When I approached JL for a transfer, my GPA was around 2.3. However, with mentor Angela's assistance, I was admitted to NYU (New York University)! She told me that there are things more important than grades. Reflecting on the initial evaluation of my situation, she highlighted my transfer application strengths: completion of the IB program in high school, experience as a leader in the swim team, and a family business background. She assured me that by carefully packaging my application materials and choosing a business major, transferring to a good school would not be an issue.

However, just before the Christmas holidays, my freshman GPA was only "2.325", and my performance in business-related courses was teetering on the edge of failure. For someone whose goal was NYU, this transcript almost seemed like a declaration of my failure. (After all, NYU's average admission GPA is 3.6, and the application system could likely filter out a 2.325 GPA at the outset.)

I was truly disheartened and hopeless at that time, but the JL mentors did not give up on me and encouraged me to face the situation with a positive attitude. After continuously discussing possible plans and seeing my determination to break into my dream school, Angela helped me re-strategize my application based on my background.

First, the mentor tailored my background and extracurricular experiences to highlight my strengths, focusing on my achievements in the swim team, leadership abilities, and internship results in the family business. Next, starting from my internship background, she added descriptions of relevant academic experiences to illustrate my potential and adaptability within given constraints. The JL teachers even contacted NYU's swim coach directly to discuss my achievements in swimming and my determination to join NYU's swim team, showcasing my potential through my unique background.

Finally, through training from JL mentors, I could handle the school interview confidently, especially in optimally addressing my weak GPA. Also, JL teachers helped me secure multiple interviews with schools and swim teams throughout this process. At the end of March, I was surprised to receive an offer from my dream school, NYU!

I am deeply grateful to my mentor, Angela, for persisting in fighting for a slim hope even when I was about to give up on myself. This experience taught me never to give up until the very end. My heartfelt thanks go to all the JL mentors who assisted me!