Computer Science, Public Policy, Political Science Applicant
Male · Asian · California · Public high school, in a relatively uncompetitive/non-affluent part of California
Income: Upper-Middle
- Research at local state universityHelping a non-computer science lab with programming related tasks (40 hours/week, 6 weeks)
- Project on demographic trends in AmericaExplored how demographic trends affect politics (1 hour/week over the school year)
- Speech and DebateParticipated for 4 years and qualified to the state level (varied between 2-6 hours/week over the school year + tournaments on weekends)
- Coached freshman speech and debate teamPrepared mock debates, lessons, drills, etc. (1 hour/week)
- Youth government organizationHosted community events and assisted with city government (1 hour/week in school year 10th-12th grade)
- Initiative for high school political participationLed a team to advocate for political participation (3-5 hours/week in school year 11th-12th grade)
- Summer program at local state universityLearned about scientific topics and completed a project with other students (40 hours/week)
- AMC and USACOParticipated but did not spend much time due to lack of peers in the area
- ★2x qualifier to AIME
- ★State level speech and debate awards
- ★National Merit Commended
- ★USACO Gold
Essay Topics
Discussed my project on demographic trends and my interest in applying programming to various disciplines, including politics.
- Stanford University
- Performance/Outcome: Interviewer was nice, but there was a big age difference and not much in common.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Performance/Outcome: Interviewer was a researcher with similar interests, but also had a big age difference.
- Harvard University
- Performance/Outcome: Interviewer was a young biology professor who was very engaged and complimented my motivation.
- University of Pennsylvania
- Performance/Outcome: Interviewer was a CS major who liked volunteering, but I was nervous and the interview was short.
Math Teacher
I had her for one year, but we connected over video games and politics. She was one of my favorite teachers and conveyed both academic and personal qualities in her letter.
History Teacher
I was active in class and discussed politics with him. He was one of my favorite teachers as well.
Counselor
We had a good relationship, but her letter was more of a resume listing.
Research Mentor
I knew him on a professional basis and demonstrated hard work and responsibility.
Local Government Employee
Worked closely with her on my initiative and she recognized my passion and hard work.
Accepted (10)
Waitlisted (1)
Rejected (5)
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