IvyWise Scholars Spotlight: Nicole

As part of our IvyWise Gives Back initiative, IvyWise Scholars is our pro bono college admissions counseling program for high-achieving, low-income students.

We caught up with IvyWise Scholar Nicole, a gifted student from Colorado, to learn more about her college admissions journey, what it’s like to work with IvyWise during this process, and get some of her college prep advice for other students.

Tell us about your background and interests.

Hi! My name is Nicole, and I go to Cherry Creek High School in Denver, Colorado. I am taking five classes this year:

• AP Biology
• College Trigonometry
• Dance
• AP Literature
• U.S. History

I am interested mostly in the humanities, such as art, psychology, and physical education, but I enjoy science as well.

I love sports, which is why I am going to join my school’s track team and am currently enrolled in dance class. I would love to get more involved with my school, so I plan on joining a club called ‘Girl Up,’ which encourages and uplifts women.

What aspect of the college admissions process are you most excited about? What are you nervous about?

As I have been looking into the application process and planning my future, the nerves have started to kick in. I have deleted and rewritten my Common App essay over four times. Each time, I have felt more anxious that it is not going to be good enough for the rigorous schools I am applying to. Even though I am excited for what lies ahead, it’s still nerve-wracking to think about and to accept that it might or might not go the way I hope it will.

I want to major in Communications, Media, and Journalism. I have always had a passion for the world of social media and PR, and I know that dedicating my college years to that can help me grow as a person and get better at what I wish to do. So, with the help of my IvyWise counselor, I have been researching colleges that have the best communications and media programs. My counselor has helped me find schools that will be great fits for me – not only academically, but also in terms of my personal needs and goals. I don’t really have a preference for location or size. The most important factors for me are the opportunities available within and outside of the school. I am focusing on schools that offer great programs for my intended major and have a fun and inclusive campus that will help me make tons of friends while I pursue my passions.

Currently, my top schools are:

• Northwestern University
• New York University
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Yale University

Additionally, I also want to pursue acting, which is why all of the colleges I am applying to also have great theater programs. Once I graduate, I plan on being involved in the industry, whether from behind the camera or in front of it. As soon as I can say that I am avidly learning about the world of film and media and making connections, I know that I will have reached my goals.

What are your top college prep tips for other students?

To the freshmen and sophomores getting ready to start the college admissions journey, I only have one piece of advice: BE YOURSELF! It might sound clichéd, but it’s true. Friend groups change, life changes, and the world changes, but don’t let it change you. Stay true to yourself and your passions, and don’t pay attention to those trying to bring you down. You will succeed. And, no matter how scary it might seem, life gets better, and the only person you will always have is yourself. So, make sure to take care of your mental and physical health.

Learn more about Nicole by watching the video below.

For more information on families’ experience with IvyWise, check out our testimonials page, and meet some of our other IvyWise Scholars. Want to learn more about what you can be doing now to prepare for the college admissions process? Tune in to our Just Admit It! podcast for top tips from admissions experts!