OPPORTUNITY FUNDS-BULGARIA 

For High School Juniors and Seniors

Kaloyan Valchev

        Senior, Doctor Petar Beron High School of Mathematics, Varna

1.     Why did you apply for an EducationUSA Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria grant? (Do you value the opportunity to learn about American education, culture and society as part of the program?)

I heard about the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds – Bulgaria program from my Mathematics teacher, who introduced the program to students at my school. I became instantly interested in the program because of several reasons.

First of all, Opportunity Funds offers complete preparation for applying in American universities. I was just about to look for someone to guide me across the number of steps toward studying in the US, when I discovered OF and found out that it offered anything I needed. Not only did OF answer all of my questions about the requirements and the application process, but it also proposed intensive test preparation.

Secondly, when I chose to apply for the OF program, I appeared to be a suitable candidate. I have excellent school results, nationally-recognized academic achievements, a variety of interests, and limited financial abilities. I am also an international-class tennis player, which distinguishes me from other potential candidates.

Thirdly, the OF program is funded by the US Government, which means that OF students are directly exposed to the American educational system. Moreover, thanks to my excellent OF teachers, I learned plentiful details about the American culture and society at first hand.

2.     What are your primary objectives in studying in the United States?

My main principle in life is to strive to achieve the optimum. It is natural that my primary objective is to obtain the best possible education. Apart from this, I would like to gather valuable experience in social activities, self-management, and organization. Studying and sharing ideas in that high-academic environment will be extremely beneficial to my future development. During my education, I also intend to continue playing tennis, as it has been my primary activity since I was four years old.

3.     Why do you prefer the United States over other countries as a place of study?

My family and I decided that I should continue my education in the US for a number of reasons.

Firstly, the American universities provide the highest-class education in the world, as evidenced by the numerous charts and statistics on the Internet. If you look at such a chart, you will notice that most of the top-ranked schools are American. In addition, it is indisputable that American universities prevail significantly in teaching Economics, in comparison with universities in other countries. Economics is one of the majors I intend to study.

Secondly, the American institutions provide unique opportunities to play sports during the years of education. Not only are bountiful sports available to students, but they are also practiced at a notably high level. There is no other country which supports this kind of synthesis in such a great manner. This exact reason is of a vast importance to me.

Thirdly, the American institutions offer outstanding financial aid. Without that considerable amount of money that is distributed to support students, I would not be able to fulfil my educational goals. In this aspect, the US is unattainable.

4.     What are your expectations of the US and university life?

I expect to discover a world of countless possibilities. In my opinion, every university is a small world that unites various fields of study and people of different origins. In every school one can choose from a long list of majors, according to his or her interests. I expect the university life to be perfectly organized, fast but calm, exciting but peaceful, complex but essential. I will have more social contacts, more abilities, and more obligations. I reckon that the university life will be a valuable preparation to my life after graduation.

5.     Have you researched US institutions to determine an appropriate placement? If so, what universities do you find most appropriate and why?

OF inspired me and recommended me to research the US institutions before I decide in which to apply. Most importantly, the school must propose sufficient financial aid. This includes need-based support, merit-based or athletic scholarships, and fee waivers, which usually have to contribute about 100% of the total costs. Another significant role in my decision plays the availability of specific majors. I look for universities offering courses in Economics, Finance, Mathematics, and Business-related subjects. After that, the schools in my list should maintain an appropriate men’s tennis team. For me it is even more favorable if the team is division one of NCAA. I prefer large urban or suburban universities, because I would like to acquaint to the emblematic big city life, which also offers broader possibilities for social and cultural interaction and integration. I would be pleased if the school admits a high percentage of international students. This fortifies my chances of admission and also contributes to the diversity of students I am about to meet at the campus.

6.     How will the Opportunity experience (acquisition of new skills and knowledge) assist you in achieving your academic goals?

The knowledge I gathered has already facilitated my admission process in a drastic way. Thanks to the OF experience, now I feel more confident in myself, I have a clear view of the challenges I will have to face in the near future, and I can set adequate academic goals. The chance to meet and friend eleven more excellent students who are in my situation and are heading in the same direction is another valuable feature of my OF experience.

7.     What advice would you give to future candidates applying for the EducationUSA Opportunity Funds grants?

I would advise future OF candidates to appreciate every minute of the program. Although the three modules involved intensive hard work, they are perfectly structured. If these candidates realize the unique chances offered by the OF program and put enough effort in the process, success will come naturally.

Disclaimer

The text is published in its original and unedited version.