Table Of Contents:
Introduction
Internet Persona: "Crazy Medusa"
Role at Rheonix Inc.
Achievements in Biomedical Engineering
Crazy Medusa: A Case Study
Spotting Deviations from the Norm
Schooling
Early Education in California
Schooling in Bangalore
Participation in Extracurricular Activities
Academic Performance in Class 10 and 12
Key Points from Schooling
Importance of Extracurriculars
Active Participation in School Events
Perspective on Grades and Well-Roundedness
College
Entry into SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Participation in Innovators' Challenges and Workshops
Internships and Research Programs
Development of Hand Tremor Suppressor
Acceptance into Harvard Medical School Research Program
Master's Study at Cornell University
Key Points from College
Passionate Work over Hard Work
Importance of Vocational/Research Work
Community Service and Leadership Roles
Applying to the Ivys
Research and Document Preparation
Crafting a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Importance of Thorough Reading and Course Selection
TLDR (Too Long Didn't Read)
Overview of Key Observations
Tips for Aspiring Ivy League Applicants
WHO IS SALONI VERMA?
A lot of you may know and love her as her internet persona – “Crazy Medusa”, helper and guide to all Indians with ambitions of studying abroad – with concise, easy-to-digest advice on availing scholarships and making your Ivy League dreams come true for Indian aspirants.
But did you know she also developed one of the first COVID testing kits? She’s the technical lead at Rheonix. Inc., based in New Jersey. Her research as a biomedical engineer has paved her path to both Harvard and Cornell.
But how does an Indian girl from the regular old ICSE board achieve all this? Here’s how :
CRAZY MEDUSA: A CASE STUDY
Often while investigating someone’s life, a helpful exercise is spotting where and how they deviate from the norm. Try spotting them yourself, but we’ll help you out 😉
SCHOOLING:
She started her education in California, Orange County from classes 1 through 4 (because of her dad’s work). She later moved back to India, where she studied in Bangalore through classes 4 to 12.
In both California and back home, she never backed away from any school event, whether it be annual fests, cultural events, karate classes, or playing the violin.
At her school in Bangalore, she didn’t leave a stone unturned, actively participating in every sporting event, including Basketball, football, and tennis.
She rose in position, from house captain to the first-ever female school captain of her school
She scored an 89% in her class 10th boards and an 80% in her class 12th boards.
Glossing over these points, one might think she’s a very average student. And you’re not wrong. But here’s where it makes the difference :
KEY POINTS :
Extracurriculars: Her participation in multiple interschool sports like tennis, football, and basketball is a definite sticking point in your resume for an Ivy school.
Active participation: Most of us have a strange lethargy coming over us when it comes to school events. But not shying away from them gives you essential lessons in leadership and team-building.
Grade hyper fixation: Foreign universities aren’t looking for straight-A students, there are plenty of those. At least while in school, focus on what you enjoy and being well-rounded– it may be sports, art, music, or whatever you fancy.
Despite her fall in grades from class 10-12, she chanced upon a single paragraph on biomedical engineering in high school. And after she decided that’s what she’s passionate about, consistent improvement in that field makes her an ideal candidate for the Ivy League or Universities in general.
COLLEGE:
She entered SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu in biomedical engineering. Yes – there was still no plan of applying to Harvard or Cornell.
Attended several undergrad innovators' challenges and workshops
First two years in college – she secured internships at Greenview and TBS biomedical
Went to BITS Pilani for a research program conducted by Covidien (Ireland). This program was life-changing for her, where she developed a hand tremor suppressor – a prototype that was cheaper than the competition developed in top universities – and had no electrical components.
Circulation of her project to hospitals in India and Australia caught Harvard Medical School’s eye and she was accepted into a research program there.
Her application to Cornell for her Master's study was accepted.
But woah woah hold up, what just happened?
KEY POINTS :
Passionate work – not hard work: You can only score well if you have a deep connection to your subject like Ms. Saloni did once she fell in love with biomedical engineering – combining her love for physics and biology. Keep in mind that she scored a mere 78% in Biology in grade 12 but maintained a total 9.2 GPA in SRM College. Improvement is key.
Vocational/ research work: It's way better to have a certification that you’re good at than just telling it to the Ivy League. Plus – internship programs connect you with amazing professors and competitive peers, who can guide you in your studies, especially if they’re from your dream college itself.
Community service: Once you have a project finalized - it is key to make it known. Spend time publicizing its importance to society and giving back to the community that supports you. Take up local leadership roles - see where the normal people stand.
APPLYING TO THE IVYS :
You may be the local hero but it all means nothing if you can't sell yourself. Once Saloni Verma settled on the abroad dream to the Ivy League from India, research was her priority. She took her time with the documents and essays - there's no rush
A strong SOP: She spent over a year on her statement of purpose – getting peer-reviewed by her parents, friends, and even professors. This is where you can truly separate yourself from the competition – show a common thread in your life that you’re dedicated to and have spent time and effort on (namely for Ms. Saloni – Biomedical Engineering, specifically microfluidics, and the Harvard research program). Don’t be afraid to edit it as time goes along
Doing the necessary reading: Never apply to a college just because it is prestigious. Make sure you see that it has the right courses for you – which mutually benefit both you and the field (prospectively). Use the Common app to compare courses offered by universities abroad smoothly.
TLDR;
Here's a skimmable overview of our observations : )
Start early and seize all opportunities to expand your knowledge and team skills, from school itself.
Find a subject or topic you're passionate about. Consult the experts on how to pursue it - and make it a sustainable future goal.
Engage in sports, music, communal services, and other extracurriculars available to you
Research your options - available courses in colleges, scholarships, and research programs.
Take your sweet sweet time with the application process
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on 'IVY League From India Saloni Verma':
1.Who is Saloni Verma and what is her background?
Saloni Verma, also known as "Crazy Medusa," is a biomedical engineer and technical lead at Rheonix Inc., based in New Jersey. Her journey from California to India, coupled with her academic achievements and research contributions, has shaped her into a multifaceted individual with a passion for innovation and education.
2.What are Saloni Verma's notable achievements?
Saloni Verma's achievements include developing one of the first COVID testing kits and securing research positions at prestigious institutions like Harvard Medical School and Cornell University. Her dedication to biomedical engineering and commitment to excellence have garnered attention both nationally and internationally.
3.Where did Saloni Verma complete her schooling and college education?
Saloni Verma began her education in California before moving back to India, where she completed her schooling in Bangalore. She pursued biomedical engineering at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
4.What were Saloni Verma's academic achievements during her schooling and college years?
Despite facing challenges and fluctuations in her academic performance, Saloni Verma excelled in extracurricular activities and pursued her passion for biomedical engineering. Her involvement in sports, research programs, and internships laid the foundation for her future success.
5.How did Saloni Verma navigate the application process for Ivy League universities?
Saloni Verma prioritized research and meticulous planning when applying to Ivy League universities. She dedicated time to crafting a compelling statement of purpose, conducted thorough research on prospective colleges, and sought advice from mentors and peers.
6.What advice does Saloni Verma offer for aspiring Ivy League applicants?
Saloni Verma emphasizes the importance of passion, research, and perseverance in the application process. She encourages applicants to invest time in developing a strong statement of purpose, conducting thorough research on college programs, and starting the application process early.
7.What lessons can we learn from Saloni Verma's journey?
Saloni Verma's journey teaches us the importance of resilience, passion, and proactive engagement. Her story highlights the value of pursuing one's interests, embracing challenges, and seizing opportunities for personal and academic growth.
8.How can individuals benefit from Saloni Verma's experiences?
Individuals can draw inspiration from Saloni Verma's journey to pursue their passions with determination and dedication. Her story serves as a reminder that success is attainable through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning.
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