eshao18,
CalTech
B.S., Mathematics
STEM & Music in high school. Worshiping sleep in college.
Features Included
7
Essays
15
Schools
26
Scores
17
Advice
11
ECs
1
Sports
Background
Hometown
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
GenderMale
EthnicityAsian
Class of2022
First Gen College StudentNo
Results, Essays, and Advice
Accepted
Waitlisted or Withdrew
Denied
-
Tap/click a school logo above to view essays and advice specific to that school.
California Institute of Technology (Pasadena, CA)
Applied for a B.S. in Mathematics
Accepted and Enrolled Legacy: NoSchool Specific Essays
Personal Statement671 WordsChildhood memory, Family background, Interest in med/sci/math, Overcoming personal struggle“Your dad is leaving for California.” My mom's words dissipated my characteristically cheerful mood; I was shocked. Overcome by a looming sense of loss and powerlessness, I barely heard my parents as they explained that my father was offered a job in California. Unfortunately, due to my mom’s work permit restriction, the rest of the family have to stay behind in Massachusetts. As I watched my father board the plane, I felt tears welling in my eyes. My parents...Read more...Personal Statement540 WordsArt/acting/singing, Challenged a belief, Creative personal story, Development of personal values, Overcoming personal struggleSnuggled in the south side of my high school is the band room. Walking by it, one hears the clicking of two drumsticks colliding and a man repeatedly shouting the phrase “ta-ka-di-mi” over the mistimed entrances and cracked notes of a practicing ensemble. To the inexperienced ear, the sounds create an unappealing portrayal of what happens there. However, as a trumpeter in multiple ensembles at school, I have spent a large chunk of time in the room with its inhabitant,...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Intellectual interest312 WordsGiven my upbringing in a competitive-math environment, where problems had discrete answers, my introduction to the world of predictive mathematical modeling was both shocking and eye-opening. The idea that no precise answer existed and that priors, which are probability distributions that are based off one’s beliefs, needed to be constantly updated puzzled me, as this contradicted my idea of math’s concreteness. No matter how much data I analyze, the posterior will only approach the true value — a “correct”...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Amusing anecdote190 Words6:45 AM. We enter the building through a backdoor and hide behind the piano as the janitor passes us on his cleaning route. Twenty minutes later, the three of us, sweat trickling down our sore muscles, stood admiring our creation. Towering fifteen feet over the center of the band room stood an elaborate recreation of the Aztec megastructure — Templo Mayor — only it was made out of chairs and music stands. You see, the parallelepiped-shaped chairs were made of polypropylene, making them...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Diversity statement201 WordsJaws dropped as I listed the courses I planned to take in senior year. “Aren’t you a math a science person?” everyone asked. In my first three years of high school, my schedule revolved around STEM courses, even opting to double up on senior science classes my junior year. However, as my peers debated historic battles and current events, I started to realize I couldn’t go in depth with any of my arguments. My skill set was too...Read more...Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay254 Words“Old buildings, gorgeous lawns, wonderful weather,” I muttered to myself, looking at the brochure. “Another typical college; let’s get this over with,” I thought pessimistically as the information session began. Yet, as I flipped through the pages and listened to the Rice representative’s lecture, something stirred inside me. The unique combination of the campus’s architectural style added a stylistic tension that prevented aesthetic boredom. I could imagine myself playing frisbee on the grassy lawn of Founder’s...Read more...Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay203 WordsAs a curious thinker, Brown’s promotion of free inquiry and “Liberal Learning” appeals to me. Not only will I ask thought-provoking questions, but I also will receive unique, compelling answers from varying viewpoints, as everyone creates their own core curriculum. I love Brown’s emphasis on collaborative environments in academia and in research, which I discovered an interest for this summer when I investigated billiard trajectories, a type of dynamical system. At Brown, I will have the amazing opportunity...Read more...Supplemental Essay: Intellectual interest305 Words“The radio says no rain!” I don’t want to bring the bulky umbrella. “It’s going to rain,” Grandma replies, “I can feel it.” “No, trust the radio,” I insist. “Grandma!” “Ok, let’s go quickly.” Many years ago, I lived with my grandparents in China while my parents were pursuing their dreams on the other side of the world. When we arrived at the store, she quickly bought her groceries and rushed out. I was confused. But, halfway...Read more...School Specific Advice
How I would rate the diversity of the student body41 WordsThe diversity here is not the best, but that is the price...Read more...What are opportunities unique to my school98 WordsThe two most unique opportunities at Caltech are the extremely low student-to-faculty ratio and the college's collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The low student-to-faculty ratio and the...Read more...How to increase chances at my school114 WordsI was admitted to CMU SCS (School of Computer Science) over many of my other friends who were way better than me in computer science. Why? My only answer to this anomaly is that...Read more...Why I ultimately chose my school139 WordsI ultimately chose Caltech mainly because I saw myself fitting in with the crowd there and because I knew that it would be the best spot for me to develop my skills and my personality. To me, college is a crucial...Read more...How I chose schools to apply to58 WordsI searched for tech schools and other schools that offered great opportunities for me to further my...Read more...The academic rigor of a typical course load or in my major78 WordsCaltech is notorious for having one of the hardest, if not the hardest, general course load for a college undergraduate. You truly have...Read more...What might make for a good “Why Us” essay topic at my school49 WordsCaltech is known for its emphasis on understanding the fundamentals of science to improve your...Read more...How to increase chances at my school120 WordsDefinitely make sure you emphasize your dedication and passion towards STEM (or a particular field in STEM). This is really important mainly because Caltech is super SUPER STEM focused, and if you don't have a...Read more...How to increase chances at my school173 WordsIf you want to have a significant increase in chance for UC Berkeley and UCLA, you really need to STICK OUT. Show them that you have passion in something. Doesn't matter if the thing isn't super prestigious (e.g. award-winning research, junior olympics gold medalist). Your passion is what stands you...Read more...How I would rate the career center or my advisor50 WordsThe career center at my school is absolutely fantastic. If you have any career questions,...Read more...More Essays
These essays haven't been tagged by school. Click school logos above to see tagged essays.
General Admissions Advice
How I narrowed down my essay topics69 WordsIt really helps to sit down and brainstorm a giant list of essay topics that pertain to your high school career....Read more...How to deal with the stress of applying to college102 WordsSpace out your work and start early! It's not normal for a high school student to be cranking out more than ten to twenty high-quality essay questions in a span...Read more...Recommended summer activities during high school and college44 WordsThe summer activities are very important to your college application because summers are...Read more...My advice about getting recommenders101 WordsYour best recommenders are the people who have seen more than just your superficial appearance (grades, achievements, etc...). You want to find people who can write about your personality and...Read more...What I learned transitioning from high school to college96 WordsLooking back at high school, it was truly a hectic and chaotic four years of learning and socializing. Nonetheless, high school is only the first to many parts...Read more...What I’d change about my application process18 WordsI would definitely have spent...Read more...Misconceptions I had about college before attending182 WordsBefore I started college, I thought the goal was to get into a top college. Period. Now that I'm at Caltech, I'm very glad I picked this place. I love STEM. I love rigorously exploring chemistry and physics when I'm not majoring in either field. College should be a time for personal growth,...Read more...High School Performance
Weighted GPA4.50(equivalent to 3.90 unweighted)RankTop 1%
Academic Performance in High School Steady
Test Scores
Highest ACT36ACT Score DetailsOther ACT ScoresACT Prep
Highest SAT1540SAT Score DetailsOther SAT ScoresSAT Prep
PSAT Scores
AP / IB Classes and Scores
Details23 classes and scoresSports
SportsSoccer
Extracurriculars
ActivitiesBoy/Girl Scouts, French Club, Music: Instrumental, Research, Key Club, National Honor Society, Local Orchestra / Symphony / Band, Math Team, School Band, School Jazz / Orchestra, Tutoring/Mentoring
Elaborate on Extracurriculars or Work
Experience & Awards
Volunteer Experiences
Awards Received
Application Additional Materials
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