My Background & High School

Hey! My name is Liliana, and I am an eighteen-year-old student from Angola. I'll be heading to Yale University this fall for my freshman year. Despite Angola not being known for sending many students to the United States due to the holistic application process, I've always wanted to study abroad. Typically, students from my country opt for European or Asian universities.

I attended a private high school in Angola that followed the national curriculum and didn't offer AP or IB classes. 

Why I Want to Study Abroad & in the United States

The decision to study in the US came shortly after the pandemic hit. With ample free time during quarantine, I immersed myself in online content, watching vlogs and videos by Ivy League students. Their experiences fueled my desire to apply to US colleges. My choice to apply exclusively to US universities wasn't based on country preferences but rather on specific institutions. Initially, I was enamored by the Ivy Leagues and Oxbridge in the UK. However, accessibility issues—such as the closed Oxford entrance exam center in Angola—led me to focus solely on the Ivies.

Why Yale?

Yale was my top choice. I initially considered applying under the restrictive early action (REA) plan. Yet, a direct piece of advice from a Yale admissions officer changed my approach. They emphasized applying when my application was truly ready. By the November 1st deadline, my application wasn't fully prepared due to school-related challenges. Few students from my school apply to US colleges, and our school lacked a profile on the Common App. Despite requesting recommendation letters early, they weren't ready for submission. Consequently, I opted for the regular decision (RD) application plan.

But why Yale? My involvement with Yale programs—such as Yale Young African Scholars, Yale Model United Nations (twice!), Yale Model United Nations (Taiwan), and the Yale Model United Nations Ambassador Program—deepened my connection. Additionally, a Yale summer program allowed me to meet current African students who were my instructors. Yale's strong and accepting African community played a significant role in my decision.

Beyond academics, Yale's vibes resonate with me. It feels like a magical place, and I'm excited to be part of it!

I applied to five colleges and got into three. I applied to four Ivy League schools and Stanford, which was quite delusional. I don't recommend others follow this approach - please apply to match and safety colleges as well. However, I did manage to get accepted to some of them. So in this case, being a bit delulu turned out to be the solulu. 

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.

My College Essay

I had written a personal statement about memories and my relationship with memories, correlating it to photography. It was a very good essay, and I really liked it. However, when it came to submission time on December 31st, the last day of the year, I suddenly didn't want to submit that essay anymore. I hadn't submitted any applications yet, so I decided to write another one. From New Year's Eve to January 1st, I wrote a new personal statement that I submitted as the first draft. This essay was about my childhood and the community I grew up in, focusing on how girls in my community typically didn't have access to educational opportunities. It also discussed how I met Girl Up, which made me understand that there's power within every girl, and that we can change the world and our lives through education. Girl Up made me feel empowered enough to pursue my interests, particularly my strong interest in politics.

My Common App essay actually had a title in Portuguese, which translates to "Hey, little girl, don't talk about politics”. This is a common saying in my country. People often tell this to kids to scare them away from discussing politics. In many African countries, it's a complex issue because our parents still carry the fear of the war they lived through, and it's passed on to kids and generations. You must be very brave and courageous if you want to talk about any theme involving politics or politicians. Adults will literally tell little kids that they will get arrested if they talk about politics. It's a very complex political environment.

In my personal statement, I talked about my childhood experiences and how I would see people my age around me, growing up to have hopeless futures. Many young girls would have teenage pregnancies, and some boys would turn to criminality. It was a very troubled social atmosphere. I grew up in a good community where people were generally good, but there was no protection or education for those kids - not the education they needed, and definitely not the education I wanted for my people in my country. I wrote about how I felt powerless seeing people who grew up with me not having the ideal future, and how education was the big game-changer for me. Everything I am and everything I do is because I had access to educational opportunities and resources that made me realize I could mean more and do more.

I then talked about how I got involved with Girl Up and how my country didn't have any Girl Up clubs. So I joined a Girl Up club in Brazil virtually because Brazilians also speak Portuguese. In my first meeting with those girls, they were talking about creating a law to make menstrual hygiene products free for low-income women. I was so impressed to see girls my age or close to it discussing such important topics. It was amazing and inspiring. I joined the club and became part of the movement, participating in the campaign to make menstrual hygiene products free for low-income women in Brazil.

Our proposed bill initially received a veto from Bolsonaro, who was the president of Brazil at the time. But we kept trying and pushing, and eventually, the bill passed, and menstrual dignity became law in Brazil. I cried a lot that day, realizing that girls in Brazil would now have access to menstrual hygiene products by law. I was so excited because I couldn't believe I was part of that process, even if just a tiny part. It involved many people, organizations, and politicians, but I felt empowered because I knew I had been part of the journey to pass a bill in another country. This experience showed me the power of collective action and the power of girls. I realized that I wasn't powerless just because I was a girl.

That exact moment made me realize I was ready to finally talk about politics in the Angolan context, not just in other countries. I was ready to surpass the boundaries I had set for myself. When I would tell my family members that I wanted to study political science, they would ask why and if I wanted to get killed. But I knew I wanted to make a difference for kids like me. I still want to work with educational policies in the future, ensuring that Angolan kids have access to the best educational opportunities.

I created my own Girl Up club, which was the first ever in my country. I decided I wanted to inspire people the same way other girls had inspired me to be passionate, intentional, and to have real aspirations. I wanted to show that they could be more than teenage mothers, more than what society and our system told them or led them to think they could be. I created my club with the purpose of democratizing educational opportunities for girls in my community and in Angola overall. I wanted them to know that they can dream of being whatever they want to be. This might sound cliché, but it's something I'm really passionate about and deeply connected to my purpose in life - bringing accessibility and opportunity to girls like me or girls who have the potential to be even better than me.

The first line of my Common App essay was: "For a while, my biggest aspiration in life after becoming an engineer was to not get pregnant before I turned 18. This may sound like a joke to many people, especially considering that to this day I have never even held hands with a boy or had my first kiss. Yet, it was an honest fear." From that paragraph, I proceeded to talk about how girls in my community tend to get pregnant very young, and how friends I grew up with already had kids, which was terrifying for me. In the last paragraph of my personal statement, after discussing Girl Up and my involvement with the campaign, I wrote: "As for me, I no longer aspire to become an engineer or to avoid teenage pregnancy. Instead, in the not-so-far future, I aspire to lead the country."

Putting It All Together

I started doing extracurriculars quite young. By 9th grade, I was already on the student council. I started with Girl Up very early, at 15, and became a teen advisor at 16. I also did Model UN and got into competitive debate. Starting everything very young and early was the hard part, as these activities take up your time. For my college application, as I mentioned, I was still in high school and it was very rushed. I was writing essays and submitting them on the same day. It was pure chaos. This is just my realistic experience because I didn't have time to prepare. I was having exams at my school and even thought I wouldn't get in because I was applying to top schools. I knew I had the stats, academics, and extracurriculars for it - I think my extracurriculars made my application shine through. But it was incredibly rushed.

As I said, my personal statement was my first draft, and I don't recommend anyone doing this. I really wanted to take a gap year, but my mom, being an African parent, wouldn't allow it because she believed I couldn't interrupt my studies. So I ended up having to apply in a very rushed manner. I'm not an example for people to follow in that regard, but I think what everyone should do is focus on the things they can control. My application, Common App, and essays were things I could do and control anytime - that's me, no one else can do it but me. But for the things that your counselor, teachers, or other recommenders have to do, get them to do that early. You need your counselors and teachers to do these things as soon as possible because you never know how long they're going to take.

Be intentional when you talk to them. My teachers didn't know what to write about or what they had to do. If you have to sit with them to explain what they need to write, how you want them to write it, or what traits of your personality or highlights you want them to showcase, that's what I would prioritize. Now that schools are not test-optional anymore, get rid of your SATs early, get rid of your English proficiency tests early, because those are things you can fully control. You can't control the test dates or when your teachers are going to write their recommendations. So get the things that are out of your control done first. Then everything that's your own responsibility and risk, that's what you have to do. You know what you have to do because it's your future.

Don't have your future in other people's hands. My teachers were delayed with my recommendations, submitting way past the deadline. I still don't know how I got in. You don't want to be dependent on anyone else but yourself in your application. So just get every single part of your application that isn't 100% you doing it out of your way as soon as possible. The essays, Common App, extracurriculars, and such - you've already been through that. The essay you're going to write is about your life and your experience. So that's you, and you just have to write about yourself.

It's hard sometimes to think of an idea, but just watch some YouTube videos, do some brainstorming. You'll get there, you'll get some inspiration. It's okay. Your extracurriculars are the same - you've already worked hard for years. So now it's just time to make it concise and fit into your Common App. These are the things you've already been through that you just need to write down. But for the external aspects of your application that don't depend on you, make sure that everything is ready on time. Then your only concerns are the things that you have to do. Because it's pretty hard when you have to write your essays and prepare your Common App, but you also have to worry about things that your teachers and counselors should be doing.

Tips!

Do not lie on your application. This is a crucial piece of advice because many people applying to college feel desperate, thinking they don't have enough achievements and want to embellish their applications. Don't do that. I didn't lie on my application, but if I had, I would have been in trouble. When I applied to Columbia University and received a likely letter, the admission officer called my school and the US embassy in my country to confirm my identity. They asked many questions about me. Sometimes, when an application sounds too good to be true, admission officers will verify everything. So don't think you can be sneaky and lie through the application process. You'll get caught sooner or later and face serious consequences.

My second piece of advice is to talk to people and don't be afraid to ask for help, especially if you're from a disadvantaged background or an international student with limited resources. I'm not saying you should ask about everything - if it's something you can Google or find on social media, do that first. But don't be afraid to reach out to people. Even before I got into an Ivy League school, I had made many Ivy League friends simply because I wasn't afraid to contact people. I would reach out to college YouTubers, TikTokers, or anyone who got into a prestigious college. I'd message them, try to schedule meetings, or just talk to them to get tips and experience. Try to be sociable in any program you participate in because networking really helps. As I mentioned, I did my application mostly with the help of one of my best friends who already attended an Ivy League school.

Don't be afraid to get in contact with people. You might worry that they'll judge you or mistreat you, but that's very rare. Most people who go to Ivy League or top schools, or any school you want to attend, will be thrilled to help you. So talk to people, do your research, and take advantage of the opportunities and resources available to you as an international student, especially if you come from a disadvantaged background. Seize every opportunity to learn and explore. Work hard. It won't be easy - it can be challenging economically, emotionally, and mentally - but keep going. You're not alone, and you've got this. Everyone can achieve amazing things regardless of where they end up.

Some more insight: When describing your extracurriculars in the Common App, not everything will fit, especially if you're a high achiever with many accomplishments. It was particularly challenging for me because my country doesn't offer many opportunities, so I had to do a lot of things virtually or with international organizations. But I would do everything again because even if I hadn't gotten into Yale, I would still be happy and fulfilled. I did things I genuinely liked and deeply enjoyed doing, which you should too.

To every current or future college applicant reading this: don't worry, you've got this!