Demographics
- US Citizen
- State: CA
- Private religious school (we have a few ivy acceptances every year)
- White, Female, Italian ethnicity (father born and raised in Italy, I speak fluently)
- No legacy or athletic recruit status
Intended Major(s)
- Chemistry or Molecular biochemistry/biophysics
GPA, Rank, and Test Scores
- Unweighted HS GPA: 4.00/4.00
- Weighted HS GPA (incl. weighting system): 4.36/4.00 (APs NOT yet adjusted)
- Class Rank: n/a (but in top 5%)
- ACT/SAT Scores: 1550/1600
Coursework
- Took toughest possible curriculum at my school; 10 APs, 6 Honors, 2 Independent Studies
- On the five AP tests I have taken so far (bio, calc, lang, us history, world history), I have received all 5s (fun fact: only person to receive “5” in my ~20 person ap calc class)
- AP Scholar with Distinction
Awards (copied from common app)
- California State Academic Decathlon Gold Science Award (2nd out of 756 participants) (11)
- Spectrum News Science Trivia Challenge Selected Contestant and Champion, awarded $500
- National Merit Scholarship Letter of Commendation (top 2% of test takers)
- Jack Howe Invitational Original Oratory Semifinalist, 2nd place at Forensics University Invitational, 1st place at Beverly Hills LAX Tournament
- Regal Award (6x): given to 1 student per class to commend efforts and achievements (received for Honors English, French 1, Honors Chemistry, Honors Algebra II, AP Bio, and APUSH)
- Applied and selected as Orthopedic Research Intern for Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA) (term begins in February)
- And more common honors like NHS and CSF (California Scholarship Federation)
Extracurriculars
- Paid Research Intern & Assistant at Electroacupuncture Office; worked with Stanford’s Hagey Pediatric Laboratory to study neuronal STEM cell growth and T-cell regeneration; invited to UC Davis conference to familiarize graduate students with KWD 808 electroacupuncture machine. (10-12)
- Co-founder, president, and speech coordinator of school Speech and Debate Team: interviewed media representative Anna Sitar for audience of 350, crafted entirety of speech curriculum (our team does not have a coach), established internship opportunity with nearby middle school. Our speech team has won bids to the Tournament of Champions.
- Science Coordinator Academic Decathlon: crafted presentations on marine biology, chemistry, and astrophysics; coached strategy and modeled speech structure; 3x team high score (all possible years), 11x regional medalist
- Founder/Educational Coordinator of Bridz: initiative designed to promote healthcare equity by writing biweekly articles in multiple languages and devising info sessions w/ medical professionals in underprivileged areas (to expose curious students to the medical field)
- Associate Student Body President (12) (after participating on council all four years): delivered 8 min address to 350 (2x); coordinated class advisories; initiated scientific “Fact 4 Week” and pep rally system; designed weekly meeting agendas; managed budget
- Red Cross Blood Donor Ambassador: Aided donors w/ check-in, classified patient records, studied blood types to expedite patient care (received Modelette Award)
- Participated in Yale Young Global Scholars last year, Innovations in Science and Tech track
- Developed local tutor STEM business with an emphasis on goal-setting exercises
- School Ambassador program: Interacted w/ prospective students and parents; led “STEM Night” admissions events (70+ attendees); interviewed applicants; tracked marketing data
- Played D1/D2 Volleyball all four years, starting libero position and received MVP '21
Essays/LORs/Other
- I would give my essay an 8.5/10 (I have received pretty great feedback, but I’m my own worst critic)
- LORs: Guidance (9.5/10), T1 (10/10, said I was type of student to make him rethink his craft and improve AP Chemistry course), T2 (9/10)
Cost Constraints / Budget
No application for financial aid
Schools
Applying to 15 total, but Yale is the dream!
Feel free to ask for more info, and thank you!