I am 28 yrs old - a nontraditional student. I was in a very Orthodox community until last year (that I was born into) which wouldn’t allow me to complete higher education as a woman. I finally left the community last year (and most everyone/everything I knew) to get an education. (If you know of the book “Educated” by Tara Westover my situation was somewhat similar)
I am hoping to study physics and astronomy at Cornell.
Attending: Harvard’s Extension School
GPA: 3.94
Have completed the physics requirements to enter as a junior (I also have general education done).
Awarded ‘Special Student Status’ from the Extension School which allows me to take courses at Harvard College with the other Harvard College students. Recommendation letters come from Harvard College professors who I met through this program; one physics prof and one astronomy/astrophysics prof.
Research - Got permission to join a physics research team at Harvard College (even though I am an Extension student) that I worked with for 2 semesters studying dark matter
Oxford University - study abroad for 6 weeks studying astronomy/physics one on one with an Oxford professor, will have letter of Rec from him as well to optionally use
Extracurriculars -
- Creative writing (as a hobby), I was published in print journals twice in the US and once internationally
- Compete in chess tournaments
Besides Cornell, I am looking into Johns Hopkins and Yale’s Eli Whitney Program.