Alyssa Darland
UC San Diego • Media Industries and Communications • Class of 2025
Key Activities
YouTube/TikTok/Instagram Social Media Creator
Created video content since age 13, filming, editing, and growing significant online following with brand collaborations (Apple, Hollister, Sephora, Walmart)
Yearbook Editor
Leadership role in school publications
National Honor Society Publicity Officer
Leadership position in NHS
Link Crew Public Relations Commissioner
Helped freshmen transition into high school, inspired by personal experience
Quizlet Top Creator
Educational content creation
Work Experience
Notability, Apple, Bonfire, Louisa - Earnings saved, invested, or used for business investments
Entrepreneurship
Started with Etsy slime shop, then developed YouTube channel and Depop side business promoting sustainable shopping
Volunteer Work
CSF (California Scholarship Federation)
Bullet Journaling
Personal organization and creativity
Movie Club
Extracurricular involvement
Scholarships & Awards Received
Advanced Courses
Advanced Placement (AP)
Essay Topics & Themes
Prompt 1 (Creativity): Focused on expressing creativity through video content creation on YouTube since age 13, detailing the process of filming, editing, and growing a significant online following
Prompt 2 (Talent/Skill): Highlighted entrepreneurship, starting with Etsy slime shop, then developing YouTube channel with brand collaborations (Apple, Hollister, Sephora, Walmart), and Depop side business promoting sustainable shopping
Prompt 3 (Making Community Better): Described experience of being Link Crew leader, helping freshmen transition into high school, inspired by similar experience they had
Prompt 4 (Strong Candidate for UC): Discussed overcoming challenges after moving to California, adapting to new curriculum, and using pandemic to start YouTube channel. Emphasized cultural diversity, individuality, and commitment to public impact and inclusivity
Additional Acceptances
Intended Majors & Universities
Applied to programs focused on Media Industries and Communications with focus on entrepreneurship and social media creation across various universities.
Notes on Application
Be genuine - colleges want to know the real you, not just your achievements
Do not feel obligated to fill all 20 activity slots; focus on meaningful activities and include unique hobbies beyond standard volunteering and awards
Avoid comparison - do not compare your application to others; your voice and experiences are unique
Focus on how your experiences have affected you and how you can apply those lessons - UCs value public impact
Start early - begin brainstorming and drafting essays during the summer before applications are due, aim to start writing essays 3-4 weeks in advance
Draft freely - ignore word limits during initial drafting phase and cut down later
Apply broadly - apply to a variety of schools (safeties, dream schools, etc.) as admission is not guaranteed even with strong stats
Understand that other factors influence admissions, and it's important to put your best foot forward while managing expectations
YouTube Channel
Alyssa Darland
YouTube Channel
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