We are so excited to celebrate 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐦 𝐋𝐞 𝐇𝐚 𝐀𝐧, a senior at SPASH, who has been accepted to 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲! Ha An will major in Economics and Asia-Pacific Studies.
We are so excited to celebrate 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐦 𝐋𝐞 𝐇𝐚 𝐀𝐧, a senior at SPASH, who has been accepted to 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲! Ha An will major in Economics and Asia-Pacific Studies.
“Cornell caught my eye because of its strong academic programs,” she shared. “Then I found out about the Cornell Institute for China Economic Research, which is exactly what I was interested in. The more I looked into it, the more I discovered clubs, internships, and opportunities that truly excited me.”
However, her journey was not easy. “I started my applications pretty late, so everything felt rushed and stressful. I was trying to do so many things at once, from leading projects, taking AP classes, studying for exams, and participating in competitions, to writing essays,” she said. “The hardest part was my Personal Statement. I kept doubting my ideas weren’t good enough. Time passed, deadlines got closer, and that made me even more anxious. I struggled with writing in the middle of all those busy months.”
Despite the challenge, she pushed through. Her genuine passion for Economics helped her stand out. “Even though my extracurriculars weren’t extraordinary, I showed who I really was and what I cared about. I believe Cornell recognized that I wasn’t just a student with good grades, I was a real person with goals and interests.”
At St. Paul, Ha An found support in every way. “Our AP program helped make my foundation stronger, and I engaged in activities that had a real impact. The most significant support came from Mr. Gus, our counselor. He gave me the confidence to apply wherever I wanted, answered all my questions, and ensured that I never felt alone in the process.”
She also expressed gratitude to Mr.La Roi Laroi. “He encouraged me to join the Student Council, I was afraid of public speaking and being overly involved. If he hadn’t believed in me, I don’t think I would have grown as much or found the courage to take on new challenges.”
For Ha An, being accepted to Cornell represents more than just attending a prestigious university. “It means I can finally tell my mom that all her hard work paid off. She sacrificed so much for me, and I just want her to know it wasn’t for nothing.”
To younger students, her advice is: “Start early so you don’t feel overwhelmed later. But more than anything, just be yourself. Don’t try to impress people with big words or fake stories. Let your real passion and personality shine through. That’s what will make your application special.”
My experience at St Paul has been really good, from St Paul I’ve learned to be a better leader, more curious person, and just a very self-disciplined person. I’ve met a lot of fantastic friends and teachers and bonded with the community.
When I got accepted to Cornell I just immediately ran to my mom’s room and told her, “Mom mom I got in I got in!” We were just really happy and grateful that my efforts worked out.
The AP courses that I took were AP Economics AP calculus BC and AP Chemistry They prepare me for the rigor of the college courses that I’m going to take in the future.
My experience at St Paul has been really good, from St Paul I’ve learned to be a better leader, more curious person, and just a very self-disciplined person. I’ve met a lot of fantastic friends and teachers and bonded with the community. Mr Gus our high school counselor really supported me to apply to any university that I wanted He’s just a really comfortable person to talk to and always there for me.
For students who are planning to apply for Ivy League universities, I would advise them that they should just like be themselves and do what they are genuinely passionate about because it shows to colleges that you really are thinking of this in the future.
