4 GPA, 1580 SAT Computer Science applicant accepted to University of Maryland - College Park, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, UW-Madison

"1. Create a college list where you'd be content attending every college, informed by needs rather than prestige. 2. Stay organized with detailed tracking from research through enrollment. 3. Draft essays early, especially personal statements. 4. Develop a great why-us template that seems specific, is easily customizable, and varies in length. 5. Spend considerable time on college applications. College counselors are unnecessary and wealth-biased; rely on teachers and friends for essay feedback instead."