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Case Studies

Student A

This exemplifies the journey of a student poised for competitive acceptance into a top 15 institution with a focus on computer science. While the specifics of this student are fictional, the narrative mirrors the trajectories of many successful candidates I have worked with.

Noteworthy in this student’s development is the creation of an interdisciplinary, theme-based, and impact-focused narrative, seamlessly weaving together coding and computer science proficiency, cultural interests, language skills, and a passion for sneakers. Striking a harmonious balance between strategy and passion, the student consistently elevated their impact and projects each year, creating a narrative that truly stood out. The adept fusion of specialization, well-roundedness, collaboration, leadership, and initiative positions this student as a strong contender for any top-tier institution.

By journey’s end, Student A successfully gained competitive standing for majoring in Computer Science, Science Technology and Society, and Anthropology, showcasing a versatility that aligns with their narrative.

Student A attends a public high school in New York, where AP courses are not offered, yet the academic rigor is comparable. The highest math level offered is multivariable calculus, and the student is male of East Asian heritage.

9th Grade

Rising 9th Facts

  • Student holds a general interest in engineering, computer science, and mathematics.
  • Participation in MATHCOUNTS, AMC 8, coding since 7th grade, and a unique hobby of collecting shoes.
  • Enjoys history courses and has studied Spanish since elementary school.
  • Following an accelerated math track, the student is placed in Algebra 2/Trig in 9th grade.

Puente Advice

  • Encourage exploration of clubs, suggesting involvement in 1-2 engineering-related clubs, a math club (for AMC), and 1-2 extra service or social science clubs, with an emphasis on leadership potential.
  • Urge investment in the interest in shoes, exploring avenues for translation into a service project.
  • Recommend initiation of tutoring or volunteering in organizations targeting Spanish-speaking, low-income students (utilizing Spanish).
  • Advise the commencement of work on USACO, continuation of AMC, and consideration of participation in a history essay writing competition.
  • Summer school recommendations: AI4ALL Stanford, independent research on the impact of shoes on students' self-esteem, continued targeted service with low-income Hispanic students, and preparations for SAT, USACO, and AMC.

10th Grade

*Rising 10th Grade Facts*

  • Student advances to Pre-Calc math and takes the equivalent of AP Physics 1.
  • While no qualification for AIME is achieved, the student is promoted to USACO Silver.
  • Engaged in a two-week summer trip to Puerto Rico, contributing by donating shoes.
  • Academic performance includes a B+ in English (1 semester), A- in Biology (1 semester), and straight As in 9th grade.
  • Involvement in math club, robotics club, Hispanic affiliation club, and cross country (sport).
  • Initiates a small online shop selling sneakers, with profits directed towards a non-profit cause.

Puente Advice

  • If manageable, set the goal of achieving USACO gold.
  • Aim to qualify for AIME again.
  • Take on the role of Founder and President of the sneakerhead club, focusing on shoes and fundraising for donations to orphanages and low-income neighborhoods.
  • Encourage contemplation of the cornerstone project, focusing on creating a non-profit, app development, and research on shoes, self-esteem, culture, and assisting targeted groups.
  • Establish a non-profit with friends, focusing on donating high-quality shoes for teenagers.
  • Commence work on an app guiding students in the sneaker industry.
  • Consider psychology courses emphasizing teenage self-esteem.
  • Pursue a leadership-focused summer program and, if possible, present or elevate research from the previous year.
  • Foster relationships with teachers and counselors while continuing involvement in cross country.

11th Grade

Rising 11th Grade Facts

  • Achieved AIME qualification and USACO Gold (with no potential for platinum).
  • Successfully took the AP Physics 1 test (scored 5) and APUSH (scored 5).
  • - Non-profit recruits members and experiences growth.
  • Online shop continues to donate shoes to Puerto Rico.
  • Assumes the roles of Founder and President of the sneaker club, VP of Robotics, and treasurer of the affiliation club.
  • App remains incomplete but progresses.
  • Completes the Brown Leadership Institute, participates in a psychology course, & engages in the teen psych congress.
  • SAT score of 1500 (780 in math) and maintains straight As.
  • Continues participation in cross country.

Puente Advice

  • Aim for AIME qualification again, avoiding excessive focus on USACO platinum.
  • Consider taking AP Physics C, AP Calc BC, and AP Spanish tests (even if not offered at school).
  • Encourage growth of the non-profit, online shop, and continued impact in Puerto Rico.
  • Focus on climbing leadership roles.
  • Set a goal of achieving a 1550+ SAT score.
  • Release the app and embark on a research project utilizing data collected from the non-profit, including an international component with Puerto Rico.
  • Explore highly selective and very selective summer programs in CS, math, or leadership.
  • Begin creating a preliminary college list for visits.
  • Invest heavily in 11th-grade core class teacher relationships from day 1.
  • Build relationships with counselors to ensure they understand the student's narrative.
  • Commence work on college application essays.
  • Pursue leadership roles in cross country.

12th Grade

Rising 12th Grade Facts

  • Attained AIME qualification and USACO Gold.
  • Achieved 5s in AP Physics C, AP Calc BC, and AP Spanish.
  • Taking the highest rigor courses, ranking in the top 10%.
  • Achieved a SAT score of 1570.
  • App gains recognition in app competitions and local media coverage, receiving an award for its impact and initiative.
  • Non-profit partners with larger organizations.
  • Completes the Beaver Works summer program.
  • Leads a seminar on "youth at risk psychology" during a Puerto Rico trip with research insights.
  • Business remains stable.
  • Research paper set to be published early fall.
  • Assumes the roles of President in Robotics and the sneaker club, and VP in the Math club.
  • Maintains a straight-A record and continues leadership in cross country.

Puente Advice

  • Apply for top leadership scholarships, such as Coca-Cola.
  • Consider applying for full-ride scholarships, including Cameron Impact, Robertson, Cornellius, BC Trustees, etc.
  • Focus on closing narrative gaps with exceptional essays.
  • Concentrate efforts on executing the narrative developed over three years.
  • Ensure letters of recommendation strongly support the established narrative.