We are thrilled to celebrate Diya, a Year 13 student at RMS who joined the school in Year 12, as she has been awarded a prestigious scholarship to the University of Michigan to study Business.
In this interview, Diya shares her motivation for applying to Michigan, her experience navigating the US application process, the challenges she faced along the way, and her excitement for the opportunities that await her in the dynamic and entrepreneurial environment of one of America’s top universities.
My name is Diya, I’m a Year 13 student at RMS who joined the school in Year 12. I study Politics, Sociology and Photography and am also an enterprise prefect within the Futures Department.
What motivated you to apply to The University of Michigan, and how did you feel when you received the scholarship?
I was motivated to apply to the University of Michigan because of its strong business programs, and incredible school culture. When I received the scholarship, I felt both honoured and excited as it was a moment of validation for all the hard work I had put in, and it made me have reassurance and excitement to know what is in store for me for next year!
The US application process can be quite different from the UK system—how did you find the experience, and what challenges did you face?
The US application process was harder than the UK system, which I found exciting but also challenging. Balancing the admissions essays alongside revising for my A-levels was intense, but it pushed me to reflect on my experiences in a way I hadn’t before. The biggest challenge was managing everything at once, but it also made my application feel more personal and meaningful
What excites you most about studying in the US, and how do you think this experience will shape your future?
What excites me most about studying in the US is the flexibility to explore different subjects before committing to a major, as well as the emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. Being in such a dynamic environment will challenge me to think differently, take risks, and collaborate with diverse perspectives. I believe this experience will shape my future by broadening my mindset and strengthening my adaptability to do so much more!
What program or major will you be pursuing at Michigan University, and why did you choose it?
At Michigan, I’ll be pursuing a major in business as I have a strong passion for entrepreneurship and learning about the business world. Michigan has a strong business curriculum, hands-on learning opportunities, and an innovative community that will make it the perfect place to develop my skills and turn ideas into real-world impact.
Did any specific experiences at RMS help you prepare for this opportunity, either academically or personally?
My experiences at RMS played a huge role in preparing me for this opportunity, as I got to participate and help out within Young Enterprise which helped me develop resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
These experiences shaped my confidence and ambition, making me ready to take on the challenges of studying business at Michigan. I am so grateful for the help of all my teachers who have been an amazing support system throughout these applications and especially Mrs Freeman for helping me through the final stages of the admissions process!
Congratulations to Diya! Click here to read about Rey’s US Scholarship offer.