Ivy Leagues may seem a distant dream to many, but that aspiration has become a reality for select students at South. With dedication
, strategic planning and authenticity, these students have successfully navigated the competitive college application process and secured spots at some of the nation’s prestigious institutions.
Christina Thomas, a proud South graduate, is now attending Harvard Law School. Inspired by a desire to help others, Thomas’s high school experience included honors and advanced placement classes, paired with a passion for creative writing. Thomas’s journey began well before her senior year, driven by a clear sense of purpose.
“I kind of knew what direction I wanted to go in back in middle school,” Thomas said. “I already decided I want to go into law. I want to help people, especially with the direction a lot of politics were heading into back in like 2016.”
Madison Duff, another South alumna, is presently thriving at Brown University, drawn to its open curriculum and diverse community. Reflecting on her high school years, Duff described a whirlwind of activity that showcased her ability to balance numerous commitments. Mastering time management proved crucial as she navigated a rigorous schedule that included basketball, track, and significant leadership roles in various clubs, demonstrating her well-roundedness and commitment.
“I was really busy—lots of sports and academics,” Duff said. “I did basketball all four years and I did track my junior year and senior year, volleyball freshman and sophomore year.”
To stand out among high-achieving applicants, Thomas emphasized that stellar grades are just the beginning. Building strong relationships with teachers and actively seeking opportunities beyond the classroom are equally important in the application process. A recommendation from her math teacher led to a pivotal summer program at the University of Michigan focused on racial issues, further solidifying her passion for public service law and providing valuable experience to highlight in her applications.
“The teachers know all the resources,” Thomas said. “They’re not just there to tell you what your homework is and how to fill the problems out. They’re also there and help you down that path.”
Initially considering the familiar surroundings of the University of Michigan, a visit to the East Coast shifted Duff’s perspective and opened her eyes to different academic environments. The unique atmosphere of Brown resonated with her aspirations for a more collaborative learning experience.
“I would definitely recommend visiting college campuses to just get a feel for the environment,” Duff said. “See if you can picture yourself there.”
Counselor Troy Glasser plays a vital role in guiding South students on the challenging journey toward highly selective colleges. He emphasizes the importance of staying authentic, especially when applying to competitive schools where the applicant pool is exceptionally strong.
“Most Ivy League schools only have a 4 percent acceptance rate,” Glasser said, highlighting the intense competition that stu
dents face.
Due to unique experiences and an authentic voice that resonated with Brown’s admissions committee, this highlights the importance of genuine self-expression in the application. Even though challenges will arise, he encourages students to be true to themselves in their applications, allowing their authentic personalities and passions to shine through.
“I always tell kids to just be genuine,” Glasser said. “Speak from the heart.”
As these South graduates prepare for their next chapters, their experiences impart valuable lessons for current students with similar aspirations. A commitment to academics, meaningful extracurricular involvement demon
strating leadership and passion, and an authentic self-image appear to be key factors in unlocking doors to these prestigious institutions.
“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, right? Collect the race of nowhere, because there are other fine institutions,” Glasser advised.
