A Weekend to Remember | NYU Abu Dhabi Candidate Weekend

Introduction

For the past six months as a high school senior, my life has been centred around universities. Every moment of free time was either spent doing college research or writing application essays, but, unquestionably, the highlight of this journey was receiving an invitation to the NYU Abu Dhabi EDII Candidate Weekend for the Class of 2023.

For those that don't know, attendance of the candidate weekend is a mandatory part of the NYUAD admissions process. The university typically flies each applicant in over a four-day period, where candidates undergo a somewhat secretive evaluation process. The activities are both for students to get to know the university and for admissions to learn more about an applicant. Only the "finalists" in the admissions process are usually invited, so, understandably, I was ecstatic to receive an invitation to attend.

Arrival Day

Because I spent the Chinese New Year holiday with my family in Thailand, I flew into Abu Dhabi directly from Bangkok. As I stared at the Etihad Boeing triple-seven through the large glass panes at the gate, I was overwhelmed with anxiety. This would be the furthest I had ever travelled alone and I was about to meet more than a hundred other competitive candidates undergoing constant evaluation. What if I couldn't connect with anybody, or what if my teachers had simply overpredicted my grades and I was really not qualified to be among a group of such smart applicants?

As I settled down in my seat, this anxiety slowly turned into excitement. I was about to fly to the middle east, alone, to experience the university I had read so much about, in person. I would be meeting people from around the world and get to know my potential new home for the next four years.

About six hours later, we commenced our approach into Abu Dhabi. During the flight, I reread my Common App essays and the candidate weekend writing assignment, so I felt ready and prepared for the experience of a lifetime.

Approaching AUH onboard EY405

After being escorted to the NYUAD student ambassadors in the arrival hall, I got to know another applicant who just flew in from Manila. We immediately connected and talked about our aspirations for the weekend. It was comforting to know that she was just as nervous about the admissions process, especially having flown this far by herself for the first time as well.

Upon arrival on campus, I was handed a welcome package, consisting of an NYUAD branded bag, various information booklets, a water bottle and a name tag. Unfortunately, because of my late arrival, I didn't get to introduce myself to any other candidates. By about 1 am, I settled in my dorm room, ready to wake up again at 6:30.

The welcome package

Day 1: Sample Classes, Academics Fair & Dinner in the Desert

In the morning, I got to know the group I was assigned to throughout the weekend, named Abu Dhabi. Little did I know how much fun I'd have with these 13 people.

After a short breakfast with our groups at the Marketplace Restaurant on campus, we headed off to the official welcome presentation. We were told that there were 153 candidates from all over the world speaking over 40 different languages in the room, 60% of the group were female. Then, every single candidate proceeded to introduce themselves using an object from home. It was impressive how diverse of a group I was part of. Whether it be someone with a 10-minute drive away from campus or a person from South America with a 36-hour journey to get here, the whole spectrum was present.

The candidate weekend gave a whole new meaning to "diverse"

Following the introductions, we were given an address by the Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi. In this highly interesting talk, he explained the history and vision behind opening an international university in the UAE.

NYUAD campus centre

Eventually, it was time for our sample class. I attended a very interesting class about branding and logo design. We talked about the importance of branding and cultural considerations when designing a logo for another country. Other available sample classes covered everything from policy-making to structural engineering.

The afternoon was dedicated to learning about the different faculties at NYUAD. We attended a panel discussion where a representative of each department introduced what opportunities are available in each field.

The panel discussion was immediately followed by an academics fair outdoors in the Central Plaza. Each faculty had a stall set up with students and professors, ready to be bombarded by questions from us candidates.

Central Plaza

After what was already an exciting day, we were loaded into the buses and departed for the desert. About an hour later, we arrived at a desert camp, surrounded by sand dunes. The sun was just about to go down, so, as per tradition (as we were told), all members scaled the large sand dune to witness a magnificent sunset.

Climbing the sand dune was harder than it looks

At one point, I found myself sitting on top of the sand dune, looking out into the distance and being hit by an incredible realisation. Two years prior, I had first heard of NYUAD from a representative at my school, but I never actually thought I'd come this close to realising my dream of studying here.

Panorama view

After the sun set, it got quite chilly and we made our way back down to the camp. We then had an amazing dinner under the starry night sky, followed by a unique dance performance. It was a great opportunity to bond and get to know other people. Throughout the evening, these candidates slowly became my friends. We really got a taste of what the NYUAD culture is meant to be all about. It's not only meant to be about competition but it also fosters a social environment, one of collaboration and friendship.

Desert dinner

Day 2: Campus Life, Interviews & Visit to the Louvre

The next day started off with a campus tour. I was stunned by the beauty and functionality of the campus. Although small, I could actually picture myself living there. Of course, we visited most of the academic buildings and got to talk to professors from each department about the equipment and research they were doing. Overall, I was very impressed and I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

Physics laboratory

Film studio

Woodworking space

Design studio

One of the smaller theatres

Engineering design space

Sports hall with indoor running track and climbing wall

Olympic sized swimming pool

Library

After the campus tour, a fair similar to the one from the previous day was set up, this time focused on student life at NYUAD. Everything from student wellbeing to student interest groups and study abroad was represented. I even got to know the Desert Falcons mascot.

The fair was followed by a student life discussion within our groups and then the introduction of our candidate weekend reflective writing assignment. We were then given 2.5 hours to complete the assignment. All the falculty and admissions conversations were scheduled during this time as well. (This is as much as I will say about that process, if you're more curious, you'll need to find out yourself at the candidate weekend.)

The last big event of the day was the visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a museum with art from around the world and many different eras.

The mindboggling architecture of the Louvre combined with the sunset made for some great photo opportunities.

Abu Dhabi!

To conclude an amazing weekend, we had a closing dinner at the Saadiyat Rotana, which was another opportunity to spend time with new friends and to bid farewell to them.

Unfortunately, my flight was scheduled relatively early and I was part of the first batch of candidates to leave campus. By 10:30 I was seated in the bus and departing for Dubai International Airport; pretty much everybody travelling to China was on the bus with me.

China crew

As we were boarding the Beijing-bound Emirates A380, and just as I thought the weekend couldn't get any better, the gate attendant ripped my boarding pass in half and handed me a new one, "Sir, you have been upgraded to business class, enjoy your flight."

What an incredible 48 hours those were.

Accepted!

About a week after the candidate weekend, NYU decisions came out. I opened the letter and I read the first word: "Congratulations!"

I made it, I got into this amazing school and I was so happy! Of course, I immediately shared the news with my friends and family. Despite the excitement, I couldn't avoid the inevitable. I opened the financial support award letter, and what I had worried about this whole time came true. The financial aid package wasn't enough, not nearly. There was no way I could afford four years of undergraduate education with the support I was offered. Although, yes, many applicants receive a full ride, I've talked to others in a similar situation as me. Unfortunately, it looks as if I will not be joining the NYUAD Class of 2023, but nonetheless, the candidate weekend was an experience to cherish and remember.

Video

One of my fellow candidate weekend friends made an amazing video summarising these two days. Check it out: