From Lahore to the Ivy League: A Conversation with a Stanford and Columbia Admit
When I first came across her profile through Gemini’s posts, I was struck by a sense of pride I couldn’t quite put into words. A girl from my own city had made it to Stanford — and not just that, she recently secured admission to Columbia as well, both with full funding. As someone about to begin my IBDP, and a former head girl at LACAS Burki, meeting her felt like meeting a living, breathing example of possibility.
We sat down to talk about her journey — one marked by academic excellence, athletic achievements, and an ability to embrace the grind without losing sight of the joy in it.
“I learned to enjoy every single bit of it.”
When asked how it felt to receive offers from two of the most selective universities in the world, she admitted words didn’t do justice to the moment.
“It was a long journey, and it was hard,” she said. “But I think what got me through was enjoying every bit of it — the all-nighters for college apps, competitions, studying for CIEs. Learning to enjoy even the toughest parts made it possible to keep going.”
Her dream school from the start was Stanford, a choice influenced by her lifelong passion for sports. Having played football and basketball at a national level, she was impressed by Stanford’s world-class athletic programs alongside its standing as the second-best university in the world for engineering.
Initially, the dream seemed impossible — she was a full-aid international applicant without U.S. citizenship, the demographic with the lowest acceptance rate. But winning the RISE Scholarship, a highly selective global program partnered with universities like Stanford, gave her an edge.
The RISE advantage — and its final chapter
RISE’s impact was far-reaching.
“For me, it meant I could apply to full-pay schools like Columbia without worrying about aid,” she explained.
Unfortunately, last year marked the program’s final cohort. Over its four-year run, only three to four Pakistanis were selected in total.
“It’s bittersweet, because it’s life-changing.”
Beyond grades: The complete application
Her academic record was formidable — O Levels: seven A*s and five As, A Levels: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Sociology — but she is quick to point out that numbers alone don’t win Ivy League spots.
Hania was also the founder of @girlswhobuild.pk. Her initiative allowed her to give back to her community. She held seminars for young girls in underprivileged communities of grades 6-8 for developing coding skills; soemthing that isnt otherwise popularly taught in public schools in Pakistan or is encouraged for girls to learn.
Strong, personal recommendation letters — including one from her long-time football coach — and guidance from counselors and seniors further strengthened her application.
Myths, mindsets, and meaningful impact
One misconception she wants to debunk is the idea that you must be an “all-rounder” in the traditional sense.
“Universities don’t count how many things you’ve done — they look for the impact you’ve created. You can be great at two or three things and still be a strong applicant if you’ve made a difference through them.”
She also warns against making Ivy League admission the center of your universe.
“As a Pakistani full-aid applicant, your chances are the lowest. Luck plays a role. There are many other incredible universities that can offer you just as much. Be realistic while still dreaming big.”
The essays and the final polish
Her essays tied her story together — blending sports anecdotes, academic achievements, and personal growth into a cohesive narrative. She stresses the importance of making your application reflect who you are.
“Many students do great things but don’t know how to put them on paper. That’s why guidance matters. At the end, read your entire application and ask — does this show who I am?”
Advice for aspiring applicants
Her closing advice to students hoping to follow in her footsteps is clear:
“Don’t do things just for your application. Follow what excites you, what challenges you, what leaves an impact. And don’t lose yourself to the process — enjoy it. That’s the only way you’ll have the stamina to see it through.”
Her story is a reminder that while acceptance letters are rare, the combination of talent, persistence, and authenticity can turn even the most improbable dreams into reality. And for students like me, watching someone from my own city do it doesn’t just inspire — it makes the dream feel closer.
