How I got into the Ivy League (honest advice and the truth about college admissions)

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  • Опубліковано 1 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 121

  • @francescamills6342
    @francescamills6342 3 роки тому +209

    This vid really helped me. I love everything about brown and would be so excited if I could be admitted as an environmental science major for the class of 2026. You really put all the factors in perspective for me. Everything will be okay no matter where I get in. For the rest of high school I am just going to keep doing what I personally want to do and think will benefit me. If that is not good enough for Brown, whatever! I did my best.

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому +21

      I'm really glad that you were able to gain perspective from this video. No matter what school you end up attending, that doesn't change the person you are. Keep being you, working hard and trying your best. You got this!

    • @francescamills6342
      @francescamills6342 3 роки тому +3

      @@leonzhaoo Thank you Leon, I hope you keep making videos

    • @limellama1490
      @limellama1490 3 роки тому +3

      @@francescamills6342 Did you get in girl??😮

    • @francescamills6342
      @francescamills6342 3 роки тому +2

      @@limellama1490 Applying next year!

    • @jackharmeling7947
      @jackharmeling7947 2 роки тому +2

      @@francescamills6342 UPDATE????

  • @amyoung6455
    @amyoung6455 Рік тому +63

    I have a daughter who is currently at Brown and a son who just got admitted to Providence College. What Leon said here is very transparent and honest. The biggest variables are money, status, and luck. My daughter's essay was to the point; it focused on how our family are unorthodox engineers. Get this - she didn't even submit a personal video. Her hs didn't participate in AP classes and her school did not do class rank. She pretty much got in without even trying at the application. (Don't get me wrong; she is brilliant and diligent). My son, on the other hand, took all AP classes, ranked .028 percent in his class... and got rejected from Brown (FYI, his essay discussed how his grandfather inspired him to love biology). In the end, Providence College (private in-state school) offered him almost a full ride and he got accepted in their honors program. In all honestly, if I made 250,000.00+ a year or was a celebrity (or of high social standing), I think my kids had a better chance at getting accepted at most colleges. The fact that we are middle class shows the inequity of the college system. For you kids applying to these intense colleges, please know that you are not a failure. It's a rigged video game.

    • @aminaomarova6448
      @aminaomarova6448 11 місяців тому

      tysm, I was not aware of all that and was really overwhelmed since I am from a middle class family from Kazakhstan and I can do nothing without a scholarship in college

    • @MicCheckMemoirs
      @MicCheckMemoirs 11 місяців тому

      Thing is, this isn’t a video game. This is real life.

  • @water9951
    @water9951 3 роки тому +48

    I have no idea how i ended up with watching this video. Plus I'm not even an American high school student lol(Japanese full-time UI/UX planner)
    But your video reminded me that I should focus more on what I value and what I want, not what people around me would possibly want. You gave me a positive motivation. Thanks a lot! Good luck with your study :)

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому +1

      I love reading comments like this. Thank you!

  • @k3lly_114
    @k3lly_114 3 роки тому +37

    I'm a rising senior and is really anxious about college applications emm the process kinda starts now tho o.0!! This video was helpful and kinda made me feel better about myself in a sense and thank you for making this!

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks for commenting this! Really makes my day. Wish you the best

  • @natnat349
    @natnat349 Рік тому +15

    Thank you for the video. Some time has passed since you uploaded it, but I feel refreshed and more at ease with your perspective. Yesterday I got deferred from Brown and I honestly didn’t know how to react. I feel numb, and I can’t help but feel nauseous at knowing I’ll have to keep applying. I’m an international student, and my country and school don’t have the same opportunities or resources as those in the us (and I’m privileged enough to even apply there and be in a good school). I feel like I could have done more, more extracurriculars and more achievements, but nothing is ever enough unless YOU believe it is. I’m a little lost and honestly don’t feel this is happening, but detaching myself more from this process has helped me be more accepting of it. Thank you and I hope you’re doing ok wherever you are!

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  Рік тому +2

      Thank you for your comment and I hope things work out for you!

  • @ryinaryina2109
    @ryinaryina2109 2 роки тому +6

    I saw the video….I was very impressed with your maturity …..don’t see rejections as a measure of your self worth…..this made my day!!🙌

  • @michaelmatthews1250
    @michaelmatthews1250 Рік тому +2

    What a great honest video. I was impressed with your analysis of the situation and how the application process impacted you as a person. This stress for college is real.

  • @advantphoenix7892
    @advantphoenix7892 3 роки тому +11

    This video is extremely helpful; I’m a current junior and I’m very anxious regarding EC’s and other things. Your advice and insight helped me calm my nerves. I’m going to try my hardest but I’ve heard from plenty of peopling (including you) that your career pathway or success is never determined by your college. Great video!

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому +1

      I'm so glad this video was helpful for you. I wish you the best in your future endeavors!

    • @blublover
      @blublover Рік тому

      are you in college now lol

  • @ruth7499
    @ruth7499 3 роки тому +12

    Thank you so much for making this video. I'm planning on applying to Brown's class of 2026 and I was encouraged.

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому

      So glad to hear that. Best of luck!

  • @angiele1914
    @angiele1914 Рік тому +4

    Forwarded your video to my twin daughters who are rising seniors. They are going through the same challenges and emotions as you were. I’m sad to see the amount of stress they put on themselves every day 😢Hopefully this video will help them to “chill out” and enjoy the journeys😊 Btw, Brown is one of their dream schools!!!

  • @sakuradagon2260
    @sakuradagon2260 3 роки тому +21

    this video was super helpful! i would be interested in hearing your essays if you were willing to make a video!

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому +2

      I'm glad it was helpful! For sure, stay connected for new videos and I hope to share my essays soon!

  • @tjb2476
    @tjb2476 Рік тому +3

    You really covered all of the gray areas and doubts I had, thank you.

  • @helenzhang4191
    @helenzhang4191 3 роки тому +11

    This was so helpful- I really appreciate your fresh take on this process!

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому +2

      Thank you! Hope you apply to Brown!

  • @pastalu5254
    @pastalu5254 Рік тому +3

    Thank you for the video. I can feel your sincerity and honesty. Best of luck to you.

  • @SasquatchPog
    @SasquatchPog 3 роки тому +10

    this is sooooo realistic oooff gave me hope to apply to schools that I thought I never could get into

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому +4

      I'm glad you were able to gain some insights. Good luck with the applications process!

  • @LikeLuluLikeLulia
    @LikeLuluLikeLulia 2 роки тому +2

    Thank you for your video and sharing your experience, your parents must be very proud of you, you will have a bright future.

  • @jadec6872
    @jadec6872 3 роки тому +2

    Thank you Leon for this video 🥺.

  • @cindywright5733
    @cindywright5733 2 роки тому

    Great video! You'll make a wonderful Dr one day! Best wishes for a fantastic future

  • @summerld5239
    @summerld5239 3 роки тому +2

    Omg this is awesome! So helpful and insightful! Thanks for sharing!

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому

      Appreciate the support!

  • @nro337
    @nro337 3 роки тому +2

    Thanks for sharing your experience!

  • @quotes612
    @quotes612 2 роки тому

    Love the ending

  • @themusiccahrl6754
    @themusiccahrl6754 2 роки тому +1

    I really love your videos!!!

  • @dclipps123
    @dclipps123 3 роки тому

    Very helpful video! Thanks Leon!!

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому

      Eyyy, glad it was helpful!

  • @ShashiKumar-ze8ug
    @ShashiKumar-ze8ug 2 роки тому

    Thanks for giving insight about the admission process.

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  2 роки тому

      Of course. Glad it was helpful!

  • @lovechisha2052
    @lovechisha2052 3 роки тому

    THIS VIDEO MAKES SENSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!THANKS!

  • @benjaminli7861
    @benjaminli7861 3 роки тому +8

    Difficulty of getting into Brown PLME is on par with that of T5 schools. I bet you should've had a chance of getting into Harvard. Anyway, I believe you are doing well wherever you end up with. Keep being yourself, Leon. Can you make a video about PLME?

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому +1

      Sure!

    • @william_SMMA
      @william_SMMA 2 роки тому

      @@leonzhaoo is the Brown PLME the hardest program in the US?

  • @Rockymountain-km1eb
    @Rockymountain-km1eb 2 роки тому

    Great video!

  • @alexheng3322
    @alexheng3322 2 роки тому +1

    Leon, I like your comments and reflections. Going to any Ivy, I think you do best majoring in prelaw or finance or business majors. Science degrees at an Ivy ha ha, the rich kids are laughing at you from the frat house. There is a reason mostly minorities are in the sciences at these campuses. Where a top students should go for college depends on many factors. Cost and ROI should be a much higher factor for college rankings but these days the higher cost is seemly worn by schools as a badge of honor. Total cost is more likely the legal gate to keep out the unwanted students, without having to say a word. Elite universities have always been exclusionary playgrounds for the children of the rich and powerful. They tolerate a few others just to keep up with the times, but thats it. If Ivies wanted to they could increase student class size by double, but that would decrease the exclusive nature of the degrees. As a premed, you could of found success at any top 50 school. It is more important that you keep you GPA higher than 3.7 and get an MCAT above 510 to have a shot at med school 80th percentile MCAT. Going to an Ivy makes keeping a 3.7 GPA in science classes just a little harder due to how you are being curved with the best science students. I do not think med schools will give you more points for getting a 3.4 GPA at Harvard, etc. My daughter had a friend that attended Harvard for premed, and the poor kid had a 2.0 GPA after freshman year, that was going to be very difficult to recover from. You sound like a good student and will do great things. I watched your videos on Brown and lots of what you said about Brown professors was the same as my UCLA undergrad days almost three decades ago. The school makes the student as much as the student makes the school.

  • @gurleenkaurbaxi8530
    @gurleenkaurbaxi8530 2 роки тому

    Hi
    Can you please make a video on the whole process that an international student has to go through for admission in Brown PLME, and a complete guide on SAT for an international student, like the resources to study from, tips to get a good score, etc?

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  2 роки тому

      As someone who is not an international student, I would not feel qualified to make a video like that

    • @gurleenkaurbaxi8530
      @gurleenkaurbaxi8530 2 роки тому +1

      @@leonzhaoo Can you please make a collaboration video with one of your friend who is a international student, if you have one?

  • @scottjackson163
    @scottjackson163 Рік тому

    I got accepted by Brown, for graduate school (1980). I ended up going to Stanford. I’ve often wondered how my life would have been different if I had gone to Brown.

    • @mr.erikchun5863
      @mr.erikchun5863 Рік тому +1

      its crazy that has been eating at you after all these years

  • @bighitsjanitor81
    @bighitsjanitor81 7 місяців тому

    Minor ice skating awards, calligraphy awards, fund a club, Published papers with professor, volunteer at hospital, school club leader, science bowl team, badminton.

  • @idk-uv9dk
    @idk-uv9dk Рік тому

    Heya, you are very well-spoken! I assume you have finished uni now? what job are you doing, or what job are you planning to get (as in what field) if you don't have one yet? Also, I am from the UK and I am shocked at how different the uni systems are, here it is very much grade based, like a lot, do ECs matter way more for the US unis? Because since we are so "grade" focused over here we aren't expected to do all the crazy super + extra-curricular activities you guys do, just ace a levels and entrance admission tests. I was thinking of looking into US unis but ngl this has put me of because in the UK there is no way i can do these things lol, if i could then i need to be loaded cash wise which is not the case😭

  • @Yoliplanting
    @Yoliplanting 2 роки тому

    Very well said

  • @masmo418
    @masmo418 Рік тому

    Thanks for this

  • @nicholastzilinis3832
    @nicholastzilinis3832 2 роки тому +1

    Found this video very helpful, so relatable (values-wise) that I felt as though I was watching a mirror image of myself set a few years in the future. What are some more pointers you would give in terms of applying to Brown considering that this video is about a year old. (p.s. I totally agree on your perspective on the state of college admissions and being unfair and biased)

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  2 роки тому

      Thanks! I think a big factor is showing evidence of "fit". Brown is pretty unique in its academics and student culture. Being able to talk about this and how your own values align will set you up for a stronger application.

    • @nicholastzilinis3832
      @nicholastzilinis3832 2 роки тому

      I figured this was the case from reading their foreword, and this was supported when I spoke with the president of my school who went to Cornell but has had experience with Brown. I ask you not to mistake me as someone who depends on a catered and regimented environment when i say this; being at a military school five years has taken it’s toll on me. Academically, mentally, physically. I barely had a say in whether to stay or go due to strict parents, while I did my best to derive every ounce of useful information out of this place I think its very poor fit, and backwards culture and way of doing things frustrated and burned me out. It was as though the schedule was a pair of jeans, that were all the same size and handed out to everyone, some people it fit, some too loose and were overwhelmed, some fit too tight and felt like they were being shorted such as myself. So for the longest time, I’ve wanted to be the architect of my own way of doing things, the architect of my day, my week, my year, my life, not allocate that to some B- institution. But I digress, and this probably sounds like the beginning of some obscure ted talk, but my question is; have you met any students who have come from a regimented environment and how well would you say that they’ve acclimated to the open, gentoo like, framework that forms the basis of Brown’s Open Cirriculum? Was it difficult for students coming from conventional schools as well, how did you manage in an open system such as Brown’s?

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  2 роки тому

      Yeah, I attended a public high school where students were required to take a core curriculum and there wasn't much flexibility to choose what you wanted to learn/how you wanted to approach it. Coming into Brown with that background was difficult initially because I was used to other people telling me how I should do things. But I think that spending time in the environment, talking to people who have a different mindset can change that. I've definitely evolved to be more of an "architect" in that sense.

    • @nicholastzilinis3832
      @nicholastzilinis3832 2 роки тому

      That’s certainly reassuring. Coming from that background did you find it hard to convey “fit” through your essay due to your mentality at the current moment?

  • @michaelc4917
    @michaelc4917 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for sharing your story, really appreciate it. Did you apply for Early Decision in any of your schools? Do you think ED would increased ones chance of getting accepted?

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  2 роки тому +2

      I didn't apply ED because I wanted the flexibility to choose where I ended up. I think it would have helped my chances given that the ED acceptance rate is usually higher

    • @michaelc4917
      @michaelc4917 2 роки тому +1

      @@leonzhaoo From your last 4 years with your PLME classmates, are all of them little adults who already know what they want to do in their next 30 years? Would a regular kid with a passion but lots of uncertainty stand a chance of getting in PLME ?

  • @aspiringking5000
    @aspiringking5000 3 роки тому +1

    Off topic but my sister has the same laptop as you, and I never realized how expensive it is. 😀. Quick questions. What state are you from, and if you are out of state, then how was the adjustment, and how do you like Rhode Island?

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому +1

      Haha yeah the laptop was quite an investment. I'm from New York so the adjustment to Providence wasn't too bad. I think there is slightly more rain and it's more cloudy in Providence. Love the city tho. It's a small city with its own unique quirks. Ideal for a college town imo

  • @victinyyt
    @victinyyt 2 роки тому +1

    loved the video, but i never understand what is the role of essays in ivy leagues? Do we need to write our own essays and publish is somewhere or what to do? pls ans...

  • @kiljonlenin
    @kiljonlenin Рік тому

    I used to want to get into ivy leagues until I realized:
    Ivy leagues don’t correlate with success or money.
    Go for universities that offer you the most and not ones that make you look good

  • @rotneder2814
    @rotneder2814 2 роки тому

    You chose Brown over Berkeley??! That was stupid. But congrats, bro! You must be smart.

    • @stealthman-vy4oh
      @stealthman-vy4oh Рік тому +1

      He wanted to study medicine and he got into Browns PLME, so he joins medical school after his first degree....no need to stress about applying to a medical school afterwards. He wasn't stupid

  • @araash178
    @araash178 2 роки тому

    insightful

  • @meggs9712
    @meggs9712 3 роки тому +2

    please read your brown + plme essays !!

  • @guyg4801
    @guyg4801 3 роки тому +1

    Do you think the Ivys like people who are good at music? I’m principle trumpet of my schools top band and I have been selected for the district honor band and the Georgia all-state band. Also I have gotten a varsity letter for band. There are other things I can do other than band so is it worth the time and effort?

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому +3

      I cannot say since I didn't do music in high school. My message always is to do what you enjoy because it is not worth it if you don't. If you truly enjoy band, by all means, do it! If you are passionate about something else, do that. Don't try to mold yourself into the person that you think the college will accept. I wish you the best!

    • @guyg4801
      @guyg4801 3 роки тому

      @@leonzhaoo thanks!

  • @lizabethamato7897
    @lizabethamato7897 3 роки тому

    Great Video. Txs.

  • @jonnyspot9877
    @jonnyspot9877 3 роки тому +6

    Hey Leon! I'm an incoming freshman at UPenn and I'm very interested in biomedical engineering. Would you have some time to talk about your experiences as a biomedical engineering student? Thanks so much in advance!

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому +3

      Hi! I am not sure I am the best person to talk to regarding this given that I don't have any experience with bme at Penn. I would highly recommend that you reach out to current upperclassmen at your school who are studying bme. That way, you can learn the specifics of the bme program at your school and have an opportunity to network with your older classmates. Best of luck!

  • @bhavinkandari9624
    @bhavinkandari9624 2 роки тому

    From what source can an international student apply for the colleges

  • @tarinipankanti8273
    @tarinipankanti8273 3 роки тому +4

    This was a great video, thank you! I know you didn't go quite as much into detail about this, so I was just wondering how much you think class rank matters in terms of admissions? Because of other circumstances freshman year I wasn't able to take as many advanced classes as I wanted to, but I definitely have an upwards growth trend - do you think this would hurt me?

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому +3

      Not very much in my opinion when you consider that every high school has its own grading and ranking system. Some high schools don't even rank so there is no way for a college to know about that. I think that you should just try to take advantage of what your school offers and of course, an upward trend is also beneficial. Also remember: holistic admissions. Personal statements are ever more important than numbers because of this.

    • @tarinipankanti8273
      @tarinipankanti8273 3 роки тому +2

      @@leonzhaoo Thank you so much!

  • @Seichro
    @Seichro 2 роки тому +1

    Where did you get that sweater its nice lol

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  2 роки тому +2

      thanks bro. it's uniqlo

    • @Seichro
      @Seichro 2 роки тому +1

      @@leonzhaoo Oh okay thanks

  • @JamesShiang
    @JamesShiang 3 роки тому

    lmao I forgot my ec's too when I made this type of vid

  • @rmendez3354
    @rmendez3354 2 роки тому

    Can you read your essays?

  • @anyadraves9455
    @anyadraves9455 3 роки тому

    Do you think the scores you get on AP tests affect admission decisions?

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому +2

      Maybe a little. I think it shows more commitment for your AP courses and that definitely doesn't hurt. But it is a minor factor compared to your GPA and SATs

    • @anyadraves9455
      @anyadraves9455 3 роки тому

      @@leonzhaoo Thank you!

  • @madisonpark1637
    @madisonpark1637 2 роки тому +1

    Just wondering, how much weight does a standardized test score really hold in someone's college application? Funny enough, those who I knew that were incoming college freshman or even graduates couldn't really provide a definitive answer, understandably since it's quite difficult to pinpoint an exact reason for an acceptance or rejection. I'm curious on your take since you seem quite well versed on the subject. Thanks!

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  2 роки тому +2

      Really hard to say. Depends on the individual application. I do know that gpa tends to matter more. I think that these types of exams will hold less and less weight as the application pool grows with each year

  • @loui_9206
    @loui_9206 2 роки тому

    Do you know anything about Ib or the Ib diploma?

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  2 роки тому

      Nope, my high school had only AP

    • @loui_9206
      @loui_9206 2 роки тому

      @@leonzhaoo ahh ok thank you!

  • @lepidoptera9337
    @lepidoptera9337 3 роки тому +3

    You don't go to college to go to college. You go to college to learn the field you are interested in. I am sorry that today's youth is so completely misinformed about that because of their helicopter parents.

    • @leonzhaoo
      @leonzhaoo  3 роки тому +4

      Completely agree with you there! I came to Brown to further explore my interests in engineering and medicine.

    • @lepidoptera9337
      @lepidoptera9337 3 роки тому

      @@leonzhaoo Maybe, but that's not what you are talking about. This is not a video about your interest in engineering and medicine but about how to get into an ivy league college. I understand the pressure. Don't get me wrong about that. I just wish you guys could relax a bit about the admission thing. It does not make your lives better and, to be honest with you, it does not improve the system. What you are really doing with all of this is to give the wrong people in the ivy league system (those who care about money rather than education) even more leverage over you.

    • @JuriesVlogs
      @JuriesVlogs 3 роки тому

      @@lepidoptera9337 huh?

    • @pistachiosandpopcorn7146
      @pistachiosandpopcorn7146 2 роки тому

      Blame the parents (which is what you did so ..I'm just sayin). Parents are responsible for teaching kids not to throw away money.