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Student Profile
Student Name: Bob
High School: Western Reserve Academy
Admitted College: Stanford University
Bob’s Background
Bob began his high school journey during the pandemic, studying online from China before arriving at Western Reserve Academy (WRA) in Ohio for 10th grade. While the school’s setting was quieter than a major city, it offered strong academics, a welcoming community, and access to essentials. With around 10 Chinese students in his grade, Bob quickly found support and belonging.
WRA gave Bob space to explore. Though the school is known for its cancer and immunology research lab, Bob eventually pursued a broader, interdisciplinary path. The academic freedom at WRA allowed him to discover and develop both technical and creative strengths.
Working with Ivy Talent
Bob’s family reached out to Ivy Talent in the summer of rising 10th grade with the hope that he would not only grow academically, but also personally. At the time, Bob viewed himself firmly as a STEM student. With a family background in science and engineering, he gravitated toward math competitions, biology Olympiads, and programming courses.
How Ivy Talent Helped
As he entered 10th grade, Bob began discovering a growing interest in the humanities. Ivy Talent helped him navigate this shift. Through thoughtful planning, they guided him toward opportunities that let him explore new passions without losing sight of his technical skills. Together, they built a balanced high school experience that brought out both sides of his personality.
Ivy Talent encouraged Bob to attend a writing camp, which turned out to be a turning point. He began writing poetry, short stories, and essays centered on topics like war and inequality, issues that resonated with him personally. His creativity extended into photography, and he eventually became editor-in-chief of his school’s nonfiction magazine.
Bob’s writing talents were recognized when he was accepted into the Iowa Young Writers’ Studio, a prestigious summer program. The experience validated his voice as a writer and gave him the confidence to pursue more ambitious goals.
His interests in social issues led to an internship with an education-focused nonprofit in New York. There, he deepened his understanding of educational equity and began thinking more about the social impact he wanted to make.
Even as he explored creative fields, Bob remained committed to using technology in practical, community-oriented ways. One standout project came through WRA’s Compass program. As a dorm leader, Bob noticed a common frustration about shared laundry machine availability. Partnering with a classmate, he developed a platform that allowed students to track machine use in real time.
Bob also took on a more research-driven project through the Pioneer Academics program. He studied quantum computing, focusing on the potential of qubits to transform computational power. His final paper, which received a top score from his professor, reflected a high level of mastery and curiosity in the subject.
These experiences helped Bob realize that his true passion lies in creating solutions that bring joy or ease into people’s lives. He found meaning in blending his creative and technical strengths into a single, authentic mission.
Why Stanford Was the Right Fit
Stanford had always been Bob’s dream. Its emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship matched his aspirations perfectly. With a near-perfect GPA, a 1550 SAT score, and a 118 TOEFL score, Bob presented a strong academic profile. He applied through Restrictive Early Action and was deferred, but he was thrilled to receive an acceptance during the regular round.
Bob’s Reflection and Advice
Reflecting on his journey, Bob offers several key insights for students preparing their own college applications:
- Prioritize academics. A solid academic foundation will help everything else fall into place. Bob believes APs and test scores matter less than truly excelling in your courses.
- Pursue what you love. Avoid activities just to check boxes. Bob followed his genuine interests and found ways to integrate them into a unified, compelling profile.
- Find the right mentors. Working with Ivy Talent gave Bob the structure and encouragement he needed to stay focused and confident throughout the process.
At Ivy Talent, we are proud to have been part of Bob’s journey and to have helped him transform his vision into a reality.
