Stats

GPA: When I applied, my GPA was 18.4 out of 20, and I graduated with a 19 out of 20.

SAT: I chose the test-optional route because there's only one test center in the entire country of Angola. Typically, only students who attend the school where the test center is located get places to take the SAT. It’s messed up, I know

English Proficiency Test: I took the Duolingo English Test and scored above 135, which met the requirements for most of the colleges I applied to.

Extracurriculars

Student Council (Leadership): During my high school years, I held various positions within the Student Council. From being the 9th Grade Representative to being Vice President in the 10th Grade and eventually serving as President in 11th and 12th grades, I learned that the impact of leadership extends beyond titles. As a representative of the student body, I advocated for improvements such as cafeteria renovations and the installation of mirrors in bathrooms. Additionally, I had the honor of being the valedictorian.

Girl Up Teen Advisor: I'm passionate about promoting education, health, and safety for adolescent girls. As a Girl Up Teen Advisor, I contributed to this mission by establishing the first Girl Up club in Angola. Our goal was to empower girls and young people from diverse backgrounds to become leaders.

Model United Nations (MUN): My MUN journey has been both virtual and in-person, spanning over 60 conferences. Notably, I received an award at a virtual Harvard MUN—an achievement I proudly listed among my honors.

Public Speaking: I had the privilege of delivering lectures at a top university in Angola. My topics centered around the importance of international opportunities and how Model United Nations fosters public speaking skills while enhancing educational accessibility.

English Club: Passionate about language learning, I founded an English Club. Our unconventional approach included using movies, music, and organized conversations to teach English to lower-income individuals who lacked access to formal education.

Fridays for Future Angola: As a member of this environmental organization, I actively advocated against the exploitation of the Kavango River. Additionally, I participated in a campaign encouraging conscious environmental policies being taken into consideration when voting, during the 2022 elections.

Public Speaking Club: Together with friends, I initiated a public speaking club. Although we didn't achieve a full-fledged TED Talk, we created engaging videos inspired by the TED Ed platform. My role involved securing partners and sponsorships for our exciting venture.

Other Programs: Beyond my school activities, I engaged in transformative programs. I was a Yale Young African Scholars scholar, studying with Yale mentors during a residential program in Zimbabwe. I also attended the Harvard Summer Journalism Academy by the Harvard Crimson and the Harvard Undergraduate International Scholars winter intensive, focusing on international relations.

Additional Information

In the process of completing my college application, I realized that some of my extracurricular activities hadn't been fully highlighted. To address this, I included them in the additional information section.

Tennis: During ninth grade, I actively participated in tennis. Although it didn't make it onto my Common App, it was an important part of my journey.

External Courses (Coursera): I sought out college-level courses on platforms like Coursera. These online courses allowed me to explore subjects beyond my school's curriculum.

Explaining Circumstances: I used the additional information section to provide context. For instance, my school didn't offer IB or AP courses, and we didn't follow the IGCSE system. This context helps admission officers understand why certain opportunities were limited for me.

Intellectual Curiosity: Despite these challenges, I remained curious and eager to learn. I didn't want admission officers to assume I lacked motivation or capability. Instead, I wanted them to recognize that my circumstances shaped my choices. Remember, admission officers rely on the information you and your teachers provide. Context matters, and your thoughtful explanation will help them understand your unique journey.

Resources & Help

In Angola, our school system operates in cycles, with distinct coordinators for each phase. When it came to college applications, I faced a unique situation: our school counselor, affectionately known as "Mama Lourdes”, wasn't well-versed in the intricacies of the US college application process. Her expertise lies in guiding us through national exams and general academic matters.

To overcome this hurdle, I took matters into my own hands. From the outset, I researched sample recommendation letters to share with my teachers. I explained every detail, ensuring they understood my aspirations and unique circumstances. Crafting my application felt like building from scratch—extracurriculars, recommendation letters, and all.

But I wasn't alone. Friends who were also applying to US colleges became invaluable resources. We examined school profiles, discussed Common App strategies, and fine-tuned recommendation letters. I communicated my vision clearly to my teachers, specifying how I wanted them to portray me in their letters.

Despite delays and challenges, my school was supportive. We worked together, determined to make it happen. And then there was Nora, my friend from the Girl Up Teen Advisor program. Across different time zones, she meticulously reviewed my essays, ensuring I met deadlines. Having a support system—whether friends or mentors—is essential during this intense process.

I deeply respect fellow international students navigating similar paths. It's not easy, but your resilience and resourcefulness shine through. Speaking of resources, the Crimson Access Opportunity Scholarship by Crimson Education is a gem. Although I didn't fully utilize it due to my unconventional high school schedule, I appreciate the support they offer to low-income, high-achieving applicants.

Having all the Crimson mentors available was a tremendous asset. They were super nice people, true professionals in their fields. However, I admit that I missed out on fully taking advantage of the program. Sometimes, the demands of school overwhelmed me, and other times, I felt like I was lagging behind when I saw other Crimson students actively engaging with their strategists and mentors. Looking back, I realize that I needlessly hesitated to reach out to my mentors. They were there for me, and they emphasized this multiple times.

Despite my initial reservations, I did apply and was accepted into the Crimson program. My Crimson team was fantastic—I can't stress that enough. If I could turn back time, I'd definitely engage with them more instead of unintentionally "ghosting" my team.

Here's a secret: The Crimson Program is exceptional and entirely free –– if you’re accepted. My mentor provided unwavering support throughout my application process, even when I disappeared temporarily. He'd check in, asking if I'd submitted my application or needed any assistance. So, if you're applying to college soon, I highly recommend looking into CAO (Crimson Access Opportunity). It's a fantastic opportunity!

Financial Aid

Essentially, I won't be paying anything for Yale. They're covering all costs except my flights. While it's almost a full ride, there's a slight gap because Yale's total expenses amount to around $96,000, and my financial aid package is approximately $94,000. My cost of attendance at Yale, or what Yale wants me to pay, is $2,000. However, it won't be out of pocket because I'll have an on-campus job that covers the remaining expenses. So, in essence, it's a comprehensive aid package, and I'm perfectly fine with contributing through work—I've been employed throughout high school. The Yale financial aid team has been exceptionally attentive and caring, which is truly amazing.

My interactions with various Yale offices, from Admissions to the International Students Office, have been positive. Yale's commitment to financial aid is impressive; they genuinely prioritize affordability and operate on a need-blind basis.

Application costs were generally covered with the help of fee waivers.