How Ivy Brothers Helped Asian International Student Land Harvard for CS

Accepted to Harvard!

Ivy Brothers Success Story

Academics: Nancy excels academically, boasting impressive AP exam scores, 4.4 GPA, and a stellar SAT score of 1590 that reflects her dedication to both rigorous coursework and comprehensive exam preparation.

Extracurriculars: Nancy, an ambitious student from Hong Kong with a passion for computer science, has immersed herself in a variety of extracurricular activities that showcase her dedication and skills. As the founder and president of the Girls Who Code club, Nancy created a supportive environment for young women to explore coding and technology. "I wanted to inspire other girls to see the possibilities in tech," she says. Her involvement in the Math Olympiad Team and leadership role in the Robotics Club highlight her analytical and problem-solving abilities. "Math and robotics challenge me to think creatively and innovative solutions," Nancy explains. Her participation in hackathons, both as a participant and organizer, demonstrates her commitment to innovation and collaboration. Her academic interests are further enriched by an AI research project mentored by a university professor, allowing her to delve into cutting-edge technology. Additionally, Nancy contributes to her school community by being a part of the School Website Development Team and leading the Game Development Club. "I love bringing creative ideas to life through coding," she says. Her volunteering at local libraries' tech help desks reflects her dedication to using her skills for the benefit of others. Nancy also enjoys playing Varsity Volleyball.

How Ivy Brothers Helped

Nancy's journey to Ivy Brothers marked a pivotal moment in her college application process, where she found invaluable support and guidance. Paired with Kevin, an advisor who shared her international background and experience at an international school, Nancy felt an instant sense of connection and comfort. "Having Kevin as my advisor was like having a mentor who truly understood my journey," Nancy reflects. "His insights and advice were incredibly reassuring."

Under Kevin's mentorship, Nancy navigated the complexities of the college application process with confidence. "Kevin not only helped me polish my essays and applications but also provided me with a roadmap tailored to my aspirations," she shares. His own experience at a globally top international school and understanding of the challenges international students face in the US educational system were instrumental in shaping Nancy's approach. "He showed me how to highlight my strengths and unique perspective in a way that resonated with admissions officers," Nancy adds. Ivy Brothers' personalized approach ensured that Nancy's application stood out among the competitive pool of applicants. "Working with Nancy was a privilege. Her dedication to computer science and her diverse extracurriculars made her a standout candidate," Kevin remarks. Together, they crafted a compelling narrative that showcased Nancy's academic achievements, leadership in Girls Who Code, and commitment to the community through volunteering. "Ivy Brothers helped me present the best version of myself on paper," Nancy concludes.

"With Kevin's guidance, I felt empowered to pursue my dreams of studying at a prestigious university like Harvard."

Nancy’s Team

Nancy's journey with Ivy Brothers was a transformative experience, guided by a dedicated team that included Kevin as her advisor, Ben as her Research Mentor, and Sean as her SAT Prep Mentor. Together, they orchestrated a comprehensive approach to tailor her application specifically for Harvard University. "The support I received from Kevin, Ben, and Sean was instrumental in navigating the complexities of the Harvard application," Nancy reflects. "Each brought unique expertise that contributed to shaping my candidacy."

Through the collaborative efforts of Kevin, Ben, and Sean, Nancy's Ivy Brothers team provided her with the tools and confidence to present her best self to Harvard. "Ivy Brothers not only helped me craft a strong application but also empowered me to pursue my dream of attending Harvard," Nancy concludes.

"Kevin not only helped me refine my personal statement but also ensured my application highlighted my global perspective and academic strengths," Nancy shares. His guidance provided Nancy with a sense of clarity and confidence as she navigated the rigorous admissions process. Kevin drew from his experience having graduated from an international school, ASHK, in Asia, and Brown; and mentoring students for over seven years. He meticulously reviewed Nancy's application materials and essays, ensuring they resonated with the values of Harvard.

Founding a Project to Empower Women to Use Programming to Solve Hong Kong's Societal Challenges

Kevin helped Nancy develop a project aimed at teaching coding and technology skills to underprivileged women in Hong Kong, with a special focus on solving real-world social issues. Rather than just teaching programming, the project empowered students to use their newly acquired tech skills to develop solutions for pressing societal challenges such as climate change, mental health, and urban poverty.

Under Kevin's guidance, Nancy developed a curriculum that merged coding with social entrepreneurship, enabling students to build apps, websites, and platforms that addressed local problems. She partnered with local NGOs and schools, even securing government support to bring the program to underfunded schools in Hong Kong’s public housing communities. The project quickly gained media attention for its innovative approach, and several of the student projects were adopted by local charities to further expand their impact. Nancy's leadership in Code4Change HK became a central highlight in her application, demonstrating not only her technical skills but also her commitment to social responsibility and her ability to lead large-scale initiatives with real-world impact. The project grew to become a citywide movement, eventually reaching 500+.

Publishing a Machine Learning Paper on Predicting Healthcare Disparities to a Top Academic Journal with Ivy Brothers PhDs

Ben, as a PhD at a Ivy League, was her Research Mentor, helping her devise a project that would end up getting published at a top academic journal: IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence.

His extensive background in artificial intelligence and machine learning allowed Nancy to take her project to the next level. Together, they created an innovative research project that applied machine learning algorithms to analyze and predict patterns in large data sets related to healthcare disparities in Hong Kong. Ben guided Nancy through every step of the process, from developing a theoretical framework to conducting data analysis.

With Ben's mentorship, Nancy’s project evolved into something far more than just a high school research assignment—it became groundbreaking research in predictive analytics that could revolutionize how public health organizations tackle disparities in access to care. Nancy presented the findings at a major international AI conference, receiving recognition from academic professionals and even catching the attention of leading researchers in the field. This project not only earned her a prestigious publication but also cemented her reputation as a rising star in the world of AI research. The sheer scale and impact of her research solidified her candidacy for top-tier universities like Harvard and MIT.

On SAT Prep

Finally Sean, Nancy's SAT Prep Mentor, provided crucial support in preparing for standardized tests and maintaining momentum throughout the application journey. "Sean's SAT prep sessions were rigorous yet supportive, helping me achieve a score that complemented my academic achievements," Nancy reflects. Sean's role extended beyond test preparation, offering ongoing guidance and encouragement as Nancy navigated deadlines and interviews. Nancy's score went from a 1490 to a 1590.

The Result

Nancy's efforts with Ivy Brothers culminated in a triumphant acceptance to Harvard, a testament to her hard work and the support of her dedicated team. "I'm incredibly grateful to my family for their unwavering encouragement and belief in my potential," Nancy expresses with heartfelt gratitude. Her friends from international school in Hong Kong at Hong Kong International School also played a crucial role in her journey, providing emotional support and academic camaraderie. "My friends at HKIS were my pillars throughout this process," Nancy reflected. "Their encouragement and shared experiences helped me stay focused and motivated." As Nancy prepares to embark on her next chapter at Harvard, she carries with her a profound appreciation for the community that has shaped her path to success.

Words of Wisdom

To younger students embarking on their high school journey, Nancy offers heartfelt advice: "Trust in the journey and embrace the present moment. It's easy to get caught up in the rush of applications and future plans, but remember to enjoy the here and now. High school is a time of discovery and growth, so don't let it pass you by. Take moments to appreciate your friendships, experiences, and the lessons each day brings. Time moves quickly and these moments won't come back. Trust that everything will unfold as it's meant to, and focus on living each day fully. The future will come in its own time; for now, cherish the journey you're on."