Summer Break
Can summer programs from colleges help in college profiles?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Yes, summer programs can strengthen your college profile if they are academically meaningful and aligned with your interests. Their value depends less on prestige and more on what you learn, build, research, or contribute during the program.
I have completed Class 12. What can I do during the summer vacations before college starts?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026The summer after Class 12 is a great time to explore your interests, build practical skills, and gain exposure before college begins. Depending on your intended field, you can pursue internships, online certification courses, research projects, volunteering, shadowing opportunities, or skill-based learning in areas like coding, design, writing, finance, psychology, law, or public speaking. Students...
What kind of extracurricular activities are recommended for students interested in pursuing an undergraduate Economics degree at LSE or NUS?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026For undergraduate Economics programs at London School of Economics and Political Science and National University of Singapore, the most valuable extracurriculars are those that show genuine interest in economics, analytical thinking, and quantitative skills rather than unrelated certificate collection. Strong activities include economics research projects, essay competitions, debate or Model UN, internships, economics or finance...
How to convince parents to support profile building over boards or JEE prep?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Frame it in terms they already value: profile building is not instead of studies, it is what makes studies matter. Share specific examples, like how IIT Bombay’s own research programs (like those through UGAC) encourage student projects, or that top engineering colleges abroad explicitly ask for ECs. Suggest a limited, structured commitment: one 2-hour activity...
How to get into Ivy Leagues?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Getting into Ivy League universities is not about finding a secret formula or simply collecting perfect grades and test scores. Across universities, there’s a consistent emphasis on the “holistic review” process, meaning they evaluate your entire profile in context rather than focusing on one number or achievement. Strong academics and rigorous coursework are expected, but...
Is a Novel or Screenwriting Project good enough for Ivy League Applications?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Anything done with depth and intentionality, is good. A published short story, a completed screenplay, or even a well-developed novel draft signals creative discipline, sustained effort, and original thinking are all which Ivy League schools value. Strengthen it further by submitting to youth writing competitions (Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, for example), getting published in...
Do Virtual Internships Count?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Yes! Post-2020, virtual internships are completely normalised and accepted by universities and employers alike. What matters is what you did, what you learned, and what impact you can demonstrate, not whether you sat in an office. A virtual internship where you completed a real project, produced a deliverable, or gained a mentor’s recommendation is far...
Is it too late to build a design portfolio in Grade 11?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026It’s not and this is a common myth worth addressing directly. Many students believe that if they haven’t started by Grade 9, they’ve missed the window. That’s false. Universities care about what you’ve done and how you’ve grown. A student who discovered a passion in Grade 11 and pursued it with genuine intensity is more...
I’m a PCM student preparing for JEE, but I also have strong creative interests. I’m confused between fields like Astrophysics, Computer Science, Architecture, and Mechatronics. How should I decide?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Your combination of analytical and creative interests is actually a strong advantage, and each of these fields connects to different aspects of that skill set. Architecture is ideal if you enjoy design, creativity, spatial thinking, and problem-solving, while Mechatronics or Robotics is a great fit if you like building systems, combining engineering with innovation and...
I want to explore Fashion Design this summer, what to do?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Summer schools, online courses or workshops are a great starting point. Look at NIFT’s short-term programs, the Pearl Academy summer workshops, or online courses on Skillshare (fashion illustration, pattern making). Start a physical or digital sketchbook and develop a small collection concept, even 5 illustrated looks with a theme counts as portfolio work. Study designers...
What are some chemistry-based career fields after Grade 12?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Chemistry opens more doors than most students realise. Options include: Pharmaceutical Science, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Polymer Science, Food Technology, Cosmetic Science, Environmental Chemistry, Petrochemicals, Forensic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Nanotechnology, and Industrial Chemistry. Research-focused students can pursue a career in drug development or academic chemistry. Institutes like ICT Mumbai, IITs, and BITS offer strong...
Which are some skills for aspiring psychologists?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Aspiring psychologists should focus on developing strong communication, empathy, observation, and critical thinking skills, since psychology is centered around understanding human behavior and emotions. Being a good listener, learning how to analyze situations objectively, and communicating thoughtfully are especially important. Students can also build skills in research, writing, and data analysis, as psychology involves interpreting...
I want to build a career in Video Editing, how can I start?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Video editing is a legitimate and growing career in content, film, advertising, and corporate media. Build your skills on Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, go through YouTube tutorials, and pick up courses on Skillshare or Coursera work well. Start creating a portfolio immediately: edit your school events footage, offer to edit for local creators...
What does HKU (University of Hong Kong) require for admission?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026HKU is a strong target for Indian students, especially for Law, Business, and Medicine. Based on their admissions information at admissions.hku.hk, undergraduate applicants from India are assessed on Class 12 board scores (typically 90%+ is competitive), subject requirements specific to each faculty, and English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent). Some programs also require personal statements...
I want to pursue Law, what should I do as a school student?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026If you want to pursue Law, start by developing strong reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills during school. Read widely, not just legal topics, but also current affairs, politics, history, economics, and philosophy because law is deeply connected to how society functions. Participating in debates, Model United Nations, public speaking, writing competitions, student councils,...
I want to pursue Archaeology, what should I do?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Archaeology sits at the intersection of history, anthropology, and science. Start by reading foundational texts and following institutions like the Archaeological Survey of India, they occasionally have outreach programs. For international universities, look at UCL’s Archaeology department or the University of Edinburgh, both of which have strong undergrad programs. In India, look at Nalanda, University...
How to Apply and Prepare for the MEXT Scholarship as a Grade 10 Student?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026The MEXT Scholarship is offered by the Japanese Government for undergraduate, research, and specialised training students. For undergrad, you apply after completing Grade 12, so Grade 10 is the right time to start preparing. You must have consistent academic scores (generally 85%+ is competitive), and the application involves a written exam in Math and Science/English,...
How do I manage underconfidence, especially when asking for internships or opportunities?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Underconfidence often comes from comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle. Start with small, low-stakes actions – send one email, apply to one program, share one piece of work. Rejection is completely normal and does not reflect your worth. Keep a record of small wins, no matter how minor, and revisit them when self-doubt creeps...
Can I pursue a career in politics, what’s the right path from school?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Politics is best entered through credibility-building careers first like law, journalism, economics, public policy, or civil services (UPSC). Study political science or law at an undergrad level, get involved in student government, write opinion pieces, intern with NGOs or think tanks, and follow current affairs deeply. The foundation you build now whether through debating, writing,...
What should commerce students do to build their profile?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Commerce students often underestimate how much is available to them. Look at finance internships, case study competitions, and certifications in financial modelling, Excel, or digital marketing. For students targeting Wharton or similar, a finance-related research project or a small entrepreneurial initiative (even managing a budget for a school event) could also be excellent material for...
I’m interested in art + economics/political science but how do I connect them?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026This is actually a powerful and rare combination. Art gives you communication, visual storytelling, and cultural sensitivity, all relevant to political campaigns, policy communication, or economic journalism. This summer, consider writing an article or blog connecting art to economic inequality or political messaging. Selling your own art already shows entrepreneurship, that’s an economics story in...
How do I build a cohesive narrative in my application with many different ECs (e.g., for Law)?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026The trick is to connect everything through a central theme, not just list activities. For law, that theme could be “justice and advocacy”, so your MUN shows debate skills, a legal aid volunteering stint shows empathy, an essay competition shows articulation, and a research paper shows intellectual depth. In your application essay, explicitly draw this...
Is it feasible to do a BSc in Forensic Science in India and then an MSc abroad (fraud investigation/digital forensics)?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Yes, it is absolutely feasible, and actually a smart, increasingly common pathway. You can pursue a BSc in Forensic Science in India and later specialize through an MSc abroad in areas like fraud investigation or digital forensics. The key is to make the most of your undergraduate years by building strong research experience, pursuing relevant...
Is a score of 1560 on a practice SAT good enough to take the real test?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Yes, a 1560 is a strong score, go ahead and sit the real exam. Practice scores are usually close to real ones if taken under timed, distraction-free conditions. If budget isn’t a constraint, register for the next available date. There’s no harm in attempting early; you can always retake it once if needed.
SAT vs ACT, which is better? And should I take it in Grade 10 or 11?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Both are equally accepted by US universities. SAT suits students strong in analytical reading and math reasoning; ACT has a science section and is more straightforward and fast-paced. Take a free practice test for both and compare your comfort level. Ideal time to attempt is Grade 11 (after your board syllabus is underway), so you...
What are passion projects, and how do I start one?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026A passion project is a self-initiated effort in an area you genuinely care about, it could be a blog, a research paper, a community initiative, an app, a short film, or even a small business. The key is that it solves a real problem or expresses a real interest, and you can show growth over...
Are virtual internships, MUNs, and online certifications worth adding to a profile?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Virtual internships are valid and widely accepted, especially post-COVID. MUNs demonstrate communication and research skills, relevant for law, policy, and humanities. Online certifications from credible platforms (Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning) are good for skill-building but shouldn’t be the only thing on your profile, pair them with a project or real application of that skill.
What should I do if I want to get into MIT or top universities for Aerospace/Astrophysics?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026If you want to get into top STEM universities like Massachusetts Institute of Technology for Aerospace or Astrophysics, focus less on building a “perfect résumé” and more on developing genuine depth in math, physics, coding, and hands-on problem solving. MIT specifically looks for students who are intellectually curious, collaborative, self-driven, and excited to build and...
How do I figure out my major if I have no idea what I want to do?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Spend this summer exploring, take short online courses in 2-3 areas of curiosity (Khan Academy, Coursera, YouTube deep-dives). Notice what you voluntarily keep reading about. Talk to professionals in fields you’re considering. You don’t need to decide your whole future now, but narrowing to a broad direction (sciences, humanities, creative fields, business) by the end...
Is it okay to pursue creative careers (art, music, video editing, writing) as a student?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Yes, treat it as seriously as any academic pursuit. Build a portfolio or YouTube channel, document your work, and look for workshops, competitions, or online courses to sharpen your skills. Many top universities value creative talent if shown with depth and commitment. You can also combine it with academics, for example, art + economics, writing...
What extracurriculars suit students interested in Medicine/Psychology/Forensics?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026For medicine: volunteer at clinics or hospitals (many NGOs allow this), take online biology/health courses on Coursera, and shadow a doctor if possible. For psychology: read foundational texts, take introductory courses (Coursera/edX/Udemy), and look for counselling support volunteer roles. For forensics: online courses in criminology, chemistry-linked projects, and research papers on case studies are great...
What should I do in summer if I want to pursue Law (including CLAT)?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026For CLAT, start with logical reasoning and reading comprehension practice daily, these take the most time to improve. Follow current affairs through newspapers and legal news platforms like Bar & Bench. Extracurriculars like MUN, essay writing competitions, or volunteering with legal aid organisations strengthen your profile significantly for NLUs and law schools abroad. If you...
How do I balance boards/JEE prep with building my profile this summer?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Summer break is your best window, use the first 2 weeks to clear backlogs, then dedicate structured time (2-3 hours daily) to one meaningful EC. Don’t try to do everything. Pick one internship or project and one skill-building course. Discipline comes from having a written weekly plan, not motivation, make a simple timetable and stick...
Can research paper writing be a good summer extracurricular?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Universities value authentic high school research for demonstrating intellectual curiosity and advanced analytical skills, but they are increasingly skeptical of “pay-to-publish” journals. Admissions officers prioritize genuine research experiences, such as the ability to discuss methodology and findings over the mere prestige of having a published paper.
How do I find internships as a Grade 10 or 11 student?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Most formal companies won’t hire under-18s, but you can explore virtual internships on platforms like Internshala, LinkedIn, and Let’s Intern. Reach out directly to local professionals, NGOs, or small businesses via email for shadowing or volunteer work. Even assisting a professional in your field of interest counts as meaningful experience. CAP recently organized a summer...
When should I give the SAT, and what score do I need for scholarships?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Ideally, attempt the SAT in Grade 11 (after boards settle), giving yourself time to retake it in early Grade 12, if needed. Most merit-based international scholarships expect a score of 1450-1550+, while full-ride scholarships at top schools are highly competitive and require 1500+ alongside a strong overall profile. School grades do matter, you must aim...
How do I build my profile/portfolio starting from Grade 10 for Ivy League or top universities?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026Start early by identifying 1 or 2 genuine interests and building depth in them, not a long list of random activities. Look for internships, online courses, competitions, or passion projects tied to your interest. Quality and consistency matter far more than quantity. Admissions officers want to see growth and impact, not just participation. Universities look...
What does profile building mean?
Last Updated: 11 May 2026A set of activities undertaken to enhance your expertise, skills, achievements and involvements in order to advance your educational pursuits or career at large. It includes: Academic Reports, Extracurricular activities, Leadership roles, Community Services, Projects & research, Skills & certifications, and Volunteer/ Internship experiences. It involves strategically enhancing your academic and extracurricular credentials to align...