Hello! I’m Mohamed “Soliman” Elhussiny from Cairo, Egypt. I graduated from STEM High School for Boys - 6th of October in 2020, and I’m currently a senior at Washington and Lee University. This is my journey! 

My Background 

During Grade 9, I set my sights on attending STEM High School for Boys - 6th of October, also known as Zewail’s School. I loved the idea of a boarding school filled with academically outstanding students. The school admitted the top 150 students in the Greater Cairo Region who excelled in Grade 9 and passed its rigorous entrance exam. After finishing Grade 9 as valedictorian, I spent the summer preparing for the exam and successfully secured my spot!

Why I Decided to Study Abroad 

My interest in studying abroad was sparked by my capstone project lead. He once told us, "If you think there’s a helicopter waiting to take you to the U.S. after high school, you’re mistaken. The students who study abroad are the hardest workers." His words marked the moment when I knew how the hierarchy works, and I decided to pursue high grades and a strong work ethic. Later, I saw two of my older classmates get accepted into Stanford and MIT, and I was captivated by the excitement and celebration of their achievements. That’s when I knew I wanted to take the same path. 

Why the U.S. as a Destination 

Honestly, I never considered studying anywhere other than the U.S. since it is where most VCs are at, and budling a successful startup is up there on the top 10 things I want to do in life. If I hadn’t been accepted into a U.S. college, my backup plan was to pursue a bachelor's degree in Egypt and then apply for a master’s and PhD in the U.S. The U.S. admission process was more familiar to me than any other country, and with many of my classmates applying to U.S. universities, I had a strong support network to help me along the way. 

Stats, Grades, and Test Scores 

I graduated high school with a perfect GPA of 4.0/4.0. For my college applications, I submitted an SAT score in the 99+ percentile and a TOEFL score of a 100/120. 

Why Washington and Lee University 

Washington and Lee University wasn’t my first choice, but it was the highest-ranked university to which I applied. I decided to give the US admissions a “test run” with only a few colleges thinking I would realistically apply in the following admissions cycle, but I got in with a full scholarship. I ended up going to Washington and Lee because it had a strong business undergrad program and I felt it would be the best move forward on the chess board.  

My Extracurricular Activities 

I’ve always been passionate about coding and development. In high school, I worked on several development projects, including a browser extension that summarized privacy policies (the ones no one ever reads). The app could detect potentially concerning policies. I also developed an app to help disabled individuals communicate instead of sign language.  

One of my proudest achievements during high school was being accepted into the LaunchX program at MIT, where I attended a fascinating summer session. It was a transformative experience that broadened my horizons.  

Common App Essay

My personal statement focused on my love for building and creating things. I dove deep into trying to understand why I enjoy constructing solutions and projects. This added a unique touch to my essay and helped me convey my passion for “building”.

Scholarship and Tuition 

I was accepted to Washington and Lee University with a full-ride scholarship, which covered all my financial needs 

Life at Washington and Lee University 

During my time at Washington and Lee University, I pursued a double major in Computer Science and Business Administration, a combination that allowed me to blend technical expertise with entrepreneurial insight. One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience was being part of the Williams School of Commerce, Economics, and Politics, where I had the opportunity to learn from both academic experts and seasoned professionals. The Business Administration program, led by industry veterans, provided hands-on experience in real-world business scenarios, while the Computer Science department nurtured my passion for coding and problem-solving.