Name: Anya

Graduation Year: 2027

Middle School: Synapse School

Hometown: Oakland

Why did you choose College Prep? I chose College Prep because it is the type of school where everyone shows up every day, excited to be there. I wanted to go to a school where there are high academic standards and I would be inspired by peers who are working their hardest. That is exactly the environment at College Prep. At all the admission events, I was blown away by how excited the ambassadors were about their experience at CPS. It seemed like everyone really felt like a part of the community and they were confident that they could overcome any challenges.

What is the biggest difference between middle school and high school? I think one of the biggest differences is the motivation of those around me. Each one of my classmates has an intrinsic love of learning, and a curiosity to go deeper into subjects they are interested in. 

What advice would you give to eighth graders applying to high school? My advice to eighth graders would be to avoid putting a lot of pressure on yourself to get into one specific school. You will thrive no matter where you go, and every school has so many cool opportunities to explore. As you think about school options, focus on your interests and think about the type of school you would be excited to go to every day.

What is your favorite place on campus (and why)? My favorite place on campus is either the library or the gym deck. The library is a great place to visit during free periods to hang out with friends and work on homework. The gym deck is where most of my friends hang out during lunch. We usually chat and eat lunch on the gym deck and play volleyball in the gym afterwards.

Campus Involvement:

Debate: Even though I have been debating since first grade, I learned so many new skills from the debate team at College Prep. I’ve become much better at researching and making strong arguments, and I was able to bond with others on the team, especially during travel tournaments. Volleyball: It’s been an amazing experience because everyone on the varsity team is so supportive and fun to talk to, while also being hardworking and committed to volleyball. Partners Program: I mentor a middle school student during the school year program and in the Summer Academy. I love teaching others and I was able to form close relationships with students I would’ve never met otherwise. Science Brigade and Math Squad: I am a peer tutor for STEM classes at College Prep which has been a super fun experience because I get to help students develop their interest in areas that I am really passionate about. Club Involvement: I’m a member of several clubs (Feminist Union, South Asian Alliance, Baking Club, etc.) which have been fun opportunities to bond with people who have similar experiences or interests as me.

What has been your favorite class so far (and why)? It’s a tie between physics and Asian Worlds. I loved physics because I enjoy thinking deeply about problems and figuring out why things work the way they do. I loved Asian Worlds because my teacher made every single class engaging and really helped us think from a historian's perspective instead of just memorizing a series of events. Asian Worlds was probably my hardest class this year, but I think I became a much better writer by the end of it.

What is your favorite thing about College Prep? The teachers. They are so amazing and really want us to succeed. They challenge us but they are also always there to support us and meet with us outside of class.

1. I play all the New York Times games every day

2. I re-read my favorite books dozens of time

3. I have been to every continent in the world except Antarctica