Selim Moftah, Yale Young Global Scholar

As a rising 11th grader, Selim became a Yale Young Global Scholar. The Egyptian-Cypriot student, a member of the American School of Dubai’s Class of 2028, applied early to the Ivy League university’s enrichment program in October 2025 and was accepted by December. He spoke with us recently about his selection, and what he gained from attending.

IO: This past summer, you attended the two-week Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) program. Which track did you choose and why?

Selim: I chose the “Solving Global Challenges” (SGC) session. As someone deeply interested in international politics and policymaking, I felt this track would best strengthen my ability to analyze major global issues and develop sensible solutions. It did exactly that, deepening my interest in political science and the practical applications of public policy.

IO: How was the experience, and what stood out to you?

Selim: It was incredibly enriching. The curriculum featured faculty lectures, seminar sessions, a capstone project, and daily breakout groups. The lecture topics were highly diverse, ranging from the double burden of food insecurity to trust in artificial intelligence, and they frequently built on one another.

In our daily breakout groups, we debated the validity of different solutions. What stood out most was the culture of intellectual curiosity; contrarianism was welcomed, making for intense but respectful debates. The discussion-focused seminars also allowed us to dive deep. For instance, studying the Cuban Revolution provided the exact political history focus I was seeking.

IO: What other activities were offered?

Selim: Beyond core academics, we had daily "family time" meetings with our cohort to play games, socialize, and receive college admissions advice. My advisor, a Yale graduate, gave us excellent guidance on navigating the campus and finding the best places in New Haven.

My favorite part of YYGS was the symposium, where we designed a fictional country and responded to a crisis. We defended our country’s framework in a 30-minute presentation followed by a Q&A. I spearheaded the creation of our Bill of Rights and governmental system, which allowed me to conduct detailed research on a subject I love.

IO: What was it like  living on the Yale campus?

Selim: I stayed in Benjamin Franklin College, one of the two residential colleges housing the YYGS scholars. Beyond the gothic, Harry Potter-esque architecture, the dorms exceeded my expectations. I shared a double room with a randomly assigned roommate and a large common area with suitemates. I also built a great group of friends across different tracks.

Nearly every day, we explored New Haven to sample famous local spots like Pepe’s Pizza. I'll never forget our late-night discussions and final ice cream runs. I also loved Yale’s Beinecke Library, a massive archive of rare books—you truly have to see the marble marvel to believe it.

IO: How has the program helped you academically and with college preparation?

Selim: Navigating the comprehensive application process—which required multiple essays, short takes, a transcript, and a recommendation letter—provided a great introduction to applying to US universities. The program itself built crucial skills for higher education, teaching me how to take effective lecture notes and developing stronger critical thinking.

IO: Why did you choose a summer program after 10th grade, and what are your plans for next summer?

Selim: In October 2025, I was weighing internships and research projects but ultimately chose YYGS to narrow down my academic interests. I was also really interested in Yale as a university and living on its campus. For next summer, I am moving on from an established programs to focus on putting my skills into practice. My goal is to secure a high-impact internship or project where I can truly contribute. I'm still working on it.

IO: What do you think students should look for in their summer experiences?

Selim: Participating in a program that aligns with your values allows you to discover niche interests. For me, the diversity of thoughts, perspectives, and backgrounds at YYGS was exactly what I needed. I encourage future students, for any summer program, to read testimonials and activity descriptions closely to find the right fit.