Common Application Mistakes: Using Acronyms

We are starting a new series where we highlight the common mistakes while applying to US Universities.

Consider this hypothetical profile as written in first person: I scored 90% marks in ICSE and 95% marks in CBSE. I had been an NTSE scholar. I won the silver medal at INMO. I studied at IIT KGP and my CGPA was 9. I was active with NSS.

There is a huge problem with the above profile; none of the acronyms (except IIT) are understood in USA. The applicant is not likely to get recognition for all her achievements, because the admission committee may not be familiar with so many acronyms specific to Indian vocabulary. There are some acronyms which are widely understood in some countries but in general one should write the expanded notations while completing the application or writing the statement of purpose.

Consider this hypothetical profile again eliminating all acronyms: I scored 90% marks in class 10 and 95% marks in Class 12. I was awarded the prestigious National Talent Search Scholarship on the basis of an all-India competitive examination. I won the silver medal at Indian National Mathematics Olympiad. I studied at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur and my Cumulative GPA was 9 out of 10. I served as a volunteer with the National Service Scheme.