Early Acceptances

Shaira Mostofa

Meet Shaira Mostofa from the Class of 2022, who got early decision acceptance in New York University, one of the top universities in the United States!

  • How long have you been at ISD?
    Since playgroup- my first and last school
  • Why New York University?
    To me, NYU is a vibrant, exciting, and inspiring hub of possibility— A place that harbors eccentric, like-minded people from all over the world; and full of unique academic and professional opportunities I wouldn’t find elsewhere. It’s a great institution with passionate professors and unique classes exclusive to the university, which is especially exciting for me. And of course, being in the heart of one of the most influential metropolises in the world only heightens my eagerness to pursue my aspirations.
  • What attributes of the IB Learner Profile do you believe you best exhibited at ISD? What attributes do you foresee continuing to work on in university?
    I remember being nominated for the Open-Mindedness award in primary school a lot. Does that count? I’ve always loved meeting new people and seeking to understand their perspectives, ideas, and diverse backgrounds. As I enter new spaces to have intelligent discussions with people of different worldviews, I’ll continue to work on being a better communicator for university.
  • What advice do you have for the Grade 11s currently building their lists of universities?
    Start brainstorming and writing your essays early! And don’t stress out if they aren’t perfect first-try. Grade 12 is a rollercoaster, and juggling university applications on top of your towering responsibilities is harder than it looks. Spend more time figuring out what’s truly meaningful to you, and what you really want to embody in your essay: it truly makes a difference when the time comes for your admissions officers to look at your application. Essays are the one component where you have full control and have your voice finally be heard—so really giving yourself the space (without all your terrifying IA deadlines) to do that really helps.
  • Describe your senior years in three words.
    Change and growth.
    Shout out to our college counselors for guiding our students to pursue their dreams!
    #WeAreISD #Classof2022

Idan Hossain

Meet Idan Hussain from the Class of 2022, who got early decision acceptance in Haverford College, one of the top Liberal Arts Colleges in the United States!

  • How long have you been at ISD?
    I have been at ISD for 10 years now.
  • Why Haverford College?
    Haverford College will allow me to explore my interests and passions while putting me in an environment where my learning is valued by everyone.
  • What attributes of the IB Learner Profile do you believe you best exhibited at ISD? What attributes do you foresee continuing to work on in university?
    I believe I was a Risk-Taker at ISD as I pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone. This attribute will also be exhibited at my college as I will be encouraged to take part in things that I am unfamiliar with.
  • What advice do you have for the Grade 11s currently building their lists of universities?
    Application season will most likely be the most stressful time in your high-school life. My approach was to apply to one school early, so I only had to fill out one application. After I got admitted as Early Decision, I did not have to worry about college applications anymore. If you think this one-and-done approach will suit you, I highly encourage you to try it as it will significantly reduce stress.
  • Describe your senior years in three words.
    Slow then swift.

Shout out to our college counselors for guiding our students to pursue their dreams!

#WeAreISD #ClassOf2022

Rongan Mian

Meet Rongan Mian from the Class of 2022, who got early decision acceptance in Boston University, one of the top universities in the United States!

  • How long have you been at ISD?
    I’ve been here since 2007, so this is my fifteenth year.
  • Why Boston University?
    What drew me into Boston University was the great academic flexibility offered through the many programs of study. I believed that the multiple study programs in addition to BU’s strong career center would help put me on the path to success in a number of fields. I was also interested in the innovative BU hub, a university-wide general education program that ensures a constant exploration of new perspectives paired with BU’s bustling international community.
  • What attributes of the IB Learner Profile do you believe you best exhibited at ISD? What attributes do you foresee continuing to work on in university?
    I believe that the IB Learner Profile I best exhibited over the past 15 years is being Open-Minded. Studying in an international school has helped me understand, respect, and appreciate both my own culture and perspectives along with differing viewpoints and values of other individuals and communities. This is a great takeaway and something I wish to continue to work on in university as it has taught me to evaluate a range of standpoints to grow as an individual.
  • What advice do you have for the Grade 11s currently building their lists of universities?
    My advice would be to be as diligent as possible in completing university shortlists and applications. Conduct thorough research on universities of your interest so that you can determine whether it is the right fit for you. Also, the earlier you start applications, the more relieving it is. The beginning of 12th grade is quite hectic with multiple deadlines and assessments all due within the first half of the year which is why the sooner you get them done, the easier it will be on you.
  • Describe your senior years in three words.
    Exciting, Overwhelming, and Unbelievable

Shout out to our college counselors for guiding our students to pursue their dreams!

#WeAreISD #Classof2022

Tanzif Chowdhury

Meet Tanzif Chowdhury from the Class of 2022, who got early decision acceptance in Brown University, one of the IVY league schools in the United States!

  • How long have you been at ISD?
    This is my tenth year at ISD.
  • Why Brown University?
    Brown embodies everything I look for in a school, especially because there’s a lot of emphasis on free inquiry and student-centered learning. I look forward to exploring Brown’s Open Curriculum and gaining flexibility in picking my courses without the pressure of core requirements. I’m excited to have the freedom to engineer my education and pursue a wide variety of interests.
  • What attributes of the IB Learner Profile do you believe you best exhibited at ISD? What attributes do you foresee continuing to work on in university?
    I believe the most valuable learner profile I’ve exhibited is Thinker. I think there’s a lot of fulfillment in not only observing your circumstances but using them to shape your thinking and form independent opinions about the world. I also find it important to always keep things in perspective so I can stay balanced and not feel too absorbed in a particular thought. At Brown, I hope to build upon this attribute and gain new perspectives to further enrich my thinking.
  • What advice do you have for the Grade 11s currently building their lists of universities?
    My biggest takeaway from the college admissions process is to thoroughly research universities and build your shortlist based on the ones that best fit your personality and ambitions. You’re going to spend a lot of your time writing these applications so ensure that you’ll consider attending every university you apply to. I’d also recommend getting started early because it can save you a lot of stress for the remainder of senior year when you have exams and IAs piling up.
  • Describe your senior years in three words.
    Full of surprises!

Shout out to our college counselors for guiding our students to pursue their dreams!

#WeAreISD #ClassOf2022

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