Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Psychology Applicant
Female · Asian · TX · Large, affluent public high school
🏷️ Legacy at one of the schools I applied to
Income: Upper Middle Class
AP Exams Taken
- Orchestra4 years; had many leadership positions
- Personal Neuroscience Project2 years
- Family Responsibilities4 years
- Science Olympiad2 years; had a leadership position
- Other Projects3 years
- Reading4 years
- Baking & Cooking4 years
- ★Science Olympiad Competitions
- ★Description: Local & Regional
- ★Orchestra Awards
- ★Description: Local & State
- ★School Award
- ★Orchestra Award
- ★Description: Local or replaced with a different Orchestra Award - State
- ★Orchestra Award
- ★Description: Local
Essay Topics
I think my concept --a personal journey using the metaphor of riding in my family's van (since we drive everywhere in Texas)-- was pretty interesting. I wanted to show different aspects of myself, so each scene was tied to one of those aspects (i.e. diplomatic, reflective, etc.). Looking back though, I focused too much on making it sound good, so there were too much imagery and fluff. I also tried to include implicit symbols, but that was a mistake as well. AOs have little time to read your application, so make sure your essay makes an impactful and clear first impression. Have other people read over it to ensure that.
- Case Western Reserve University
- Performance/Outcome: It was my first interview, and the student asked if it was, so she was very chill and welcoming. I felt pretty comfortable throughout it.
- Rice University
- Performance/Outcome: This was also with a student, but it felt pretty generic.
- Yale University
- Performance/Outcome: This was with an alumna, and we were able to connect over our experiences with autistic kids. Since she was from around the area, she also heard of my school. She also assured me that she would give a positive write-up.
- University of Southern California Merit Scholarship
- Performance/Outcome: Honestly, I thought it went well because I was able to answer the questions confidently and with elaboration. The panel was pretty nice too, and we exchanged a couple of jokes too. However, I did not get that bread, and I think the reason why was because my answers were long-winded and not cohesive. I should have taken a couple of seconds before each question to think over what I wanted to say. I also forgot to mention that I would not be able to attend University of Southern California without a hefty scholarship.
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Performance/Outcome: The student interviewer was super nice and outgoing, she really seemed engaged! Besides that, it seemed like every other interview.
- Washington University in St. Louis Video
- Performance/Outcome: I tried to do a day-in-the-life video, but I think that was a mistake since it didn't add anything new to my application.
Counselor
They were very nice and accommodating throughout my whole college applications process. I'm pretty sure they wrote a positive LOR for me, but it's probably vague since I only got to know them this year. I did send them detailed information about me for the LOR though.
Chemistry Teacher
I wouldn't say we were "close-close," but we did chat before and after class, so they did get to know me somewhat. They did say to contact them anytime I need a LOR whether for colleges or scholarships so. I think they liked my work ethic. I also heard from upperclassmen that they write pretty good LORs.
English Teacher
I improved the most grade-wise in this class, so I think that is a plus. They also said I was one of the best students of their entire teaching career.
Orchestra Teacher
I have been in the orchestra for my whole high school career, and they are the teacher I am closest to. They also helped me through extenuating circumstances, and they saw me grow into leadership positions in the orchestra.
Accepted (8)
Waitlisted (3)
Rejected (5)
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