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Many people often assume that students who get accepted into the world's top universities are hyper-serious, rigid individuals who spend all their time studying. However, this stigma was broken by Axell Septiarisco, an alumnus of the Indonesian Youth Excursion Network (IYEN) international program, Batch 12 Malaysia Chapter.

Who would have thought that behind his success in bagging Letters of Acceptance (LoA) from six overseas universities at once (including some ranked in the Top 7 in Asia and Top 32 in the World), Axell admitted that he was actually a relaxed, easygoing guy who loved to joke around during high school.

So, what is Axell's secret to winning the hearts of the admission officers at these various international universities? Read on for his full story and valuable tips!

Setting the Dream of Studying Abroad Early On

Axell's dream of pursuing his studies abroad actually began with a casual chat with his father when he was in his third year of middle school. His father suggested that studying overseas would provide much better prospects for his future.

After considering it for a year, Axell finally made up his mind when he entered the 10th grade.

"The main reason was that I wanted to develop myself in a completely different environment. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and meet people from various countries with different cultures," Axell shared.

For Axell, an international environment is not just a place to chase academic grades, but a platform for character building and personal growth.

Facing the Biggest Challenge: Self-Doubt

Looking at the Admission Notices Axell received from major campuses like The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), RMIT University, to the University of Nottingham, most people only see the end result. Little do they know that Axell also went through an exhausting process filled with doubt.

The biggest challenge he faced was not the complicated paperwork, but rather his own self-doubt.

"Sometimes I felt that my achievements weren't as good as other applicants who seemed to have much cooler accomplishments," he admitted honestly.

The lengthy application process—from preparing documents and writing personal statements to facing interviews—took a mental toll on him. However, from that very process, he learned one important thing: everyone has a different journey, and consistent effort combined with sincere intentions will surely bear sweet fruit in due time.

Self-Development is Worth Far More Than a Piece of Certificate

When asked about the biggest factor that got him accepted into 6 overseas universities, Axell firmly answered that the process of self-development is far more influential than just a list of achievements on paper.

The world's best universities are not looking for "robots" who collect hundreds of meaningless certificates. The admissions committee wants to know the real person behind those numbers and documents.

According to Axell, the key points overseas universities look for during the selection process include:

  • How the prospective student grows (self-growth).

  • How they face life's challenges (problem-solving).

  • The life values they hold firmly (values).

  • The real impact they have made on their surrounding environment (impact).

Turning the IYEN Experience into a Secret Weapon in College Essays

One of Axell's successful strategies when putting together his applications was highlighting an essay filled with contributions, personal experiences, and real impact. This is where the Indonesian Youth Excursion Network (IYEN) program played a massive role in getting Axell into his dream schools.

While writing his personal statement, Axell recounted his experience discussing and collaborating on global issues with his fellow delegates in IYEN Batch 12 Malaysia, specifically with his team, Environmental Team 3A: Green Pioneers.

"I actually mentioned the IYEN program in my essay. I wrote about how this program changed my way of thinking and how I used those lessons to make an impact on others. Universities want to see the process behind our achievements, not just the final results," Axell explained.

For Axell, the true value of an international youth program like IYEN is not just a graduation certificate, but the networking, global insights, communication skills, and transformation of perspectives gained during the event.

Axell's Message for Those Who Want to Study Abroad

For those of you who share the same dream but still feel like you don't have enough achievements or lack experience, Axell offers some very touching advice:

"Don't wait until you feel 'great enough' to finally start trying something. On the contrary, we must have the courage to start from the bottom. It is in the moments you experience failure that you learn how to rise up and become a better person."

He also added that overseas university hopefuls shouldn't compare themselves to others too often, as it will never end. Focus on your own character development. Start with the small things you care about, build your experience gradually, because every small step taken today will be a part of a greater story in the future.

In fact, if given the chance to turn back time to his high school days, Axell admitted he would still choose to join IYEN. The program helped him step out of his familiar environment and became an important pillar that shaped him into the success he is today.

Ready to Follow in Axell's Footsteps with IYEN?

Axell Septiarisco's story proves that the doors to studying abroad are wide open for anyone willing to go through the process, develop themselves, and boldly step out of their comfort zone. International programs like IYEN are ready to help you build your self-value, expand your international network, and create a stunning college application essay story.

Don't let doubt stop your big dreams. Register yourself for the latest batch of the Indonesian Youth Excursion Network (IYEN) program right now! Visit the official registration link on our homepage and start writing your own success story!