My NUS essays that landed me my dream course ☁️

I got my direct offer a few weeks back for my first choice and I 100% believe my essays really helped me, so I hope it’ll help you too! (Psst.. scroll to the end for my gpa & course)

1. Tell us something you have done outside your school curriculum to prepare yourself for your chosen degree programme(s). For example, did you work in a relevant part-time job, or did you take an online course?

I aspire as a real estate investment analyst in geographical information systems (GIS). I affirmed my interests watching introductory GIS videos, which I enjoyed due to its similarity to Tableau, a system learnt in my business analytics module. From Sept to Dec 2022, I learned python fundamentals; and explored QGIS, layering map data over green building plans, MRT stations, hawkers and schools. I've secured an internship from Feb to July 2023 with [Company] and would learn about written policies to conduct basic financial analysis.

[Key Points: Aspiration, Relating to my experiences, External courses, Work experience (optional)]

2. Tell us about a time when you failed to do something on your first try, but succeeded on subsequent attempts. How did you learn from your initial failure, change your approach, so that you eventually succeeded?

As a first-year polytechnic student, I was an unconfident presenter who tended to read from the script. To resolve this, I asked for critiques from my lecturers. My senior advised me on his method of memorising scripts through keyword association. For gestures, I mimicked movements from TED talk speakers and LinkedIn Learning videos. I experimented with Canva to create visually appealing slides. Still honing my skills, I now present without a script, engaging the audience through aesthetic slides and encourages participation by using questions.

[Key Points: Problem, Solution, Results, Skills learnt]

3. Tell us about something that is meaningful to you, and why.

I believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow, especially those in difficult circumstances. Since Oct 2021, I've volunteered to assist in art workshops at [Organisation] for low-income families. From 2020 to 2022, I was a volunteer English tutor for disadvantaged O-Level/ Primary school students. With the intention to advise perplexed students, I actively contribute to a student community forum and write academic self-help guides in my blog. These were fulfilling experiences as I felt I played a small but crucial role.

[Key Points: Non-academic focus (Volunteering, Environmentalism etc), Experiences)

4. What is your proudest achievement? How does it display your commitment and how you have been enterprising? Please also explain how it exemplifies some of the five NUS values of Innovation, Resilience, Excellence, Respect and Integrity.

I served as the Networking Head for Nanyang Polytechnic Entrepreneurship Club from Nov 2020 to Apr 2022 and worked closely with high-profile entrepreneurs. I showed creativity and provided unique opportunities by establishing and overseeing our most notable event - the 2021 5-day school wide pitching competition featuring 6 guest speakers and 19 participants. Being resilient when challenges arises, I worked with the publicity team and supervisors to bring in more participants when there was a lack thereof. Through the school email system and personal mentors, we registered more groups than expected. I led a team of 6 in the planning and execution of this successful event, as well as 12 additional fireside chats. I respected the ideas and contributions and worked collaboratively with my team members. I aimed for excellence in every aspect, ensuring proper communication and hospitality towards the guest speakers; and meticulous and comprehensive planning of the events. I was honest, reliable, and respectful while liaising; and towards the participants and guest speakers taking part.

[Key Points: Achievement, NUS values (avoid using the values’ names and use synonyms), Problem, Solution, Results, Skills]

5. Is there anything else about yourself which you want us to know?

My portfolio link: bit.ly/3GH76nB . My other achievements: 1st Place NYP 2021 Virtual International Business Fair Competition, 3-months Internship at Shopline, 3-months Marketing Consultant for Water Source, 2021-2023 Community Service Club Subcommittee and Second Group Lead for the 2021 Reducing Inequalities Fair, 2020-2023 NYP MakerSpace Student Assistant Coach and Subcommittee, 2020 School of Business Management Club Freshman Orientation Committee, 2022 NYP EAE Festival Event Facilitator, 2022 Overseas Exchange at Incheon National University

[Key Points: Portfolio, Concise dumping of experiences (no explanation needed)]

I got a diploma with merit @ 3.74, and I’m so stoked to be going into NUS Real Estate!!! No, it’s not a course to be a property agent- it’s a full fledged business course tailored towards the RE industry <3 I’m so excited!!!

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