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Hi, all! This year, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the Watsonville Ivy League Project (WILP), a prestigious program that helps high achieving students explore and visit Ivy League Universities, so that I may apply to them in my senior year. During the visit to Ivy League institutions, WILP students will meet with some college and university Deans, learn about their academic programs and their admissions processes, and gain a better feel of campus culture. This years group has already begun to meet monthly on the weekends to build a community and develop fundraising ideas. As time passes, we will continue to grow a network of WILP alumni who give back to the Watsonville community. It’s very exciting to be in a group of like minded people who are all climbing the same staircase towards excellence.
However, in order to participate in WILP and visit these distinguished campuses on the East Coast, I need your help to raise $2,000.
ABOUT WILP APPLICATION PROCESS
I was one of 16 students from two high schools who were selected for this year's 2020 program. Only students with at least 3.75 GPA were recruited to apply from the 10th and 11th grade levels from Watsonville High School and Pajaro Valley High School, both of which are under resourced schools. It was a rigorous process to be admitted into WILP, which was similar to applying to college. I filled out an application, wrote a personal essay, solicited a teacher recommendation, and interviewed with a selection committee. It was a difficult and nerve-wracking process.
ABOUT WILP’S SUCCESS
Of the 116 WILP past participants, 16 of them are attending or have attended Ivy League schools which is a 13.8% admit rate (Source: WILP Advising Team). In comparison, the general admit rate for any of the Ivy League schools as of Fall 2019 averages 8.6 %, with ranges between 6 to 15 percent. (Source: https://www.ivycoach.com/2019-ivy-league-admissions-statistics/). So, being in WILP has certainly helped past participants in getting into a prestigious university.
ACADEMIC AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I was led to WILP by my dedication to academic excellence and extracurricular activities. I have a 4.00 unweighted GPA and a 4.66 weighted GPA, and have excelled in a number of areas. Not only do I dedicate myself to learning inside the classroom but I also dedicate myself to learning outside of it. This past summer I had an internship at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where I learned about conservation of the ocean and I explained what that looks like and what it is to the guests. The internship involved me getting out of my comfort zone which is why it was very fulfilling and enriching.
I'm also involved in several athletic activities. The past three years, I participated in cross country and track and field. I was league champion all three years and qualified for state twice in cross country. I received all honors in my section. My freshmen year I was voted Nor-cal's Freshmen of the year and I continue to prosper in my athletics. I currently hold many school track and cross country records that stood for more than thirty years. I also participate in sports outside of school, one of them being Tae-kwon-do, a Korean Martial Art, where I am a black belt. At the studio that I attend, I have taught classes and led classes on my own.
With my academic background and extracurricular activities, I’ve developed the dedication and self-motivation that will benefit my application process to Ivy League universities. But I still need your help. Here is the cost breakdown for how your donation will be used:
$500 = Airfare
$500 = Ground Transportation
$450 = Lodging for 10 days
$450 = Food for 10 days
$100 = Broadway show and Museums
Even though I’ve done everything I can so far in academics and extracurricular activities, participating in WILP will be the next step in helping me prepare for applying to prestigious universities. I would truly appreciate your contribution to a worthwhile program that will benefit me both academically and personally. If you can’t donate, I understand but please spread the word and encourage others to donate.
However, in order to participate in WILP and visit these distinguished campuses on the East Coast, I need your help to raise $2,000.
ABOUT WILP APPLICATION PROCESS
I was one of 16 students from two high schools who were selected for this year's 2020 program. Only students with at least 3.75 GPA were recruited to apply from the 10th and 11th grade levels from Watsonville High School and Pajaro Valley High School, both of which are under resourced schools. It was a rigorous process to be admitted into WILP, which was similar to applying to college. I filled out an application, wrote a personal essay, solicited a teacher recommendation, and interviewed with a selection committee. It was a difficult and nerve-wracking process.
ABOUT WILP’S SUCCESS
Of the 116 WILP past participants, 16 of them are attending or have attended Ivy League schools which is a 13.8% admit rate (Source: WILP Advising Team). In comparison, the general admit rate for any of the Ivy League schools as of Fall 2019 averages 8.6 %, with ranges between 6 to 15 percent. (Source: https://www.ivycoach.com/2019-ivy-league-admissions-statistics/). So, being in WILP has certainly helped past participants in getting into a prestigious university.
ACADEMIC AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I was led to WILP by my dedication to academic excellence and extracurricular activities. I have a 4.00 unweighted GPA and a 4.66 weighted GPA, and have excelled in a number of areas. Not only do I dedicate myself to learning inside the classroom but I also dedicate myself to learning outside of it. This past summer I had an internship at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, where I learned about conservation of the ocean and I explained what that looks like and what it is to the guests. The internship involved me getting out of my comfort zone which is why it was very fulfilling and enriching.
I'm also involved in several athletic activities. The past three years, I participated in cross country and track and field. I was league champion all three years and qualified for state twice in cross country. I received all honors in my section. My freshmen year I was voted Nor-cal's Freshmen of the year and I continue to prosper in my athletics. I currently hold many school track and cross country records that stood for more than thirty years. I also participate in sports outside of school, one of them being Tae-kwon-do, a Korean Martial Art, where I am a black belt. At the studio that I attend, I have taught classes and led classes on my own.
With my academic background and extracurricular activities, I’ve developed the dedication and self-motivation that will benefit my application process to Ivy League universities. But I still need your help. Here is the cost breakdown for how your donation will be used:
$500 = Airfare
$500 = Ground Transportation
$450 = Lodging for 10 days
$450 = Food for 10 days
$100 = Broadway show and Museums
Even though I’ve done everything I can so far in academics and extracurricular activities, participating in WILP will be the next step in helping me prepare for applying to prestigious universities. I would truly appreciate your contribution to a worthwhile program that will benefit me both academically and personally. If you can’t donate, I understand but please spread the word and encourage others to donate.