The 'Hidden' Strategy That Got Our Student Into UCLA Engineering

Welcome to College Admission Secrets, your trusted guide in the college admissions journey.

In today’s email:

• Success Story: A Journey to UCLA Engineering: More Than Just Numbers - How Our Student Combined Passion with Purpose

• What to Do This Week: Grade-Specific Action Items for February Success (Middle School through 12th Grade)

• Scholarships: Three Outstanding Opportunities Totaling $13,500 - Including House Foundation and M3 Challenge

• Lesson of the Week: The Hidden Path to College Success: Being Ready When Opportunity Knocks (Plus Live Training Preview)

• Training Replays: From Pre-Med to Nursing & A Parent's College Prep Journey - Our Most Popular Recent Sessions

Whether you're just starting to think about college applications or deeply involved in the process, this week's insights will help you navigate your journey with greater authenticity and purpose.

SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK

A Journey to UCLA Engineering: More Than Just Numbers

Meet one of our students (who has chosen to remain anonymous for privacy), who earned acceptance into UCLA’s highly competitive Computer Science & Engineering program. What makes this story particularly compelling isn't just the final outcome - it's the journey of a student who transformed their passion for technology into tangible achievements.

Building Strong Foundations

While many focus solely on perfect grades, our student's story was about consistent growth and genuine curiosity. With a weighted GPA above 4.5, they certainly demonstrated academic excellence, but what truly set them apart was their approach to learning. They viewed each advanced course not just as a grade to achieve, but as an opportunity to deepen their understanding of computer science and engineering.

Their decision to pursue dual enrollment courses came from a genuine desire to challenge themselves beyond the standard curriculum. After excelling in AP Computer Science A (earning a 5), they didn't rest on their laurels - instead, they sought out college-level coursework to further expand their knowledge.

Turning Passion into Impact

What makes this journey particularly inspiring is how naturally their extracurricular activities flowed from their interests. After teaching themselves to code in middle school, they noticed their school's clubs struggled with scheduling. Instead of just complaining, they saw an opportunity to solve a real problem. The resulting app they developed didn't just streamline club scheduling - it demonstrated their ability to use technology to create practical solutions.

Their internship at a local AI startup wasn't just a resume builder. Working with machine learning models gave them hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, but more importantly, it helped them understand how classroom concepts translate to real-world applications.

As the leader of their high school's Robotics Club, they didn't just focus on competitions (though they did lead the team to state-level success). They saw an opportunity to share their passion for technology, initiating a program to teach coding to younger students. This natural progression from learner to leader showed genuine commitment to both technology and community impact.

Finding Their Place at UCLA

Their connection to UCLA's Samueli School of Engineering wasn't just about rankings or reputation. After participating in a summer engineering program there, they were drawn to the school's emphasis on practical, hands-on learning and strong industry connections. The decision to apply Early Action wasn't merely strategic - it reflected their genuine enthusiasm for UCLA's approach to computer science education.

Crafting an Authentic Story

Working with our team, we didn't need to reinvent their narrative - instead, we helped them articulate the authentic journey they were already on. We guided them in:

• Shaping essays that highlighted not just what they did, but why they did it

• Presenting their technical projects in a way that showcased both expertise and impact

• Connecting their various experiences into a coherent story of growth and purpose

What makes this success particularly meaningful is that it wasn't about following a predetermined path to UCLA's CS program. Instead, it was about helping a passionate student transform their genuine interests and achievements into a compelling application that stood out in a highly competitive field.

Their story reminds us that getting into top engineering programs isn't just about collecting impressive credentials - it's about pursuing genuine interests with dedication and finding ways to make meaningful impact along the way.

WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

Week of February 18th

As we approach mid-February, this is a crucial time for planning, reflection, and taking meaningful steps toward your academic and personal goals. Let's break down what each grade level should focus on during this pivotal week.

Middle School Families

The middle school years are all about exploration and discovery. This week presents perfect opportunities to start building interests that could blossom into meaningful pursuits.

What makes this time special is that students can experiment without pressure. We've seen countless success stories start with a simple curiosity in middle school. One of our students discovered their passion for environmental science simply by joining their school's garden club - now they're leading community sustainability projects.

Focus on:

• Taking that first step to join a new club or activity that sparks interest

• Starting a simple project at home that aligns with natural curiosities

• Finding ways to turn existing hobbies into more structured activities

9th Grade Families

Freshman year is about finding your footing while laying groundwork for future leadership. This week is perfect for identifying opportunities that align with your authentic interests.

Remember, leadership doesn't always mean being club president. One of our students turned their love of art into a weekly workshop teaching elementary school students - a perfect example of creating impact through personal passion.

Your focus this week should be on:

• Identifying one or two activities where you can deepen your involvement

• Looking for unique ways to contribute to existing organizations

• Starting to document your experiences and responsibilities

10th Grade Families

February might seem early for summer planning, but the most enriching opportunities often have approaching deadlines. This isn't about padding your resume - it's about finding experiences that genuinely excite you.

Consider how one of our students combined their interest in computer science with community service by creating a basic coding workshop for local middle schoolers. Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you create yourself.

Priority actions this week:

• Research available summer programs - both local and national

• Draft outreach emails to potential mentors or organizations

• Begin applications for programs with March deadlines

11th Grade Families

Junior year is often focused on tests and grades, but February is the perfect time to start thinking about your personal narrative. The most compelling college essays often come from reflection that begins months before application season.

Start keeping a simple journal of moments that feel significant - whether they're challenges, achievements, or simple realizations. One of our students found their essay topic by reflecting on their weekly volunteering at a local shelter - not because it was their biggest achievement, but because it profoundly changed their perspective.

This week, focus on:

• Starting a "moments journal" - just quick notes about meaningful experiences

• Having conversations with family about defining life moments

• Reflecting on challenges you've overcome and lessons learned

12th Grade Families

With regular decision results approaching, this week is crucial for ensuring your financial aid documentation is complete and accurate. Don't let administrative details stand between you and your college dreams.

Take time this week to:

• Double-check all financial aid portals for missing documents

• Review and compare any early financial aid offers

• Begin planning for final enrollment decisions

The Key to Success This Week

What makes this time of year particularly important is that small actions now can have significant impacts on your options later. Whether you're just starting your high school journey or preparing for its conclusion, approaching each task with intention and authenticity will help you build toward your goals.

Remember, the most successful students aren't necessarily those who do the most - they're the ones who make meaningful choices aligned with their genuine interests and goals.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships of the Week

Each week, we handpick a few scholarships that are currently accepting applications. Here are this week's opportunities:

House Scholarship Foundation

• Award Amount: $2,500

• Deadline: February 18, 2025

• Eligibility: You are a current high school student (9-12th grade). You are a US citizen or permanent resident. You have a high school transcript available (unofficial or official). You will go to a US-based college or equivalent after graduation.

MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge

• Award Amount: $1,000

• Deadline: February 28, 2025

• Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors (U.S.) and sixth form students (England and Wales) are eligible. Teams consisting of three (3) to five (5) students with one (1) coach, may register for M3 Challenge, so long as the students, coach, and school all meet the eligibility criteria.

The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award

• Award Amount: $10,000

• Deadline: April 15, 2025

• Eligibility: Classical instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers (ages 8–18) who are full-time elementary, middle, or high school students, and have not yet entered college. Up to $10,000 to apply toward instrument purchases, summer camp tuition, college audition travel expenses, private lessons, or other music-related needs.

LESSON OF THE WEEK

The Hidden Path to College Success: Being Ready When Opportunity Knocks

True success stories in college admissions often have something surprising in common - they rarely follow a perfectly planned path. Instead, they're filled with unexpected turns, seized opportunities, and moments of resourcefulness that made all the difference.

Why Being "Opportunity-Ready" Matters

The most compelling college journeys we've witnessed aren't just about perfect GPAs or test scores. They're about students who stayed alert to possibilities others missed and were prepared to take advantage of them when they appeared.

Take one of our recent students who secured a full scholarship to Stanford. While her academics were strong, what set her apart wasn't her GPA - it was how she turned a chance encounter at a local tech meetup into a year-long research opportunity. She wasn't the most qualified person there, but she was the most prepared to seize the moment.

The Art of Being Resourceful

Being resourceful in your college journey means:

• Understanding that opportunities rarely present themselves as neatly packaged moments

• Recognizing that every interaction could potentially open new doors

• Staying prepared with updated resumes, elevator pitches, and clear goals

• Building genuine relationships before you need them

We've seen countless examples of how this mindset creates success:

• A student who turned a casual conversation with his English teacher into a connection with a college alumni network

• A sophomore who discovered a specialized summer program simply because she regularly checked her school's bulletin board

• A junior who found a unique research opportunity by reaching out to local professors, even when no formal programs were advertised

Small Actions, Big Impact

What's particularly powerful about this approach is how small actions can cascade into significant opportunities:

• Staying after class to ask thoughtful questions

• Following up on seemingly minor leads

• Maintaining genuine relationships with mentors and advisors

• Being curious about programs or opportunities that others overlook

Creating Your Own Luck

The most successful students don't just wait for opportunities - they create conditions where opportunities are more likely to appear:

• They keep their academic materials organized and updated

• They maintain a robust support network of teachers, counselors, and mentors

• They stay informed about deadlines and requirements

• They remain curious about possibilities beyond the obvious path

See This Mindset in Action

Want to see how being opportunity-ready can transform your college journey? Join us this Thursday as Coach Victor shares his remarkable story of turning attentiveness and resourcefulness into full scholarships at UC Berkeley - for both undergraduate and graduate school.

He'll break down exactly how being prepared and resourceful helped him spot and seize opportunities that others missed, leading to a debt-free education at one of the country's top universities.

Remember, success often isn't about being the most qualified - it's about being the most prepared when opportunity knocks. Join us to learn how to develop this crucial mindset for your own college journey.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING VIDEOS

Catch Last Week’s Most Popular Training Replays

Did you know that every week our coaches host live training sessions and share inspiring success stories? Here are two of our most impactful sessions from last week that families found particularly valuable:

• From Pre-Med to Nursing: A Strategic Pivot Story - In this candid interview, Coach Vivian shares her journey of discovering her true passion for nursing and successfully navigating the competitive nursing school admissions process. She breaks down how she made her career pivot, what she learned about herself along the way, and how she approached the unique challenges of nursing school applications. Families found her insights particularly helpful for students considering healthcare careers.

• A Parent's Perspective: Inside Our College Prep Journey - One of our longtime coaching parents opens up about her family's experience working with our team. She shares honest insights about what worked, what surprised her, and how the program helped reduce stress while keeping her child on track. This conversation offers a unique glimpse into the parent experience and provides practical tips for families just starting their college preparation journey.

Watch these replays to hear real stories and get actionable insights you can apply to your own college preparation journey. Our honest, conversation-style interviews break down the complex college admissions process into clear, relatable experiences.

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