How to make a strong TechGirls application

Summary

Mary Matuk, a 16-year-old from Tunisia, shares essential tips for applying to the prestigious Stagers Tigers international summer exchange program, which aims to inspire young women to pursue careers in STEM fields. She emphasizes the importance of early application, clear communication, and showcasing personal interests and skills in essays. Mary advises applicants to be authentic, demonstrate maturity, and align their goals with the program's mission. She concludes by encouraging persistence, reassuring viewers that reapplying after a rejection is part of the process, and wishing them success in their applications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand the purpose of the program: Takers is an international summer exchange program aimed at empowering young women in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
• 😀 Ensure eligibility: To apply, you must be a girl between 15 and 17 years old, a citizen of an eligible country, and have strong English skills and a passion for STEM.
• 😀 Apply early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application to avoid unnecessary stress and errors.
• 😀 Use a second document for reviewing: Double-check your application, especially your essays, using tools like Grammarly or asking someone to review it for you.
• 😀 Respond clearly and simply: Make sure your answers to application questions are clear and easy to understand.
• 😀 Show your passion for STEM: Highlight your interest in science, technology, engineering, or math, as well as your maturity, flexibility, and open-mindedness.
• 😀 Leverage your unique skills: Mention extracurricular activities and experiences (e.g., sports, leadership roles) to showcase valuable skills like teamwork and communication.
• 😀 Set clear goals: Be specific about your objectives for the program and how it will help you grow personally and professionally.
• 😀 Explain your impact: Clarify how being part of the program will positively affect you and your community and how it will enhance your skills and passion.
• 😀 Share your story: Tell your unique personal story and demonstrate how it shapes who you are and your perspective in the application.
• 😀 Don't lose hope if you don’t get selected: Keep trying! It may take more than one application before you're accepted, so stay confident and keep applying.

Q & A

What is the Takers program, and what is its purpose?

The Takers program is an international summer exchange initiative designed to empower and inspire young women from around the world to pursue careers in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

What are the basic eligibility criteria for applying to the Takers program?

To apply for the Takers program, you need to be a girl between the ages of 15 and 17, a citizen of one of the eligible countries, have a passion for STEM, and possess strong English language skills.

What should applicants do before submitting their application?

Before submitting your application, make sure to review it carefully, check for grammar mistakes using tools like Grammarly, and, if possible, ask someone to review your essays.

Why is it important to not wait until the last minute to apply?

It's important not to wait until the last minute to apply because it gives you enough time to review and improve your application, ensuring that everything is in order before submission.

What kind of language should applicants use when responding to application questions?

Applicants should respond to application questions in clear and simple English. Avoid making answers overly complicated; the goal is to make your responses easily understandable.

What qualities should applicants demonstrate in their applications?

Applicants should demonstrate qualities such as maturity, flexibility, open-mindedness, and a genuine interest in STEM. The program reviewers want to see your passion for these fields.

How can applicants highlight their skills and experiences in the application?

Applicants should highlight any relevant skills and experiences, such as extracurricular activities or personal achievements. For example, the speaker mentioned her experience as a basketball player, which taught her teamwork and communication skills.

What is the importance of having clear goals and objectives for the program?

Having well-defined goals and objectives for the program is important because it shows the reviewers that you are focused, know what you want to achieve, and are clear on how the program will help you grow in your STEM journey.

Why is it important to show how the program will impact your community?

It is important to show how being selected for the program will not only impact you personally but also positively affect your community. This demonstrates your commitment to using your skills to make a difference in the world.

What advice does the speaker give to applicants who may not be selected in their first attempt?

The speaker advises applicants not to be discouraged if they are not selected in their first attempt. She shares her own experience of getting accepted to the Takers program on her second try, encouraging others to keep applying and believe in themselves.