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Tiếng ViệtStudent Profile
Student Name: Katherine
High School: Westover School, Connecticut
Accepted to: University of Southern California (USC)
About Katherine
Katherine is a creative and curious student currently attending Westover School, an all-girls boarding school in Connecticut. Originally from China, she chose to study in the U.S. to experience a more flexible and exploratory learning environment. She wanted the freedom to test out new ideas and pursue different interests. Katherine embraced every opportunity to grow. She discovered a creative outlet through darkroom photography and rediscovered her passion for golf after giving it another try. At school, she challenged herself with four AP courses and a museum internship, where she conducted in-depth research and presented her work at a symposium.
Working with Ivy Talent
Katherine and her family started working with Ivy Talent in 9th grade, during the pandemic. As Katherine’s mother explored different consulting companies, she was drawn to Ivy Talent’s thoughtful approach and supportive team. From the beginning, it was clear that Ivy Talent prioritized student growth and personal development over rankings or prestige. No matter a student’s academic background, the team provided the same level of care, attention, and resources to help them succeed.
Katherine’s mother shared that throughout her daughter’s high school years in the U.S., she rarely felt the need to step in. Whenever she had questions, whether about course selection, roommate issues, or anything else, she could always reach out to the Ivy Talent team. Someone was available to respond at any time, day or night. She also appreciated the care Ivy Talent provided during the pandemic. When schools were closed, Ivy Talent organized Thanksgiving and Christmas camps that gave students a safe place to stay.
How Ivy Talent Helped
Katherine’s consultant at Ivy Talent supported her in three key areas: academic performance, activity development, and college planning. Rather than steering her toward a fixed path or pushing a specific major, they encouraged her to explore her interests, reflect on her experiences, and set personal goals.
As Katherine worked with her Ivy Talent consultant, she began to understand how her interests naturally aligned with the Environmental Studies major. She had joined an eco-friendly fashion club, started an environmental science club with other Ivy Talent students, and won an award in the Harvard International Review (HIR) academic writing competition. These experiences inspired her to keep exploring environmental topics that connected to both global issues and her own personal story.
When it was time to write her college essays, Katherine started with the University of California application. One of the essay prompts was about the applicant’s academic interest and why it mattered to them. At first, she considered writing about art history, a subject she had explored recently. But after discussing it with her consultant, she realized she didn’t have enough experience to make the story truly stand out. Her consultant encouraged her to write about the HIR competition instead and connect it to her childhood in Fuzhou, a coastal city in China.
By senior year, Katherine had a clear understanding of her academic strengths, personal interests, and future goals. She felt confident applying to the University of Southern California. Although she once joked about only applying to schools with blue logos, USC’s spirit and culture quickly won her over.
Now enrolled in USC’s Environmental Studies program, Katherine looks back on her college application journey with a strong sense of fulfillment.
Beyond academics, Katherine was also moved by the care and attentiveness of the Ivy Talent team. When she was stressed out, her consultants were always available to listen and provide guidance. Katherine also attended Ivy Talent’s camps, where she built close connections with both the consultant team and other students. She remembered when a consultant took her to an Asian supermarket for dinner and introduced her to natto. Katherine felt like she was deeply cared for.
Looking Back
Katherine knew she wanted to attend a university in a vibrant city, with a strong sense of community and an open, inclusive culture. USC offered everything she was looking for. Throughout the application process, she developed a clearer understanding of her goals and learned how to share her story with honesty and confidence. We are proud to have supported her on this journey and look forward to seeing everything she will accomplish in the future.
