Samantha came to HelloCollege with a passion for aerospace engineering but limited access to the specialized experiences top STEM programs want to see on an application. With our guidance, she sought out engineering camps, worked in college labs, and published a research paper, building an application that earned her Early Decision admission to the University of Michigan’s Aerospace Engineering program.
University of Michigan
College Counselor
Samantha has a unique combination of skills that made her a stronger candidate across the board. Her achievement, leadership, and drive to create something she was passionate about helped her stand out to schools.
Location: Illinois
GPA/Class Rank:
Test Score: SAT - 99th percentile
Major: Aerospace Engineering
President, Engineering Club
Rocketry Research
Peer Tutor
Competitive Dancer, National Champion
Before HelloCollege, Samantha knew she wanted to pursue aerospace engineering. While she had strong grades, 99th percentile test scores, and a passion for science, there weren’t many aerospace-related opportunities available nearby. And because aerospace engineering is such a specialized and competitive field, she wanted to build the relevant experience colleges like to see in STEM applicants.
Working with HelloCollege helped Samantha connect her interests with real-world experiences.
Working with her counselor Don Keller, she identified aerospace-focused summer programs and engineering camps in her region. Through these opportunities, Samantha gained hands-on engineering experience, worked in college laboratories, and connected with working professionals.
Don also coached her to develop her interests closer to home. With his guidance, Samantha started an engineering club at her school and pursued leadership opportunities that strengthened both her resume and her confidence.
Samantha worked with essay coach Josh to develop her personal statement and University of Michigan supplemental essays. Together, they used her engineering camp experience, leadership opportunities, and her rocketry research to showcase her as an ambitious learner with a genuine passion for space exploration.
Samantha believes the time spent on her essays played a major role in helping her stand out in a highly competitive applicant pool.
Samantha earned an Early Decision admission to the University of Michigan’s Aerospace Engineering program and was accepted to nearly every other college on her list.
Looking back, she says HelloCollege helped her discover opportunities she never would have found on her own and gave her the edge she needed to succeed.
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