This year, WHBHS had seven senior commits to Ivy League schools: Cornell University, Dartmouth College, the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University. These students have shown exceptional dedication and academic excellence to earn spots at some of the most selective schools in the world.
Ivy League schools are among the most competitive and prestigious universities in the world, making them extremely difficult to get into. Admission rates are below 5%, meaning that only a small fraction of individuals are accepted each year. In addition to strong academics, Ivy League schools look for well-rounded candidates who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and unique talents or passions.
One standout among these high-achieving seniors is Fahtima Iqbal, who will be attending Cornell University. Fahtima has chosen Cornell “because of the emphasis it has on learning and exploring your interests.”
Over her high school years, she was able to maintain a 99 GPA. What helped her maintain this steady pace was that she organized her work weekly and ensured that she accomplished what needed to be done each night. Beyond the classroom, Fahtima was actively involved in several extracurricular activities. She participated in the junior ambulance and was named lieutenant in her senior year. Additionally, she was a dedicated member of the Interact Club and earned her certification as an EMT. Fahtima aspires to “continue to help others, either as a psychiatrist or neurologist.”
Another standout is Nicholas Borruso, who will be attending Yale University. Throughout high school, Nicholas was deeply involved in STEM-related activities. He took pre-college classes and played a major role in the Robotics Club, serving as its vice president. He was also the captain of the National Science Bowl Team and class valedictorian. One of the most significant factors in his college application was his authenticity.
Before writing his essays, Nicholas took the time to reflect on himself and his experiences. He emphasized the importance of time management in maintaining high grades while taking rigorous classes. “By giving myself a set amount of time for each assignment,” Nicholas said, “I was always able to do high-quality work while still having enough time to do the things I love.”
These seniors are more than just strong students. They are hardworking and passionate people who followed their interests and stayed true to themselves. By challenging themselves in and out of the classroom, they have earned spots at some of the most respected universities in the country.
