17 Yr Old Student Tells Us How She Got Accepted to EVERY IVY LEAGUE | The Convo

Summary

In this episode of 'The Kick Back,' host Dominic Cynthia interviews Roberta Hanna, a remarkable 17-year-old who gained admission to all eight Ivy League schools. Roberta shares her journey, including her high GPA of 4.45, impressive SAT scores, and the impactful personal essay she wrote about addressing healthcare disparities through medicinal fungi. Emphasizing the importance of passion, community involvement, and authentic self-presentation, Roberta provides valuable insights for aspiring students. The conversation also touches on the significance of strong teacher recommendations and the personal connections that helped her stand out in the competitive admissions process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Roberta Hanna, a 17-year-old from Florida, successfully gained admission to all eight Ivy League schools.
• 📚 She has a high GPA, estimated between 4.45 and 4.5, showcasing strong academic performance.
• 📝 Roberta achieved impressive SAT scores: a 1510 on her second attempt, with an 800 in math.
• 🌍 Her common application essay focused on addressing healthcare disparities and the potential of medicinal fungi.
• ✨ Passion and personal experiences played a significant role in her essays, making them resonate with admission officers.
• 🤝 Extracurricular activities included tutoring elementary school students and being part of the National Honor Society.
• 🔍 Roberta emphasizes the importance of personal connections in college applications, particularly with teachers for recommendations.
• 💪 She believes that colleges seek applicants who demonstrate impact and authenticity in their communities, not just high test scores.
• 🎓 On Ivy Day, Roberta experienced a mix of anxiety and joy as she opened her acceptance letters, culminating in a celebration with friends.
• 🌟 Roberta chose Columbia for its welcoming vibe and environment, feeling an immediate connection upon visiting the campus.

Q & A

What is Roberta Hanna's current academic status?

Roberta is 17 years old and has a projected GPA between 4.45 and 4.5. She plans to study biochemistry and African-American and diaspora studies.

How many times did Roberta take the SAT, and what were her scores?

Roberta took the SAT twice. Her first score was 1420, with a 720 in English reading and a 700 in math. The second time, she scored 1510, with a 710 in English reading and an 800 in math.

What unique angle did Roberta explore in her Common App essay?

Roberta's essay focused on addressing healthcare disparities through medicinal chemistry, specifically highlighting the potential of fungi to make medicine more accessible and affordable.

What extracurricular activities was Roberta involved in during high school?

In addition to track and field, Roberta was a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) and tutored elementary school students, particularly first graders.

How did Roberta react when she received her acceptance letters from the Ivy League schools?

Roberta initially felt overwhelmed and anxious. She spent time with a friend on FaceTime as they prepared for Ivy Day, and after checking her letters, she celebrated with her friends and family.

What advice does Roberta give to students applying to colleges?

Roberta advises applicants to be authentic, to show how they have positively impacted their communities, and to ensure that their recommendations come from teachers who know them well.

How does Roberta address criticism regarding her admission based on her race?

Roberta emphasizes that her qualifications and achievements speak for themselves, and she believes that her name and character carry weight, which should not be overshadowed by assumptions based on her race.

What did Roberta feel was crucial in her recommendation letters?

Roberta believes it is important for recommendation letters to come from teachers who can talk about her character and the impact she has made, not just her academic performance.

What influenced Roberta's decision to choose Columbia over other Ivy League schools?

Roberta felt a strong connection to Columbia during her visit, describing it as a place where she felt she belonged rather than just a college campus.

What was Roberta's perspective on the importance of passion in college applications?

Roberta believes that passion can compensate for a less extensive resume and that colleges are looking for students who show genuine interest and impact in their communities, not just high test scores.