How Angela Got into Cornell and 14 Other Top 30 Universities

About Angela

Angela always had a passion for literature and storytelling, which came through in both her writing and the way she engaged with her community. She remained consistent in her academics while exploring the subjects and causes she genuinely cared about. Her thoughtful approach and clear sense of direction led to acceptances from 15 of the top 30 universities in the U.S., including Columbia, Barnard, UCLA, USC, and Emory.

Working with Ivy Talent

Angela began working with Ivy Talent during the fall term of 10th grade. With three intense years of high school ahead, she recognized the value of having guidance to help her stay focused and organized.

She considers her decision to work with Ivy Talent one of the most important choices she made during her application journey. She said Ivy Talent filled in the gaps she hadn’t even realized were missing, especially when it came to small but crucial details that she would have overlooked on her own.

How Ivy Talent Helped

Throughout the process, Angela worked closely with a team of consultants, writers, and editors who helped her refine her ideas and present the most authentic version of her story. Whether she was brainstorming essay topics, polishing her writing, or organizing application materials, the Ivy Talent team made sure everything stayed on track and ran smoothly from beginning to end.

A standout feature of Angela’s application was her student-led initiative, Voice for the Silence, a platform she created to amplify underrepresented voices. Rather than enrolling in an expensive pre-college program, she chose to build something original and collaborated with peers who shared her interest in journalism and advocacy.

Angela believed this project reflected the kind of values U.S. universities care about. It wasn’t about listing achievements, but about showing that she cared deeply about the world and was willing to take action to make a difference.

Her academic interests continued to grow throughout high school. Writing had always been a core passion, and she began creating stories as early as first grade. Later on, during an internship at a local museum, she discovered a love for art history while helping organize and present exhibits. These experiences sparked a deeper curiosity and ultimately led her to pursue a double major in Art History and Writing.

The Application Process

Angela’s journey wasn’t without setbacks. She applied Early Decision to Barnard College but was deferred. Instead of getting discouraged, she stayed proactive—sending updates, maintaining communication with admissions offices, and continuing to strengthen her Regular Decision applications.

The waiting period was difficult, but she learned not to give up after a deferral. By staying in touch and demonstrating her continued interest, she was ultimately accepted to Barnard in the regular round.

Even though Barnard had once been her top choice, Angela decided to attend Cornell, a school she hadn’t seriously considered at first. After stepping back and discussing her goals with her Ivy Talent consultant, she realized that Cornell was a better fit. She encourages other students to stay open to change and to reevaluate their options when needed.

Looking Back: Challenges, Growth, and Advice

During the summer of 11th grade, Angela stayed in the U.S. alone due to COVID-19 and spent her time focused on preparing college essays. Her initial personal statement focused only on her identity as a writer, but with guidance from her Ivy Talent consultant, she reshaped the essay to highlight not just who she was, but also what she hoped to contribute to the world.

That shift from personal expression to a broader sense of purpose made the essay more compelling and helped admissions officers better understand what motivates her and the kind of impact she hopes to make.

Angela acknowledges that the process was long and often stressful, but she reminds students not to let deferrals or rejections define their self-worth. She was disappointed when she didn’t get into her Early Decision school, but she now feels certain that Cornell is where she’s meant to be.

Her biggest takeaway is that universities aren’t just looking for high-achieving students. They are looking for individuals who care about the world around them. She encourages applicants to show how their learning connects to something bigger than themselves.

Angela applied to 18 schools in total, including several University of California campuses, and was accepted by 15 of them. Her results reflected a strong academic record, creative accomplishments, and a thoughtful approach to presenting herself throughout the application process.

Her story is one of consistency, introspection, and resilience. With guidance from Ivy Talent, she transformed her passion for writing and art into a compelling narrative that resonated with admissions committees across the country.

She encourages future applicants to stay true to their interests, remain open to change, and approach the process with both confidence and curiosity. For Angela, the college application journey was not just about getting accepted, but about discovering who she is and finding the environment where she will thrive.