Student Spotlight: Narayani speaks about NUS!

As our student Narayani Tulsian proudly prepares to walk the red carpet of the coveted institution of Yale-NUS Singapore, she speaks about the formula behind her almost perfect SAT score, learnings from her alma mater and her race up to the finishing line. With her passion lying in Economics and Math, Narayani is an inspiration to students across the country. Let’s celebrate her story!

How did you manage to get your unbelievable SAT score of 2340? When is a good time to give the SAT examination?

I took my SAT training at Roads where I was constantly challenged to do better. Practice was the only thing I believed in. I would spend hours solving mocks from different sources and of varying levels of difficulty. For CR, I badgered my English SAT teacher to identify my weak links and give private review sessions. For Math, I would practice from College Board and Barron’s. To me, Writing was not very difficult. It helps a lot to read and understand different books. Overall, timed tests are very important. You cannot be lenient on yourself during practice, because you won’t get the chance to do that during the real exam. 

I think the best time to give the first SAT exam is in October of Class 11, with at least a five month rigorous preparation. If required, the next attempt can be given in November, because everything is still fresh in your mind. Then you can think about SAT 2 and TOEFL.

Which are the other colleges that you got admitted to? Why did you choose Yale NUS?

I also got admitted to Sarah Lawrence College, Grinnell College, Clark University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Mount Holyoke College, and Wheaton MA.

Yale-NUS had been my top choice anyway when I had applied to other universities and colleges. There were several factors: it is closer to home; tuition fees is lesser; generous aid options are available; Singapore is a safe city; blooming job market in Asia. And most importantly,

it gives you a one-of-a-kind curriculum which combines the best of the East and the West and that was what I was looking for.

Were there any hiccups in the application process or was it a cake-walk?

Personally, I think the application process was quite a challenge. There weren’t many hiccups but the race against time was a bit exhausting for me because I had given my SAT late, and that kind of messed everything up. The application process opens up new ways of thinking and to adjust to that is not always easy. That said, one should be very focused and sure of studying abroad as it demands a lot out of your preparation time for ISC or other board exams. If you want to get into your dream college, you have to work for it, even if it means losing a good amount of sleep, which usually happens.

What role did your schooling from MHS have in making this admit happen?

I am extremely thankful to my teachers for having written good LoRs for me because a well-written certified reference goes a long way. Apart from that, a major factor that had eluded me until I got fully immersed into this process was the sense of independence and confidence that MHS had instilled in its students. It had toughened me up while I was still in the lower stages of high school to face the rigorous schedule when it was time to apply to colleges. If I managed to make it through without severe brain damage, it was because working hard had been ingrained into me by then.

Any words of wisdom for those now looking up to you?

Firstly, understand the different types of colleges and the difference in their course structure. Then narrow down on what you think suits you best. Take advice and help from people who know you personally and whom you talk to freely, because most often they are the ones who give you better advice than a school teacher who taught you for four years but does not know what your hobbies are. Secondly, understand the requirements of your family: do you need to go for aid? Which country would they prefer? Next, shortlist tentative colleges and note each document required. 

Also, understand where your results might place you. If you want to get into a good college but have a mediocre SAT score, then unless your essays, LoRs and Resume are extremely strong, don’t apply there. Talk to your friends who are also applying abroad; you get to know the names of so many colleges you weren’t aware of before. Research colleges fully and don’t blindly rely on someone else to do it for you; but this process takes time, so be ready for that. Also, understand which exam is required for which college. I had a friend who said that her college first didn’t require a TOEFL score, but later while reviewing her application, demanded it. Lastly, though it may be difficult, do not give up on your school studies. They matter a lot. So be strong and keep going. Many before you have crossed this hurdle, and you can too!