Welcome to The Thirsty Scholar newsletter—if you’re an international high school student aspiring to a top college in the US, UK, and beyond, you are exactly where you need to be!
Indian Prime Minister Nehru makes an inspection of Harvard Library in 1949 together with Harvard President James B. Conant.
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IN THIS ISSUE
Upcoming Events and Competitions for International High School Students - Don’t Miss Out!
I’ve carefully curated a list of exclusive events and competitions tailored specifically for international high school students—designed with your eligibility, aspirations, and future success in mind. Hosted by some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, these opportunities are your chance to shine and stand out.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store in today’s edition.
Yale and The New York Times: Engage with thought-provoking writing and global conversations.
Harvard Essay Competition: A prestigious opportunity to showcase your ideas and writing skills to a global audience.
Yale Symposium for High School Students: Dive into journalism with workshops and lectures led by seasoned experts and professionals.
National Academy of Engineering Contest: A chance to combine creativity and problem-solving to design the future.
Georgia Tech and Bowdoin College Webinar for International Students: Explore academic and extracurricular opportunities tailored specifically for international students.
How to Get into the Top Summer Programs: Learn insider strategies to secure a spot in the most sought-after summer programs from a Yale and Swarthmore alum.
Sessions include: Make Your Winter Break Count for Ivy League & Oxbridge Success, 5 Steps to Prepare Your Child Aged 11-14 for the Ivy League, Why a Women’s College?
Other amazing events by Hamilton College, Amherst, Stanford, Wellesley, Princeton, MIT, UIUC, Barnard, Grinnell, Berkeley, etc.
If you haven’t subscribed already, don’t miss out - subscribe now to unlock the full details! Explore these incredible opportunities and take the next step toward achieving your college dreams!
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to me directly at [email protected]
COLLEGE INFO SESSIONS/WEBINARS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (all sessions are virtual unless otherwise noted; please double check the exact time depending on your particular time zone)
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Georgia Tech: Prospective First-Year International Student Webinar
Description: A webinar specifically for prospective international students highlighting academic and extracurricular opportunities at Georgia Tech and covering application requirements.
Format: Online Event
Time: 7:30 PM (EST)
Register HereYale: Virtual Information Session
Description: Join an admissions officer and a current student for an overview of Yale’s programs, student life, and application process.
Format: Online Event
Time: 4:00 PM–5:00 PM (EST)
Register HereBarnard College: Intro to Student Life
Description: A virtual chat with current Barnard students providing insights into academic and social life at the College.
Format: Online Event
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EST)
Register Here
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Amherst College: Financial Aid Information Session
Description: Learn about Amherst’s financial aid process, including need-based aid for international students.
Format: Online Event
Time: 11:00 AM (EST)
Register HereStanford: Virtual Visit and Student Forum
Description: Two-hour session with an admissions officer covering Stanford’s unique programs, admission process, and financial aid. Includes a live student Q&A.
Format: Online Event
Time: 3:30 PM–5:30 PM (PT)
Register HereCrimson Education: Oxbridge vs the Ivy League: Which One Is Best For You?
Description: Crimson Education (a leading university admissions consultancy) webinar for students in years 10–12 and their parents to explore key differences between Oxbridge and Ivy League admissions.
Format: Online Event
Time: 6:30 PM GMT
Register HereIvyWise: Student Success Stories: A Peek Inside the Admissions Office
Description: IvyWise counselors that include former admissions officers at Stanford, Georgetown and Johns Hopkins discuss how admissions committees evaluate applications with real-life examples of successful candidates.
Format: Online Event
Time: 3:00 PM EST
Register HereEmpowerly: How to Get Into Top Summer Programs
Description: Empowerly webinar on strategies for gaining admission to top summer programs. Learn about application crafting, recommendations, and insider tips. Hosted by a Swarthmore and Yale graduate.
Format: Online Event
Time: 5:00 PM–6:00 PM PST
Register Here
Friday, December 6, 2024
Princeton: Virtual Information Session
Description: An overview of Princeton’s programs, admissions process, and campus life.
Format: Online Event
Time: 9:30 AM (ET)
Register Here
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Bowdoin College: International Student Application Workshop
Description: Join international admissions officers to learn about Bowdoin, its admissions process, and post-application procedures.
Format: Online Event
Time: 12:00 PM–1:00 PM (ET)
Register HereBarnard College: Virtual Campus Tour
Description: A live virtual tour showcasing academic and social life, including residence halls, labs, and classrooms.
Format: Online Event
Time: 12:00 PM (ET)
Register Here
Sunday, December 8, 2024
Crimson Education: Make Your Winter Break Count for Ivy League & Oxbridge Success (Coimbatore)
Description: In-person event to strategize for Ivy League and Oxbridge admissions, featuring expert guidance by Crimson (a leading university admissions consultancy).
Format: In-Person Event
Time: 6:30 AM (GMT) / 12:00 PM (IST)
Location: Taj Vivanta, Coimbatore
Register HereCrimson Education: Make Your Winter Break Count for Ivy League & Oxbridge Success (Chandigarh)
Description: In-person event to strategize for Ivy League and Oxbridge admissions, featuring expert guidance by Crimson (a leading university admissions consultancy).
Format: In-Person Event
Time: 6:30 AM (GMT) / 12:00 PM (IST)
Location: Hyatt Centric, Chandigarh
Register Here
Monday, December 9, 2024
Grinnell College: Virtual Information Session
Description: Overview of Grinnell’s academics, career development, and financial aid processes.
Format: Online Event
Time: 7:30 PM–8:00 PM (CT)
Register HereWellesley College: Why a Women’s College?
Description: Led by Wellesley alums, this session explores the unique benefits of a women’s college and its impact on community and career.
Format: Online Event
Time: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM (EST)
Register HereUC Berkeley: Admissions Presentation
Description: Virtual admissions presentation providing insights into UC Berkeley’s programs and application process.
Format: Online Event
Time: 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM (PST)
Register HereCrimson Education: Exclusive Pathways to Elite US Colleges
Description: Crimson Education (a leading university admissions consultancy) webinar featuring Founder & CEO Jamie Beaton discussing premium admissions strategies.
Format: Online Event
Time: 6:30 PM GMT
Register Here
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Crimson Education: 5 Steps to Prepare Your Child Aged 11-14 for the Ivy League
Description: Crimson Education (a leading university admissions consultancy) webinar for parents, offering actionable insights for preparing younger students for Ivy League admissions.
Format: Online Event
Time: 6:30 PM GMT
Register HereEmpowerly: Insider Tips to Getting Into an Ivy League
Description: Empowerly (leading educational consultancy) webinar hosted by former Columbia admissions officer Jermaine on strategies to maximize your chances for Ivy League admissions.
Format: Online Event
Time: 2:00 PM–3:00 PM PST
Register Here
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Yale: Virtual Information Session
Description: Join an admissions officer and a current student for an overview of Yale’s programs, student life, and application process.
Format: Online Event
Time: 4:00 PM (EST)
Register HereMIT: Online Information Session
Description: Explore what makes MIT unique in a live information session hosted by admissions representatives.
Format: Online Event
Time: 4:00 PM–5:00 PM EST
Register Here
Thursday, December 12, 2024
Bowdoin College: Insights and Advice for Application Writing
Description: Join an admissions officer to learn about the importance of effective writing in college applications, including insights and tips to enhance your self-presentation throughout your application
Format: Online Event
Time: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST
Register Here
Monday, December 16, 2024
IvyWise: Class of 2025: It’s Not Too Late! College Admissions Q&A
Description: IvyWise (leading educational consultancy) counselors (fromer adcom members from Columbia and Wesleyan) host a live Q&A to address last-minute college application questions.
Format: Online Event
Time: 3:00 PM EST
Register Here
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Crimson Education: How to Utilize Your Winter Holidays to Prepare for Top Universities
Description: Crimson Education (a leading university admissions consultancy) webinar offering guidance on making the most of your winter break to prepare for US/UK university applications.
Format: Online Event
Time: 6:30 PM GMT
Register Here
UPCOMING COMPETITIONS for International High School Students (ESSAY WRITING, SYMPOSIUMS, ETC.)
✔️ The Fountainhead Essay Contest
Organizing Institute: Ayn Rand Institute
Description: Open to middle and high school students worldwide, ages 13 and older. Students write an essay based on Ayn Rand's novel The Fountainhead, grappling with its themes and characters. Seasonal prompts are provided, and the top essays compete for a grand prize.
Deadline: Winter Entry Deadline - December 20, 2024
Prize: $25,000 annual grand prize, along with cash prizes for seasonal winners.
How to Apply: Register and Submit Essay Here
✔️Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Organizing Institute: Ayn Rand Institute
Description: Participants write essays based on Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged, addressing themes like moral ideas in business, culture, and politics. Open to high school seniors, college undergraduates, and graduate students.
Deadline: Winter Entry Deadline - December 27, 2024
Prize: $25,000 annual grand prize.
How to Apply: Register and Submit Essay Here
✔️Open Letters: Opinion-Writing Contest
Organizing Institute: The New York Times, The Learning Network
Description: Students write open letters to individuals or groups about meaningful issues, aiming to inspire action or reflection. The letter serves as a persuasive essay written in a personal, impactful voice.
Deadline: March 12 2025 - April 16, 2025
Prize: Winners' letters may be published in The New York Times.
Eligibility: Open to students ages 13 to 19 worldwide.
How to Apply: Submit Here
✔️Yale Daily News Winter Symposium
Organizing Institute: The Yale Daily News, Yale University
Description: A four-day intensive journalism course for high school students, featuring workshops, guest lectures, and hands-on reporting. Participants will publish their stories in a special issue of the Yale Daily News.
Dates: January 3–6, 2025
Fee: $240, with financial aid available for eligible participants.
How to Apply: Register Here
✔️The Harvard Crimson’s College Journalism Symposium (CJS)
Organizing Institute: The Harvard Crimson, Harvard University
Description: A two-day event for high school reporters, featuring workshops, simulations, and seminars led by Crimson editors and professional journalists from top publications like The New York Times.
Dates: April 12–13, 2025
Location: Cambridge, MA & Virtual
Deadline: Early Registration - March 15, 2025; Final Registration - April 1, 2025
How to Apply: Register Here
✔️Yale International Relations Global Essay Competition (YIRA)
Organizing Institute: Yale International Relations Association
Description: Students write a 400-word essay on a given international relations theme (announced in January 2025), addressing global issues and proposing solutions. Open to students worldwide in grades 8–12.
Deadlines: Early Registration - November 30, 2024; Regular Registration - December 31, 2024; competition starts in Jan 2025 and ends March 2025
Fee: $25 (early) / $50 (regular)
How to Apply: Register Here
✔️EngineerGirl Writing Contest
Organizing Institute: National Academy of Engineering
Description: Students write about a common object they would make "smart," explaining its function, benefits, and potential challenges. Open to students globally in grades 3–12.
Deadline: February 1, 2025
Prize: Cash prizes awarded for each grade category.
How to Apply: Register Here
BEFORE YOU GO…
QUOTE of the DAY
“One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
How did we do today?
That’s it for now. Catch you later!
What did you think of today’s newsletter? Tell me what you’d like to see more of by emailing [email protected]
