中文
Tiếng ViệtStudent Name: Ken
High School: Public high school in New York
Admitted to: Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, UC Berkeley, UCLA
Enrolled at: Cornell University
This case study is presented from the perspective of Ken’s father, who was closely involved in guiding his son’s educational journey.
Student Background
Ken attended an American high school in New York. He was admitted to Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, and multiple universities in the University of California system, including UC Berkeley and UCLA. He ultimately chose to enroll at Cornell.
Ken grew up in a household that valued both purpose and personal growth. His father, who works in business, encouraged him to think strategically, set clear goals, and take charge of his own path. His mother, who is passionate about environmental sustainability, influenced Ken in quieter but meaningful ways—through daily habits like recycling and helping him understand the importance of social responsibility.
Working with Ivy Talent
Ken’s family first came across Ivy Talent online during the summer before ninth grade. At first, they were unsure about working with an educational consulting firm, concerned it might rely on a one-size-fits-all approach or focus more on building résumés than supporting real growth. However, those concerns were quickly alleviated after their initial meeting with the Ivy Talent team.
From the start, the consultants emphasized a student-centered approach, focusing on thoughtful, long-term planning rather than rushed deadlines or generic strategies. They guided Ken through a process of exploring his interests and future goals in a way that felt natural and intentional. With regular monthly check-ins, clearly defined milestones, and transparent communication, Ivy Talent provided the structure and reassurance the family needed throughout all four years of high school.
Once Ken decided to focus on business as his primary academic interest, Ivy Talent guided him in crafting a unique and authentic narrative that reflected his personality, values, and background. For instance, in 10th grade, he attended LaunchX, a competitive entrepreneurship summer program. While there, he led a project focused on environmental sustainability, blending his father’s business influence with his mother’s long-standing values.
Back at school, he built on these themes by joining the environmental club in 9th grade and later taking on leadership roles in publicity and communications. He managed the club’s social media presence and organized promotional campaigns. These experiences created a consistent and cohesive application narrative, grounded in both personal identity and real-world action.
How Ivy Talent Helped
Throughout high school, Ivy Talent helped Ken identify meaningful opportunities and build a strong academic and extracurricular foundation for top-tier admissions. Rather than pushing a checklist of activities, they encouraged him to explore boldly and reflect consistently, allowing his path to unfold naturally.
During the college decision phase, Ken was torn between two strong options: Cornell University and UC Berkeley. After visiting both campuses and weighing the pros and cons, the family still found it difficult to make a decision. At that point, Ivy Talent’s detailed insight and personalized advice proved crucial.
While Berkeley is renowned globally for its business programs, especially in tech and innovation, the demanding academic pace and intensely competitive environment raised concerns. Ivy Talent’s team, having worked closely with Ken for four years, was well acquainted with his learning style and personality. They understood that he thrived in structured and collaborative environments, and that his strength lay in building relationships and executing ideas, not grinding through high-intensity schedules or juggling triple majors.
Cornell offered a strong business program with a more balanced environment. Its smaller class sizes, focused professional network, and targeted career support made it a better fit for Ken’s temperament and long-term goals. Ivy Talent’s ability to match college characteristics to student personality helped the family feel confident in their final decision.
Reflection
Ken’s success was the result of thoughtful, consistent planning, backed by a team that respected his individuality and never rushed the process. Over the course of four years, Ivy Talent supported his academic progress, extracurricular growth, and emotional development. Through regular check-ins and adjustments, they ensured that each decision aligned with Ken’s evolving goals and personal values.
Whether exploring environmental entrepreneurship, excelling in competitive summer programs, or achieving strong standardized test scores, Ken’s journey was guided by a balance of realism and ambition. When he faced setbacks such as falling short of a target SAT score, Ivy Talent worked with him to revise the plan and refocus. Eventually, he earned a 1520, solidifying his competitiveness for top business programs.
By the end of senior year, Ken had received offers from some of the most prestigious institutions in the country. His application was built on a consistent story of growth, impact, and character. More importantly, he achieved something that many students don’t: the power to choose.
Ken’s story is a reminder that U.S. college admissions is not just about applying to the most selective schools. It’s about making thoughtful, strategic decisions that align with who you are and where you want to go. Ivy Talent helped Ken discover and articulate that vision, not by shaping him into someone he wasn’t, but by helping him see the strength in who he already was.
Cornell is now the next chapter in Ken’s academic journey, and the confidence, clarity, and preparation he developed along the way will carry him forward.
This case study has been published with permission from the student and his family. To protect his privacy, we use “Ken” in place of his real name throughout.
