Vivian Chow Goes East to Penn!
May 31, 2008 | 
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Vivian Chow is a senior at the Cheyenne Mountain High School in Colorado Springs. Vivian has been accepted to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. She was also accepted to Amherst College in Massachusetts and Pomona College in California. She is currently on the waiting list at Harvard University. Vivian is a student-reporter for the Colorado Springs Record+. CSR+ recently interviewed her so that other outstanding and ambitious students can learn to excel as well.
CSR+: Vivian, congratulations on being accepted to several of the most prestigious colleges in the nation and the world. How do you feel?
VC: I feel exhilarated! I opted for the e-mail notification as well as the traditional letter, so as soon as I saw the Congratulations Subject title on the email, I literally let out a yell. I probably said, “I can’t believe it!” so many times. After so many hours of work and so many drafts and proof-readings of essays, here was the reward—and it felt great.
CSR+: To shat do you attribute your success? What pushes you to excel in life?
VC: Definitely my parents—they’ve always encouraged me to do all that I can, but they also know my limits and remind me to undertake an appropriate amount of activities so that I can give whatever I do my all and fully commit to it. I’m also extremely competitive with myself; I always try to surpass anything I’ve done previously. I also constantly remind myself of how lucky I am to have all the opportunities that I do, how lucky I am to have the support system that I do. Because I do have a great foundation, I want to make the most of everything I have been given and give back to my community to those who have helped me and to those who need help.
CSR+: To how many colleges did you apply? What were those colleges?
VC: I applied to about 11 colleges: Stanford (EA), University of Denver, University of Colorado at Boulder, Tufts University, Yale, University, Harvard University, Princeton University, Harvard University, Pomona College, Amherst College, and Rice University.
CSR+: How much time did each application take to fill? What was the most difficult part in filling out the applications?
VC: Because nearly all my colleges were a part of the Common Application, I used that and it definitely saved some time. Nevertheless, it took me about 3-4 weeks (a month or so) to get a school’s package completely ready since in addition to the “common app” and each individual school’s supplement, I also opted to turn in music and art supplements. I had to make CDs of my piano pieces and slides of my artwork. However, I think the most difficult part of filling in the applications was definitely trying to convey my voice and individuality through the essays and questions. Constructing a thought-provoking and memorable essay in which my voice could be heard was painstaking.
CSR+: What are some essays you had to write?
VC: Well, I wrote on traditional topics such as “describe an event or happening that has really impacted your life” or “describe a person who has positively or negatively affected you and what you have learned.” I also responded to some quotes such as Amherst College’s “Stereotyped beliefs have the power to become self-fulfilling prophesies for behavior.” Others provided very original and creative prompts such as “write a short story based on the following phrase: ‘one-way ticket’.”
CSR+: What do you think is the way to write outstanding essays for admission applications?
VC: Cliché as it is, you have to write from your heart. Remember that your essay is the best way for the admission officers to get to know you and your passions and disposition; hence, you’re telling a story about yourself. Find an intriguing, unique, and bold way to present this story. Definitely start writing and exploring yourself early. I learned much about myself through this essay process.
CSR+: What is your GPA at Cheyenne Mountain High School? How did you manage to maintain such a high GPA?
VC: I have a GPA of 4.24. As I said earlier, I am very competitive with myself and want to perform my very best. My parents have taught me the importance of a strong work ethic and self-discipline. I’ve spent many Fridays and Saturdays studying when needed rather than hang out with friends.
CSR+: Besides academics, a college application requires one to relate to people around oneself in an effective manner and be a leader in his or her own ways. What other activities were you involved in during your high school days?
VC: Community service is a huge part of my life—I’m the president of our school’s community service club, Students and Teachers Aiding Humanity (STAH). I volunteer at many places outside of school, namely Memorial Hospital and Colorado Spring Chinese Language School. I find it very rewarding and satisfying to help others who are less fortunate than me or who simply would like to chat with someone. I’ve always kept music and art in my life, especially playing piano. I’m a Yearbook Editor-in-Chief as well. I love playing tennis and was co-captain of the varsity team this year. I love a fast-paced schedule, so I kept myself pretty busy.
CSR+: Tell us about one or more memorable events in your life, either at school or outside.
VC: The first time I went to an Alzheimer’s nursing home was definitely what catapulted me into my passion for community service. It was with the STAH club, and as a freshman, I was already intimidated by the upperclassmen around me in addition to being extremely apprehensive of what I’d see at the nursing home. This feeling of dread stayed with me really until I summoned up the courage to go talk to one of the elderly ladies sitting in a wheelchair. It was her eyes and her resemblance in form and poise to my grandmother that caught my attention. Right then, I realized many things: that I am no different than she is, other than time’s destruction upon her outward appearance. I am so fortunate as to be able and to have the chance to help others that I should never take anything for granted (my health, my life), to name a few. My common application essay was about this epiphanic experience.
CSR+: If you want to give advice to an aspiring high school or middle school student in the community about getting accepted to prestigious colleges, what will your advice be?
VC: Definitely get involved with your community; not only does it allow yourself to grow, but it also provides experiences that you will be able to write passionately about in your essays. You’ll meet very passionate and interesting people and make memories that will last a lifetime. Finally, yes, it feels great to be accepted to prestigious colleges, but if you are not accepted into your college of choice, it is not the end of the world. What’s truly important is what you do to further your own education, as long as you reach out and utilize your college’s resources to the utmost.
CSR+: Thanks, Vivian! We wish you the best!!
VC: Thank you.
- J
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