Latest news with #GSAS
Qatar Tribune
3 days ago
- Health
- Qatar Tribune
Veterinary quarantine facilities at Ruwais Port and Hamad Port receive 3-star GSAS certification
Tribune News Network Doha The new veterinary quarantine facilities at Ruwais Port and near Hamad Port have received three-star ratings from the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS). This achievement is a culmination of Qatar's efforts to consolidate environmental sustainability practices within its various development projects, in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and its goals to promote green infrastructure. This achievement reflects the Ministry of Municipality's commitment to applying the highest sustainability standards in the design, construction, and operation of veterinary facilities, ensuring a healthy and safe environment and enhancing operational efficiency in accordance with international best practices. The GSAS system is the first integrated sustainability assessment system in the Middle East and North Africa region. It was specifically designed to align with the nature of the region's urban environment. It is the same system used to assess major projects such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums and Lusail City. This classification enhances the role of veterinary quarantines in supporting sustainable development goals and enhancing the efficiency of environmental infrastructure across the country. The Ministry of Municipality continues its efforts to enhance the efficiency of veterinary quarantines and expand their operational capabilities, as part of its strategy to develop service infrastructure to serve food security goals and protect society from trans-boundary animal diseases.
Forbes
25-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
How Your Choice Of Major Can Impact Your Ivy League Admissions Odds
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - July 18, 2023: Lehman Hall is a Georgian-revival building by Charles ... More Coolidge completed in 1925. Lehman Hall, located in Harvard Yard, is the student center of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). Choosing a major is one of the most exciting and consequential decisions in the college admissions process. Not only can a student's choice of program impact their future career path, but it can also have an immediate impact on their college admissions prospects. While your intended major isn't a binding commitment to a specific academic path, it can play a critical role in shaping how admissions officers evaluate your application. An applicant's intended major tells a story about how they foresee using their background, skillset, and core passions on their college campus and in their future profession. Thus, students shouldn't just apply to a major that initially appeals to their interests or a field they assume is exciting or lucrative; instead, students should devote time to researching their selection strategically. As applicants weigh their options, here are three key insights to consider about how an intended major can impact a student's odds of admission at top schools: A Student's Intended Major Should Align with Their Hook For many students, college is a time to reinvent themselves and try new things. While you might dream of trying new clubs, joining an intramural sports league, or learning a new language, your intended course of study should be a natural continuation of the coursework, extracurricular activities, and independent learning you completed during your high school years. Starting freshman and sophomore years, students should begin intentionally exploring their interests and narrowing their involvements based on their guiding passions. The foundational interest(s) that students pursue constitute their hook—from the leadership positions they assume in clubs and organizations to the advanced courses they take and summer programs they participate in, a student's applicant profile should clearly demonstrate their hands-on experience with and genuine enthusiasm for their intended area of study. This does not mean that a student should pursue activities related to only one subject; in fact, some of the most eye-catching and dynamic hooks are those that demonstrate a student's creative, interdisciplinary perspective by bringing together two or more distinct disciplines. Admissions officers at top schools don't just want to see that a student has a passing fancy for a particular subject—they want to see the demonstrable ways in which they have already engaged with that discipline through hands-on experiences in and outside of the classroom. It is not enough to take a couple of classes or join a school club related to the major you choose during your junior year—top schools expect students to have interned in the profession, conducted independent research with a professor, developed a passion project to use their discipline to better their communities, won competitions, or participated in a related, prestigious, merit-based summer program. Choosing a major that clearly and compellingly corresponds to your hook will show admissions officers that you are knowledgeable about your field and prepared to dive into challenging coursework when you arrive on campus. Students' interests will likely change and develop throughout high school; some will reach senior year unsure about which major to choose. In these cases, students should focus on telling a clear story through their application so that it doesn't appear as though they have arbitrarily chosen a major in a field in which they lack experience. For instance, a student with an extensive resume of robotics competitions, clubs, and summer programs who initially intended to pursue engineering might discover they are more interested in medicine after taking Anatomy and Physiology. These students might choose to study biomedical engineering, which bridges the gap between their interests in medicine and engineering. Alternatively, they can strategically use their essays to show how the problem-solving skills, detail-oriented mentality, and technical skills they gained have uniquely prepared them for medical study. Less Popular Majors Can Boost Your Chances—But Only If You've Done Your Research Given the popularity of majors such as business, psychology, and political science, many students assume that applying to an obscure or unpopular major will boost their odds of admission, as they will be competing against fewer applicants. To a certain extent, this is true—the admissions pool for popular areas of study is often highly saturated. This can make it more challenging for students to catch admissions officers' eyes, whereas it can be easier to stand out in the smaller pool for underenrolled majors. But this doesn't mean that applying to study Egyptology will guarantee you a spot at your dream school. Admissions officers can clearly identify a student who has applied to a major solely because of its higher admissions rate. Not only should applicants' major selection clearly align with their hook (meaning that a student with coursework and activities related to physics will make for a poor Egyptology applicant), but they should also demonstrate a depth of knowledge about the nuances of the major to which they are applying (for instance, why they want to pursue Egyptology rather than archaeology or classical studies). Instead of opting for a lesser-known major because you think it might give you a competitive edge, consider this path only if it makes sense within the broader narrative of your application. A student with years of independent Latin study, a summer internship with a museum of antiquities, and a passion project in the digital humanities diagramming Egyptian papyri is a strong candidate for Egyptology—a student who has spent their high school career preparing for a major in political science who happens to like reading about Egypt in their free time is not. Look for Niche Programs Within More General Fields Finally, while students shouldn't pursue a niche or obscure major simply to leverage their chances of acceptance, one of the most effective strategies for major selection is to look at majors offered in subdisciplines of your broader field. For instance, business is a highly saturated major, but if you have a keen interest in music, you might apply to music management or production. Comparative literature is a broad field, but if you know you enjoy Afrocaribbean literature, you might consider applying to Latinx studies. Likewise, Politics, Philosophy, and Economics might offer you a more specific and tailored experience than political science. Finding and educating yourself about these programs requires time, effort, and introspection—students should explore the options available to them, consider the specific niche they hope to fill within their given field, and choose the degree path that most closely aligns with their particular interest within the discipline. Of course, the same program might not be offered at each of the schools to which they are applying, so applicants should research offerings at each school on their list and tailor their applications accordingly. Choosing a major involves more than simply identifying a topic of interest—it requires students to consider why they are interested in a particular subject and how they hope to uniquely contribute to their field. Starting early, prioritizing introspection, and conducting extensive research will help students not only identify the right program for them, but also maximize their chances of success in the competitive admissions process.
Qatar Tribune
04-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Doha Metro's administration, ICC building in Al Wakra receives GSAS platinum certificate
DOHA: Qatar Railways Company (Rail) has announced that the Doha Metro's Administration and ICC Building (B14) in Al Wakra has achieved Platinum rating for GSAS Operations, Premium Scheme. This recognition from the Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD), the developer of the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS), follows a thorough evaluation and audit of the project, reflecting its outstanding performance in terms of sustainability and operational efficiency. The award ceremony, held at B14, saw Founding Chairman of GORD Dr Yousef Alhorr present the plaque and certificate to Chief of Service Delivery at Qatar Rail Eng Abdulla Saif Al Sulaiti. Marking the occasion, Eng. Abdulla Saif Al Sulaiti said: "Commitment to sustainability is at the core of our mission to provide integrated railway services that are sustainable, reliable, attractive, and safe. The implementation of GSAS certification for our projects, perfectly aligns with this mission. By incorporating the rigorous standards of GSAS, we are ensuring that our infrastructure not only meets the highest levels of efficiency and sustainability but also contributes to a greener, more resilient future." Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Dr Yousef Alhorr said: "By achieving GSAS green building certification not only for its state-of-the-art metro stations but also for critical support facilities like the Administration and ICC Building, Qatar Rail has set a remarkable precedent for environmentally conscious infrastructure development. This proactive approach showcases a long-term vision that promotes a sustainable urban future in line with Qatar's national sustainability goals." The Administration and ICC Building serves as the operational hub of the depot. It houses the Integrated Control Center (ICC), which is responsible for ensuring the seamless operation of Doha Metro services. The latest GSAS Operations certification of the Administration and ICC Building complements the building's existing green building credentials, having previously earned a 4-star rating under the GSAS Design and Build Scheme as part of the overall Doha Metro Depot in Al Wakra, and class A under the GSAS Construction Management Scheme.
Forbes
04-04-2025
- General
- Forbes
3 Red Flags To Avoid In Your Letter Of Continued Interest
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - July 18, 2023: Lehman Hall is a Georgian-revival building by Charles ... More Coolidge completed in 1925. Lehman Hall, located in Harvard Yard, is the student center of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). After Ivy Day's college admissions results were released last week, many students found themselves navigating the uncertainty and stress of the waitlist. While a waitlist notification represents a frustrating delay, it does not necessarily mean that a student must forgo their dreams of attending that college. However, applicants should adjust their expectations and their strategy to align with the school's admissions trends. Even if the odds of acceptance off a waitlist are slim, students who still want to attend the institution by which they have been waitlisted have one final recourse: a letter of continued interest. A letter of continued interest (LOCI) is a brief note to admissions officers expressing an applicant's desire to attend should they be accepted and offering concise updates to inform the admissions committee's secondary evaluation of their materials. This letter is critical, as it is a student's final opportunity to convey information to admissions officers in their own words. They should therefore approach it with thoughtfulness, strategy, and intentionality. While an eye-catching letter could tip the scales in your favor, it is important to remember that admissions officers are inundated with these letters in March and April, and the wrong approach can result in a forgettable message—or worse, poorer chances of admission. In order to write a letter that elevates your application, it is imperative to avoid these three red flags: A LOCI should provide admissions officers with new and relevant information. A student should not rehash their entire résumé and application in their LOCI, nor is it appropriate for them to list every minor activity they have participated in since applying. Depending on the school, admissions officers may receive hundreds of letters. So, students should keep theirs brief to show respect for the committee's time and to ensure that they convey their key points effectively. Applicants should therefore focus on providing concise updates that directly impact the reassessment of their application. Have you received any new awards, honors, or leadership positions? Have you started a meaningful project or initiative? Have you improved upon a weakness in your application? Have you boosted your standardized test scores or GPA? Such updates are tangible, often quantifiable, and directly impactful. While you can—and should—show your humor, personality, and perspective, make sure that you are doing so in a way that highlights, rather than distracts from, the concrete information in your letter. The more you can showcase these positive updates in your own unique voice, the greater impact your LOCI will have. You may feel frustrated that you weren't accepted or anxious that you won't ultimately get into your dream school, but those emotions should not be evident in your letter. Statements such as 'Yale has been my dream school since I was a kid,' 'I thought I was a shoo-in at Vanderbilt,' or 'I don't know what I will do if I don't get in' will not translate as genuine enthusiasm for the school, but as immaturity and lack of perspective. That being said, your letter should clearly signal to admissions officers that the school is at the top of your list—the key is communicating that effectively. Approach your LOCI with gratitude and poise. Open by thanking the admissions committee for considering your application and reaffirming your enthusiasm for the institution. Acknowledge the competitive nature of the process while expressing optimism about the possibility of contributing to the university's community. Here, you might include an anecdote about your time visiting campus or another personal detail to convey why you see yourself as an ideal fit for the school. References to specific aspects of the campus community will demonstrate your candidacy and interest in the school more effectively than desperate pleas for admission. Admissions officers value maturity, resilience, and positivity—traits that will render you a positive addition to their campus—so use your letter to showcase these qualities. Finally, students should keep in mind that admissions officers have already read their application materials. This means that there is no need to reproduce their activities list or essays—students should provide important updates while trusting that their previously submitted materials will stand on their own in the second review process. Additionally, students should resist the temptation to send more than one letter. After sending their note to admissions officers, they must do the hard work of waiting for a decision; continuing to flood the admissions office with correspondence will not reflect favorably on the applicant. As Yale's admissions blog notes: 'You should not try to re-do any parts of your application. You should not inundate your admissions officer with weekly emails and cards. More often than not it is the required pieces of the applications, like the essays and teacher recommendations that we already have, that make a student stand out for us.' Ultimately, while a letter of continued interest will not guarantee you admission to your dream school, it is your final recourse to catch the eye of an admissions officer and express your enthusiasm for the institution in your own words. Sending a polished, professional, and authentic letter could tip the scales in your favor at your dream school. You should address your LOCI to the admissions officer assigned to your region. If you are unsure of who that may be, refer to the university's admissions website or call the admissions office to inquire. Students should be prompt in sending their LOCI. Aim to submit your letter within a few weeks of receiving your waitlist notification. In general, students should limit their letter to roughly one single-spaced page (no more than 500 words).
Forbes
03-04-2025
- General
- Forbes
3 Red Flags To Avoid In Your Letter Of Continued Interest to Ivy League Colleges
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - July 18, 2023: Lehman Hall is a Georgian-revival building by Charles ... More Coolidge completed in 1925. Lehman Hall, located in Harvard Yard, is the student center of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS). After Ivy Day's college admissions results were released last week, many students found themselves navigating the uncertainty and stress of the waitlist. While a waitlist notification represents a frustrating delay, it does not necessarily mean that a student must forgo their dreams of attending that college. However, applicants should adjust their expectations and their strategy to align with the school's admissions trends. Even if the odds of acceptance off a waitlist are slim, students who still want to attend the institution by which they have been waitlisted have one final recourse: a letter of continued interest. What is a letter of continued interest? A letter of continued interest (LOCI) is a brief note to admissions officers expressing an applicant's desire to attend should they be accepted and offering concise updates to inform the admissions committee's secondary evaluation of their materials. This letter is critical, as it is a student's final opportunity to convey information to admissions officers in their own words. They should therefore approach it with thoughtfulness, strategy, and intentionality. While an eyecatching letter could tip the scales in your favor, it is important to remember that admissions officers are inundated with these letters in March and April, and the wrong approach can result in a forgettable message—or worse, poorer chances of admission. In order to write a letter that elevates your application, it is imperative to avoid these three red flags: A LOCI should provide admissions officers with new and relevant information. A student should not rehash their entire resume and application in their LOCI, nor is it appropriate for them to list every minor activity they have participated in since applying. Depending on the school, admissions officers may receive hundreds of letters, so students should keep theirs brief to show respect for the committee's time and to ensure that they convey their key points effectively. Applicants should therefore focus on providing concise updates that directly impact the reassessment of their application. Have you received any new awards, honors, or leadership positions? Have you started a meaningful project or initiative? Have you improved upon a weakness in your application? Have you boosted your standardized test scores or GPA? Such updates are tangible, often quantifiable, and directly impactful. While you can—and should!—show your humor, personality, and perspective, make sure that you are doing so in a way that highlights, rather than distracts from, the concrete information in your letter. The more you can showcase these positive updates in your own unique voice, the greater impact your LOCI will have. You may feel frustrated that you weren't accepted or anxious that you won't ultimately get into your dream school, but those emotions should not be evident in your letter. Statements such as 'Yale has been my dream school since I was a kid,' 'I thought I was a shoo-in at Vanderbilt,' or 'I don't know what I will do if I don't get in' will not translate as genuine enthusiasm for the school, but as immaturity and lack of perspective. That being said, your letter should clearly signal to admissions officers that the school is at the top of your list—the key is communicating that effectively. Approach your LOCI with gratitude and poise. Open by thanking the admissions committee for considering your application and reaffirming your enthusiasm for the institution. Acknowledge the competitive nature of the process while expressing optimism about the possibility of contributing to the university's community. Here, you might include an anecdote about your time visiting campus or another personal detail to convey why you see yourself as an ideal fit for the school. References to specific aspects of the campus community will demonstrate your candidacy and interest in the school more effectively than desperate pleas for admission. Admissions officers value maturity, resilience, and positivity—traits that will render you a positive addition to their campus—so use your letter to showcase these qualities. Finally, students should keep in mind that admissions officers have already read their application materials. This means that there is no need to reproduce their Activities List or essays—students should provide important updates while trusting that their previously submitted materials will stand on their own in the second review process. Additionally, students should resist the temptation to send more than one letter. After sending their note to admissions officers, they must do the hard work of waiting for a decision; continuing to flood the admissions office with correspondence will not reflect favorably on the applicant. As Yale's admissions blog notes: 'You should not try to re-do any parts of your application. You should not inundate your admissions officer with weekly emails and cards. More often than not it is the required pieces of the applications, like the essays and teacher recommendations that we already have, that make a student stand out for us.' Ultimately, while a letter of continued interest will not guarantee you admission to your dream school, it is your final recourse to catch the eye of an admissions officer and express your enthusiasm for the institution in your own words. Sending a polished, professional, and authentic letter could tip the scales in your favor at your dream school. Who should I send my LOCI to? You should address your LOCI to the admissions officer assigned to your region. If you are unsure of who that may be, refer to the university's admissions website or call the admissions office to inquire. When should I send my LOCI? Students should be prompt in sending their LOCI. Aim to submit your letter within a few weeks of receiving your waitlist notification. How many words should my LOCI be? In general, students should limit their letter to roughly one single-spaced page (no more than 500 words).
