Akshaj Satyawada

University of Pennsylvania • Computer Science • Class of 2025

GPA: 4.6

SAT: 1550

ACT: 34

4.6

Weighted GPA

1550

SAT

N/A

Class Rank

Key Activities

Congressional App Challenge

Founder and programmer of "Mind Matters" mental health app, coded app, pitched to tech companies, demonstrated numerical impact (15+ resources, 11 Fortune 500 companies pitched), won at national level

Summer Internship (Cleveland Clinic)

Worked in epilepsy lab, curated large dataset of intracranial electroencephalography data, paid internship with sub-10% acceptance rate, highlighted by admissions officer as standout activity

Research

Authored original research on AI-based dementia classification, aiming for publication in Journal of Emerging Investigators, utilized CNN model with reported accuracy and data points

Drumline and Percussion Captain

Served as section leader for 10 years, led band members and mentored percussionists, emphasized commitment over number of leadership roles

Research (Case Western)

Assisted with developing AI models for calcium score database during winter break

Temple Cultural Program

Volunteered and served as head sound producer for over 10 years, took on leadership roles

Science Olympiad

Served as captain, focused on building events, led team to state competition for first time in school history, organized fundraisers

Paid Work (Dietary Aid)

Worked for few months, found it negative experience but acknowledged value of work experience on applications

Social Media Content Creator

Created short-form basketball content for Instagram and YouTube, emphasized passion and personal interest over college admissions strategy

Effective Leadership Academy

Attended week-long program focused on workplace and student leadership skills, selected from large applicant pool

Additional Activities

Precinct Election Official, Rubik's Cube Speed Solver, Neighborhood Lawn Care Provider, Computer Vision Project Contributor, Breakthrough Junior Challenge Participant (top 10%), Key Club Member, IBM Quantum Computation Trainee, National Honor Society Member, Chess Club Member, French Club Leadership Committee (fundraising and membership growth), AMC 10 Participant

Scholarships & Awards Received

Rose Hullman Merit Scholarship

Congressional App Challenge National Winner

National Merit Commended Scholar (high PSAT score, narrowly missed semifinalist threshold)

United Nations Association National Community Impact Award (significant volunteer hours through Key Club)

Ohio Governor Merit Scholarship Award (top 5% of graduating class)

AP Scholar with Honor and Distinction (strong performance in AP courses)

Nortonson Academic Challenge Qualifier (regional academic quiz show)

Ohio Music Education Association District 4 Honors Band (musical proficiency)

Honorable Kyogre County Board of Election Certificate of Excellence (election official work)

OMA Marching Band and Concert Band Superior Ratings

Cleveland Clinic Youth Education Achievement Award

Effective Leadership Academy Award

Advanced Courses

Advanced Placement (AP)

AP Calculus ABScore: 5

AP StatisticsScore: 5

AP MicroeconomicsScore: 5

AP MacroeconomicsScore: 5

AP Computer Science PrinciplesScore: 5

AP Physics 1Score: N/A

AP Computer Science AScore: N/A

AP PsychologyScore: N/A

AP US HistoryScore: N/A

AP Calculus BCScore: N/A

AP BiologyScore: N/A

AP Physics 2Score: N/A

AP Language and CompositionScore: N/A

Other Advanced Courses

Advanced math courses starting in 7th grade, progressed to AP Calculus BC by 12th grade

13 AP exams total taken

Public high school in Northeast Ohio (not known for sending many students to Ivy League or T20 schools)

Essay Topics & Themes

Common App essay on older brother's disabilities and how it shaped responsibility, empathy, and patience

Small, consistent gestures of support like fixing headphones and zippers, tutoring, and teaching rhythms

Role as translator, advocate, and problem-solver for brother

How helping brother taught appreciation for unique abilities and perspectives

Writing about something "boring" or unique to applicant and shaping it into narrative that reveals values

Additional Acceptances

Intended Majors & Universities

Applied to programs focused on Computer Science and AI with emphasis on research, app development, and authentic personal narrative across various universities.

Rose Hullman Institute of Technology (Merit Scholarship)Ohio State UniversityUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignGeorgia Tech (Computer Science)University of WashingtonUCLAUC Berkeley

Notes on Application

Attended public high school in Northeast Ohio to stand out more than at highly competitive private institution

Got ahead in math starting in 7th grade to prepare for SAT, progressed to AP Calculus BC by 12th grade

Emphasized commitment over number of leadership roles (10 years in drumline)

Used "Additional Information" section to list activities that didn't fit in main section and explain scheduling conflicts

Focused on small, consistent gestures of support rather than typical achievements like internships or research

Used "show, don't tell" approach in essays, describing emotions and actions rather than simply stating them

Be vulnerable and avoid perfectionism; show imperfections and room for non-academic interests

Submit AP scores of 3 or above as they can still be beneficial for credit

Put yourself out there, put your mind to something, and lock in for about a year

YouTube Channel

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