Brandon Liu
Extracurricular Programs
Emily Li*, a third-year high school student from Shenzhen, China, came to Whitethorn Essays with a deep passion for literature, philosophy, and creative writing. Seeking to explore her intellectual interests beyond the classroom, Emily applied to several highly selective summer enrichment programs in the arts and humanities in the United States.
Academic Background
Emily had a strong academic foundation in the humanities:
• She excelled in Chinese and English literature courses.
• She had won school-wide essay competitions and contributed regularly to her school’s literary magazine.
• Her interests extended to Western philosophy and comparative cultural studies.
Challenges Faced
While Emily was a talented writer, she faced several hurdles in crafting her application essays:
• Difficulty striking a balance between academic seriousness and personal expression.
• Limited familiarity with the tone and style expected in U.S. personal statements.
• Tendency to focus on abstract ideas rather than concrete experiences or reflections.
Whitethorn’s Approach
The Whitethorn editorial team guided Emily through a process of discovery and refinement:
• Encouraged her to ground her intellectual passions in real-life experiences, such as classroom debates, personal reading, and volunteer work at a local library.
• Helped her develop a clear, authentic narrative voice that reflected her maturity and love of inquiry.
• Structured her essays to align with the missions of individual programs, emphasizing curiosity, self-awareness, and cross-cultural thinking.
Outcomes and Acceptances
Emily was accepted into several prestigious summer humanities programs, including:
• Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes (Literature & Philosophy Track)
• Columbia University’s Summer Immersion Program in the Humanities
• University of Chicago Summer Session – Human Rights and World Literature Seminar
Final Decision
After careful consideration, Emily chose to attend the University of Chicago Summer Session, where she immersed herself in challenging discussions on justice, global ethics, and literary expression.
Conclusion
Emily’s experience with Whitethorn reflects the power of thoughtful mentorship and collaborative writing support. Her success illustrates how international students can present their ideas and identities with clarity and confidence—even across cultures.