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Tiếng Việt
Student Profile
Student Name: Ada
Admitted College: Columbia University
High School: Public high school in South Carolina
Ada’s Background
Ada attended a large public high school in South Carolina that was well-regarded locally but had limited representation at Ivy League universities. Typically, fewer than five of the 600+ graduating seniors went on to attend Ivy League institutions.
Her family, unfamiliar with the U.S. college landscape, chose the school based on online research when relocating to the area. They knew that while the school had strong local credentials, it wasn’t known for producing Ivy League admits. Still, with perseverance and the right support from Ivy Talent Education, Ada changed that narrative by earning Early Decision admission to Columbia University for Fall 2023.
To identify her academic interests, her family encouraged her to take biomedical science courses at a local learning center that offers advanced coursework to test her interest in medicine. However, over time, she discovered a stronger passion for engineering. She completed coursework in both areas, which gave her academic profile both breadth and depth.
Working with Ivy Talent
Midway through 10th grade, Ada’s parents realized they needed help navigating the complex U.S. admissions system. They came across Ivy Talent’s admissions advice on social media and were drawn in by its clarity and practicality. After connecting with one of Ivy Talent’s consultants, they sensed the professionalism and built trust during the initial consultation. The Ivy Talent team provided a structured plan that brought much-needed clarity and direction. They didn’t feel the need to explore other consultancies, as the partnership felt right from the start.
How Ivy Talent Helped
As a rising junior, Ada joined Ivy Talent with a range of extracurricular activities but no clear theme tying them together. While she was already engaged in several pursuits, her profile lacked focus. Ivy Talent helped her identify competitions, summer programs, and leadership opportunities that aligned with her passions. With her consultant’s guidance, she gradually refined her extracurricular narrative, allowing her profile to stand out with greater clarity, purpose, and direction.
Ada’s consultant also created a clear roadmap leading into the summer before 12th grade. After finishing the SAT, she immediately began outlining her essays, something she hadn’t realized would be so time-sensitive. By the fall of her senior year, her athletic commitments made time management challenging, but the foundation built with Ivy Talent helped her stay organized and on track.
Throughout the process, Ada worked with a lead consultant supported by a collaborative team that provided additional help when needed.
Ada’s Growth and Authenticity
Ada’s success wasn’t built on national awards or top-of-the-class rankings, it came from consistency, commitment, and sincerity.
She maintained a strong GPA and served as a peer tutor to younger students. Athletically, she not only competed but also took on leadership roles, including assistant coaching and attending a national conference. Her environmental advocacy began early in life, she once wrote a letter to President Obama as a child and later gave speeches on sustainability and volunteered at her local aquarium.
Ivy Talent encouraged her to deepen this genuine interest, turning it into a meaningful and authentic part of her application. Whether tutoring, coaching, or volunteering, Ada remained grounded in her values. Her thoughtful, long-term contributions made a lasting impression on Columbia’s admissions team.
Academically, she completed five AP courses by senior year and consistently pursued challenging coursework. While she didn’t have a conventional “standout” profile, her resilience and direction made her an ideal candidate.
Reflections from Ada’s Parents
“We are incredibly grateful for the professionalism, patience, and thoughtfulness of the Ivy Talent consultant. They didn’t push unrealistic goals or make empty promises. Instead, they provided steady guidance grounded in experience and genuine care for the student’s personal growth.”
For Ada’s family, the most rewarding part was witnessing their daughter’s transformation. Over the course of her time working with Ivy Talent, Ada became more confident, independent, and self-assured. She discovered her voice, clarified her goals, and learned how to advocate for herself.
“Looking back, working with Ivy Talent was one of the best decisions we made. In such a competitive and sometimes overwhelming college admissions landscape, having a team that knows how to bring out the best in each student and treats each journey with respect and dedication made all the difference.”
At Ivy Talent, we’re honored to have supported Ada in her journey. Her story reflects not only her determination but also the thoughtful, student-centered guidance we aim to provide every step of the way. We wish her all the best as she begins this exciting new chapter at Columbia University.
This case study has been published with permission from the student and her family. To protect her privacy, we use “Ada” in place of her real name and refer to her as “Ada” throughout.
