USN Mentee Highlight: Angelina Yiep

Follow the inspiring journey of a first-generation student from Queens as she overcomes challenges, leans on mentorship, and crafts her authentic story to earn a spot at her dream school, NYU.

Danny Ye

1/15/20253 min read

From Queens to NYU: A Mentee’s Journey to Her Dream School

For many students, the college admissions process can feel like an uphill climb, fraught with challenges and uncertainties. For one first-generation Asian American student from Queens, New York, this journey culminated in acceptance to her dream school, New York University. Her story is a testament to perseverance, the power of mentorship, and the strength of authentic storytelling.

A Story Rooted in Sacrifice and Aspiration

Born and raised in Queens, she attended Bard High School Early College Queens (BHSECQ), a rigorous institution where students complete their high school curriculum in just two years before taking dual-enrollment college courses. By the time she graduated, she had earned both a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts. The unique structure of BHSECQ not only prepared her for college but also positioned her to potentially save time and money by transferring credits.

However, it wasn’t just her academic achievements that fueled her ambitions. Her parents’ story served as her greatest inspiration. “My mom came to the U.S. as a young refugee and had dreams of attending UCLA, but financial constraints kept her from pursuing higher education,” she shared. “My dad never had the chance to get an education and started working immediately. Their sacrifices motivate me to work hard and honor their dreams.”

Overcoming Hurdles on the Path to Success

Like many students, she faced challenges balancing a demanding senior-year course load with the time-intensive college application process. With Organic Chemistry, Calculus, and Advanced Chinese on her schedule, along with humanities courses requiring extensive reading, time management became a daily struggle.

“There were days when I had to sacrifice one task for another,” she recalled. “Whether it was preparing for an exam or working on my college essays, I had to make tough choices.” Social media added another layer of pressure. “It’s hard not to compare yourself to others when you see students posting their perfect test scores and leadership achievements,” she admitted. But through it all, she stayed focused on telling her own story.

The Transformative Role of Mentorship

Navigating the college admissions process was made smoother with the help of her mentor. “Having someone who’d gone through the same process was incredibly helpful,” she said. Her mentor’s advice to incorporate specific examples and numbers into her extracurricular descriptions proved invaluable. For instance, instead of merely listing her role as a swim instructor, she quantified her impact by noting how many students she had taught to swim independently.

When it came to her personal statement, her mentor’s insights were equally impactful. “She suggested reorganizing paragraphs to improve the flow and clarify my story. It made a huge difference,” she explained. The guidance she received helped her refine her narrative, ensuring her application stood out for its authenticity and depth.

A Moment of Triumph

The moment she received her acceptance to NYU was one of shock and elation. “Given the low acceptance rate, I didn’t have much hope,” she admitted. “It felt like a sign of a bright future and hope for my family and me.”

Reflecting on her journey, she offered advice to other students: “Focus on telling your own authentic story. Perfect grades and test scores are great, but your unique experiences and perspective are what truly set you apart.”

Looking Ahead

Now preparing to embark on her next chapter as a chemical engineering major, she is excited about the opportunities awaiting her at NYU. “I’m looking forward to the diverse student body and the Makerspace, where I can start projects related to advancing everyday chemical products,” she said.

She also hopes to pay it forward. “Just as I received guidance, I plan to mentor others who are navigating the admissions process,” she shared. “Whether they’re aiming for NYU or other schools, I want to help them succeed.”

A Journey of Growth, Discovery, and Passion

When asked to sum up her college application journey in three words, she chose “Growth, Discovery, Passion.” Her story is one of resilience and hope—a reminder that, with determination and the right support, dreams can become reality.