Senior Deepti Bansal received the Wells Scholarship to Indiana University, one of the most prestigious merit-based college scholarships in the United States. In addition to being a Wells Scholar recipient, Bansal was also the 2011 international winner of the HP Junior Achievement Social Innovation Relay.
“I learned about the Wells Scholarship through a summer program I did at Indiana University called the Young Women’s Institute last summer. I knew IU’s business school was really well ranked so I decided to apply for the scholarship to IU,” said Bansal.
The Wells Scholarship is named in honor of Herman B. Wells (1902-2000), who devoted his life to Indiana University.
The Wells Scholarship is based solely on merit and provides full tuition, mandatory and course-related fees, and a living for four years of undergraduate study on the Bloomington campus of Indiana University for students. Only around 18-22 incoming freshmen around the nation receive the award each year.
“I had to go through an intense application process and then I had to go to Indiana as a finalist for an interview. After that, they told me I would be a Wells Scholar if I came to Indiana, so it was impossible to turn down,” stated Bansal.
“By being a Wells scholar, I get to meet influential people who visit the campus, have my own advisor, attend university dinners, get the first class choices, study abroad for a year for free, free housing and the ability to do a $1,500 research project,” added Bansal.
Back in 2011, Bansal had learned about the HP Junior Achievement Social Innovation Relay through her school counselor and decided to compete in it with her friends.
“Mrs. Dominguez had sent out an email about the HP Junior Achievement Social Innovation camp and I went to that and won 3rd place. Over the summer they had the HP Junior Achievement Social Innovation relay which was an international competition,” said Bansal.
In the HP Junior Achievement Social Innovation relay, participants had to create a business plan to solve social issues. Bansal had to create a website that matches would-be volunteers with local organizations that fits one’s personal interests. Some issues included raising awareness on the environment and poverty.
“I learned a lot about business management and how it feels to be an entrepreneur,” said Bansal.
Although not everyone can gain scholarships or win international awards, Bansal suggests that instead of competing with other people, students should focus on achieving the most on what they can do.
“I suggest to take every opportunity given, because you never know what could happen. Instead of looking for what to add on your resume, this is about what you’re passionate about and do that because that will show through much more,” advised Bansal.
Besides excelling in academics, Bansal is also Vice President of Carlmont’s DECA and president of Model UN and Indian Club. In her free time, she enjoys doing henna and playing tennis. Bansal plans to attend Indiana University, majoring in business marketing, finance, international business, and minoring in Spanish.
