From early on in high school, Senior Aser Sorongon knew the key to standing out to Ivy League schools was telling a cohesive story. He learned this by studying the past students who had successfully entered the Ivies, where academics and extracurriculars aligned with a clear purpose. Coming from a low-income background, he made the most of every opportunity available, gaining early knowledge of the college admissions process and modeling his approach after successful applicants while staying true to his journey of entering his dream school.
Aser’s extracurriculars reflected a deep passion for community, volunteering with at-risk families, organizing events for low-income youth, and advocating for public and mental health within the EJllalax community in the SOMA district. These efforts highlighted his leadership and values in action.
Aser’s college essay told a deeply personal story of reconnecting with his Filipino heritage through food and family, showcasing his growth and cultural pride. Though the process included moments of doubt, especially after early deferrals, support from loved ones kept him grounded.
“I applied early and I got deferred for my schools, so I doubted that anything would change, and I would end up rejected,” Aser recalls. “It was really hard mentally, and I started to doubt myself. But the people around me helped remind me of my worth.”
Ultimately, after getting off the waitlist early Aser was able to commit to Yale. Aser’s journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the strength of owning your story.
His journey of getting into Yale took him through moments of uncertainty, self-doubt, and emotional struggle, but it also showed him the value of community, resilience, and believing in his story.
From the start of high school, senior Jett Li never viewed getting into an Ivy League as a race against classmates, but instead it was a personal challenge, one that pushed him to evolve and test his limits constantly. Instead of chasing perfection on paper, he focused on becoming a better version of himself.
Driven by internal standards, he took on some of the toughest courses Galileo offered, including AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Calculus BC, which tested his resilience during junior year. But what truly set him apart wasn’t just academic; it was his capacity for reflection and growth, especially under pressure.
His personal statement, titled “Strawberry Matcha Latte”, became the centerpiece of his application and a powerful expression of identity. It traced his journey as an only child and the emotional complexity of growing up, layered like the drink it referenced. Written over six months and redrafted nearly every day, the essay became a labor of love that captured who he truly was.
Outside the classroom, he found a deeper sense of purpose through UCSF’s Teen Wellness Connection program. Starting in the summer of 2023, he joined peers to host mental health summits and foster open conversations about youth wellness. The experience was so meaningful that he returned as a senior to mentor others and help organize another impactful summit, solidifying a passion for advocacy and leadership.
Looking back, he credits his growth to the environment at Galileo, a place that felt like home. He believes that other schools seemed too stiff or competitive, compared to Gal, which struck the right balance, offering the space and support he needed to thrive.
Ultimately, getting into the University of Pennsylvania felt surreal. But it was the result of something real: years of introspection, persistence, and the courage to write a story that was entirely his own.
Despite the accomplishments, moments of doubt crept in. Seeing the achievements of other high-performing students triggered comparison and self-criticism. Jett wanted to give students who are looking to aim high some inspirational words,“Remember Lions…it’s not always about the rigorous, dominant physicality that you externally show, but the courageous, pioneering spirit that you carry within.”
