My Background

Hi everyone! My name is Paige, and I’m excited to share the journey of my early acceptance to Northeastern University for the Class of 2029. I grew up in China and spent most of my life there before moving to Barcelona, Spain, in early 2023. This was a significant change as I transitioned midway through 10th grade, facing a huge cultural shift. I began attending the American School of Barcelona, an international school that opened up a world of new opportunities for me.

My Major

I’m going to be majoring in Health Science on a pre-med track at Northeastern. This major combines a broad range of subjects like biology, chemistry, and public health, providing a solid foundation for medical school. This major was the ideal choice as it covers all the prerequisites I need for medical school, allowing me to explore different facets of healthcare. I’m also considering adding a specialization in Psychology because the psychological factors of neuroscience are areas I’m also passionate about. 

Why Northeastern?

When it came time to choose a university, I was interested in universities in both the UK and the US. The UK offered a more focused path, as students only needed to take classes pertaining to their major, this was appealing as it meant that all my courses would be relevant to my future aspirations. Conversely, the US had a more holistic approach, meaning that students are expected to be well-rounded and study varying subject areas. After much deliberation, I found that I was more keen on studying in the US as the UK’s conditional offer system didn’t appeal to me. Conditional offers mean students must meet specific grade requirements, and failing to do so could result in losing their place. In contrast, U.S. universities like Northeastern provide more security, with most offers being non-conditional.

Northeastern stood out for several reasons. One of the biggest draws was their co-op program, which offers paid internships during the school year. Since I’m interested in healthcare and medicine, the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at some of Boston’s top hospitals like Boston Children’s Hospital and Mass General was too good to pass up. The location in Boston also played a role because it’s a hub for medical research and innovation. Plus, Northeastern’s global study programs promised a chance to continue exploring the world.

Accepted! 🎉

Applying to Northeastern was nerve-wracking but exciting. I submitted my application for Early Decision (ED), meaning it was my top choice, and if I got in, I was committed. When I received my acceptance letter, I was overjoyed! It felt like all the hard work had paid off, and I am so thrilled to start my journey in Health Sciences on a pre-med track.

My Stats and Extracurricular Activities

The IB program has been a significant part of my academic journey. My higher-level subjects were Chemistry, Biology, and Psychology, and my standard-level subjects were Math Analysis and Approaches, Spanish, and English. I also took the SAT but decided to apply test-optional because I believed my score didn’t fall into the competitive range for Northeastern.

As for extracurriculars, they played a significant role in my application. I participated in a medical mission to Peru through a partnership between my school and Michigan State University. This experience had a huge impact on me—I assisted doctors, translated for patients, and even had the opportunity to be involved in patient examination and lab work!

I also volunteered at a pediatric hospital in Barcelona, creating multilingual booklets to help international patients feel more at ease, and organizing a blood drive within my school community to help alleviate blood shortage issues in Catalonia.

Outside of medicine, I was involved in competitive swimming, basketball, and tutoring, which was a paid job. I also immersed myself in other activities my school had to offer such as Model United Nations, debate, and community service activities.

Essays

When writing my college essay, I focused on my experience moving from China to Spain, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture. I used a psychological model of acculturation to frame my story, connecting my personal experiences with concepts I learned in my psychology class. My essay was a reflection of who I am and what I’ve learned, and I think that’s what made it stand out. It was a chance to showcase my resilience and passion for healthcare, which I tied back to my future goals.

Time, Resources, and Scholarship

The application process was intense, but I managed it by starting early and staying organized. I was fortunate to have the support of my school counselor, who helped me during the process of applying to U.S. colleges. I also believe that researching independently about the university and attending their webinars were incredibly helpful. While Northeastern didn’t initially offer me a scholarship, I’m currently applying for one to help with tuition, as studying in the U.S. can be quite expensive.

Biggest Advice and Looking Forward

My biggest advice for future applicants is to be authentic in your essays. Don’t be afraid to show who you are and what makes you unique. The admissions team wants to see your personality shine through, so let your experiences and passions guide your writing. Start early, seek feedback, and stay true to yourself.

I’m beyond excited to start this new chapter at Northeastern. The thought of being in Boston, surrounded by top-tier hospitals and a vibrant city life, is so thrilling! I can’t wait to start my studies, participate in the co-op program, and meet new people. September can’t come soon enough!