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Aspire Ivy: A Central Asian Guide
As a student from Kyrgyzstan, I often wondered why so few students from Central Asia, including myself, considered applying to Ivy League schools or top graduate programs in the United States. When I received my acceptance to Harvard, I realized I was the only master’s degree student from my country. That question became even louder: Why?
The reasons are complex. For many Central Asian students, the barriers include financial aid concerns, a lack of mentorship, or simply not knowing where to begin. We have the potential, the dreams, and the determination, but we lack tailored resources to make those dreams a reality.
That’s where Aspire Ivy comes in.
The Solution 💡
Aspire Ivy is a comprehensive guide created specifically for Central Asian students aiming to apply to top U.S. graduate programs, including Ivy League schools.
This guide takes students step by step through the application process, while addressing the unique challenges faced by applicants from Central Asia. Drawing from my own experiences and the advice of current Harvard students, Aspire Ivy combines practical advice, motivational insights, and actionable tips.
Some key features of the guide include:
- Step-by-step guidance on the application process: From planning timelines to preparing materials like recommendation letters and standardized test scores.
- Financial aid strategies: Advice on finding scholarships and grants specific to Central Asian students.
- Personal story insights: Sharing my own journey as a Central Asian student at Harvard to inspire others.
- Voices from Harvard peers: Incorporating advice from current students on how they made their applications stand out.
Throughout this process, PCE was a guiding journey that shaped my project into something meaningful. Using backward design, I focused on the ultimate goal: empowering Central Asian students to navigate the Ivy League admissions process. My TF’s advice, Andy Hyde, to “dream big, start small” encouraged me to take an ambitious idea which was a platform initially and refine it into a practical, tangible guide.
PCE reminded me to listen to my audience, iterate based on feedback, and build something actionable.
I hope Aspire Ivy will inspire the next generation of leaders from Central Asia to believe in their potential and take that first bold step toward their dreams. I hope this time next year more students from Kyrgyzstan will be represented at Harvard.
