3.95 GPA, 1550 SAT Biology applicant accepted to Cornell University + Hunter R. Rawlings III Cornell Presidential Research Scholars, The College of New Jersey/Rutgers New Jersey Medical School BSMD, Vassar

"For BSMD: Grades and SAT (1500+/3.8+ UW) are critical; don't sacrifice them for too many ECs. Research is valuable but not required. Science fair participation teaches resilience. Essays are numerous—set aside time in junior summer. Shadowing is important; email doctors directly rather than calling hospitals. Show diversity and commitment through varied interests. ECs with direct patient/person relationships (therapy work, customer service, caretaker facilities) are more valuable than hospital volunteering for showing impact."