Harvard-Bound: How One Student's Essays Opened Doors to an Ivy League Education

Olivia Zhang, a recent high school graduate, has shared the pivotal supplemental essays that secured her admission to Harvard University. In a recent video, Zhang detailed the strategic approach she took to showcase her diverse experiences and unique qualifications. Her first essay focused on intellectual pursuits beyond traditional academics, highlighting her participation in a Wharton leadership camp, special education research, and published economic research on employee retention. For her extracurricular essay, Zhang elaborated on her role on health boards, where she, as the sole adolescent, facilitated connections between US oncologists and hospitals in Mexico and Ghana, providing vital training and resources to aid approximately 400 patients. Finally, Zhang utilized Harvard's optional long essay to recount her successful campaign for Student Government President. She emphasized her journey from a shy individual to becoming the first woman of color to be re-elected in her large high school, detailing her efforts to redefine leadership and champion underrepresented voices within the school community. Zhang's narrative offers valuable insights for prospective college applicants aiming for top-tier institutions.