Student Spotlight: Leily Rezvani, Stanford class of 2022.
The first time I took the ACT at HCC, I got a 25. After participating in the test prep camp, my score improved to a 31 because of HCC’s skills-based curriculum. I attended High Tech High North County from seventh to twelfth grade. Due to my high school’s emphasis on project-based learning and depth versus breadth, I lacked certain reading comprehension, on-demand essay writing, and math and science skills that are vital to performing well on standardized tests. During the test prep camp, HCC helped me develop skills that enabled me to not only become a better test-taker, but also to grow academically.
The first time I took the ACT at HCC, I got a 25. After participating in the test prep camp, my score improved to a 31 because of HCC’s skills-based curriculum.
The skills I learned at HCC are even transferrable to my extracurriculars, which are all writing intensive. Over the summer and during fall-extension, I learned how to write well under pressure, appeal to different audiences, productively manage my time on the Math and Science problems (especially on the ACT), and absorb information while reading at a fast pace. I was able to apply those skills when completing writing assignments during internships at NPR, the United Nations Association, and the University of San Diego.
I learned how to write well under pressure, appeal to different audiences, productively manage my time on the Math and Science problems (especially on the ACT), and absorb information while reading at a fast pace.
If students apply to UCs and private universities, the process will inevitably be very writing intensive. They will have to analyze prompts from various perspectives, write in a straightforward manner, and appeal to different audiences through literary devices such as ethos, pathos, and logos. While writing college essays, I found myself continuously referring back to the lessons I learned at HCC. Much like an essay on a standardized test, in a personal statement applicants must demonstrate why they deserve a place in the incoming class by stating a clear thesis, using strong evidence, and writing creatively while still being straightforward.
While writing college essays, I found myself continuously referring back to the lessons I learned at HCC.
Because of HCC, I was able to increase my ACT score, improve my academic performance, and develop skills crucial for the college application process.
Leily Rezvani recently graduated from High Tech High North County and is currently a student worker at HCC. Since eighth grade, she has been participating in HCC’s enrichment classes, SAT/ACT camps, and college application program. Leily will be starting her first year at Stanford University in the fall where she hopes to study Science, Technology, and Society or organizational psychology to prepare for a career in journalism.
