
therealdydx,
Yale-NUS ‘24
B.S., Computational and Applied Mathematics
You've seen what to do, now take a look at my profile to see what NOT to do. Connect and PM me on LinkedIn (Link is below, General Advice section) for questions. (International)
Features Included
28
Essays
15
Schools
11
Scores
4
Advice
7
ECs
1
Sports

Background
Hometown
Singapore, Singapore
GenderMale
EthnicityAsian
First Gen College StudentNo

Results, Essays, and Advice
Accepted
Waitlisted or Withdrew
Denied
-
Tap/click a school logo above to view essays and advice specific to that school.
Yale-NUS College (Singapore)
Applied for a B.S. in Computational and Applied Mathematics
Accepted and Enrolled Legacy: NoSchool Specific Essays
Personal Statement667 WordsCareer aspirations, Challenged a belief, Extracurricular passion, Issue of personal significance, Role model/inspiration, Story central to identityI always felt that something was off. In Singapore, community service always seemed like something to tick off a checklist. A bunch of activities to put on your CV or to make you sound like a ‘good’ person. What was particularly popular in my school was the opportunity to go overseas and volunteer in repainting some old schools in the poorer countries in this region. It was definitely fun, and eye-catching when put on a CV. One of my friends...Read more...Personal Statement345 WordsChallenged a belief, Creative personal story, Issue of personal significance, Story central to identity, Work experience“I’m ashamed I actually believed it.” “I lost $888.” These were some of the comments from my friends after falling for financial ploys. While serving in the military, I would see friends and colleagues fall prey to dubious schemes such as multi-level marketing (MLM), pyramid schemes, or questionable savings plans. These predators would target the financially illiterate: mainly students and conscripts. Knowledge is power, and the nefarious agents used their power to coerce innocent youths into regrettable decisions. To me,...Read more...Personal Statement369 WordsExtracurricular passion, Interest in tech/engineering, One moment that changed you, Reaching a goal, Story central to identity, Work experienceIt was finally time for college applications. Looking at my peers, I noticed how many had enlisted admissions consultants to refine essays. Sure, I could afford a consultant too if I stretched my measly military pay. What about less-privileged students, who are unable to hire consultants, nor find much help with underprepared school counsellors and teachers? These thoughts accompanied me as I drafted my own essays, until an idea struck me. I could create a database with troves of applicant...Read more...Personal Statement358 WordsInterest in med/sci/math, Movie or book that changed you, One moment that changed you, Reaching a goal, Story central to identity, Transition to adulthoodAs a child, I was always fascinated with the science feats displayed in movies such as the Axiom in WALL-E, or the Death Star in Star Wars. Amazed and inspired by the capability of science in building such cool machines, I decided to further my interest in science. I started by picking subjects like physics in school, but found no inspiration there. Gradually, science became a collection of tests rather than subjects of interest. Having found school lacking and discovering...Read more...Personal Statement358 WordsChallenged a belief, Development of personal values, Feeling out of place, Issue of personal significance, Story central to identity, Transition to adulthood“Nah, it’s disruptive”. That was the answer I was given, when I tried to improve my school bands’ practise sessions, from memorisation to experimentation through learning sight-reading and intonation. That, however, was not an answer I was satisfied with. It felt like my proposals had been shut down on a whim. And it wasn’t an isolated case. Singapore’s education system includes a mandatory Project Work (PW) subject where students propose a project. I felt that it was...Read more...The maritime dispute between Singapore and Malaysia has given rise to a concern that I wrestle with as I question the validity of each nation’s arguments. During my National Service (NS), my formation was thrust into the spotlight when Malaysia encroached into Singaporean territorial waters. After months of additional patrolling and close incidents with Malaysian vessels, I asked myself how dispute and conflict between Singapore and Malaysia could be reduced. It seemed, a strong rule of international law and...Read more...Personal Statement520 WordsInterest in other academic subject, Interest in tech/engineering, Issue of personal significance, One moment that changed you, Reaching a goal, Work experience(NUS Law) It was time for college applications. Looking at my peers, I noticed many had enlisted admissions consultants to refine essays. I began thinking about those students who were unable to hire consultants, nor find help with their school. Such considerations accompanied me as I drafted my essays, and it was not long until I had an idea: a database with troves of applicant information and statistics for instant and low-cost access by students. I started developing the product....Read more...Supplemental Essay: Extracurricular activity138 WordsSirens were blaring. I jumped up, hitting my head against the top bunk. Stunned and groggy, I grabbed my gear and twisted the handwheel. Struggling to fit my boots, I entered the gun-bay. Missiles were ready. During my military conscription, I was a XXX, handling firearms and conducting shipboard duties such as firefighting onboard an offshore littoral vessel. We were always ready for action against foreign threats. At that point, conflict with XXX seemed inevitable due to territorial disputes. Amidst...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school51 WordsExponentiality. How do we deal with the exponential increase in our population and our demand for energy, food, and water. As a society, we should deliver solutions that instead of restricting consumption, would focus on creating support for the exponential progress of humankind, as we reach for the stars.Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school59 WordsDuring two years of military conscription, I - attended Command School, served as Weapons and Operations XXX in XXX task force; - started a platform and connected with first potential investor; - joined recreational floorball group - began MATLAB and Python programming; - participated in pitch and coding competitions; - amongst others.Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school48 WordsHaving spent many late nights watching soccer, I would’ve loved to watch the goal Michael Thomas scored in 1989 to win the League. An Arsenal fan myself, I would experience sheer joy by seeing the moment in which Arsenal earned its place on the map of world football.Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school5 WordsFear regret more than failure.Read more...Supplemental Essay: Intellectual interest50 WordsI view online courses, such as Coursera and Corporate Finance Institute’s videos, as well as guides that put others to sleep, such as MATLAB’s and Python Institute’s online guides. I also watch South Park, as I enjoy the current affairs, political and cultural undertones in each episode.Read more...Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay50 WordsHaving met several alumni, I found them permeating start-ups and communities. Whether they were venture capital owners, graduates or exchange students, all gushed over the vibrant start-up culture and programs. As an aspiring entrepreneur, I see myself in this community of change-makers that enables early exposure through programmes like StartX.Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school50 WordsA friend has asked me to help co-found a geolocation events platform. I wish we could review the feasibility of the idea. Developing an online platform myself, I am drawn to his proposal. But I have already committed to design a financial literacy workshop program for students and army enlisteesRead more...Supplemental Essay: Intellectual interest255 WordsIt was time for college applications. Looking at my peers, I noticed how many had enlisted admissions consultants to refine essays. And I began thinking about those students who were unable to hire consultants, nor find help with their school. Such considerations accompanied me as I drafted my essays, and it was not long until I had an idea: a database with troves of applicant information and statistics for instant and low-cost access by Singaporean students. I got down to...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school217 WordsGood morning! Sorry for switching on the lights, I wake up early. No worries, I’ll be out soon! Actually, I’m keen to know you! I wonder if you’re into the things that I do, and whether we could do something when we’re not busy. 1. Music Maniac According to Spotify, I’ve played over 120,000 minutes of music in 2019! In fact, I can’t think of any time which I haven’t played music or played my guitar...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Issue of personal significance264 Words“I’m ashamed I actually believed it.” “I lost $888.” While serving in the military, I would see friends and colleagues fall prey to dubious schemes such as multi-level marketing, pyramid schemes, or questionable savings plans. Knowledge is power, and the nefarious predators used their power to target and coerce the financially illiterate: students and conscripts. To me, this was outrageous. I hate being taken advantage of. And when the same fate befell my peers, annoyance turned into anger, and anger...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Intellectual interest358 WordsAs a child, I was always fascinated with the science feats displayed in movies such as the Axiom in WALL-E, or the Death Star in Star Wars. Amazed and inspired by the capability of science in building such cool machines, I decided to further my interest in science. I started by picking subjects like physics in school, but found no inspiration there. Gradually, science became a collection of tests rather than subjects of interest. Having found school lacking and discovering...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school264 Words“I’m ashamed I actually believed it.” “I lost $888.” While serving in the military, I would see friends and colleagues fall prey to dubious schemes such as multi-level marketing, pyramid schemes, or questionable savings plans. Knowledge is power, and the nefarious predators used their power to target and coerce the financially illiterate: students and conscripts. To me, this was outrageous. I hate being taken advantage of. And when the same fate befell my peers, annoyance turned into anger, and anger...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school261 WordsIt was time for college applications. Looking at my peers, I noticed how many had enlisted admissions consultants to refine essays. And I began thinking about those students who were unable to hire consultants, nor find help with their school. Such considerations accompanied me as I drafted my essays, and it was not long until I had an idea: a database with troves of applicant information and statistics for instant and low-cost access by Singaporean students. I got down to...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school266 Words“Nah, it’s disruptive”. That was the answer, when I tried to improve my school bands’ practises, from memorisation to experimentation through learning sight-reading and intonation. That, however, was not a satisfying answer. It felt like my proposals had been shut down on a whim. And it wasn’t isolated. Singapore’s education system includes a mandatory Project Work (PW) subject where students propose a project. Amidst my frustrations with traffic jams, I suggested an e-scooter sharing system for PW....Read more...Supplemental Essay: Intellectual interest100 WordsI enjoy learning. Breaking out of the shackles of a rigid education system, I’ve found more interest in learning over the past few years. I’ve taken courses and passed certification exams in python, MATLAB, data science and Excel. I’ve also sought to improve my understanding of personal finance and financial markets, finishing the CFA Investment Foundations certification. Recently, I’ve begun studying financial modelling and valuation analysis, as I move forward as an aspiring entrepreneur. Indeed, I...Read more...Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay100 WordsCreating and developing solutions gives me a satisfaction, as I seek to solve problems in my community and the larger world. Naturally, the MIT Sandbox Program greatly interests me, as an aspiring entrepreneur. The program will allow me to continue building my ideas through funding, access to resources and mentorship with some of the world’s best. More than just building my ideas, the program will allow me to develop the aptitudes and skillsets to be a successful entrepreneur, regardless...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Extracurricular activity229 WordsThe main sources of energy today are from hydrocarbons, which are finite and polluting in nature. In recent years, Hydrogen, an alternative with renewability and non-polluting processes of energy production has been explored. To produce Hydrogen, water splitting is used, which consists of two half-reactions: Water Oxidation and Hydrogen Reduction. The Oxidation half-reaction (Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER)) is less energy efficient and slows down the Hydrogen producing Hydrogen Reduction half-reaction, stunning the use of Hydrogen fuel. Current research focuses on...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Extracurricular activity226 WordsDuring the research process, I strengthened on my ability in writing, project management and presentation skills. But more than that, I ventured into fields beyond those I was comfortable in – significantly, data science. As part of the research process, I attended modules in data and statistics. Although the modules opened my eye to the world of data science, it was the research process of data analysis that allowed me to test out my knowledge in the classroom in applying mathematics...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school682 WordsDiverse. Inclusive. Radical. My distillation of Ezra Cornell’s vision isn’t too different from my own values and life. Drafting several “proper” essays, I wondered whether any of those truly represented me, what I was looking for, and what I’m planning to achieve with Cornell. An aspiring entrepreneur and workaholic, my heart and mind have gradually fixated on Cornell. Solely Cornell. I’m not your typical Singaporean applicant. I’m not a government scholar lured by Ivies, nor...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school471 WordsI’ve always loved exploring. In school, I explored – participating in a year-long research mentorship at NTU, where I discovered my passion for sustainability, working on water-oxidation catalysts. I realized sustainability could go beyond saving energy; rather, new solutions and resource management proliferate energy. This sparked my interest in economics, a field centered on scarcity and resource allocation. It intertwined with my knowledge of public policy that I acquired through debate. There, competitive debating on incentives and economic systems intrigued...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school212 WordsOver the past year, I’ve been exploring the start-up ecosystem in Singapore, be it networking with venture capitalists, hackathons, or acquiring first-hand experience in start-ups through projects. Having explored the wider ecosystem, I’m looking to use college as a platform to delve deeper into specific disciplines in business, specifically start-up development and consulting. Naturally, I was fixated on Penn. Undoubtedly, Penn provides me the perfect launchpad to explore its world-famous business ecosystem and career-oriented clubs. I’m excited...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school733 WordsU. I scrutinized the paper, trying to spot any marking errors. With the finals of my ISEF regional qualifying fair, Model UN, and my hockey season approaching, I faced difficulty in balancing a new content-heavy subject – organic chemistry (orgchem). Now here it was, the U grade staring back at me. “If you don’t attend tuition, you will mess up your A-Levels!” Peeking at my grade, my friend suggested I attended “AB”, a chemistry tuition center. Now, I’ve definitely...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school730 WordsDiverse. Extraordinary. Defiant. These words encapsulate my thoughts of UChicago, and it isn’t too different from my own values and life. Drafting several “proper” essays, I wondered whether any drafts truly represented me, what I was looking for, and what I’m planning to achieve with UChicago. An aspiring entrepreneur and workaholic, my heart and mind have gradually fixated on UChicago. Solely UChicago. I’m not your typical Singaporean applicant. I’m not a government scholar lured by Ivies,...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school682 WordsRobert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad: “In school we learn that mistakes are bad, and we are punished for making them. Yet, if you look at the way humans are designed to learn, we learn by mistakes. We learn to walk by falling down. If we never fell down, we would never walk.” I had an epiphany a year back, when I thought my peers’ access to expensive, even exorbitant, consultants for college applications should not be exclusive to...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school523 WordsI had an epiphany a year back, when I thought my peers’ access to expensive consultants for college applications should not be exclusive to only those who could afford. Equal access to education was a hallmark of Singapore’s, yet the underprivileged couldn’t find help, nor from underprepared counsellors and teachers. Exasperation turned into reflection, and reflection turned into action. As I drafted my essays, an idea struck me: a database with troves of applicant information and statistics for...Read more...Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay256 WordsOver the past two years, I’ve been exploring the Singaporean start-up ecosystem, be it networking with venture capitalists, or acquiring experience in start-up development. Having explored the wider ecosystem, I’m looking to use college as a platform to delve deeper into the realm of start-up development and consulting, while studying a broad array of disciplines to develop technical skills and inquiry. Naturally, I was fixated on Yale-NUS, and its vision, ‘founded by two great universities’. It means to...Read more...School Specific Advice
More Essays
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General Admissions Advice
Did you take a gap year? Tell us about your experience.48 Wordshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dys-profile/ Served in the military in combat and operations...Read more...How to deal with the stress of applying to college51 WordsKeep one safety that you can enter into. My safeties were NUS Law and SMU...Read more...What I’d change about my application process5 WordsToo many...Read more...How I narrowed down my essay topics10 WordsThe question that...Read more...High School Performance
Unweighted GPA3.50RankTop 25%
Academic Performance in High School Some good some bad
Explanation of Low Grades
Test Scores
Highest ACT35ACT Score DetailsOther ACT ScoresACT Prep
Highest SAT1500SAT Score DetailsOther SAT ScoresSAT Prep
SAT IIs
AP / IB Classes and Scores
Details6 classes and scoresSports
SportsField Hockey
Extracurriculars
ActivitiesDebate Club/Team, Career Oriented, Community Cleanup / Service, Research, Other Club/Activity, Marching Band, Model Congress / Model UN
Elaborate on Extracurriculars or Work
Experience & Awards
Volunteer Experiences
Awards Received
Application Additional Materials
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