karenlu653
karenlu653,
Yale
B.S., Economics
Deeply curious, love to learn, and is happiest eating.
Features Included
12
Essays
15
Schools
17
Scores
11
Advice
15
ECs
0
Sports

Background

Hometown Cooper City, Florida
GenderFemale
EthnicityAsian
Class of2024
First Gen College StudentYes

Results, Essays, and Advice

Accepted
Waitlisted or Withdrew
Denied
  • Yale University (New Haven, CT)
  • Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
  • Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
  • Brown University (Providence, RI)
  • Amherst College (Amherst, MA)
  • Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Columbia University (New York, NY)
  • Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH)
  • Duke University (Durham, NC)
  • Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
  • New York University (New York, NY)
  • University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
  • University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL)
  • University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)
  • University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)
Tap/click a school logo above to view essays and advice specific to that school.

Yale University (New Haven, CT)

Applied for a B.S. in Economics

Accepted and Enrolled Legacy: No

School Specific Essays

  “Manager to Checkout-7, we got a problem,” the cashier calls over the intercom. The bottle-blond cashier—Erica, her nametag reads—huffs impatiently and examines her scarlet nails. Behind us is a line of grumbling customers, shifting from one foot to the other, annoyance emanating from every pore. I observe all of this in shamed silence, arms crossed as if it would protect me from the accusing stares. The cause of the turmoil? The colorful pieces of paper lying innocuously on...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
249 Words
Tell us about yourself.
Even in the darkest of moments, I have found the strength to continue to be happy because of what I love: running. I first began running as a hobby, as a way of relieving stress. Soon, I began to run even on days when I was content. Sometimes I run in the mornings, to witness the sound of chirping and the promise of a rising sun. Sometimes I run in the nights, illuminated by the artificial glow of the streetlamps...
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Supplemental Essay: Diversity statement
248 Words
Reflect on your engagement with a community to which you belong. How do you feel you have contributed to this community?
In my school, we all speak a common tongue—the language that comes from diversity. Although my school is a mix of people from every continent—French, Arabic, Hispanic, Chinese, Australian, Nigerian, and Native American—we are united by our love of beaches and our fear of hurricanes. Although we may differ in customs and habits, and in fashion and native language, we share the belief that from diversity springs harmony. It’s more than a school—it’s a...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
636 Words
Please submit a one page, single-spaced essay that explains why you have chosen Carnegie Mellon and your particular major(s), department(s) or program(s). This essay should include the reasons why you’ve chosen the major(s), any goals or relevant work plans and any other information you would like us to know.
When I looked at colleges, I looked for those that taught students to observe the world around them and translate their knowledge into service. I didn’t want to just show up to class, copy down notes, then walk into an exam and regurgitate everything I knew onto a piece of paper. I want a more engaging learning experience, one that is not defined by tests and notes but, rather, discussion and collaboration. Carnegie Mellon is that college. As someone...
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Supplemental Essay: Extracurricular activity
162 Words
Please briefly elaborate on an extracurricular activity or work experience of particular significance to you.
Some of the greatest political and social successes come not from bitter battles with Congress but from one of the most powerful institutions—the Supreme Court. The political power that the legal system wields was what first drew me to that area. I became an officer in my school’s pre-law society, but the guest attorneys and speakers only piqued my curiosity. I decided to join mock trial and moot court, but competing as a witness and as a lawyer...
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Supplemental Essay: Intellectual interest
306 Words
Please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the field or fields of study that you noted.
Reading Barthes's Mythologies was an eye-opening experience. The fact that wrestling was the topic for theoretical discussion piqued my curiosity. The intellectual beauty and lyricism as Barthes explored humanity through the banal topic of wrestling astounded me. English became more than simply a study of language and meaning—it was a study of the past; a study of the various geographical, historical and social conditions surrounding literary production and reception. There were so many ways to approach a text, from...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
298 Words
Tell us what attracted you to Columbia College, and why.
When I looked at colleges, I looked for those that taught students to observe the world around them and translate their knowledge into service. I didn’t want to just show up to class, copy down notes, then walk into an exam and regurgitate everything I knew onto a piece of paper. I want an engaging learning experience, one defined by discussion and collaboration. I want to be in an environment where no matter what I do, I will transform...
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Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school
982 Words
Tell us about a road.
Route 66 It’s not a marked path or road. You certainly won’t find it in Google Maps. But for me, it’s Route 66. It’s sand and crushed stone, mixed with water to form a sidewalk roughly 3 feet in width and exactly 5.6 km long. It starts at my house—bricks sloping downwards from the driveway to the concrete sidewalk—winds alongside the cookie-cutter suburban homes, follows an asphalt road, and cuts through a nature preserve. The path completes the...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
409 Words
We would like to know more about your interest in NYU. We are particularly interested in knowing what motivated you to apply to NYU and more specifically, why you have applied or expressed interest in a particular campus, school, college, program, and/or area of study? If you have applied to more than one, please tell us why you are interested in each of the campuses, schools, colleges, or programs to which you have applied. You may be focused or undecided, or simply open to the options within NYU's global network; regardless, we want to understand - Why NYU?
When I looked at colleges, I looked for those that taught students to observe the world around them and translate their knowledge into service. I didn’t want to just show up to class, copy down notes, then walk into an exam and regurgitate everything I knew onto a piece of paper. As someone who thrives in new places and situations, NYU beckons my curiosity with its numerous opportunities and locations for study abroad, internships, and global campuses. As someone...
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Supplemental Essay: Scholarship application
798 Words
1. Explain why you wish to attend the University of Miami.

2. Describe how receiving the George W. Jenkins Scholarship would impact your life.

3. Describe any special circumstances, specifically any history of overcoming significant adversity.
My parents, both of whom mainly speak Chinese, affectionately nickname me Fanyi—or “Translator.” It’s because I often assist my mother in typing out emails, texts, and documents as she is not as well-versed in English as I am. However, my fluency hasn’t always been that way. I was born in New York City, but went to live with my grandparents in China when I was 1. Chinese became my first and only language I knew. When I came...
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Supplemental Essay: Extracurricular activity
403 Words
Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.
Some students struggle with simply writing an essay, but in Moot Court, I was expected to write a twenty page appellate brief in two weeks using proper court language. A tall order for an average sized high schooler. I first began Moot Court during my sophomore year, and it wasn’t the best of beginnings. It was difficult for me to understand the basic concept of actus reus, much less try to argue whether reasonable suspicion or probable cause is...
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Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay
986 Words
Why UChicago?
When I looked at colleges, I looked for those that taught students to observe the world around them and translate their knowledge into service. I desire learning and information for my life fulfillment. I don’t want to just show up to class, copy down notes, then walk into an exam and regurgitate everything I knew onto a piece of paper. For the past twelve years, the majority of my educational experience has been required rather opposed to desired. I...
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School Specific Advice

How to increase chances at my school
343 Words
If you're reading this, it's because you love Yale (or if you just want to get in, that's okay too). Let's talk about how to maximize your chances of getting in by letting your passion shine through. Firstly, remember that it's all about showing, not just telling. Your essays are your stage, and this is your chance to showcase your love for Yale. When it comes to your supplemental essays, take each word as precious real estate and make them count. Highlight how your personality, experiences, and aspirations align with Yale's values and culture. Craft your "why Yale" short answer...
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5 adjectives that describe a typical student at my school (Feel free to elaborate!)
364 Words
**Curious:** A Yale student's curiosity is a flame that never dims. Long after the bell rings, you'll find them huddled around a professor, posing intricate questions that spiral into late-night discussions. But don't be surprised if you overhear them shifting from Nietzsche to debating the perfect pizza toppings, all while sharing a table at the dining hall. Their thirst for knowledge isn't limited to the classroom; it spills into the most unexpected corners of life. **Ambitious:** Ambition courses through the veins of every Yale student, each striving to fulfill the legacy of their alma mater. The pathways they choose are...
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My favorite course thus far, and why
234 Words
Bioethics taught by Professor Steven Latham effortlessly clinched the title of my favorite Yale class. This choice wasn't just a fluke; it was backed by several factors that made this experience genuinely remarkable. Professor Latham's teaching style was a standout feature. His knack for simplifying intricate ethical questions into relatable examples created an environment where even the most complex topics felt approachable. The class discussions he fostered, enriched...
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What might make for a good “Why Us” essay topic at my school
395 Words
Alright, gather 'round for some real talk about nailing that "Why Us" essay for Yale. It's like finding the perfect slice of apizza (note the "A" in apizza!) in "America's Best Small City" full of (a)pizzerias – you gotta know what toppings you're looking for. So, let's dish out some ideas that might just hit the salty spot. First up, Yale's all about mixing things up. You could dig into how you're itching to fuse your love for tech with your passion for social justice. Imagine the innovation you could cook up when you're surrounded by bright minds from all...
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The academic rigor of a typical course load or in my major
245 Words
For an economics major at Yale, it's one of the most popular majors (~30% of Yalies major in it, and almost 70% of Yale students have taken some economics or economics-adjacent class). It's popular because we have truly famous professors (I personally have been taught by 2 Nobel Laureates), but also because it's comparatively less rigorous on coursework and course load, but still comprehensive. Yalies like to take it so that they have the...
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More Essays

These essays haven't been tagged by school. Click school logos above to see tagged essays.

General Admissions Advice

What set me apart from other applicants
228 Words
What truly set me apart from other candidates was my unwavering passion. I wasn't out to impress anyone with cookie-cutter narratives or flashy buzzwords. Instead, I poured my heart into my application, making it a canvas that painted a vivid picture of who I am. I knew that trying to mold myself into what I thought admission officers wanted would be a disservice to my uniqueness. I...
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Misconceptions I had about college before attending
285 Words
Before stepping foot on campus, I had my fair share of misconceptions about college life. I used to think that getting into a college was like winning a prize, and that the more prestigious the institution, the better. College isn't a trophy to be claimed; it's a puzzle where the pieces need to fit just right. Applying to a slew of top-tier schools might sound impressive, but it's not a guarantee you'll get accepted everywhere. The real magic happens when the colleges see not...
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How to deal with the stress of applying to college
252 Words
Dealing with the stress of college applications requires a strategic game plan, and being organized is your MVP move. Seriously, your to-do lists are about to become your new best friends. Divide and conquer should be your mantra – create separate tabs or folders for each college application, and then map out a checklist for each one. This detailed plan should include everything from the main application and application fee to those pesky supplemental essays, teacher...
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Did you take a gap year? Tell us about your experience.
394 Words
Considering a gap year before or even right in the middle of college? It's quite the decision, but let me tell you, it can be a game-changer. I did it during my college years, but I think starting before college can be a great decision and a way to prevent mental burnout. The question is, what did I do during my time off? Rot in bed and watch anime all day of course, duh! (just kidding.) I did a lot of serious stuff as well. Let's start with the GRE prep. Yeah, I get it, standardized tests are no one's...
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My advice about getting recommenders
248 Words
Securing stellar recommendation letters is a pivotal part of your college application journey. Let's start with the key ingredient: the recommenders. When picking them, think quality over quantity. Go for individuals who know your academic and personal sides like a pro. It could be that science teacher who's seen you ace every lab or the club advisor who's seen you organize events flawlessly. Have candid chats with them about your plans and dreams,...
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My insights about AP (Advanced Placement) courses and exams
332 Words
Taking as many AP exams as you can certainly has its merits, but it's essential to do so thoughtfully and strategically. Balancing this pursuit with your GPA, extracurricular commitments, and personal growth is crucial for a well-rounded high school experience. Firstly, AP exams can demonstrate your academic prowess and dedication to challenging yourself. They showcase your willingness to tackle college-level material and your commitment to learning. However, remember that quality matters more than quantity. It's better to excel in a few AP courses than to spread yourself too thin across many. A strong performance in a handful of AP exams...
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High School Performance

Weighted GPA
5.00
(equivalent to 4.00 unweighted)
Rank
Top 5%
 
College Classes In High School
Academic Performance in High School Steady

Test Scores

Highest ACT
35
 
ACT Score Details
 
Other ACT Scores
ACT Prep
Highest SAT
1580
 
SAT Score Details
 
Other SAT Scores
SAT Prep
PSAT Scores

AP / IB Classes and Scores

Details14 classes and scores

Sports

Extracurriculars

ActivitiesAcademic, Quiz Bowl/Academic Bowl, Academic, Mock Trial, Local Orchestra / Symphony / Band, Model Congress / Model UN, Art, Hospital Volunteer, Library Volunteer, National Honor Society, Tutoring/Mentoring, Marching Band, Math Team, Science Club/Team, Spanish Club
Elaborate on Extracurriculars or Work

Experience & Awards

Volunteer Experiences
Awards Received
Application Additional Materials

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