't supportive.
So I decided to create opportunities myself.

1.Started a virtual science club focused on astrophysics, biology, and related sciences.
15 members
3 blog posts published

2. Wrote a collaborative review article via club about NASA's Uranus mission that's being reviewed for publication in the Young Scientist Journal.

3.Started a TikTok account where I explain SAT concepts, AP Biology, difficult science topics, and sometimes discuss women's rights and climate change.

4.Tutor my classmates before science exams.

5.Help teach and take care of my younger siblings.

6.Participated in a school business fair and helped raise 700 AED for charity.

7.Currently learning Chinese and sign language.

8.Participated in the Tom Rocks Essay Competition. I didn't place, but I wrote about time dilation in *Interstellar*, used actual relativity equations, and it really improved my writing and creativity.

My testing goals are:
SAT: 1500+
IELTS: 7.5

Hey everyone, I wanted to get some opinions and my chances on my application in general.
I'm an Emirati student. My grades
Grade 9: 85%
Grade 10: 81% (definitely my weakest year 😭)
Grade 11 Term 1: 91%
Algebra: 97%
Physics: 96%
for my Grade 11 Term 2: 93%
Algebra: 98%
Physics: 98%

For Grade 12, my goal is to graduate with 98%. I'm also planning to take Advanced Physics and AP Biology (my school just started to offer)

My ECs are a bit different because I missed a lot of opportunities. I couldn't attend a research camp or take a summer job because my parents weren't supportive.
So I decided to create opportunities myself.

1.Started a virtual science club focused on astrophysics, biology, and related sciences.
15 members
3 blog posts published

2. Wrote a collaborative review article via club about NASA's Uranus mission that's being reviewed for publication in the Young Scientist Journal.

3.Started a TikTok account where I explain SAT concepts, AP Biology, difficult science topics, and sometimes discuss women's rights and climate change.

4.Tutor my classmates before science exams.

5.Help teach and take care of my younger siblings.

6.Participated in a school business fair and helped raise 700 AED for charity.

7.Currently learning Chinese and sign language.

8.Participated in the Tom Rocks Essay Competition. I didn't place, but I wrote about time dilation in *Interstellar*, used actual relativity equations, and it really improved my writing and creativity.

My testing goals are:
SAT: 1500+
IELTS: 7.5

Will appreciate any help thank you!

Hey everyone, I wanted to get some opinions and my chances on my application in general.
I'm an Emirati student. My grades
Grade 9: 85%
Grade 10: 81% (definitely my weakest year 😭)
Grade 11 Term 1: 91%
Algebra: 97%
Physics: 96%
I'm still waiting for my Grade 11 Term 2 results.
For Grade 12, my goal is to graduate with 98%. I'm also planning to take Advanced Physics and hopefully AP Biology (still deciding).

My ECs are a bit different because I missed a lot of opportunities. I couldn't attend a research camp or take a summer job because my parents weren't supportive.
So I decided to create opportunities myself.
Started a virtual science club focused on astrophysics, biology, and related sciences.
15 members
3 blog posts published
Currently writing a review article about NASA's Uranus mission that's being reviewed for publication in the Young Scientist Journal.
Started a TikTok account where I explain SAT concepts, AP Biology, difficult science topics, and sometimes discuss women's rights and climate change.
Tutor my classmates before science exams.
Help teach and take care of my younger siblings.
Participated in a school business fair and helped raise 700 AED for charity.
Currently learning Chinese and sign language.
Participated in the Tom Rocks Essay Competition. I didn't place, but I wrote about time dilation in *Interstellar*, used actual relativity equations, and it really improved my writing and creativity.

My testing goals are:
SAT: 1500+
IELTS: 7.5

For my personal statement, I have a few ideas and I'd love to know which one sounds the strongest:

1. Writing about losing my mom, my dad remarrying, and everything that happened afterward. There was a lot of family conflict and financial hardship, but my dad never spoke badly about anyone and always put us first. I'm worried this essay might end up being more about my dad than me.
2. Using my first time trying koshary as a metaphor. I refused to eat it because it was unfamiliar, and connecting that to adapting to my dad remarrying and accepting change. I also want to explore culture vs. religion and how gender shouldn't define someone's opportunities.
3. Using a board game that loses its dice as a metaphor for losing my mom. At first it feels like the game can never continue, but eventually you realize you can make new rules and keep playing.

4.Writing about growing up taking care of my siblings, not having much free time, and how that motivated me to build my virtual science club.

5.Late-night thoughts and reflections.

6.Writing about how unbelievably lucky it is that we're alive at all, how discovering that changed my perspective, and connecting it to appreciating my family and the life I have.
I'm thinking about combining ideas 4, 5, and 6.

For my "Why NYU Abu Dhabi?" essay, I want to focus on their biology program and research opportunities.

For my supplemental essay, I'm thinking about writing either:
1.living around people from different cultures,
2.having multiple cultural roots,
3.or how interacting with people in my science club changed my perspective.

So... what do you all think? What are my strengths and weaknesses? Which essay idea stands out the most? And is there anything you think I should improve before applying?

Am also planning on organising an science event in school but my school isn’t that supportive

Will appreciate any help thank you!

Hey everyone, I wanted to get some opinions and advice on my application in general.
I'm an Emirati student. My grades
Grade 9: 85%
Grade 10: 81% (definitely my weakest year 😭)
Grade 11 Term 1: 91%
Algebra: 97%
Physics: 96%
I'm still waiting for my Grade 11 Term 2 results.
For Grade 12, my goal is to graduate with 98%. I'm also planning to take Advanced Physics and hopefully AP Biology (still deciding).

My ECs are a bit different because I missed a lot of opportunities. I couldn't attend a research camp or take a summer job because my parents weren't supportive.
So I decided to create opportunities myself.
Started a virtual science club focused on astrophysics, biology, and related sciences.
15 members
3 blog posts published
Currently writing a review article about NASA's Uranus mission that's being reviewed for publication in the Young Scientist Journal.
Started a TikTok account where I explain SAT concepts, AP Biology, difficult science topics, and sometimes discuss women's rights and climate change.
Tutor my classmates before science exams.
Help teach and take care of my younger siblings.
Participated in a school business fair and helped raise 700 AED for charity.
Currently learning Chinese and sign language.
Participated in the Tom Rocks Essay Competition. I didn't place, but I wrote about time dilation in Interstellar, used actual relativity equations, and it really improved my writing and creativity.

My testing goals are:
SAT: 1500+
IELTS: 7.5

For my personal statement, I have a few ideas and I'd love to know which one sounds the strongest:

1. Writing about losing my mom, my dad remarrying, and everything that happened afterward. There was a lot of family conflict and financial hardship, but my dad never spoke badly about anyone and always put us first. I'm worried this essay might end up being more about my dad than me.
2. Using my first time trying koshary as a metaphor. I refused to eat it because it was unfamiliar, and connecting that to adapting to my dad remarrying and accepting change. I also want to explore culture vs. religion and how gender shouldn't define someone's opportunities.
3. Using a board game that loses its dice as a metaphor for losing my mom. At first it feels like the game can never continue, but eventually you realize you can make new rules and keep playing.

4.Writing about growing up taking care of my siblings, not having much free time, and how that motivated me to build my virtual science club.

5.Late-night thoughts and reflections.

6.Writing about how unbelievably lucky it is that we're alive at all, how discovering that changed my perspective, and connecting it to appreciating my family and the life I have.
I'm thinking about combining ideas 4, 5, and 6.

For my "Why NYU Abu Dhabi?" essay, I want to focus on their biology program and research opportunities.

For my supplemental essay, I'm thinking about writing either:
1.living around people from different cultures,
2.having multiple cultural roots,
3.or how interacting with people in my science club changed my perspective.

So... what do you all think? What are my strengths and weaknesses? Which essay idea stands out the most? And is there anything you think I should improve before applying?

Am also planning on organising an science event in school but my school isn’t that supportive

Will appreciate any help thank you!

Hi, i am a high school student ( upcoming senior) who started a virtual club for stem subjects!

I am looking for people who are interested to join!

We write blogs and do researches as well as share ideas.

If you wanna join please contact me!

Hope you join and help our community grow!

Hi i want to apply to nyu and i am currently working on essay ideas i have come up with two ideas that revolve around the same topic

The GPS turn essay

So this is gonna be about how one day when my sister and I were driving we took the wrong turn but the GPS didn’t tell us to go back to the start or back through the same road it gave us another way to reach our destination a longer way but it still got us to were we want to be, and I am gonna link that to losing my mother and how when i lost her i didn’t have to stop going or go back to the start no the path I’m on is not a mistake, just a different route to where I’m meant to be.

The cell essay

This is gonna talk about the cell and how each part of the cell had its own function so i am gonna link the losing the nucleus to losing my mother ( because the nucleus is what controls the cell and keeps it stable) and how i thought that now i can never be stable and i cant live until i realised that her memories are my nucleus they are what shaped and guided me to where and that losing her doesn’t mean i have to forget her it means i live for her make her proud even if she isn’t her and then i am gonna link the different parts of the cells like mitochondria and cell membrane to how i adapted and without her and what helped me

Would appreciate any help and feedbacks!!
P.S ill apply to biology with a minor in environmental science