31
Colleges
4
Q&As
0
AP/IBs
55
Essays
5
Awards
8
Activities
Absolute STEM nerd with the goals of pursuing a career in environmental research!
I was super anxious about the college admissions process which led me to apply to 30+ schools across the United States in both EA and RD rounds! I was incredibly grateful to be accepted into several top schools but with those acceptances also came rejections and waitlists as well. I'll be sharing a selection of my acceptances, rejections, and waitlists so you are able to hopefully get a more realistic idea of my admissions process. I hope my applications are helpful!
Absolute STEM nerd with the goals of pursuing a career in environmental research!
31
Colleges
4
Q&As
0
AP/IBs
55
Essays
5
Awards
8
Activities
Race
Hispanic
Gender
Female
School Type
Public
Legacy
No
Low income
No
First generation
No
International
No
Recruited Athlete
No
GPA (W)
4.8741
# AP/IB Exams
0
Personal Statement
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. (Max 650 words)
The sea breeze, cawing seagulls, and waves lapping against my waist. While all are reasons I love fishing, my greatest joy comes after I arrive home. Oh, the curiosity that occurs when I gut the first
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Stanford
What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 word limit)
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How did you spend your last two summers? (50 word limit)
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What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 word limit)
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Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family. (50 word limit)
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Name one thing you are looking forward to experiencing at Stanford. (50 word limit)
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The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning. (100 to 250 words)
A few years ago, I was thrilled to hear that by accident, David Vaughan discovered that breaking corals into smaller pieces and propagating them, the coral will regrow at an approximate rate of 25 tim
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Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate – and us – get to know you better. (100 to 250 words)
Dear Future Roommate, Since we will be rooming together, there are probably a few things you should know about me. I’m energetic, talkative, and I’ll always be willing to help in any way I can. Apa
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Tell us about something that is meaningful to you and why. (100 to 250 words)
Beach croton, sea oats, salt grass, and countless other plants caught my attention as I climbed one of the many sand dunes that exist in [Place Redacted] bays. Not many people come by and the dunes ar
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Columbia
Columbia students take an active role in improving their community, whether in their residence hall, classes or throughout New York City. Their actions, small or large, work to positively impact the lives of others. Share one contribution that you have made to your family, school, friend group or another community that surrounds you. (Max 200 words)
The summer of eighth grade, I accompanied my best friend to his baseball tournaments as I stayed with his parents while my mother was working. I enjoyed these tournaments but there was an issue: the w
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Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? (Max 200 words)
New York holds the nickname “The City of Dreams” and Columbia is “The College of Dreams” to me. I’ve carried this dream throughout high school and applied to CE^2 this fall. To my shock, I was accepte
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For applicants to Columbia Engineering, please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you previously noted in the application. (200 words or fewer)
When I became an environmental engineering intern at the Port of [Place Redacted], I had no clue what to expect. I didn’t know if I could keep up within a room full of educated engineers, specialists,
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JHU
Use this space to share something you’d like the admissions committee to know about you (your interests, your background, your identity, or your community), and how it has shaped what you want to get out of your college experience at Hopkins. (300-400 words)
One move. One move was all it took. My hands shook as I held the pawn, examining all combinations of the possible sequences my move would create. Hoping I had made the correct calculation and cornered
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UMich
Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. Required for all applicants. 300 words maximum.
While I’m definitely no athlete, the baseball community has taught me the value of commitment, friendship, teamwork, and a healthy respect for dodging baseballs. As both a friend and varsity baseball
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Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? Required for freshman applicants. 550 words maximum.
Oatmeal. Although some people don’t, I love oatmeal. Every morning, I wake to the smell of oatmeal cooking in my tiny kitchen. But oatmeal isn’t just oatmeal to me; I’ve realized that oatmeal is a met
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Carnegie Mellon
Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 word maximum)
Success could be defined by many definitions. For me, success is defined by the impact I make within my community. I’m not sure I’d be able to consider myself anything particularly special within a co
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Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 word maximum)*
Knowledge and the process of learning are things that I believe can bring individuals of many different backgrounds together and provide fulfillment in myself and others. I’ve learned this first hand
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UVA
Describe a way that you've contributed to your community (Max 300 words)
The summer of eighth grade, I accompanied my best friend to his baseball tournaments as I stayed with his parents while my mother was working. I enjoyed these tournaments but there was one problem. Th
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250 word limit School of Engineering and Applied Sciences - Describe an engineering feat that serves the common good and why it inspires you to study engineering. (Max 250 words)
A few years ago, I was thrilled to hear that by an accident, David Vaughan discovered that breaking corals into smaller pieces and then propagating them, the coral will regrow at a rate of twenty five
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CalTech
Describe three experiences and/or activities that have helped develop your passion for a possible career in a STEM field. Use the separate spaces provided below, one for each STEM experience and/or activity. (Max 120 words each)
1. My heart pounded as I awaited the results at Academic Decathlon state. I heard my name called as bronze medalist in the science division and I leapt out of my seat with joy. While Academic Decathlo
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Much like the life of a professional scientist or engineer, the life of a "Techer" relies heavily on collaboration. Knowing this, what do you hope to explore, innovate, or create with your Caltech peers? (Max 400 words)
Throughout my childhood, the health of marine ecosystems has always been of great interest and concern to me.Throughout my high school career as President of the [School Redacted] Anglers, I have cont
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Caltech students are often known for their sense of humor and creative pranks. What do you like to do for fun? (Max 400 words)
Beach croton, sea oats, salt grass, and countless other plants caught my attention as I climbed one of the many sand dunes that exist in [Place Redacted] bays. I typically visit one of these places on
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The process of discovery best advances when people from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives come together. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity of Caltech’s community? (Max 400 words)
Being the first. Being the first can have different meanings to many different people. I [Redacted Content] Since I’ve grown up in a rather unorthodox manner my [Name Redacted] and has always encou
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George Washington University
Describe an event in your life, a person, or an experience (choose one) that has had a profound effect on you. How has it influenced change in you, your attitudes, and/or your goals? 300 words
When I became an environmental engineering intern at the Port of [Place Redacted], I had no clue what to expect. They’d never hired a high school student before, so I worried about my ability a lot. I
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Vanderbilt
Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (150-400 words)
When I became an environmental engineering intern at the Port of [Place Redacted], I had no clue what to expect. They’d never hired a high school student before, so I worried about my ability a lot. I
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Boston College
What beliefs and values do you have that inform your decisions and how will Boston College help you become a person who assists for the common good? (Max 400 words)
Knowledge and the process of learning are things that I believe can bring individuals of many different backgrounds together. I’ve learned this first hand during my years in various leadership positio
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WFU
Explain how a work of fiction you’ve read has helped you to understand the world’s complexity. (Max 150 words)
When I first opened Mary Shelley’s 1818 Frankenstein, I was intrigued with the storyline of the rejected “monster” that was created by Frankenstein. While this novel is a work of fiction, it felt slig
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Tell us more about the topic that most engages your intellectual curiosity. (Max 150 words)
A few years ago, I was thrilled to hear that by an accident, David Vaughan discovered that breaking corals into smaller pieces and then propagating them, the coral will regrow at a rate of twenty five
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Describe a community that is important to you. How has that community prepared you to engage with, change, or even build the Wake Forest community? (Max 150 words)
The baseball community has taught me the value of commitment, friendship, and teamwork. As a friend and varsity baseball manager during my junior year, I’ve had the perspective from the dugout and fr
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Washington and Lee University
What photo is an accurate representation of yourself (Max 800 words)
Knowledge and the process of learning are things that I believe can bring individuals of many different backgrounds together and provide fulfillment in myself and others. I’ve learned this first hand
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Please describe how you have familiarized yourself with Washington and Lee University and what aspects of W&L's community are most exciting to you. (Max 250 words)
At W&L, I have no limits to what I can learn. I can create, learn, and inspire change through my work. In environmental studies and engineering, I desire to make the world a better place by utilizing
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Please describe an aspect of your life outside of school that is important to you, such as an extracurricular activity, a job or a family responsibility. How does your involvement impact you and those around you? (Max 250 words)
When I became an environmental engineering intern at the Port of [Place Redacted], I had no clue what to expect. I didn’t know if I could keep up within a room full of college educated engineers, envi
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ArtCenter College of Design
Olin is a community striving to improve the world and improve people’s lives through engineering education. What change do you hope to be a part of? Why is this particular change important to you? How do you want to improve the world? (Max 500 words)
The summer of eighth grade, I accompanied my best friend to his baseball tournaments as I stayed with his parents while my mother was working. I enjoyed these tournaments, but there was an issue: the
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Think about all the things we will learn about you throughout your application to Olin, from your application materials and recommendations and through your own words in your other essays. What's missing? Share a specific story that tells us something about you that we don't yet know. (Max 500 words)
On May 12th, 2020 and at approximately 11pm, I fell out of bed, terrified my cat, and nearly gave myself a concussion after reading the word “Congratulations”. That was my reaction to learning that I
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Hamilton College
Why do you believe Hamilton is a place where you can thrive (Max 250 words)
Although some people don’t, I love oatmeal. Every morning, I wake to the smell of oatmeal cooking in my tiny kitchen. But oatmeal isn’t just oatmeal to me; I’ve realized that oatmeal is a metaphor tha
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Cornell
Tell us about what excites you most about Cornell Engineering and/or studying engineering at Cornell University. How do you see yourself becoming a part of the Cornell Engineering community? (Max 650 words)
Oatmeal. Although some people don’t, I love oatmeal. Every morning, I wake to the smell of oatmeal cooking in my tiny kitchen. But oatmeal isn’t just oatmeal to me; I’ve realized that oatmeal is a met
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Northwestern
While other parts of your application give us a sense of who you are, we are also excited to hear more about how you see yourself engaging with the larger Northwestern community. In 300 words or less, help us understand how you might engage specific resources, opportunities, and/or communities here. We are curious about what these specifics are, as well as how they may enrich your time at Northwestern and beyond. 300 words
Although some people don’t, I love oatmeal. Every morning, I wake to the smell of oatmeal cooking in my kitchen. But oatmeal isn’t just oatmeal to me; I’ve realized oatmeal is a metaphor which represe
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Boston University
What about being a student at Boston University most excites you? (Max 250 words)
Oatmeal. Although some people don’t, I love oatmeal. Every morning, I wake to the smell of oatmeal cooking in my tiny kitchen. But oatmeal isn’t just oatmeal to me, I’ve realized that oatmeal is a met
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Rice
Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected above. (150 word limit)
I’ve been interested in environmental issues since I read about NASA's Icescape mission in 2015. Since then, I’ve also fallen in love with engineering. This fall, through my internship, I’ve worked al
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Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you? (150 word limit)
Within my mind, Rice represents a beacon of discovery and innovation. Everything from the community to the opportunities that lie in wait in Houston represents why Rice is the place I wish to call hom
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Rice is lauded for creating a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the quality of life for all members of our campus community. The Residential College System and undergraduate life are heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural tradition each student brings. What life perspectives would you contribute to the Rice community? (500 word limit)
One move. One move was all it took. My hands shook as I held the pawn, examining all combinations of the possible sequences my move would create. Hoping I had made the correct calculation and cornered
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Davidson College
Why Davidson? (250-300 Suggested Word Limit)
Although some people don’t, I love oatmeal. Every morning, I wake to the smell of oatmeal cooking in my kitchen. But oatmeal isn’t just oatmeal to me; I’ve realized oatmeal is a metaphor which represe
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Harvard
Your intellectual life may extend beyond the academic requirements of your particular school. Please use the space below to list additional intellectual activities that you have not mentioned or detailed elsewhere in your application. These could include, but are not limited to, supervised or self-directed projects not done as school work, training experiences, online courses not run by your school, or summer academic or research programs not described elsewhere. (Max 150 words)
I am taking three AP courses outside of school: AP Statistics (UT Online High School), AP Physics 1(UT Online High School), and AP Calculus BC (Johns Hopkins CTY Online). These will appear on my final
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Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (Max 150 words)
When I became an environmental engineering intern at the Port of [Place Redacted], I had no clue what to expect. They’d never hired a high school student before, so I worried about my ability a lot. I
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Describe the most valuable intellectual experience of your life. (Max 650 words)
The day was May 12th, 2020 and at approximately 11pm, I fell out of bed, terrified my cat, and nearly gave myself a concussion after reading the word “Congratulations”. That was my reaction to learnin
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MIT
Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?* 250 words or fewer
The sea breeze, cawing of seagulls, and waves lapping against my waist. While all of these are reasons I love fishing, my greatest joy comes after I arrive home. Oh, the curiosity I experience when I
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Tell us more about why this field of study at MIT appeals to you.*100 words or fewer
I’ve been interested in environmental issues since I read about NASA's Icescape mission in 2015. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with engineering. This fall, through my internship, I’ve worked alongsi
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We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do for the pleasure of it.*250 words
Beach croton, sea oats, salt grass, and countless other plants caught my attention as I climbed one of the many sand dunes that exist in [Place Redacted] bays. Not many people come by and the dunes ar
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At MIT, we bring people together to better the lives of others. MIT students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world's biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way in which you have contributed to your community, whether in your family, the classroom, your neighborhood, etc.*250 words
The summer of eighth grade, I accompanied my best friend to his baseball tournaments as I stayed with his parents while my mother was working. I enjoyed these tournaments but there was one problem. Th
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Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?*250 words
Puffing and panting, I stood triumphant. After a battle that lasted five years, I finally managed a decent cartwheel. Let me explain something: I’m not athletic. Cartwheels seemed impossible. After th
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Brown
Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about an academic interest (or interests) that excites you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue it. (Max 250 words)
Although some people don’t, I love oatmeal. Every morning, I wake to the smell of oatmeal cooking in my tiny kitchen. But oatmeal isn’t just oatmeal to me; I’ve realized that oatmeal is a metaphor tha
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At Brown, you will learn as much from your peers outside the classroom as in academic spaces. How will you contribute to the Brown community? (Max 250 words)
I’m not sure I’d be able to consider myself anything particularly special within a community like Brown’s. I’m just a curious teenager who wants to go to a college where she can explore and collabora
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Tell us about a place or community you call home. How has it shaped your perspective? (Max 250 words)
Home. The official definition of home is “A place where one lives permanently”. I grew up confused with this idea coming from a broken household s often when I was younger but was unfortunately around
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Dartmouth
While arguing a Dartmouth-related case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1818, Daniel Webster, Class of 1801, delivered this memorable line: “It is, sir,…a small college, and yet there are those who love it!” As you seek admission to the Class of 2025, what aspects of the College’s program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? (Max 100 words)
Within my mind, Dartmouth represents a beacon of discovery and innovation. Everything from the community to the environment represents why Dartmouth is the place I wish to call home. As a school of e
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Celebrate your curiosity (Max 300 words)
Oatmeal. Although some people don’t, I love oatmeal. Every morning, I wake to the smell of oatmeal cooking in my tiny kitchen. But oatmeal isn’t just oatmeal to me; I’ve realized that oatmeal is a met
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Did you earn any selective scholarships? How did you strategically position yourself to get selected?
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What would you do differently if you were to redo the application cycle?
If I were to do things differently, I wouldn't have applied to so many schools and trusted in myself much more. I found myself applying to a lot of schools purely out of fear of rejection from my drea
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How long did you spend on each essay?
I didn't time myself while writing essays but depending on the length, I spent anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours. I tried to limit myself to two hours and any edits (grammer, spelling, etc) because
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Were you accepted anywhere without an interview, or with a poor interview?
Columbia, Caltech, Johns Hopkins, UMich, and Vanderbilt were all examples of schools I was accepted to without interviews. I think the main thing for schools that don't offer interviews or schools whe
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