Accepted ED to Northwestern University: How Adam Integrated Music and Psychology to Find His Perfect Fit

Student Profile
Student Name: Adam
Admitted College: Northwestern University

Adam’s Background

Adam is a senior at Ladue High School in St. Louis, Missouri, one of the top public high schools. From robotics to art and science competitions, the school provided Adam with opportunities to explore his interests, but it also had its limitations. With only two college counselors supporting over 300 students per grade, in-depth, personalized guidance was difficult to come by.

Originally from Shenzhen, China, Adam moved to the U.S. in fifth grade. Adjusting to American culture was initially a challenge, but he adapted quickly. Motivated and self-driven, he maintained a 4.0 GPA and earned 5s on both AP exams he took in 10^th grade. He consistently pursued academic rigor, taking challenging courses like AP Spanish and literature throughout high school.

Getting Started with Ivy Talent

By the start of 11^th grade, Adam realized he needed additional support to navigate the college admissions process. Ivy Talent had worked with Adam’s cousin and helped him get into UPenn, so with this trusted track record, Adam chose to work with Ivy Talent without hesitation. He wasn’t entirely sure of his academic path. He loved music and initially hoped to double major in music and a liberal arts field, but outside of music, his academic interests were still forming.

Through strategic discussions with Ivy Talent’s consultants, Adam was introduced to the idea of combining music with psychology, an intersection that allowed him to pursue his passion while also building a strong, practical foundation for the future. It was the ideal path forward.

How We Supported Adam

Once Adam settled on his academic direction, Ivy Talent helped him identify the gaps in his profile. He didn’t have research experience related to psychology, so under their guidance, he completed two research projects in the 11^th grade.

One project explored how video game music impacts cultural dissemination, involving psychological concepts like cognition and culture. Another stemmed from his volunteer work: while teaching violin and organizing Rubik’s Cube competitions, Adam observed children’s psychological responses—experiences that deepened his interest in the field.

Ivy Talent also suggested that Adam attend a summer program at Northwestern. The experience solidified his love for the school. From daily violin practice and lakeside walks to Chicago Symphony Orchestra performances and conversations with current students, Adam felt a deep connection to Northwestern’s academic and cultural environment.

As Early Decision applications approached, Adam and Ivy Talent worked closely to build a standout application. They created a structured timeline, ensuring he stayed on track. He took the ACT twice, earning a 35 on the first attempt and then scoring a perfect 36 in February 2024.

For his personal essay, Adam initially doubted whether his story about helping his immigrant parents make phone calls was meaningful enough. With Ivy Talent’s support, he brought the narrative to life through dialogue and reflection, showing his growth and resilience. His supplemental essays allowed him to further express his passions, from designing a course on nature’s influence on the body to reflecting on his experiences growing up in both Shenzhen and St. Louis.

Together, they carefully chose which activities to highlight, including his Research project, his role as president of the music leadership group, and his work as a violin ambassador for the St. Louis Youth Symphony Orchestra. These efforts helped demonstrate both academic potential and leadership in his community.

Adam’s Reflections and Advice

Looking back, Adam recognizes how much he learned throughout the college application process, and he’s proud of how far he’s come. He offers the following advice to other students:

• Give it your all, but don’t chase perfection. Adam was proud of his first ACT score but still pushed himself. However, he cautions that trying to be perfect can quickly become overwhelming.
• Choose courses you’re passionate about. Choose courses you’re passionate about. Although he took many AP courses in high school, he emphasized that course selection should always be guided by genuine interest, not just strategy.
• Be authentic in your essays. Your story matters. Adam found power in writing about his real experiences, and believes meaningful details make all the difference.
• Start early. The beginning of senior year is a critical window. Give yourself time to reflect, write, and revise.

Adam is grateful for the journey and for the support he received from Ivy Talent. Their personalized guidance helped him not only gain admission to his dream school but also understand more deeply what he wants from his college experience and future career.