Female, Filipino, income <100k, first generation
GPA: 3.9 UW, 4.29 W
SAT: N/A
ACT: 31
AP: English Language (5), World History (4), Government, French
- Was taking AP Calc AB (on track for AP Calc BC) and AP Chemistry last year; however, due to health complications had to drop out
- Other high-level classes taken: Honors French 3, Honors Algebra 2 (Grade 9), Honors Pre-Calculus, Honors English
rank: top 9%
ECs:
- School Newspaper for all four years. Editor (Grades 9-10), Writer (Grades 9-12), Editor-in-Chief (Grades 11-12)
- Planned Parenthood Intern
- National Honor Society member for all years eligible, elected Secretary
- Student leadership, Senator (Grade 10), Vice President (Grade 11)
- Young Democrats Senator (Grades 10, 11), President (Grade 12)
- GirlUp Vice-President
- City Teen Committee, elected Secretary
- California Scholarship Federation for all four years. Tutored in all subjects, predominantly French
Awards:
- Student Body Leadership Award (given to one person per year)
- Grand Concours/French National Contest, silver medal 2x
- National Merit Scholar, Commended Scholar
- Highest Honor Roll (4.00+) all four years
- Special recognition in French and History
Summer Activities:
- Girls Rock Camp Counselor, dedicated to helping girls build self esteem through music education, collaboration, empowerment
Letters of Rec: Guidance Counselor - 9/10 - She is well aware of my work ethic, consistent high grades, and the health complications I’ve dealt with that have affected any academic pursuits of mine
teacher 1 - 10/10 - She’s my French teacher and has taught me for all for years. I’ve always gotten As in her class, have done extremely well in class as well as with annual French contests
teacher 2 - 7-8/10 - She was my US History teacher, one of her top students, regarded my Midterm Essay highly, aware of my passion towards my beliefs
Essays:
Common App - 9/10 - I pretty much cried writing it. Talked about my drive in my educational pursuits, how I had to deal with a sudden diagnosis of major clinical depression, pressure as a first-gen student with two immigrant parents.
Why NYU? - 7/10 - It was representative of who I am, and I tried my best to specify it to NYU. I’ve been wanting to go to this university since I was 14.
Dartmouth (Choose Your Prompt) - 9/10 - Responded arguably well to the hard work prompt. Talked about my mom as my inspiration, tangible achievements I’ve reached in high school as a result of my hard work
Why Dartmouth? - 8/10 - Made good use of the 100 word limit, was specific. Still feel like I could’ve done a bit better.
My greatest concern when it comes to this school is the fact that whether or not I like to admit it, my health diagnosis significantly affected my academic pursuits. I had no choice but to cease my ambition when it comes to math and chemistry, two subjects I had excelled in before the diagnosis (all A’s in Hon Chemistry, Hon Pre-calc, Hon Alg 2). Furthermore my school limits all students to 3 honors/AP every year. An application process is required for 4. Otherwise, any more is absolutely restricted.
