When applying for study abroad, international students need to understand the differences between the words invent and invest. Knowing how to use them correctly in the context of study abroad is crucial. Invent refers to creating or designing something new, while invest means to put money or effort into something to achieve a future benefit. Students should invest time in preparing application materials, studying for standardized tests, and researching schools and scholarships. However, they can also invent creative approaches like starting relevant projects or internships to strengthen their profiles. Drawing distinctions between invent and invest will help students avoid confusion and properly present their experiences.
Invent implies creating something completely new
Inventing refers to the process of creating a new product, idea, or process from scratch. Famous inventions include the lightbulb, telephone, and internet. When students invent, they design something completely original that did not exist before. For example, an aspiring engineer could invent a robot or app to highlight technical skills. In a college essay, students may write about inventing a new club, research project, or approach to solving a problem. While inventing shows creativity, simply starting existing initiatives like a science fair project or volunteering does not qualify. Admissions officers want to see genuine innovation. Invent requires coming up with something novel versus following preset formulas. Students should ensure they accurately represent their level of invention when describing extracurricular activities and other application components.
Invest means dedicating resources to achieve a goal
Unlike inventing, investing refers to committing time, money, or effort toward something in hopes of future benefits. Students invest in their education by studying many hours for high test scores and grades. Volunteering weekly at a hospital represents an investment towards med school goals. Attending English tutoring demonstrates investment in improving language skills for tests like TOEFL and IELTS. While investment does not produce immediate results, it builds skills and experiences necessary for admission. Students should highlight investments that align with academic and career aspirations. For instance, a business major could invest in starting an online company for their application. Investing money in a mutual fund for college costs also exhibits dedication. While less creative than inventing, strategic investments signal responsibility and direction.
Proper uses of invent and invest in study abroad content
International students should use invent and invest carefully when crafting essays, resumes, and other materials. Here are some examples:
– Invent: I invented a phone app that translates English phrases into my native language to help new immigrants engage with the community.
– Invest: I invested 5 hours per week volunteering at a medical clinic to gain exposure for my goal of becoming a doctor.
– Invent: For my Eagle Scout project, I invented a recycling awareness campaign that increased our school’s recycling rate by 42%.
– Invest: Throughout high school, I invested significant time studying for SATs, AP exams, and TOEFL to prepare for competitive US universities.
Avoid using invent and invest interchangeably. Admissions officers pay close attention to word choice and want to see persuasive yet accurate descriptions. Additionally, invest applies more broadly, while invent refers only to truly novel creations. Though less common, inventions can powerfully demonstrate student potential. With proper context, invest and invent highlight different assets for study abroad.
Invent and invest work together for a strong application
While distinct terms, invent and invest complement each other. A well-rounded study abroad applicant both invests in foundational academics and tests while also inventing meaningful projects, activities, and solutions. Investments build critical baseline skills for college success. However, limited time also means students must invent efficient ways to develop expertise. For example, rather than generic tutoring, one could invent an app to make SAT prep interactive and fun. This demonstrates both creativity and commitment. Additionally, invented items can inspire future investments. After inventing a recycling initiative, a student might invest more time expanding community impact. In sum, international students should align investments with academic/career goals while inventing novel ideas that showcase ingenuity. A strategic balance of inventing and investing will maximize admission chances and lead to getting the most value out of the study abroad experience.
Invent refers to creating something completely new while invest means dedicating resources toward an objective. When preparing study abroad applications, students should highlight investments in academics and extracurriculars while also presenting any original inventions that exhibit creativity.