What This UC Lawsuit Gets Wrong About Admissions

Welcome to this week’s edition of College Admission Secrets, your go-to resource for navigating the college admissions journey with clarity and confidence.

In this issue:

• UC Admissions Lawsuit – A high-profile case is making headlines. Here’s what it really means for students.

• Success Story – How Coach Vivian took an unconventional path to nursing school.

• Weekly Action Plan – What your student should focus on this week, no matter their grade level.

• Insider College Spotlight – Why Cal Poly SLO is one of California’s best career-focused universities.

• Scholarship – A great opportunity your student can apply for now.

• Quick Admissions Tip – The biggest mistake students make on their UC essays and how to fix it.

• Hidden Opportunity – Get access to our free list of 900+ extracurriculars to boost college applications.

• Must-Watch Training – How to brainstorm a college essay that stands out.

No matter where your student is in the process, we are here to help. Let’s dive in.

📊 COLLEGE ADMISSIONS UPDATE

Bay Area Student Denied by 16 Colleges Files Lawsuit Against UC

A lawsuit filed by Stanley Zhong, a Palo Alto student with a 4.42 GPA and a near-perfect 1590 SAT score, is challenging the University of California’s admissions process. Despite his strong academic credentials, Zhong was rejected from 16 out of 18 colleges, including MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego.

Zhong, who founded a tech startup and later received a job offer from Google, claims that UC unfairly discriminates against Asian American students by using a holistic admissions process that considers factors beyond grades and test scores. He and his father, along with their group Students Who Oppose Racial Discrimination (SWORD), argue that race plays an implicit role in UC admissions, despite California’s ban on affirmative action.

UC officials deny these allegations, stating that their holistic review process is based on academic rigor, extracurricular activities, and personal achievements rather than race. They emphasize that race is not shared with application reviewers and that students are evaluated based on multiple factors, including leadership, personal challenges, and contributions to their communities.

My Thoughts on This Case

This lawsuit has stirred up a heated debate, but there is something about the conversation that feels incomplete. The entire argument seems to boil down to one thing. Grades and test scores should be enough to get into top colleges. But is that really how college admissions work anymore?

Year after year, we see students with perfect stats get rejected, while students with lower GPAs find their way into top schools. Why? Because in today’s admissions world, numbers alone do not tell the full story. Colleges are looking for students who bring more than just academics. They want leaders, problem solvers, community changemakers, and students who know how to tell their story in a compelling way.

What this lawsuit does not mention is…

✔ Extracurricular activities. Was the student involved in leadership roles or meaningful projects?
✔ Essays. Did they write compelling personal statements that set them apart?
✔ Holistic Review. Admissions officers look at the full picture, not just a GPA and a test score!

At the end of the day, college admissions is not a math equation where the highest number always wins. It is a nuanced, competitive process where a student’s full profile including academics, activities, essays, and personal background determines their chances.

I get it. It is frustrating to feel like the system is working against you. But if a student’s entire application is built around just being smart on paper, they are missing the key piece that top colleges are actually looking for.

Would love to hear your thoughts on this. Do you think UC’s admissions process is fair? Reply and let me know.

🎉 SUCCESS STORY OF THE WEEK

From Public Health to Nursing: Coach Vivian’s Unique Path

From Public Health to Nursing: Coach Vivian’s Unique Path

Pathway: Instead of a traditional BSN, Coach Vivian leveraged her academic strengths, extracurriculars, and real-world experience to transition from Public Health at UC Irvine to a Master’s in Nursing at Western University.

Key Takeaways:

• Took a non-traditional route by choosing Public Health first.

• Gained hands-on experience in high school with Pharmacy Tech and Emergency Medical Responder certifications.

• Pivoted from Pre-Med to Nursing after shadowing professionals and realizing she wanted direct patient interaction.

• Chose a direct-entry Master’s in Nursing instead of a second bachelor’s degree, saving time and money.

• Strengthened her applications by showcasing her academic foundation, healthcare exposure, and patient experience.

📅 WEEKLY ACTION PLAN

Week of March 3rd

9th Grade – Explore summer opportunities

• Research 3-5 summer programs (STEM, arts, leadership, volunteering).

• Check deadlines—many close in March.

• Start one application (if required).

10th Grade – Plan for SAT/ACT

• Take a free SAT or ACT practice test.

• Decide which test to focus on based on strengths.

• Create a study plan using free resources (Khan Academy, College Board).

11th Grade – Build a balanced college list

• Research at least 5 colleges based on fit (academics, location, size).

• Check their GPA & test score ranges to gauge competitiveness.

• Sign up for virtual or in-person campus tours.

12th Grade – Secure scholarships & financial aid

• Confirm FAFSA/CSS Profile submission and check for missing documents.

• Apply for at least one scholarship this week.

• Double-check college portals for financial aid updates.

❓ PARENT QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How many AP or honors classes should my student take?

There is no magic number, but the key is balance. Colleges want to see rigor, but not at the expense of grades or well-being. A strong rule of thumb is to take challenging courses in core subjects like math, science, English, history, and foreign language while maintaining a solid GPA. Competitive schools often expect four to eight AP or honors courses throughout high school, but quality matters more than quantity. If a student is struggling, it is better to take fewer advanced classes and excel rather than overload and burn out.

Have a question you want us to answer in a future edition? Reply to this email and let us know!

📢 INSIDER COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is one of California’s top public universities, known for its Learn by Doing approach. Students gain real-world experience in their fields through internships, industry partnerships, and hands-on projects. This practical education leads to one of the highest job placement rates in the state, with many graduates securing jobs before graduation.

Why Consider Cal Poly SLO?
• Strong programs in engineering, business, agriculture, and architecture
• A focus on hands-on, career-oriented learning with industry connections
• High job placement rates, with graduates earning competitive salaries

Financial Aid Perk: Cal Poly SLO offers the Middle-Class Scholarship, which helps California families earning up to $217,000 reduce tuition costs at CSU schools.

💰 SCHOLARSHIP OF THE WEEK

Each week, we handpick a favorite scholarship that is currently accepting applications. Here are this week's opportunities:

Growing Up in America Art, Essay, and Video Contest

• Award Amount: $2,000

• Deadline: March 15, 2024

• Eligibility: High school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to apply. Participants must submit an original artwork, essay, or video that reflects their experience of growing up in America. Entries will be judged on creativity, originality, and relevance to the theme.

🔥 QUICK ADMISSIONS TIP

Your UC personal insight essays matter more than you think. Unlike many schools, the UC system does not accept letters of recommendation, so your essays are one of the only ways to showcase your personality, leadership, and impact beyond grades and test scores. The key is to focus on specific stories, personal growth, and unique perspectives that set you apart.

Want to see how one student used his essays to gain early acceptance to Berkeley? Join us this Thursday for a special training where we break down his exact strategy.

🎯 HIDDEN OPPORTUNITY OF THE WEEK

900+ Extracurricular Activities to Boost Your College Applications

Choosing the right activities can make a huge difference in college admissions, but many students don’t know where to start. We’ve put together a list of 900+ clubs, competitions, and leadership opportunities to help your student find the best extracurriculars that align with their passions and impress admissions officers.

Why This Matters:
• Colleges look for impact, leadership, and long-term commitment in activities
• The right extracurriculars can help your student stand out, even at top schools
• This resource makes it easy to explore new interests and build a strong resume

📺 MUST-WATCH TRAINING

College Essay Brainstorming – How to Find Your Best Story

Struggling to figure out what to write about in your college essays? In this training, we break down the exact process to uncover compelling, authentic stories that make applications stand out. Whether your student has a unique background or feels like they have “nothing special” to write about, this session will show them how to craft a powerful personal statement.

ONE QUICK FAVOR

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