Last week, on May 30, we were thrilled to welcome back Angela Chen, Class of 2023 and Island School alumna, now thriving at Duke University.
With offers from Northwestern, UC Berkeley, and others, Angela chose Duke for its perfect mix of
academic rigor and community. What stood out was her honest reflection on the work it took to get there. She emphasised the importance of starting early: tackling essays over the summer, staying on top of Year 13 grades, and balancing leadership with academics. Her younger sister Stella Chen (12D), who is now preparing her own applications and heading to SCAD’s Rising Star program this summer, is receiving the same advice.
Angela also discussed the current situation for international students in the U.S. She feels that tensions are rising and many developments are occurring; however, she has not felt a direct threat to her visa status. This has provided some relief to students who already hold offers and are heading to the U.S. this year.
Angela’s story isn’t just about getting into a top school. It’s about the grind, the strategy, and finding a place where you’ll grow. If you missed her talk, her slides are here.