Also in:
繁中 (Traditional Chinese)
Photo Credit：University of College@Shutterstock
Student Profile
- Top 4 in his class
- SAT: 1500
- Five AP test scores of 4+ (Macro, Micro, Stat, USH, English Lit)
- Extracurricular highlights
- WSDC Debate Taiwan National Squad
- Economics Olympiad top 16 finisher
- Independent research paper on EFTs and digital assets
- Captain of the Baseball Varsity Team
- Co-founder & Head of Voluntutor Cloud (tutoring underprivileged students)
- Intended major: Economics or a Business-related field
What We Did
- Discussed the effective use of time, minimizing test prep to only what was necessary to devote more energy to extracurriculars and personal discovery.
- Explored different possible colleges, thinking broadly about what criteria mattered to him. Developed a list of colleges that fit those criteria.
- Reflected on his character, abilities, and values so he could lean into and develop them during his remaining time in high school.
- Encouraged him to do some reading/ studying beyond the introductory economics curriculum, and integrate the results of his study into his essays.
- Helped decide on summer plans, including debate sessions with the national team, a research paper, and an internship at a commercial bank. Provided additional support during the summer to make sure he achieved various milestones.
- Guided him through each step of the college essay writing process, from brainstorming to polishing the final draft.
Results
- Attending Northwestern University
Chris’s Success Story
Chris came to us at the end of the first semester of his junior year. He was near the top of his class academically with very good standardized test scores (95th percentile). He enjoyed economics most of all his subjects and had a sense that he wanted to study economics or a business-related field in college.
He wanted to try for a top college but was worried about the process. Seniors at the top of their class at his school, “geniuses” according to Chris, were getting rejected or deferred from their ED schools. He wondered: If they couldn’t get in, what were his chances? Chris had ambition and potential but lacked focus. What he needed was proper guidance.
Initially, Chris understood the college application process as reducible to a set of stats. Students with the highest composite stats get in. He wanted to know what he could do to maximize his set of stats. He wanted to know what else to do to guarantee that admission letter. Better test scores? An internship? More volunteering? “Tell me what to do and I’ll do it,” he seemed to say. Essentially he was asking: What kind of persona do I need to create to get accepted?
I suggested he lean into the areas that most interested him while still exploring new opportunities and challenges. “Do things related to what you see yourself committing to in the future,” I advised him. “It isn’t about doing something to get into college, it’s about pursuing your interests, gaining skills, and getting good at what you do; that is, taking steps now to become the person you’d like to be.”
Chris began to realize that it’s not about creating a persona and not about adding more and more to your resume. Instead, it’s about becoming a thoughtful, curious, impact-driven person and finding yourself. That would certainly help him stand out on college applications, but more importantly, it would help him get in touch with his best authentic self.
By the beginning of his senior year, Chris had considered what was important to him and not just what would look good on his application. Slowly, his supplemental essays shifted from formulaic responses—the same basic hook, a gushing exclamation of enthusiasm at the end, and a few particulars about the university in the middle—to something authentically him.
In June, Chris had an admissions officer speak at his school and it made quite an impression. He eventually decided to apply ED to Northwestern, in part because of its excellent economics program, very successful debate team, vibrant campus life, and proximity to Chicago.
Chris finished the first draft of the NU Supplemental in September. It hit a few notes that made the case that he was a good fit for the school, given his interests and what the school offers. I provided some suggestions on how to revise and refine his approach. We went back and forth on the essay, going through several revisions until what Chris wrote became the best, true articulation of why he and NU fit well together.
In mid-November, Chris had an NU interview. We prepared for the interview, with Chris answering practice questions. I gave him some feedback and had him try again until Chris felt confident in his responses.
On Dec 17 he received the happy news that he was accepted into the Class of 2027 at NU. Chris’s hard work, passion, and determination, along with some guidance, helped him achieve his goal.
Interview with Chris
Q: How did it feel to get your acceptance letter?
“It felt surreal.”
Q: What would you describe as the steps to college admission success?
“I think I got in because of my extracurricular activities. I have a theme. Most of my activities relate to some extent to economics: debate, research on digital assets, internship, leadership positions, etc. All of them demonstrated interest in business and economics.”
“NU has a good econ program and debate team. Since I’ve debated on the Taiwan national squad, it’s a good fit. But packaging is important, I’m not gonna lie.”
In addition to all the help and support he received from teachers, parents, and recent alumni of his high school, Chris also acknowledged Ivy-Way’s role in the process. “You’re one of the main reasons I got in” to NU.
Q: If you could go back in time 6 months what advice would you give yourself?
“Start with the essays earlier. It’s really hard to write a good essay with a looming deadline. As you write more essays, you learn what you want to say and what you want out of college.”
Though congratulations are in order, our work together isn’t quite done. Details about enrollment, including residential college selection, visa applications, and other issues, still need to be settled. We will continue to work together until all these details have been handled. We’ll also look into the limited amount of scholarships available for international students in North America. And of course, I’ll help Chris prepare to make the exciting transition to life in the U.S. so he can have the best chance to fulfill his potential.
Chris’s Advice
- Starting your essays early.
- Strive for clarity and conciseness in writing.
Chris’s success was not just a personal achievement but a testament to the support and guidance he received along the way, including one-on-one personalized college counseling. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the value of authenticity, thoughtful preparation, and the pursuit of self-knowledge in the college admissions process.
Also in:
繁中 (Traditional Chinese)
