Tara Nanyonjo's $86,998 full tuition scholarship
Congratulations to Tara for receiving this near-full scholarship from Tulane University. Tara has a balance of only $5,000 a year to pay towards her education. While she was nervous about her academics, we were able to boost her performance through our special StudyPal offer and make great applications to see these results. Currently, Tara is still finishing high school in Tanzania. Read on to hear from her:
How did you feel when you received the news that you got a full-ride scholarship to Tulane?
I was shaking with fear on the breakfast table with my friends when I saw the email that there was an update in my greenwave portal earlier that morning. At first I was confused because I didn't expect to get a decision from Tulane that early but once I opened the portal and saw the confetti, I screamed so loud my friends thought something was wrong. As a Ugandan girl still grinding through IB classes, getting the Global scholarship, a full ride covering my tuition and almost everything else, felt like a dream. I called my parents right away, we cried tears of joy together and felt relief after months of late night essays as all of it paid off and I get to go to my top university.
How did Think Forward support your journey?
You were my lifeline throughout my journey. The weekly sessions for essay feedback sharpened my essays on business/law goals and UWC impact. Guidance on strategies and supplemental essays built my confidence. The one-on-one academic support turned my high school chaos into a winning a near-full ride scholarship.
What do you think made your application stand out?
I think what made my application stand out was not only my leadership and global perspective from UWC East Africa but also my activities and internships. Essays about captaining basketball/netball/football teams, leading the culture committee to organize inclusive events, interning at a law firm, and creating autism awareness games for my school showed my commitment to empathy and service. As an international applicant with IB rigour, my story of turning cultural diversity into leadership impact stood out.
What was the most challenging part of the process, and how did you overcome it?
Balancing IB workload with the application process was brutal. I felt overwhelmed applying while still in high school. I overcame it by making a strict schedule where I prioritized my college essays and all the other many aspects of the application process then school. Family check-ins kept me going.
What advice would you give to students preparing for their applications now?
Start early by draft essays in summer! Be authentic; share your real story. For example, how you as a person have developed or how you've been shaped you into who you are. Track deadlines religiously, watch all the Think Forward video lessons carefully and reach out for help often because you’re not alone.
What would you like parents to know about supporting their children through this journey?
Parents, be cheerleaders but give space and ask about progress without pressure. Help with logistics like transcripts and some forms, but let kids own their voice in essays. Emotional support during this journey matters the most, if anything that’s what kept me pushing. Celebrate small wins, like finished essays. Your belief makes the difference.
What are you most excited to pursue at Tulane? (program, opportunities, career goals)
Tulane’s electric uptown campus has my heart racing, those Spanish moss-draped oaks, jazz vibes everywhere, good food and this joyful “family” of diverse, high energy people who turn every day into an adventure with deep connections.
I’m especially excited for the Freeman School’s Finance major where I get to analyze real stocks, electives and investments that will sharpen my edge. With internships and study abroad opportunities, I'll be launched toward law school and become an ethical lawyer blending finance savvy with global advocacy. Tulane's my vibrant dream come true!
