HOW I GOT INTO HARVARD, RICE, UC BERKELEY, UNC CHAPEL HILL, & FULL RIDE TO UT AUSTIN

Summary

In this video, a student shares her journey to getting into top colleges like Harvard, UC Berkeley, Rice, and UT Austin with a full ride. She discusses her impressive stats, including a 6.48 GPA (on a 7-point scale) and a 1570 SAT score, alongside her extensive extracurriculars like student government, medical volunteering, and leadership in music. She emphasizes the importance of starting early, consistent SAT practice, and balancing academics with extracurriculars. She also shares tips on crafting a cohesive application narrative and reusing essays for multiple colleges, while offering advice on handling the pressures of the college application process.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker achieved top college acceptances (Harvard, UC Berkeley, Rice, UT Austin) through strong academic performance and extracurriculars.
• 😀 They were ranked first out of 680 students in their class and maintained a 4.0 unweighted GPA despite a unique weighted GPA system.
• 😀 SAT scores improved from 1550 to 1570, with consistent practice and a focus on mastering test-taking strategies.
• 😀 The speaker took 11 AP classes, earning a 5 on each exam, showcasing dedication and academic excellence.
• 😀 Key awards include National Merit semi-finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, and Valedictorian.
• 😀 The speaker balanced academics with extracurriculars, including leadership roles in student government, HOSA, and medical volunteering.
• 😀 Early preparation for standardized tests (starting in middle school) and consistent study practices were crucial to achieving high scores.
• 😀 Extracurriculars were strategically chosen to create a cohesive theme centered around creativity, initiative, and a passion for medicine.
• 😀 The speaker worked part-time during high school, demonstrating strong time management and financial independence.
• 😀 College admissions can be unpredictable, and a well-rounded application with authentic passion and consistency is key to success.
• 😀 Reusing essays for multiple college applications is a helpful strategy to save time and maintain quality across applications.

Q & A

How did the speaker manage to achieve such high academic success in high school?

The speaker achieved academic success by starting early, particularly in their freshman year. They consistently studied every day and maintained focus, becoming Valedictorian of their class. They also took a strategic approach to their GPA, focusing on high scores rather than overloading on AP courses.

What was the speaker's approach to SAT preparation?

The speaker started studying for the SAT in middle school, focusing on daily practice even before they understood the test content. By doing consistent practice over time, they built muscle memory for the test. This allowed them to score a 1570 after taking the SAT twice.

What were some of the notable extracurricular activities that the speaker was involved in?

The speaker was involved in student government, HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), volunteering at multiple hospitals, playing the violin in an orchestra, leading a praise team at church, and working as a barista. They also volunteered at a Korean school and participated in a biomedical sciences academy.

Why did the speaker emphasize consistency in SAT prep?

The speaker emphasized consistency because regular practice helps familiarize oneself with the test format. By using resources like Khan Academy and taking weekly practice tests, they were able to identify areas of improvement and steadily increase their SAT score.

How did the speaker use their extracurriculars to strengthen their college applications?

The speaker carefully selected extracurricular activities that supported the central themes of their application, such as a passion for medicine and working with kids. They made sure their activities aligned with their essays, showcasing their long-term commitment and personal interests.

What advice did the speaker offer about managing extracurricular activities and academic work?

The speaker advised that balancing extracurriculars and academics is crucial, but taking too many AP classes while participating in numerous extracurriculars can be overwhelming. They personally chose to focus on a manageable number of AP courses to dedicate more time to their extracurricular pursuits.

How did the speaker’s work experience help distinguish them from other applicants?

The speaker's work experience as a barista set them apart from many other high-achieving students who did not work while in school. This experience not only demonstrated time management skills but also reflected their desire to support themselves financially and gain real-world experience.

What was the central theme of the speaker’s application?

The central theme of the speaker's application revolved around their passion for medicine, specifically their desire to become a physician, and their love for working with children. They highlighted these themes through their extracurricular activities and their essays.

What did the speaker mean by focusing on 'niche extracurriculars'?

By focusing on niche extracurriculars, the speaker meant pursuing activities that are less common and more unique, which can help make an application stand out. While their own extracurriculars were valuable, they acknowledged that more unique activities could further enhance an application.

What was the speaker’s perspective on Ivy League admissions and college rankings?

The speaker emphasized that college admissions, particularly to Ivy League schools, can be unpredictable and sometimes unfair. They pointed out that a student’s worth isn't defined by the college they attend, and success can be achieved regardless of which school a student goes to.