Minerva Schools

Last week, Minerva celebrated the Class of 2021’s graduation with a final feast influenced by their global rotation travels over the past four years. Following local public health regulations, the community connected safely and shared their appreciation for one another through bread-breaking, reflections, and student performances. The Class of 2021 enters the world uniquely prepared with advanced cognitive skills and a global perspective to take on and solve the challenges of the 21st century. Congratulations!

On May 25, the Class of 2021 graduated from Minerva Schools at KGI in both virtual and in-person gatherings. The milestone was accented by remarks from Minerva’s faculty and staff, reflections on the four-year journey from graduating students, and a thoughtful welcome from our growing alumni community. The day before, the San Francisco-based students were able to celebrate the completion of their undergraduate studies and the lifelong friendships they made with a final outdoor in-person feast, in accordance with local public health regulations. These bright and inspiring students enter the world uniquely prepared with advanced cognitive skills and a global perspective to take on and solve the challenges of the 21st century.

Congratulations to Ahmed and Bukle, Class of 2021, who recently won the Education category of the 2021 Microsoft Imagine Cup with their project, Hands-on Labs. Selected from thousands of teams across the world, Hands-on Labs enables students to access a robotics laboratory from anywhere in the world. Ahmed and Bukle are one of four teams in the final stage of the competition with the winner to be announced on May 25. #MinervaSnaps

Designed for working professionals, Minerva’s Master of Science in Decision Analysis degree will impart you with practical transferable skills so you can make data-informed decisions in your line of work. Learn more and apply by May 14: https://bit.ly/3o6y1PV

Welcome to the newest members of the Minerva community, the Class of 2025! From over 60 different countries, the Class of 2025 is made up of thoughtful individuals who are committed to learning how to think critically, improving their communities, and developing as a global citizen. Here are some of the faces of our next cohort.

When the pandemic began, Ahmed, Class of 2021, realized students would lose access to laboratories and research opportunities. Rather than waiting for society to reopen, Ahmed, along with classmate Bukle, designed a way for students to gain valuable research experience without sacrificing safetyusing robotics to create a virtual laboratory. Currently, Ahmed and Bukle's project, Hands-on Labs, is one of four world finalists still in running for the 2021 Microsoft Imagine Cup. #MinervaSnaps Read about their project: https://bit.ly/3cTKcvn

Meet Tawongaishe, an incoming member of Minerva’s Class of 2025. Hello, my name is Tawongaishe. I was born in Zimbabwe and now live in South Africaa proud citizen of both countries. I first heard about Minerva in 2017, when an alumnus from my high school enrolled at Minerva. At that time, Minerva seemed like a faraway, foreign place that would require a lot of hard work and effort to be admitted to. Frankly, just the prospect of leaving South Africa for university seemed i...mpossible for me. However, as I got closer to the end of my high school career, I began to choose which universities I would like to attend. Each schools' application process left me feeling slightly underwhelmed and lacked the excitement I expected with regards to the next leg of my life’s journey. This was until I started the Minerva application. Minerva's application was unlike any other I had experienced. Of course, they asked for the standard documents, like my academic transcript and my personal information, but the rest of the process was more about methe student, as a person, an individual. Their unique testing system, which is used in place of SATs and other standardized tests, was challenging in the best way and enjoyable, even though it was difficult. Unexpectedly, their free, online, and thought-provoking application allowed me to better understand what Minerva believed inbuilding a better future world and great leaders for it. That is when I knew Minerva was the right school for me. I want to become an agent of positive and lasting change in my home countries and Africa at large. That means that I need a university institution that teaches the qualities needed to be a globally adaptable, creative, and well-educated learner of cultures and life, beyond just textbooks. I believe that Minerva is the institution that can provide all this and more, and I am so excited to be part of the Minerva Class of 2025! If you are interested in driving impactful change like Tawongaishe, start your application to join her in the Class of 2025: https://bit.ly/3cxBL8K

Hear from current students Oliver and Lara. Ask your questions in the comment section. Interested in joining their community? Begin here: https://bit.ly/3rCMDay

Introducing Alberto Martinez de Arenazam, a Minerva graduate from the Class of 2019, and our #MinervaAlumni feature of the day. Throughout his time at Minerva, Alberto prioritized connecting with his classmates and meeting locals from each of the rotation cities. Combining his passion for people with his interests in global economics, politics, and finance, he realized there was a need to create a network that could empower entrepreneurs who were typically left behind by traditional investorsleading him to create the Transcend Network. Read more of Alberto’s story by clicking the link in our bio.

Minerva Schools was recently recognized by The Edge Foundation for our program’s innovative approach to higher education. Read the case study to learn about our unique liberal arts curriculum focused on developing critical and creative thinking skills and a lecture-free pedagogy: https://bit.ly/37lxeDw

Designed for working professionals, Minerva’s graduate degree will impart you with leadership and advanced data analysis skills so you can make data-informed decisions in your line of work. Discover how you can use the Master in Decision Analysis to take the next step in your career and become a successful leader in the modern world. Apply by February 1: https://bit.ly/341CB8q

Meet Giovanna, an incoming member of Minerva’s Class of 2025. Coincidence. Destiny. Whatever it may be, the best things that have happened to me came when I least expected. I first heard about Minerva from my college counselor, who said it seemed like the perfect fit for my university experience. And though I knew I wanted to major in Government, I was struggling with my college list, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ Later, I googled Minerva Schools at KGI, and the next thing I kn...ew, I was running downstairs. Mom! I could live in South Korea! And then Berlin! London! I screamed. Instead of having to choose between Brazil or the US, with Minerva, I could travel the world. Having studied in a small school in Brazil for the past eleven years, I thought Minerva would be a good transition, another home. Even before applications for the Class of 2025 opened, I was already drafting which of my accomplishments I wanted to share. And while I like to plan ahead and keep to a schedule, I actually enjoyed every step of the admissions process. The Creativity Challenge was my favorite, and I valued being able to self reflect on who I wanted to be. When I close my eyes and picture myself over the next few years, I see myself writing another book while sitting on a bench in Buenos Aires. I see myself riding the subway to Gangnam or Itaewon in the fall and wandering through the colorful streets of India later that spring. I see myself enthralled in a class on how to design constitutions and complex systems. With all of these experiences and more, I know the world will be my campus, and my possibilities are limitless just like the number of stars in the sky. If you share Giovanna’s dream to study across the world, start your application today: http://bit.ly/3a4u5Zq

How can a graduate degree realistically prepare you for the #FutureofWork? Learn how you can advance your career and prepare for future opportunities in a conversation and Q&A session with Rachel Kim, Senior Coach and Global Director of Coaching and Talent Development. Register for the session on January 27 at 3:00 pm PST: http://bit.ly/360RLg5

There’s just one day left. Apply before 11:59 pm PST tomorrow, January 15. Use the link in our bio to join the Class of 2025 this fall.

My favorite accomplishment was winning my committee's Best Speaker award at a Model African Union conference. This award was particularly significant to me because I disagreed with the committee’s draft resolution and refused to vote for it. The award reinforced my belief that there is no shame in being contrarian. Regardless of your take on an issue, your focus should be on constructively articulating your points to drive further discussion. Minerva’s application asks pros...pective students to list up to six accomplishments they are proud of. Because one of our most common questions is What is a ‘strong’ accomplishment?, we asked Minerva students to share what they wrote. Remember, there is no right category of accomplishment, the diversity in our community’s interests is what makes Minerva unique. Ready to share what you are proud of? Begin your application using the link in our profile.

Creativity comes in many different forms. Share your creative ideas in the Challenges. Apply before the Early Action deadline: https://bit.ly/35zycKK

Today is the last day to submit your application before the Early Action deadline at 11:59 pm PT. Apply to join the Class of 2025: http://bit.ly/2YFelqF

My favorite accomplishment hands down was sharing that I was a vine influencer. I received an award from CNN, became profitable, made a lot of friends, and was introduced to a new perspective of the world. Anna G., Class of 2021 Minerva’s application asks prospective students to list up to six accomplishments they are proud of. Because one of our most common questions is What is a ‘strong’ accomplishment?, we asked Minerva students to share what they wrote. Remember, there is no right category of accomplishment, the diversity in our community’s interests is what makes Minerva unique. Ready to share what you are proud of? Begin your application here: https://bit.ly/3o7LGFT

My favorite accomplishment was teaching English classes at the American Center in Moscow. Many Russian people cannot afford language classes because they are so expensive, so my friend and I provided our classes for free. It felt amazing to create opportunities for others who might not have been able to learn English otherwise. Anna Y., Class of 2021 Minerva’s application asks prospective students to list up to six accomplishments they are proud of. Because one of our most common questions is What is a ‘strong’ accomplishment?, we asked Minerva students to share what they wrote. Remember, there is no right category of accomplishment, the diversity in our community’s interests is what makes Minerva unique. Ready to share what you are proud of? Begin your application here: https://bit.ly/3o7LGFT

My favorite accomplishment was being selected as a sports ambassador to represent Pakistan at a global conference in Doha, Qatar. Only three girls were chosen, and I was one of them. It was amazing! I got to lead a panel with Olympic athletes and spoke about women’s inclusion in sports in the Middle East and North Africa region. Menal, Class of 2021 Minerva’s application asks prospective students to list up to six accomplishments they are proud of. Because one of our most common questions is What is a ‘strong’ accomplishment?, we asked Minerva students to share what they wrote. Remember, there is no right category of accomplishment, the diversity in our community’s interests is what makes Minerva unique. Ready to share what you are proud of? Begin your application here: https://bit.ly/3o7LGFT

Are you thinking about transferring to Minerva? Unsure if your credits will transfer or if switching schools is worth it? Join recent graduate Antonia, Class of 2020, and current Minerva students who will share their stories of transferring to Minerva and provide transfer-specific resources and support. Register for their session tomorrow October 16 at 11:00 am CEST: https://bit.ly/3k8isEI

Meet Tim, the first member of Minerva’s Class of 2025! I first heard about Minerva in my sophomore year of high school when I joined Quarter Zero, a rigorous summer incubator for startups. My then-mentor was a Minerva student, so I got to know a lot about the school. Many of Minerva's ideas immediately resonated with me. So, when I began to think about university applications this year, one of the first schools to pop up was, you guessed it, Minerva. Upon further research, I... was astonished by how many more values we shared. My favorite aspect is the flipped classroom model used in the classes, which allows for discussion, ensuring I will understand rather than just memorize information. Coming from an international background, I was also excited to know that about 80% of Minerva students come from outside the US, which allows for a more global conversation. This is further reinforced by the opportunity to study and live in seven different countries. I just knew that Minerva was a perfect school for me. When I started the application, which was very different from the Common App, I actually found myself enjoying the online Challenges. They allowed me to demonstrate my skills differently from other applications. Upon finishing, I was delighted to know about the binding enrollment, which allowed me to receive my admissions decision within four weeks. This provided me with the valuable time to contribute to the local community rather than filling out more applications and writing more college essays! If you share Tim’s interest in engaging academics, start your application today: https://bit.ly/2SBmxEX

Are you looking to join a community of leaders who are eager to tackle current global challenges and make an impact? Minerva’s Master in Decision Analysis program prepares you with the skills needed to succeed and lead in our diverse, modern world. Learn more and apply by October 1: https://bit.ly/341CB8q

The start of the semester looked different this year but Foundation Week and Elevation successfully welcomed students to the Minerva community. Switching hugs for social pods, Minerva staff moved orientation programming online to prioritize students’ health. However, keeping to Minerva’s fully active learning pedagogy, these sessions were far from dull. From multimedia virtual hangouts to unifying mandalas and even a dispersed version of Feastthe Minerva community is ready for a great and productive year.

Tomorrow, September 17, recent graduate Mai Amit, Class of 2019, will be speaking at the ReForum Winning The Hearts conference to share how her Minerva education and global rotation experience uniquely prepared her for her current role as a design research consultant. Learn more about the future of work: https://bit.ly/2H8UN8n

This week on September 9 and 10, Minerva and The Diplomatic Courier are co-presenting the Global Talent Summit 2020. Hosted on Minerva Project’s Forum, the expert and student participants will dive deep and discuss the future of work and education post-pandemic. Visit the event website to see the agenda and watch highlights: https://www.globaltalentsummit.org/

On Tuesday, September 8 at 2:00 pm PST, Professor Tomer Perry and Community Development Coordinator Veselina Nedelcheva will discuss the academic curriculum of Minerva’s Master of Decision Analysis (MDA) program. Join their casual conversation to learn how the MDA’s structure can uniquely prepare you to become an indispensable professional: https://bit.ly/3jx4ECS

Remote learning will not simply be a temporary situation. As such, higher ed will need an innovative solution that does not compromise students’ education. Read how Minerva successfully delivers liberal arts online in Quartz: https://bit.ly/2YEAwNX

Join recent graduate Zoey, Class of 2019, and Laurel Springs School’ Dean of Innovation Renee Mindek for a Facebook Live with Michael B. Horn today at 11:00 am PST to learn more about Minerva’s undergraduate program and new high school Baccalaureate partnership.

Recent alumnus Nadav, Class of 2020, reflects on his past four years as the time to experiment and the ability to embrace countless new experiences. In Taipei for their final semester at Minerva, the Class of 2020 plans were abruptly changed due to the pandemicand for Nadav, being front-and-center provided unprecedented insight into how society and its systems can interact effectively. See his story: https://youtu.be/a-Sqh5jFwro