Overcoming Struggles at Harvard

High School Achievements

• Eighth out of 1,100 seniors
• Member of math team for 2 years
• Played lacrosse, helped win 1st and 2nd place
• Orchestra concertmaster and student vice president
• Personal awards in Science Olympiad

Applying to Harvard

• Applied via common application
• No high expectations initially
• Got accepted, visited during pre-freshman weekend
• Decided to attend, Class of 2010
• Honest Harvard interview: A way to thank parents for better education

First Impressions and Challenges

• Initial excitement but struggled academically
• First semester: C+ (first C+ ever)
• Competed with top students from around the world
• Constantly invited to dean's office for struggling students

Academic Expectations at Harvard

• Harvard students usually top performers in high school
• Tough transition to not being the top
• Extracurricular competition intense
• Balancing academics, social life, and sleep is challenging

Pressure from Expectations

• Constant pressure to succeed academically and in job market
• Seeing peers succeed adds to stress
• Daily updates to parents on job hunt

Coping with Stress and Depression

• Difficulty admitting struggles and seeking help
• Overwhelming stress acknowledged by the majority
• Example of a tragic incident: roommate's suicide
• Thoughts of running away and fearing embarrassment
• Overall gaining perseverance, confidence, passion, and stress management

Reflection and Lessons Learned

• Experience at Harvard was difficult but valuable
• Three important lessons:
  1. Dream schools: Expect them to be challenging; success is not guaranteed
  2. School fit: Better to excel at a school that matches your ability
  3. Stress and Struggles: Recognize and accept them; it's okay to ask for help
• Success isn't defined by college admission but by mentality and continuous effort