Born in Unnao, India, and raised in Dubai, Ritvika Tripathi, a student at the GEMS Wellington International School, has secured admission to the prestigious University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) to pursue Materials Science and Engineering. With an exceptional SAT score of 1530 and stellar grades from the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) program, her academic brilliance set a formidable stage. Yet, it was her extraordinary blend of leadership, research, and community dedication that sealed her admission to one of the world’s leading engineering schools.
UIUC’s Grainger College of Engineering is globally recognized for its excellence, consistently ranking among the top engineering schools. According to U.S. News & World Report, its undergraduate engineering program holds the #5 spot in the US, with its Materials Science and Engineering program ranked #4.
When asked about her academic journey and what it takes to secure admission to a top engineering university, Ritvika’s passion for STEM shines through. As Mentor and Team Leader of the Engineering Society (WISgneers), she guided her team to a top 10 finish among 290 teams in the National Yas F1 4×4 rover competition, demonstrating her knack for turning engineering concepts into reality. She also took the lead in organizing an Engineering Summit with Girl Up MENA, an event that drew over 50 attendees and allowed her to mentor peers in STEM, fostering a new generation of innovators—a quality that top universities value highly.
Her curiosity has fueled significant research endeavors. As a Student Researcher, Ritvika authored and published a paper in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), titled, ‘Comparing thermal control systems in satellites’, concluding that a hybrid approach suits Low Earth Orbit best. This insight reflects her analytical depth. She further expanded her research into hydroponics as an Independent Researcher, publishing her findings in a leading international journal. This time, her study involved designing and modeling a system to assess the impact of different fertilizer compositions on the growth of spinach and coriander, showcasing her ability to tackle practical scientific challenges.
Ritvika’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged with STEM Chronicles, a website she founded to create a space for her school’s STEM enthusiasts. The platform grew into a hub for students to showcase research and robotics projects, fostering collaboration and innovation. Reflecting on its impact, she shares, “I wanted to create a space where students passionate about STEM could collaborate, share ideas, and showcase their work.”
Her passion for scientific inquiry extended further when she co-founded the Science Fair Club, launching her school’s science fair. Through this initiative, she mentored multiple students in experimentation and lab reporting, helping them bring their ideas to life.
As she looks back on her journey, Ritvika takes pride in the impact she has made, knowing that her efforts have inspired others to embrace curiosity, innovation, and the spirit of scientific exploration.
Beyond research, Ritvika’s commitment to community engagement has been a defining aspect of her journey. As Vice-President of the Sustainability Team, she led plastic collection initiatives and conducted seminars for over 200 students, transforming environmental awareness into tangible action within her school. Additionally, as an ESL Mentor in the Young Interpreters Scheme, she supported more than 30 students from grades 3 to 11, helping them adapt through a Reading club. Her efforts reflect not only her leadership but also her deep sense of empathy and dedication to creating a positive impact beyond the lab.
Ritvika thanked EZScholar, a specialized education and test prep company for their vital role throughout her admission journey, “EZScholar was instrumental in shaping my profile. Their mentorship in research paper writing, profile building, and SAT prep helped me refine my strengths and present my best self in applications. With a consistent effort, I improved my SAT score to a 1530 (out of 1600), which was competitive for the top engineering schools. EZScholar’s support made a huge difference in standing out in such a competitive applicant pool.” – Ritvika shared.
On being asked, “How did it feel to get into UIUC?”, Ritvika beams, “It’s a validation of everything—late nights, big ideas, and believing I could make a difference.” From Dubai’s vibrant landscape, she has woven a tapestry of academic excellence, leadership, and purpose, earning her a place at UIUC’s Grainger College of Engineering. As she prepares for this next chapter, Ritvika’s story stands as an inspiring example of what dedication and vision can achieve.
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