Meet Dubai student who launched AI website to help unprivileged with college applications
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 https://college-compass.pages.dev/ 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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Business
6 hours ago
- Gulf Business
UAE stakes claim as global capital for digital nomads
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Once known primarily for its oil wealth and gleaming skyscrapers, the UAE is now carving out a new global identity as a magnet for digital nomads, according to a report published by the state news agency WAM. Rising to second place globally in the 2025 VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index , the UAE has become one of the world's most attractive destinations for remote workers, trailing only Spain and leapfrogging previous contenders such as the Bahamas, Hungary, and Montenegro. This quiet but steady ascent reflects a broader strategy by the UAE to diversify its economy and position itself at the crossroads of global talent, technology, and mobility. Rather than merely responding to the rise of remote work, the Gulf nation has anticipated it, building infrastructure, rolling out targeted visa programmes, and marketing its lifestyle offerings to a global audience of mobile professionals. UAE rates highly with digital nomads for various reasons According to Immigrant Invest , the UAE earned high marks across a wide range of indicators including internet quality, tax benefits, healthcare, cost of living, and, crucially, unmatched levels of safety and stability. Remote work, once a niche privilege, has now ballooned into a global economic force valued at around $800bn a year. Nearly 40 million people globally identify as digital nomads, a number projected to swell to one billion by 2035. If it were a country, the global digital nomad community would rank 41st in population, according to the report. Recognising the shift early, the UAE launched its one-year renewable Remote Work Visa in 2021, making it one of the first countries to tailor immigration policy to remote professionals. The move was swiftly followed by Abu Dhabi's Virtual Working Programme , reinforcing the country's intent to turn digital nomadism from a pandemic-era trend into a permanent pillar of its knowledge economy. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are now ranked first and fourth respectively among the world's top cities for remote work by RemoteWork360 . While infrastructure and visa policies provide the backbone, lifestyle remains a key selling point. From the beaches of Ras Al Khaimah to the art districts of Sharjah, the UAE is promoting itself as more than just an office in the sun but a place to live, explore and thrive. Read:
Zawya
7 hours ago
- Zawya
GEMS Education celebrates exceptional IB results across its seven UAE IB schools
Three students score highest score possible of 45 in the Diploma Programme Dubai, UAE: GEMS Education students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) have once again achieved remarkable success in their final examinations, surpassing global benchmarks and gaining entry to leading universities around the world. A total of 645 Grade 12/Year 13 students from seven GEMS schools across the UAE sat the IB Diploma exams this year. Together, they achieved an average point score of 34 and a pass rate of 95%, exceeding the 2024 global averages of 30 points and 80% respectively. Notably, three students attained the maximum score possible of 45 – a rare accomplishment earned by less than 0.5% of candidates worldwide. Lisa Crausby OBE, Group Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, said: 'Our students have once again shown what's possible with ambition, perseverance, and the right support. These outstanding results reflect their tireless effort and the dedication of our world-class educators. Every success story here speaks to the strength of our IB programmes and the values that underpin a GEMS education. 'We take pride in nurturing global citizens – curious, compassionate, and courageous young people who are ready to make their mark. As our students take the next steps into higher education and beyond, they carry with them the confidence and capability to lead, to innovate, and to shape a better world.' In parallel, 49 students from three GEMS schools (GEMS International School – Al Khail, GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis, and GEMS Wellington International School) completed the IB CP, a forward-looking qualification designed for students pursuing pathways aligned with their career aspirations. The seven GEMS schools offering the IB include: GEMS World Academy – Dubai GEMS International School – Al Khail GEMS Wellington International School GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis GEMS Dubai American Academy GEMS American Academy – Abu Dhabi GEMS Modern Academy Nargish Khambatta, Principal, GEMS Modern Academy and Executive Vice President – Education, GEMS Education, said: 'The IB DP Class of 2025 are poised to shape their tomorrow, grounded in intellect, guided by integrity, and strengthened by unwavering dedication. These impressive results reflect not just academic excellence, but the courage, resilience, and depth of thought our students have cultivated. 'This success belongs to our entire community – students, teachers, and parents as well, who have journeyed together with purpose and heart. At Modern, we are deeply proud of the remarkable individuals they have evolved into.' These achievements are the result of years of dedication, world-class teaching, and a shared commitment to excellence. As GEMS graduates take their next steps, they do so not only with impressive results, but with the mindset and character needed to thrive in a complex and fast-changing world. About GEMS Education Every day, GEMS Education has the privilege of educating more than 200,000 students from over 176 countries through its owned and managed schools around the world. With nearly half a million alumni who have influenced countless lives, GEMS is recognised as one of the most impactful education groups globally. Founded in the UAE in 1959, GEMS Education is the largest and most respected K–12 private education group in the world, with a track record of providing diverse curricula and educational opportunities to families from all socio-economic backgrounds. What began as a single school in a private home in Dubai remains a family business to this day. Its inspiring Chairman and Founder, Sunny Varkey, and his sons, Dino Varkey, the Group Chief Executive Officer, and Jay Varkey, the Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, continue to provide vision, insight, and strategic leadership across the organisation. Through its growing school network and philanthropic initiatives, GEMS is committed to fulfilling its vision of putting a quality education within the reach of every learner, everywhere. Each year, GEMS students graduate to join the world's leading universities. Over the past five years alone, they have been accepted into over 1,050 universities in 53 countries – including all eight Ivy League institutions in the United States and all 24 Russell Group universities in the United Kingdom. GEMS alumni have gone on to successful careers in all sectors around the world, including a large proportion reaching CEO and C-suite status. For further information about GEMS Education, visit or contact: Shilpa Johnson, Account Director, Four
Khaleej Times
10 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: May 2025 IB results out, meet school toppers with perfect score
Several students in the UAE recorded outstanding performances in the May 2025 International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations, with scores well above the global average. The results were released on Saturday, July 5. Among the standout performers at Innoventures education were Alia Abdelhamid and Melis Yilmaz from Dubai International Academy - Emirates Hills (DIA EH), who achieved a perfect score of 45 — a distinction earned by just 0.1 per cent of IB Diploma candidates worldwide. According to the results shared with Khaleej Times, students from three schools under this group — DIA Emirates Hills, DIA Al Barsha, and Raffles World Academy — posted a 100 per cent pass rate. Across these campuses, two students scored the maximum 45 points, four achieved 44, and nearly a quarter of the graduating class scored 40 or more points. The graduating cohort has secured offers from some of the world's most prestigious institutions, including Cambridge, Stanford, Cornell, Imperial College London, UC Berkeley, King's College London, and the London School of Economics, New York University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of St Andrew's, among others. The toppers Alia Abdelhamid and Melis Yilmaz from DIA Emirates Hills scored a perfect 45 points. At DIA Al Barsha, Kanishka Kesharwani emerged as the top scorer with 44 points. Alia Abdelhamid from DIA EH who bagged the perfect score said, 'I feel deeply thankful for the incredible support I received from DIA Emirates Hills during my IB journey. The commitment of my teachers and the broader school community created an environment where I could truly thrive. I'm proud of what we've accomplished together.' Melis Yilmaz, also from DIA EH, was very happy to attain 45/45 and said, 'My IB journey at Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills has been truly transformative. The demanding academic environment, combined with unwavering support, has fostered both intellectual and personal growth. The strong sense of community and the constant encouragement to think critically and embrace a global perspective have equipped me for the future in ways I could never have imagined." Reflecting on the school's performance and the students' achievements, Hitesh Bhagat, Principal of DIA Emirates Hills, said, 'These results speak volumes about the dedication of our students, the commitment of our teachers, and the strength of our school community. We are thrilled to see our students continue to reach new heights and take their place at the world's leading universities.' Kanishka Kesharwani from DIA Al Barsha, who emerged as the top scorer with 44 points, said, "It was surreal to open my result to see 44 after the year I had - gut-wrenching mocks and loads of all-nighters with endless fits of laughter and cries to put in my best effort for my exams. Deeply grateful for the person DIAB has made me, and for the support my family and friends have given me over the last couple of years." Poonam Bhojani, CEO of Innoventures Education, said, "This year's record-breaking results are a true reflection of our students' passion, resilience, and drive to succeed as well as the unwavering dedication of our educators and the support of our parent community. At Innoventures, we strive to nurture global citizens who are not only academically prepared but deeply inspired. We couldn't be prouder of this incredible cohort and look forward to all that they will go on to achieve.' Commendable journey Meanwhile, across seven GEMS schools that offer the IB diploma programme, three students attained the maximum score possible of 45. A total of 645 Grade 12/Year 13 students from these schools across the UAE sat for these exams this year. Together, they achieved an average point score of 34 and a pass rate of 95 per cent, exceeding the 2024 global averages of 30 points and 80 per cent respectively. Lisa Crausby OBE, Group Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, said, 'Our students have once again shown what's possible with ambition, perseverance, and the right support. These outstanding results reflect their tireless effort and the dedication of our world-class educators. Every success story here speaks to the strength of our IB programmes and the values that underpin a GEMS education.' Nargish Khambatta, Principal, GEMS Modern Academy and Executive Vice President – Education, GEMS Education, said, 'This success belongs to our entire community — students, teachers, and parents as well, who have journeyed together with purpose and heart. At Modern, we are deeply proud of the remarkable individuals they have evolved into."
