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Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Meet Dubai student who launched AI website to help unprivileged with college applications
A Year 13 student from a Dubai school has created an AI-powered platform designed to support underprivileged students through the complex and often daunting college application process. This new student-led innovation is aiming to bridge educational inequality using cutting-edge technology. Garv Lamba, who was recently accepted into the University of California, San Diego to study artificial intelligence, came up with the idea after his own challenges during the university application process. Although he had access to school counsellors and professional consultants, Garv realised that many students worldwide lack this support. Reflecting on his own experience, Garv shared, 'I felt a bit lost last year while going through the college applications. You need to research each college you are applying for, you need to gather data and improve your portfolio." Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. As a student at Gems Wellington Academy Al Khail, he had the advantage of guidance from school counsellors and an educational consultancy called UniHawk. However, Garv quickly realised that not every student has this privilege. From this realisation, Garv and his team developed a website that acts as a 'digital counsellor,' powered by AI and natural language models. The platform mimics the role of a real-life college advisor, asking students about their academic interests, personal background, and career goals. Based on this input, it generates a personalised portfolio and identifies areas where students can improve, whether through additional information or extracurricular activities. 'It gives you advise on what to do next and builds your portfolio in the background. So, it will put a spreadsheet of your interest and from that portfolio give the individual personalised guidance,' Garv explained. 'They look at you as an individual and identifies your strengths and weaknesses…that is something that AI can do pretty well which is why [we] utilise that idea.' One key feature of this platform is its ability to suggest extracurricular activities that align with a student's strengths and longterm goals, helping them stand out to competitive universities. Additionally, it offers feedback on college essays — especially helpful for applicants targeting Ivy League or other top-tier institutions. Garv also emphasised that the website offers constructive comments to guide improvements. 'It's definitely an aid to educational counsellors but the main focus is on students who don't have access to such resources. It's not a complete replacement but it's a good alternative for those who need it," said the 18-year-old. The platform was developed over the course of a year in collaboration with fellow students Ian Pannetier and Mahmoud Moursy. Among the app's innovative features is an 'Interviewer' tool that simulates college interview scenarios, and sections focused on identifying and addressing gaps in a student's academic or extracurricular profile. Currently, the upcoming app operates as a website that offers tailored advice on essays and goal-setting. However, the team envisions a much broader platform in the future. 'We want to create an entire database with college information,' Garv said, adding that this will be in addition to tools for portfolio development. Despite being in its early stages, the initiative has already received positive feedback. 'We've got good reviews from users in India, the United States, and other regions -- a testament to the global demand for accessible college guidance,' he added.
Khaleej Times
23-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
'It's just a game': Dubai students have a message for India-Pakistan fans
The temperature was rising even three hours before the start of the high-octane ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan at Dubai Sports City on Sunday. As thousands of fans, with India's blues outnumbering the Pakistani greens, made a beeline for the entry gates, a group of teens caught the eye. The bus carrying the Indian team had just arrived, and the teens were waiting to catch a glimpse of India's stars, especially Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Only one of them was Indian, the rest of the four were all from Pakistan. And all five of them arrived at the stadium with two collective goals — enjoy the match and spread the message of friendship. 'I think it should be seen as a fun competition, you should not take it so seriously. Just enjoy it as a game of cricket and enjoy it with your friends and family,' said Saanvi Rupnar who is from the Indian city of Pune. Zara Syed, who belongs to Karachi, said their friendship with Saanvi proves that people from the two countries can always get along well. 'I think the reason there is tension between the two countries is the politics,' she said. 'But normally people are fine with each other, and as you can see here, we can be friends and come together for a game of cricket between India and Pakistan.' The five teens are Year 13 students at Gems Wellington Academy in Dubai. 'As Zara said, the tension is mainly because of the politicians. But we believe politics should not dictate the friendship between the people of India and Pakistan,' said Alina Khan, whose family is 'Lahori' (residents of Lahore) from the Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Any game between India and Pakistan can leave the spectators on the edge of their seats. But regardless of the result of Sunday's match, nothing will change in their lives. 'Win or lose we will always be friends,' said Muhammad Syed. While Saanvi admires Pakistani fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, her four Pakistani friends gave just one name when asked about their favourite Indian player. 'We all love Virat Kohli, he is the superstar,' said Zulaym Khan. Finally, the five friends admitted that it's a blessing to be in Dubai. 'It's very uncommon nowadays to get India-Pakistan matches in cricket, so it's amazing to be part of this Champions Trophy match in Dubai,' said Alina, referring to the lack of bilateral cricket between the two teams. Saanvi agreed. 'India vs Pakistan in cricket is such a special occasion,' she said. 'And we are so grateful that we are Dubai residents which has given us this opportunity to watch this great contest.'
