Offer: 

• Milton Academy
• St. Mark’s School

From: International school in China

Application profile: Chaotic but Warm-hearted Tech Guy

Application Journey

01. Applying to U.S. High Schools is Like Leveling Up in a Game; I’m Not Afraid to Start Over.

This isn’t my first time applying to U.S. high schools, and past failures have shaken my confidence. During my previous attempt, I had to switch consultants at the last minute, starting with FGE Advisor very late in the process. With limited time, the results were less than ideal.

However, FGE Advisor never stopped encouraging me. Under their guidance, I optimized my engineering project—a boat designed to clean river garbage, inspired by observations during the pandemic. Initially flawed, I upgraded it comprehensively one summer, improving programming, redesigning the hull, and adding water quality testing features. FGE advisor also helped me create a detailed video presentation for my applications. This boat represents my dedication to science and my concern for environmental issues, documenting my growth over two application seasons.

02. A New Meaning for “Chaotic but Warm-hearted Tech Guy”

FGE advisor and I dug deep to highlight new personal traits. My application profile, “Chaotic but Warm-hearted Tech Guy,” summarizes my core activities: researching General Tso’s Chicken and its link to immigration history, and designing a portable electronic guide dog inspired by my father’s eye surgery.

Initially puzzled by the popularity of General Tso’s Chicken, FGE advisor encouraged me to explore its story, leading to a deeper understanding of Chinese American history and cultural integration. This dish symbolizes a successful cultural export, helping Chinese immigrants in North America.

The idea for a portable electronic guide dog stemmed from caring for my father during his recovery from eye surgery. This experience highlighted the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals. Though my initial design had flaws, FGE advisor encouraged me to candidly discuss these in my application, which was well-received by admissions officers.

03. Rooted in the Community, Using a Spirit of Service to Impress Admissions Officers

I maintain excellent grades across all subjects, though not an academic prodigy, and my sports and music experiences might seem ordinary. Despite this, FGE advisor emphasized showcasing my community involvement and service spirit. I promoted a freshman orientation program, became a mentor, participated in school tours, and engaged in volunteer running activities with visually impaired individuals. These experiences reflect my commitment to engineering and public service.

I contributed my engineering talents and helped new students transition smoothly, demonstrating my interaction with my community and my enthusiasm. These efforts have given me confidence because they are ingrained in my daily life, representing my persistence.