palak_ranjan
hey @KapoorAaru your profile already looks super solid — Coursera courses, great IGCSE results, basketball at district level (plus captain!), debate wins in Korea, dance and piano, even an internship at Puma. That’s a really strong mix of academics + extracurriculars. For Ivies, though, the trick isn’t just “doing a lot,” it’s showing impact + leadership.
A few things you could add to level it up:
Passion project/initiative – Start something of your own, like a debate club, basketball training for kids, or even a cultural project mixing your dance/music skills. Ivies love to see leadership and originality.
Research/mentorship – Since you’ve done online courses, maybe reach out to a professor or researcher to work on a project. Even a small one can stand out.
International exposure – You’ve already got debating abroad, but if possible, join more global programs, summer schools, or competitions.
Community work with a twist – Instead of generic volunteering, tie it to your strengths (like mentoring juniors in debate or running basketball workshops for underprivileged kids).
Essay prep – Start drafting early. Use essays to tell your story, not just list achievements. Ivies value authenticity big time.
National/International recognition – Try to push one area (basketball, debating, or dance) to a higher competitive level. Having that one “spike” really helps.
overall your profile is already impressive. But if you layer in a clear passion project, leadership, and a bit more depth in one or two areas, plus strong essays and LORs, you’ll be in a great position for Ivies.