Most colleges require two to three letters of recommendation, typically including one from a school counselor and one or two from teachers. The purpose of a recommendation letter is to provide a third-party evaluation of the applicant. Simply put, the recommender is speaking on your behalf and advocating for your admission. As a student, you generally do not have access to your recommendation letters, which introduces an element of uncertainty into the application process. While you cannot read the letters themselves, you can still influence and guide how they are written by choosing the right recommenders and providing them with helpful information about your background and accomplishments. Counselor Recommendation vs. Teacher Recommendation A counselor recommendation provides colleges with a broader view of your overall performance throughout high school. Since every high school differs in academic rigor, student demographics, and course offerings, the same GPA may represent very different levels of achievement at different schools. Admissions officers rely on counselor recommendations to better understand the context of your high school and to evaluate your academic record more accurately. This helps them gain a clearer picture of your true academic abilities and accomplishments. Teacher recommendations, on the other hand, focus on your performance in a specific class. They provide detailed insight into your academic strengths, classroom engagement, intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and interactions with peers and teachers. These letters help admissions officers understand what kind of student you are in an actual learning environment. Choosing Which Teachers to Ask for Recommendations In most cases, you'll submit one counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations. You don't get to choose your counselor, but you do get to choose your teachers, so how should you decide? The first thing to consider is your intended major. Whenever possible, ask teachers whose subjects are related to what you plan to study. For example, if you're applying to computer science, a math teacher is a natural fit. For business or economics, an AP Economics or math teacher would be appropriate. Beyond subject relevance, think about how well you performed in that class and, just as importantly, how well the teacher knows you. The goal is a recommendation that goes beyond generic praise, phrases like "this student works hard and gets along well with classmates" won't set you apart. What you want is a letter with specific examples that speak to your abilities and potential in a meaningful way. The ideal situation is when all three factors align: you performed well in a subject directly related to your intended major, you have a strong relationship with the teacher, and the teacher knows you well enough to write with specific examples. But in many cases, the conditions aren't perfect. For instance, you may not have done as well in the course most directly tied to your major, or your relationship with that teacher may be limited. In that case, consider a teacher whose subject is indirectly related but would still fit. If you're applying to computer science and math is the most direct fit but your math performance is average, a physics teacher could work well instead. Similarly, if you're applying to biology but the biology teacher isn't the best option, a chemistry teacher is a reasonable alternative. A few additional considerations: prioritize teachers from the past one to two years, and the more recent the grade level, the better. In terms of subjects, aim for one science and one humanities teacher. Very few colleges require more than two teacher recommendations, so one counselor letter and two teacher letters is sufficient for most applications. In special cases, for example, if a student has a strong athletic or musical background, an additional letter from a coach or music instructor can be a meaningful supplement. How Important Are Recommendation Letters? Recommendation letters rank just below transcripts, essays, and extracurriculars in the overall application. As a rough breakdown: grades account for about 30%, extracurriculars around 25%, essays around 25%, and recommendation letters around 15%. That said, recommendations play a unique role — they are the only part of the application that isn't self-promotion. Because they represent a third party's assessment of the applicant, admissions officers take them seriously, particularly the counselor recommendation. A counselor letter can provide context that a transcript alone cannot. Grades tell one part of the story, but your teachers and counselor can speak to who you are as a student in a fuller sense. Which Schools Value Recommendation Letters Most? Recommendations carry more weight at private universities and schools that use holistic review. Smaller schools receive fewer applications and naturally have more time to read each letter carefully. At larger schools, admissions officers spend less time per application and may only read the counselor letter, or plus one teacher letter. Some large public universities — the University of California system, for example — don't require recommendation letters at all. What Makes a Recommendation Letter Actually Help Your Application? A strong recommendation letter does more than confirm that you're a capable student. If you're applying to top schools, admissions officers aren't just looking for evidence of good grades — they want to understand who you are as a person. What sets you apart beyond academic performance? What kind of character do you bring to a classroom, a team, or a community? These are the kinds of questions a well-written recommendation can help answer. It's also worth keeping in mind that the vast majority of recommendation letters are positive. In all my years as an admissions officer, I rarely came across a negative one. That means a letter that's simply favorable but vague won't do much to help you. What makes a letter stand out is specificity: concrete examples, memorable details, moments that illustrate who you are in a way that numbers and résumés can't. How to Get a Strong Recommendation Letter One thing to keep in mind: counselors are busy, and at larger public schools especially, your counselor may not remember every student clearly. That's why building a genuine relationship with your counselor early on matters. When it comes to teachers, start by scheduling a brief meeting to ask whether they'd be willing to write you a recommendation. Once they agree, ask what materials they need. Some teachers have their own cheat sheets and they'll ask you to fill in details like your intended major, the schools you're applying to, and application deadlines, and then send it back to them. If a teacher doesn't have a form, you should prepare one yourself. For our own students, we have a template we help them complete before sending it to their teacher. The key is to be specific: let the teacher know which qualities you'd like highlighted and provide concrete examples to support each one. This makes it much easier for the teacher to write a strong, detailed letter. Teachers are busy too — they can't be expected to remember every moment from every student. If you hand them ready-to-use information, you're making their job easier and significantly improving the quality of what they write.

Beyond FAFSA and CSS, which I covered in the first article, there are also independent scholarship and grant opportunities worth exploring. State Grants In my last article, I covered FAFSA and CSS. Beyond those two channels, there are additional sources of scholarships and financial aid, and one of the most important is state funding. Taking Pennsylvania as an example, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) offers the Pennsylvania State Grant Program. This program is open to enrolled college students, not high schoolers, so you can apply once you've started school. Pennsylvania residents attending out-of-state schools are still eligible, though the award amount will be significantly lower. PHEAA sets a relatively strict income threshold: families estimated to contribute $12,001 or more per year toward tuition have only a 5% chance of receiving aid. Pennsylvania's state grant is capped at $32,000. How to Apply 1. Submit your FAFSA application first. 2. Complete the Pennsylvania State Grant Form through PHEAA's official website. 3. After submitting, keep an eye on your email in case additional documents or verification are requested. Grow PA Scholarship Grant This is another state-funded scholarship, designed to support high-demand workforce fields in Pennsylvania. In addition to residency requirements, applicants must pursue a major in a PHEAA-designated in-demand occupation and attend an approved Pennsylvania institution. One important note: if a student graduates without a degree in an in-demand field, the award must be repaid. This grant is also first-come, first-served, so applying early is strongly encouraged. It provides up to $5,000 per year for up to four years and can be applied for through the PHEAA website. State Work-Study Program In addition to the federal work-study program, Pennsylvania has its own. It can be accessed through the PHEAA website. Key requirements include: Pennsylvania residency, enrollment at least half-time at a PA State Grant Program-approved institution, and no history of student loan default. Pennsylvania offers additional state aid programs for students who qualify. I won't go into all of them here, but feel free to explore our financial aid services if you're interested. And if FAFSA, CSS, and state aid aren't enough, private scholarships are always another avenue worth considering. Private Scholarships There are between 15,000 and 20,000 private scholarships in the U.S., collectively awarding approximately $1.8 million each year. They are offered by third-party organizations such as private foundations and nonprofits, and do not need to be repaid, though many come with eligibility requirements, some of them quite competitive. The Gates Scholarship Awarded annually to 300 minority high school students, this scholarship covers costs beyond what a school's financial aid package already provides. Applications open July 15th and close September 15th, with results announced the following April. National Merit Scholarship Approximately 7,600 high school students receive this award each year. Selection is based on PSAT/NMSQT scores, and the testing window is strictly tied to the intended college entry year. For example, students applying for fall 2026 admission would need to have taken the test in October 2024. Students interested in this scholarship should plan their test timing carefully. Coca-Cola Scholars Program 150 recipients each year receive $20,000. Applicants are evaluated on academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Burger King and Taco Bell offer similar scholarship programs as well. Google Scholarships Google awards scholarships to students studying computer science, computer engineering, and related fields. Separate awards are available for women, underrepresented minorities, and students with disabilities. Microsoft and Dell offer comparable programs. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Jack Kent Cooke was a media and sports mogul. His foundation awards up to $40,000 per student, with scholarships available both for four-year college students and for community college students transferring to four-year institutions. Skechers Foundation Scholarship Skechers, the well-known American footwear brand, awards $5,000 annually to 12th-grade students. This is a merit-based scholarship requiring an application and essays. Beyond state aid and private scholarships, private bank student loans are another option. Most banks offer student loan programs, though their interest rates are higher than federal loans. I'd recommend treating them as a last resort.

It's almost summertime, and many high schoolers take advantage of the season by attending pre-college programs. With thousands of options out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The best approach is simple: pick something that aligns with your academic interests. When helping students choose a major, I always share a few guiding principles. One of the most important being: does this major offer transferable skills? The more transferable the skills, the broader your career options. Mathematics is a perfect example, which is why it remains one of the most popular undergraduate choices. In this article, I'll introduce 10 outstanding math summer programs. Whether you're leaning toward a math major or a field that applies math, building a strong academic foundation in the subject is an essential part of your preparation. IMA-MathCEP Math Modeling Camp Dates: June 22–26 Location: University of Minnesota Application Deadline: May 31 Cost: Free This free program invites high schoolers to tackle real-world problems through mathematical modeling — think traffic loads on bridges or how climate change might affect natural resources. Beyond the math, students build skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and sustained focus. It's a non-residential program, with preference given to students from Minnesota, particularly those in the Twin Cities area. Stanford Math Camp (SUMaC) Dates: Online session 1: June 15–July 3 Online session 2: July 6–24 Residential session: June 21–July 17 Location: Online and Stanford University Application Deadline: February 2 Cost: Online: $3,750 Residential: $8,950 SUMaC comes in two formats: a three-week online course or a four-week residential program. Students dive deep into advanced mathematics through lectures, mentored research, and small group discussions. Spots are extremely competitive — only 64 students are admitted to the online program and 40 to the residential one. MathILy at Bryn Mawr College Dates: June 28–August 1 Location: Bryn Mawr College Application Deadline: April 28 Cost: $6,175 MathILy is a five-week residential summer math program for high schoolers. It uses an inquiry-based, hands-on teaching approach, built on the idea that when bright students meet great math, learning and fun naturally follow. The program has a distinctly liberal-arts, quirky charm — it's all about the joy of mathematics. Classes run six days a week, roughly seven hours a day split between morning and evening sessions. Michigan Math & Science Scholars (MMSS) Dates: • Session 1: June 21–July 3 • Session 2: July 5–17 • Session 3: July 19–31 Location: University of Michigan Application Deadline: Rolling Cost: $2,600 MMSS accepts students in grades 10, 11, and 12 for a residential program held on the University of Michigan campus. Beyond coursework, students get a real taste of life at a major research university: living in dorms, working in labs, attending classes, and learning from professors, grad students, and upperclassmen. The program offers three separate two-week sessions, and students can enroll in one, two, or all three. HCSSiM – Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics Dates: June 28–August 8 Location: Hampshire College Application Deadline: N/A Cost: $7,208 HCSSiM is a rigorous six-week summer program in Massachusetts. Admission is highly competitive; the acceptance rate is 5%–7%. It’s designed for motivated students with a talent and passion for math. Students don't just absorb theory; they actively engage in proofs and research. The program includes lectures, discussions, math workshops, three-week "Maxi" courses taught by senior faculty, and shorter, more specialized "Mini" courses. It's free for domestic students from households earning under $85,000 a year, and financial aid is available to all admitted students. UPenn Mathematics Academy Dates: July 11–25 Location: University of Pennsylvania Application Deadline: Rolling Cost: $6,700 This two-week residential program exposes high schoolers to advanced math topics rarely covered in high school, including: Non-Euclidean geometry and topology Game theory and combinatorics Graph theory Mathematical logic Learning happens through a mix of lectures, workshops, group projects, computer simulations, and seminars. Students enrolled in Philadelphia public schools or charter schools are eligible to attend free of charge. Rutgers Young Scholars Program in Discrete Mathematics Dates: July 6–31 Location: Rutgers University Application Deadline: Rolling Cost: $4,800 The four-week summer program held at Rutgers University. Alongside the math curriculum, the program brings in working professionals from math-related fields to talk about careers and job prospects — a great opportunity for students considering a future in mathematics to hear from people already living it. Summer Math Program for Young Scholars (NYU) Dates: August 10–28 Location: New York University (NYU) Application Deadline: March 31 Cost: $2,500 Hosted by NYU's Center for Mathematical Talent, this is a three-week in-person summer program. NYU has an outstanding mathematics department, and its applied math program consistently ranks #1 in the country. The curriculum covers college-level topics including computer science foundations, graph theory, knots and surfaces, and number theory. COSMOS – California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science Dates: • July 5–31 (UC Irvine and UC San Diego) • July 5–August 1 (UC Davis, UCLA, UC Merced, and UC Santa Cruz) Location: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC Merced, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz Application Deadline: February 7 Cost: $5,518 COSMOS runs across six UC campuses (UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC Merced, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz). It's designed to give high schoolers access to hands-on STEM experiences — labs, projects, and real-world applications — that they wouldn't typically encounter in a regular school setting. The goal is to spark interest in STEM and help students explore potential career paths, so the material is accessible rather than intensely advanced. Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp Dates: June 21–August 1 Location: Texas State University Application Deadline: Rolling Cost: $6,600 A competitive six-week residential program at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX, with an acceptance rate of around 15%. Students are typically passionate about math or engineering and are looking to push their skills well beyond the high school level.

College is becoming increasingly expensive Ever since Vanderbilt University’s total cost of attendance exceeded $100,000 two years ago, other universities such as Penn, Columbia, and USC have also seen certain programs cross the $100,000 mark. As a result, seeking financial aid and scholarships is no longer just a concern for working-class families. Even middle- to upper-middle-income families can feel financial pressure, especially if they have two or more children attending college at the same time. Paying for college has become a real challenge for many households.

When we talk about “T20” schools, we usually refer to the most selective universities in the U.S. including Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Yale . For the Fall 2026 admissions cycle, it’s important to understand one key reality: T20 schools are reaches for every student , even those with top grades, strong test scores, and impressive extracurriculars. At these colleges, acceptance rates typically fall between 3%–8%, and for competitive majors like computer science, engineering, and business-related fields, the effective admit rate can be even lower. So, what matters most when applying to Top 20 universities? Based on cases from our own students, I’ll break it down today. Choosing the right major is crucial Hot majors include: Computer Science Engineering (especially Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace) Business / Economics Pre-Health tracks The choice of your major might determine your chances of admission to certain colleges. It’s important to set your goals and priorities: is your academic interest more important, or is the school itself more important? Would you be willing to attend a lower-ranked school for your preferred major, or would you prefer to aim for top colleges even if it means studying your second or third choice of academic interest? The importance of applying early At many private universities, 40%–60% of incoming students are admitted through early applications, and ED does offer an advantage. However, because of this, more and more students are applying early, making the competition even tougher. Early application results are also heavily influenced by institutional priorities, such as fit, geographic diversity, and special talents, especially athletics. The importance of academic performance Grade inflation is very real. Even if a student has all A’s or A-’s, admission can still be difficult if they are not in the top 10% of their class. (Tip: being in the top 10% is a key.) Top colleges expect students to take the most challenging courses available at their high school and maintain strong grades. This usually means honors or AP classes, especially in subjects related to their intended major. Depth in extracurricular activities matters a lot Colleges want to see more than just a long list of clubs.They want meaningful involvement focused on depth over breadth. Strong activities or we call “flagship” activity needs to show: 1. Commitment – you’re willing to invest real time and effort. 2. Impact – you’ve achieved something or made a difference. 3. Consistency – your activities connect with your intended major. 4. Enthusiasm – you genuinely enjoy what you’re doing. Schools care much more about long-term commitment and real impact than simple resume-stacking. Essays Essays play a critical role. Your essays need a strong narrative. At this level, essays are not about listing accomplishments but telling your personal story and highlighting who you are, showing traits like intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and fit with the school. Recommendation letters Counselor recommendation letters are especially important. Other influencing factors Additional factors can also play a role, such as being a first-generation college student, coming from a low-income background, and demonstrated interest (visiting campus, browsing school websites, attending info sessions). However, not all schools track demonstrated interest. The very top schools usually don’t rely much on these indicators, because they don’t worry about admitted students choosing not to enroll. Schools that care more about yield, often ranked between 20 to 40, are more likely to track this data. Examples include Tufts, Northeastern, Boston University, WashU, and many liberal arts colleges. Summary Top 20 universities have extremely low acceptance rates, averaging around 3%–8% (and even lower for certain majors). They are reach schools for every student. Early applications account for about 40%–60% of admitted freshmen. For top public universities, admission is especially competitive for out-of-state students. STEM major admissions Popular schools include CMU, MIT, Stanford, Caltech, UC Berkeley, and Princeton. Strong performance in physics and calculus is essential. Activities should show hands-on problem solving, strong math skills, and initiative. Research, competitions, or independent projects are especially helpful. Pre-med track admissions Popular schools include Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Penn, and Duke. Schools care a lot about academic consistency, especially in biology and chemistry. Activities should reflect a service mindset, such as hospital volunteering, clinical exposure, and a clear sense of ethical motivation. Business major admissions Popular schools include Penn, NYU, University of Chicago, and Cornell. Schools look closely at students’ math ability, leadership, and real-world experience. Strong activities include entrepreneurship, business competitions, nonprofit work, or independent projects. Engineering major case Admitted school: University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering GPA: 99.56% AP courses: 6 SAT: 1490 Activities: Science Olympiad (grades 9–12), 1st place regional School coding club president (grades 10–12) Robotics intern (grades 10–11) NYU research intern (grades 11–12) Community service (grades 10–11) School band (grades 9–12) Junior ROTC (grades 9–12) This student’s SAT score was not especially high, and she didn’t have flashy national-level awards. Still, she was admitted to the highly competitive Penn Engineering program. There were several key reasons: First, her activities were closely aligned with her intended major. Second, all of her activities showed long-term commitment. Even her research experience was with the same team for two consecutive years. Third, she held real leadership roles. She was a president and captain in school clubs and competition teams. This is something I always emphasize to our students: it’s fine to explore in grades 9–10, but by grades 11–12, you should take on more responsibility and aim for organizer or leadership roles. Fourth, her Common App activities list was very well written. For example, for Science Olympiad, we revised it to: “Managed $1K budget for 30+, taught CAD, ensured 10+ builds; State Qualified (2x, Top 7 Teams); organized sessions & testing.” It includes concrete details and numbers. Fifth, her essays were excellent. They highlighted specific experiences from her activities and, more importantly, tied everything together with a strong personal narrative and clear application theme. This helped her stand out clearly from other engineering applicants. Finally, she applied early. Science major case Admitted school: Yale University GPA: 4.45 / 4.0 AP courses: 8 College courses: 2 SAT: 1500 Activities: Environmental Science Club (grades 10–12) Student Government (grades 9–12) Asian Culture Club (grades 9–12) Fundraising activities (grades 10–11) Online research Part-time paid work, 11–20 hours per week This student’s SAT score was not especially high, and she didn’t have standout national awards. Still, she was admitted to Yale. There were several key reasons: First, the activities were closely connected to the intended major. Second, the student showed long-term commitment through multi-year involvement. Third, the student held leadership roles in school clubs. Fourth, the overall profile was well balanced: strong academically but also showing personality and individuality. Fifth, the major choice mattered. We chose environmental science, which is relatively less competitive compared to some other science fields. Sixth, the essays clearly highlighted the application theme and had a strong personal narrative. Seventh, there was an in-state advantage. Finally, the student fully used available “buffs” in the application process by applying through QuestBridge. QuestBridge is designed for underprivileged students and places more emphasis on family background and personal challenges. For students who qualify, I strongly recommend using QuestBridge. Economics major case Admitted schools: Johns Hopkins University GPA: 4.0 Courses: 9 Honors and AP courses SAT: 1580 Activities: FBLA (grades 9–12) Student Council (grades 9–12) Diamond Challenge (pitch round) Online research Independent research Wharton Global Youth Program Economics for Leaders U.S. Senate PAGE Program This student fits a profile we see fairly often: perfect GPA, great SAT score. He was admitted for several clear reasons: First, the academic profile was very strong: high GPA and a large number of rigorous courses. Second, the activities closely matched the intended major. Third, school-based activities showed long-term commitment and real leadership. In Student Council, the student eventually became president. Fourth, there was a strong passion project: independent research, which really stood out. Fifth, the student had clear “flagship” experiences, especially the U.S. Senate PAGE Program and the independent research project. Key takeaways from all three cases To be admitted to top universities, students usually meet several of these conditions: A high GPA percentage is critical. SAT scores don’t have to be perfect, but GPA must be strong and percentage matters more than just letter grades. Long-term involvement in school activities is important, with leadership roles taken on after 11th grade. Strong major-related activities outside of school, such as research, competitions, or independent projects. For students without special “buffs,” having a flagship project is especially important. A clear and cohesive application theme that balances academics and personal qualities, with a strong personal narrative. Well-written essays that clearly support the application theme and personal story. A strong counselor recommendation letter. In-state advantage, when applicable. If you have application “buffs,” make sure to use them.

Not every student is a “superstar” with national awards or world-class research. Most students are regular kids with solid academics and a mix of interests. The good news? Elite colleges don’t only admit “prodigies.” What really matters is how well students plan, present, and connect their extracurriculars to their academic goals and personal strengths. In this article, we’ll look at real cases to see: · How students with ordinary backgrounds built strong activity profiles · How to turn scattered experiences into a clear application theme · What lessons families can take away when planning activities What Counts as Extracurricular Activities? Extracurriculars include both regular activities during the school year and summer programs. They can happen on-campus (clubs, classes, competitions) or off-campus (community service, research, internships, independent projects, entrepreneurship, etc.). Why Is Choosing Activities So Hard? ● Too much information: Some say competitions matter most, others say research, and still others say volunteering. With so many opinions, it’s confusing. ● No standard measure: Unlike colleges, which at least have rankings, activities have no clear ranking or standard, so it’s hard to know what’s “good.” ● Too many options: In the U.S. alone, there are over 10,000 summer programs, plus competitions and other activities, making it overwhelming. ● Lack of clarity: If a student doesn’t know what they want to study or their career goals, it’s hard to pick activities that truly help with college applications. ● Uncertainty: Parents often worry: “Is this program really useful for admissions? It costs money and time, what if it doesn’t help?” How Do Admissions Officers Evaluate Activities? ● Relevance: How well does it connect to your academic interests, personal qualities, or strengths? ● Selectivity/Prestige: How competitive or recognized is the program? ● Commitment/Time: How long did you stick with it? ● Impact & Growth: What did you achieve? Did you grow personally? How did you use the experience? ● Context: Was the activity hard to get into? Did you overcome challenges to do it? How to Choose Activities? Based on Intended Major – e.g., if you want to study computer science, choose CS-related activities; if business, choose business-related. Based on Personal Traits. Colleges look for qualities such as drive, intellectual curiosity, initiative, serving spirit, diversity of experiences, leadership, independence, etc. Based on Strengths: Lean into your unique talents or skills. A good activity plan usually covers both academics (related to your intended major) and personal qualities or special talents Case Study 1: Interdisciplinary Focus Background: ● GPA 4.0, ACT 35/36 ● Languages: English, French, Mandarin ● Admitted to Johns Hopkins University Activities: ● Clubs: Anime Club leader, editor/writer for an online media club ● Community/Teaching: Science camp counselor for grades 3–6; group piano assistant at a local music school ● Research: Independent paper on Alzheimer’s and media coverage (guided by a professor). Applied research to real life by better understanding her grandmother’s dementia ● Summer Programs: Law Summer Program (University of Toronto), Yale Young Global Scholars ● Personal qualities: Piano (hobby), trilingual Challenges: At first, her activities were scattered and based only on personal interests instead of concrete academic direction. The student also wanted top-15 schools but hadn’t chosen a major. Application Theme: ● Academic: Cognitive science, supported by her Alzheimer’s research ● Narratives: 1. Concern for aging and social issues (inspired by her grandmother and summer law programs) 2. Connection between trilingual ability and cognitive science By framing her activities around these themes, everything started to make sense: research and languages supported both academics and personal growth. Case Study 2: Natural Sciences Background: ● GPA 4.0 ● SAT 1440 (not submitted) ● Admitted to Vanderbilt University Activities: ● Research: University youth talent program, biochemical interdisciplinary research ● Summer Programs: Columbia University biology course (genetics), University of Chicago summer seminar ● Competition: iGEM biology competition (team co-organizer) ● Clubs: Biology reading club organizer ● Sports: Soccer team Challenges: When it comes to activities, the student was unsure whether to focus on competitions or research. I found that he wasn’t very competitive and preferred research. His standout activity was the University research project, which became the core of his application. Application Theme: ● Academic: Biology (very clear direction). His research report was submitted as supplemental material. ● Narratives: Leadership and teamwork, reflected through both soccer and lab experiences. For example, conflicts in the lab reminded him of teamwork in soccer—sometimes compromise is necessary. Takeaway: A strong application isn’t just about big prizes. Even small personal stories and details (like lab teamwork) can show growth and leadership. Case Study 3: Social Sciences / Communications Background: ● GPA 4.0 ● SAT 1530 ● Admitted to Georgetown University Activities: ● Clubs: Student Council President, K-pop club member ● Competitions: FBLA business competition ● Internships: Brand management intern (Grade 9); New York State Senate campaign internship (Grade 11) ● Research: Pioneer Research Program, studied feminism in film Challenges: The student’s activities were scattered: some in business, some in media, some in politics. By senior year, she still wasn’t sure whether to apply for business or communications. Application Theme: ● Academic: Interdisciplinary study of communications, marketing, and women’s studies (more consistent with her past research and internships) ● Strategy: The student still wanted business major, so we chose schools where transferring to the business school was possible. At Georgetown, she was admitted, then successfully transferred to the business school after enrollment. Takeaway: Even if activities seem unrelated, you can create a clear narrative by connecting them under a theme. Flexibility in school choice (schools that allow major changes) is also key. Key Takeaways for Choosing and Shaping Extracurricular Activities 1. Find a Central Theme ○ Activities don’t have to be perfect from the start. But when applying, you need a clear theme that connects academics, personal qualities, and special talents. ○ Example: Cognitive Science + Alzheimer’s research + trilingual background (Johns Hopkins case). 2. Play to the Student’s Strengths ○ Not every student is cut out for competitions. Some shine in research, others in leadership, creativity, or service. ○ Example: Vanderbilt student focused on research instead of contests, which fit his personality better. 3. Details Matter ○ Admissions officers care about growth and reflection, not just big awards. ○ Even small experiences (lab teamwork, helping younger students, family inspiration) can be powerful if told well. 4. Flexibility Is Key ○ If a student is undecided on major, choose schools that allow switching majors after admission. ○ Example: Georgetown student applied with a communications theme but transferred into business after enrollment. 5. Balanced Activity Plan ○ Cover at least two areas: Academic (linked to intended major) and Personal qualities/special talents (leadership, creativity, service, sports, art, music, etc.) In short: don’t chase “what looks best” on paper. Choose activities that fit the student’s interests, strengths, and story. Then, package them into a clear theme that shows both academic direction and personal growth.

Types of Competitions There are many competitions in STEM and natural sciences. Typical examples include various Olympiads, AMC, robotics competitions, and programming contests. You probably heard of Science Bowl, Regeneron Science Talent Search, ISEF Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair, and International Biology Olympiad (IBO). For business competitions, well-known include the Conrad Challenge and the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition. In the humanities, notable competitions include the New York Times Writing Contest and Model United Nations (MUN). Why Are Competitions Popular? A big reason is the strong focus on STEM. A lot of students aim for STEM majors, and that’s where the bulk of academic competitions are. So it naturally leads to more students getting involved in things like math contests, programming challenges, and science fairs. There’s also a bit of a herd mentality at play. For many parents, college admissions can feel confusing and unpredictable. When they see other families diving into competitions, it’s easy to think, “Well, everyone else is doing it , maybe we should too.” What’s Good About Competitions? · They're clear and measurable. Unlike some other extracurriculars, competitions have a built-in scoreboard. A gold medal is better than a silver. it’s easy to understand and explain. Prestigious contests like ISEF or IMO speak for themselves. When families are uncertain about activity planning, competitions often seem like an easier starting point compared to options like research or independent projects. · They show real academic strength. For students applying to STEM or other technical majors, competitions are a great way to demonstrate ability and potential. They help show you’re serious about your interests. What Are the Downsides? · They’re hard. Really hard. Top colleges don’t just want “competition participants”, instead, they notice the winners. And winning at national or international levels is incredibly competitive: only a few students can get to the top every year. Meanwhile, thousands are doing the same contests. That’s a tough playing field. · They take a lot of time. To do well, you can’t just jump in last minute. Many students train and compete for years. Compared to other types of activities, competitions can be a big investment of time with no guaranteed return. That said, if a student enjoys competitions and shows potential, great! But it’s not for everyone. Forcing it rarely works. It’s important to know your strengths and work with them. There are plenty of other ways to stand out, especially in math and science: join a summer program, do academic research, start a club or teach others, work on an independent project, take an intern, etc. The activity itself doesn’t have to be flashy. What matters is that it fits your overall narrative, shows real effort, and helps colleges understand who you are. There’s no such thing as a "perfect activity", just one that makes sense for you. What Do Admissions Officers Look for in Competitions? · The prestige and difficulty level of the competition · What kind of skills you demonstrated (academic, teamwork, communication, creativity) · The time and effort you put in · How you grew through the experience So, How Should You Choose Competitions? · Once you understand how admissions officers evaluate these things, you can work backward: · Go for well-recognized competitions if possible · Pick ones where you can really show your skills and commitment · Choose experiences that help you grow · And realistically, since we all have limited time and resources, here’s how to narrow it down: · Start with competitions that your school supports, or ones where you have access to training or mentorship · Pick contests that match your interests and your style. For example: If you’re applying for computer science, look at math or CS contests. Think about whether you prefer team events or individual ones, timed tests or long-term projects.

What Kind of Students Do Ivy League Schools Want? Each year when I attend national college counseling conferences and speak with admissions officers from top colleges, I find that the most favored students can be summarized as: "Genuinely interesting people generate genuinely interesting achievements." Let me start with one of our students who was admitted to Princeton. She was a physics whiz who had won several major competition medals. Of course, she was very smart, did well academically, loved reading, researching, and thinking—classic traits of most top students. But what I want to emphasize is that people often think these students succeed because they’re naturally gifted, when in fact, it’s more about unparalleled effort. For example, every time we met via video call, she was always in the lab. That was how she spent nearly every single day. The second student was admitted to UPenn. She exemplified another trait that I find in many outstanding students: a clear, unwavering sense of self-awareness and values. Truly knowing yourself doesn't mean saying, "I want to study business because I want to be an entrepreneur" or "I want to study science because I want to be a scientist." It means having seriously thought about questions like “Who am I?” and “What do I really want?” and having a concrete plan. This student came to us two years in advance to start planning, and over that time, I always noticed that she had a strong sense of self-direction and clarity about her goals. The third student was admitted to Columbia. She had been living in a boarding school since middle school, so she was very independent. She had her own opinions and a perfectionist streak—so much so that she often finished her assignments at the very last minute, which made both me and her essay advisor quite frustrated at times. These students had very different personalities—some were outgoing, others introverted—but they all shared a few key qualities: Clear self-awareness Confident and humble Strong self-discipline and action-oriented mindset This self-discipline and ability to act isn’t just about time management. There's a word in English—"grit"—which can be translated as the willingness to sacrifice short-term pleasure for long-term goals. These students were willing to put in the effort and give up temporary fun for something greater, whether their goals were mature or still evolving. I’ve found that these are the qualities all Ivy League schools value most. And of course, these qualities don’t develop overnight, but rather through years of intentional practice. But of course, we can’t require students that much. Afterall they are just high school students and should enjoy their lives. Our job is to advise them from an admission’s perspective and maximize students’ chance to get into top schools. That’s said, let’s talk about what it actually takes to get into an Ivy League school. In short, quite a lot. Let’s start with a quick math problem. Take a mid-tier Ivy League school as an example: the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). For the Class of 2024, UPenn received 59,465 applications: 4,748 from in-state applicants, 41,407 from out-of-state applicants, and 12,210 from international students. The acceptance numbers were as follows: 419 in-state students (8.8% acceptance rate), 2,651 out-of-state students (6.4%), and 419 international students (3.1%). Additionally, 3,010 students were placed on the waitlist, and only 40 were eventually admitted — that’s a 1.3% acceptance rate from the waitlist. From these numbers, it's clear that test scores alone don’t determine admission decisions: because most applicants have great scores. What really makes the difference are the non-academic factors. Let’s look at them one by one. Rigor of secondary school record This refers to both the difficulty of the courses you took and the overall academic level of your high school. First, did you take the hardest classes available, like honors or advanced courses? Second, is your school a “key school”? Application Essays By now after attending all the webinars and reading articles I have done, I think everyone understands how important the application essay is. If you’re still putting 70% of your effort into test prep and only 30% into your essays, it’s time to reevaluate. The story matters, but your storytelling skills matter even more. Your essay is essentially your autobiography — it should reflect your achievements, activities, personality, strengths, and standout traits. There are a few common mistakes students make when writing their essays: 1. Weak logical flow. We’ve worked with many students who have deep, thoughtful ideas. When talking to us, they can express themselves clearly. But once they start writing, things fall apart. Their English might be great, but the logic is unclear — they skip steps, and their evidence doesn’t actually support their main points. 2. Trying to say too much. Some students want to cram everything they’ve ever done into one essay. The result? It reads like an extended resume, not a personal story. 3. Trying too hard. In an attempt to stand out, some students exaggerate or present themselves in ways that feel fake or disconnected from reality, in one sentence, make themselves not like high school students. 4. Misunderstanding what’s important. Some students highlight things that don’t matter and ignore the details that actually do. 5. Vague praise, no specifics. Some essays sound more like self-assessments — full of compliments but lacking concrete examples or details that bring the story to life. These mistakes aren’t about English skills. The real issue is in the logic and the misunderstanding of what colleges are actually looking for. Recommendation Letters You’ll need two to three recommendation letters: one from your counselor and the rest from your teachers. The most important one is the counselor’s letter because it gives an overall assessment of you as a student. When we help students prepare for recommendations, we always provide a detailed questionnaire to work through together. The answers help teachers write strong, well-rounded letters. Personal Qualities This refers to the key words I mentioned earlier when we discussed different students. Things like leadership, initiative, independence, curiosity, and so on. These traits should come through clearly in your application. Extracurricular Activities We’ve talked a lot about extracurriculars before, so I won’t repeat too much here. But I want to emphasize again: your activities should align with your application theme. Special Talents Again, something we’ve already covered in earlier posts. First-Generation College Students Since the Supreme Court struck down Affirmative Action, being a first-generation college student has become even more important in the admissions process. In-State Residents Even for private schools like UPenn, whether you're an in-state resident can have an impact. Volunteering / Work Experience These also play a role in shaping your application and showing your maturity and initiative. How Scores and Non-Academic Materials Work Together in College Applications Your test scores help determine which schools are within reach for you, but it’s the non-academic parts of your application that will ultimately decide if you get in. These non-academic factors can seem unclear. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula, which leaves many students don’t know how to approach them. That’s why I want to introduce you to a key idea: your application theme. Once you grasp this concept, everything else — your essays, activities, recommendations, and interviews — will fall into place and start making sense. What Is an Application Theme? It’s the main message of your entire application. In simple terms, what kind of person do you want the admissions office to see? This is your “personal brand” or “main selling point” — the story you’re telling with every part of your application, like pieces coming together in a jigsaw puzzle.

Can a 1530 SAT Score Get You into Princeton? Let me share a real case. One of our students scored 1530 on the SAT. Her dream school was Princeton, and she was very worried that her score might hold her back. Do you think she had a chance? In the end, she got accepted. So, test scores are not the most critical factor—your overall competitiveness is. Today we’re talking about early-stage activity planning. If you’re already in Grade 12, this advice may not apply as you’re likely short on time. But for younger students, your biggest advantage is time. Principle 1: The "Winner Takes All" Rule What does "Winner Takes All" mean? Let’s take the example of the world’s three greatest tenors: Pavarotti, Domingo, and Carreras. To the average person, their singing may sound similar, but if you only had one chance to attend a concert, 90% of people would choose Pavarotti because he is the most famous. College admissions work the same way. A real example: a student we had before made to the national finalist in the Chemistry Olympiad but was not admitted to MIT. That’s the “Winner Takes All” rule—you need to be in the top 1% to 5% in your activity. Whether it's Model UN, research, or competitions, the best rule is to be the best. Here are three takeaways from this principle: 1. If you’re in the top 1% to 5% of any field, admissions officers will take notice. 2. The difficulty of an activity matters less than your ranking. For example, winning a national Model UN might be easier than a national violin award, but they have a similar impact. 3. Choose activities that highlight your academic interests, personal qualities, and/or talents. In short, activities should connect with your application theme. Principle 2: Time Management Many students worry about balancing top-tier activities with heavy schoolwork. This is where time management comes in. To save time while maintaining quality: 1. Learn effective note-taking. 2. Preview material and go to class with questions. 3. Focus for 45 minutes, then take a 10-minute break. 4. Put away your phone. 5. Don’t set unrealistic goals. 6. Sleep when you’re tired. Following these can cut your time spent on schoolwork by 40-50%. With time freed up, you can focus on activities that boost your college application. There are three specific strategies in terms of how to allocate your time to plan activities. 1. Block out regular time each week for activities, like every Saturday morning or after school. 2. Build a reading habit. It improves focus, writing, and helps you find long-term interests. Read what you enjoy—travel, tech, history, etc. No need to force yourself to read classics. 3. Join school clubs. They’re the most accessible resources. Expand outside school only when your needs and interests grow, usually around Grade 10. Principle 3: Focus Your Energy To be the best in any field, you need not only time management but also focus. This means not just giving your full attention while doing something, but also narrowing your efforts to just a few things. Why? “Bonus Points from Admissions Officers”: If you're truly exceptional in a field, admissions officers give you extra admiration beyond your achievements. One student competed in physics from elementary school through to international competitions. These accomplishments formed a powerful narrative, earning them this admiration. “Less is More”: Don’t fill your résumé with easily replicable activities. Focused, meaningful achievements are far more impactful. No admissions officer wants to admit a “peacock” student—someone who looks flashy but lacks depth. Principle 4: Innovation Principle Now, what kinds of activities should you do? Many students think being unique is the key. That logic is only partly correct--standing out matters—but it's often misunderstood. Let me explain. First, in fields like STEM, the highest-value competitions are few and widely known. If you want to take the competition path, you can’t avoid these. If you’re doing research, the metrics for evaluating it are similar. It’s like dancing with shackles—you work within a framework. But it doesn’t mean you must do something no one else has ever done. Instead, find a way to be different within the things everyone else is also doing. That said, you can certainly innovate and create something original. For example, we had a student who applied for business started his own company, and student applied for economics conducted field research. But these efforts came after brainstorming with a clear idea and goal, and planed execution. If you're just trying to be different for the sake of it, and only then start looking for ideas or projects, you're putting the cart before the horse.