Extracurriculars ~leadership~ that got me into 17 colleges!

[@bffchannel9860]

omg I saw you from middle ground! It’s my dream to go to an ivy thanks for this

[@CassandraHsiao]

you're welcome!! hope it helps!

[@鬼-j2j]

I WANT TO STUDY COLLEGE ABROAD BUT THERE'S NO AP COURSE IN OUR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL (THERE'S A SPECIAL SCIENCE CLASS WHERE THEY ARE TAUGHT ADVANCE SCIENCES) AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO TAKE. IM FROM THE PHILIPPINES AND INCOMING FRESHMAN IN HIGHSCHOOL (WELL IT'S CALLED JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL HERE IN THE PHIL. G7 - G10 JUNIOR HIGH AND G11-G12 SENIOR HIGH.

[@Surfing566]

@@鬼-j2j take the advances classes they will probably take the lack of AP classes or see if you can take them elsewhere at a nearby school

[@eashansahai]

Why would you want to go to an Ivy?

[@bffchannel9860]

Eashan Sahai I’m guessing prestige helps in getting a good job

[@kalebbradburn5298]

I just was chosen to represent my sophomore class for the HOBY leadership seminar!

[@CassandraHsiao]

Congratulations!!! Welcome to the HOBY family.

[@changchang7969]

Cassandra, thank you for taking the time to do these videos. I truly enjoy watching them. As you said that we should surround ourselves with aspiring leaders so we can learn from, you are the one that i would love getting to know. You have such a positive energy that I admire so much! Happy New Year!

[@CassandraHsiao]

Chang Chang Join my group here : facebook.com/groups/collegeboundcassandra/

[@joanaroxo789]

Honestly you’re such a gem and seem like an amazing person. It’s rare to see people that get into Ivies make videos like these, so I really appreciate it. A late congratulations

[@CassandraHsiao]

Join my group here : facebook.com/groups/collegeboundcassandra/

[@CassandraHsiao]

tyty for your kind words

[@nellieeess]

I would love to be the president of my school but I’m SUPER shy, socially awkward, have very few friends, and no one would vote for me because of that reason. It sucks because I want my voice to be heard but I feel like I’m drowning.

[@CassandraHsiao]

hey!! there are multiple ways of getting to college. you don't need to be president to be a leader. you can also be an introvert and get into amazing schools! watch this vid where my brother, an introvert, reacts to his college acceptances, and i break down the differences between us. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmKcpnZpjJyWrMk

[@nellieeess]

Cassandra Hsiao I watched the video and it’s almost refreshing to know that an introvert can still get into good schools like your brother. Thank you. I’m only 14 but I just have no idea what to do with my life. Your videos really help you have no idea. :D

[@CassandraHsiao]

When I was 11 years old, I met her and started my own food drive. www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3755340

[@CassandraHsiao]

you can start your own food Drive :- (here are some ideas to work on after this crisis) IDEAS THAT WORK: It all starts with “The Appointment”- planting a vision. What you say at your appointment never changes… It’s the same message every time. Make an appointment with your principal at lunchtime. (Take a friend if you want.) Tell him/her that you know a family that delivers food to orphans in Haiti, and you want your school to help. You can also try making an appointment with your Church Group Leader, Sports Coach, Club President, or any organization that you, a friend, or your family belongs to. DREAM on Halloween! Students, in full costume, asked for a canned food at each door while trick-or-treating. on Halloween (October 31 )!!! Neighborhood Canvas: Go around your own neighborhood and ask for canned food or cash. So what can YOU do to help keep the DREAM alive? All of the above? Or do you have a better idea that fits your situation?

[@kiaravaso9363]

you just described me

[@dhruvipanchamia3545]

Girl your skin is GLOWING

[@AmritaGopal]

HAMILTON AND BEN PLATT MENTIONED IN THIS VID IM SO HAPPY

[@allisonl3987]

LOVE your profile pic!!!

[@ajsabajramovic3961]

I aspire to be her when i grow up .

[@makennaedwards5861]

I did HOBY!!! I’m from Ohio and it was absolutely amazing. I wasn’t able to go to WLC, but I heard it was amazing.

[@suhanijoshi5076]

How old do you have to be (cause I'm in middle school)?

[@tennyd3046]

@@suhanijoshi5076 sophomore

[@rydercoonenstudentehs4705]

Wow! What a great video!! First of all, this was all so on point and really put together. I thoroughly enjoyed watching it, and I really appreciated everything you had to share. I’m a rising senior, and for the past 6 months of my life, the realization of the imminence of college finally hit. I’ve sacrificed weeks upon weeks of my life researching colleges, and especially college applications. I’ve reached a point now where I think I’ve crafted my general profile to be as authentic to myself as possible. For some context, 9th grade for me was fully online due to covid. On top of this, just before the start of freshman year, my special needs older brother, Dylan, developed chronic, severe seizures unlike anything we had seen in him before. Both my parents had to work to provide for my family, so I had to sacrifice my effort in school to tend for my brother’s needs. In simple terms, I really didn’t do well in 9th grade. We got my brother’s seizures under control in the middle of sophomore year, and afterwards, I was able to devote more of my time to schooling. I was able to raise my gpa from a 3.4 in freshman year, to a 4.03 w/ 3.76 uw as of the end of 11th grade. My 10-12 gpa is a 4.32 w / 3.92 uw to show how much 9th grade affects my gpa lol. This is something that has brought a lot of anxiety to me as far as college applications go, as it has always felt like I have needed to be at the top of my class to be competitive in college applications, whereas I’m currently ranked 90/465 students, not even close to the top 🤣. I started to devote my time to my extracurriculars, as I felt it was one of the only things I was able to highlight in my application, as my gpa wasn’t as strong as I wanted it to be. I have made some meaningful ecs that will take a long time to discuss so I’ll just write the spark notes version as a little bit of context lol: 1: DYLAN org (my nonprofit) (founder/president) - fundraising for special needs social events (which was inspired by my special needs brother) 2: wrote special needs children’s book 3: editor of my special needs magazine (side project of DYLAN org) 4: family responsibility- taking care of Dylan 5: pres/founder of school club (unified arts club for special needs kids at my school) 6: Vice Pres of pre-health club (collaborated with the special needs kids at our hs) 7: Epilepsy Foundation Volunteer work + did artwork and raised money 8: Social Media manager for my nonprofit (Facebook, Instagram, discord, KZbin,!website, etc…) 9: Acing Autism school club member 10: HB Art League member (my local art gallery) (More context: I’ve decided to guide my narrative towards advocacy of the special needs, as well as my interests in the arts, and I’ve tried to combine the two into a cohesive concentration. I’ll also submit an art supplement) Ofc, with all of this, I’ll be writing my personal statement about how I’ve grown from growing up with my special needs brother, as well as all of the amazing things it’s led me to do along side him. If you made it this far, I’d just like to thank you for sharing your journey. I remember watching your appearance on Jubilee, as well as your stats videos, which have all inspired me to do as well as I can in high school. Once again, thank you. This one really resonated with me. I hope you have a wonderful day! 😁

[@CassandraHsiao]

wow! what an incredible journey. you have drive! It's also awesome to see how much of what you do comes from a genuine place of care for your brother. keep it up! as you apply to schools, be sure to apply to a diverse range with reaches, matches, and safeties. sounds like it'll be a poignant comm app statement!

[@rydercoonenstudentehs4705]

@@CassandraHsiao Thank you very much for your kind reply! It was very considerate of you to read through it all hah! And yes, I will 100% be sure to balance out my reaches, matches, and safeties, and I can't wait to thank you for your help once I get into a school, regardless of where it is! Have a great one!

[@khwaahishshah6649]

Thank you so much for this video. It has been very helpful

[@CassandraHsiao]

thanks for watching!

[@annamortari2987]

you seem so nice to talk too! thank you so much for this series

[@CassandraHsiao]

thank you for watching!

[@katewexell]

This girl is so wonderful. Thank you for just being a genuinely good person and being honest about life.

[@wall345]

I'm a Mid FL HOBY Alum '19! That actually made me so happy!

[@ayeayeronmolay3699]

You have a reaction video of you getting accepted to all these colleges? That’s amazing!

[@CassandraHsiao]

i have reaction pictures haha of me facetiming my mom. maybe i'll incorporate it into my videos

[@ayeayeronmolay3699]

Cassandra Hsiao for sure would love to see that! How many people get accepted to all 17 schools they applied to? And all 8 ivies!!!!???

[@CassandraHsiao]

@@ayeayeronmolay3699 too bad i wasn't videoing at the time haha! the idea of a reaction video is strange and wonderful and weird at the same time lmao

[@ayeayeronmolay3699]

Cassandra Hsiao I hear ya! I know people have different feelings towards it haha but hey you worked hard! Time show it off! Again great job!!

[@niyatisharma7065]

Hi, I'm a big fan of your channel and your perosnality! I was hoping an you plz make a video going in depth on how to start an operation in highscool?

[@CassandraHsiao]

do you mean a club or an organization?

[@niyatisharma7065]

Cassandra Hsiao I was aiming toward an organization without the legal matters, was that how yours was? I want to start an operation that my highscool can help me with and be involved in too!

[@CassandraHsiao]

hmm so Operation DREAM was an already existing organization, and through my school I was able to establish my own clubs, and that process really depends on how your school handles extracurricular clubs

[@willpower4477]

thanks a lot from UZBEKISTAN.

[@dayanavenerdi1813]

YOU ARE LITERALLY SO SMART AND SWEET

[@CassandraHsiao]

[@anya-kq7gw]

God is miraculous and his light shines bright through you!

[@CassandraHsiao]

All Glory to God!!!!

[@Knowledge-uy5sq]

Omg I love the Politician. It’s what inspired my longing for Harvard

[@CassandraHsiao]

it is very thrilling!

[@Knowledge-uy5sq]

@@CassandraHsiao rewatching this video, thought I would say that season 2 is out lol

[@CassandraHsiao]

@@Knowledge-uy5sq I M SHOOK. fastest turnaround for a season 2 ever

[@ashleyman2733]

I REALLY want to do all these things in my community, but sometimes I feel bad because deep down I think I’m doing it just to look good on my resume. :( idk what to do

[@CassandraHsiao]

Starting with what you can contribute to your community, and beginning to listen to your heart, one step at a time!

[@thiagogregory1]

omg me too! but i guess all volunteering is good so I will do it anyway :(

[@aveenburney7463]

If we don't have as many stories as you (I'm in middle school) how can we develop these stories or start out with an extracurricular that will benefit us. Do you recommend any extracurriculars to look into? Also, how can I start being a leader? Sry for all the questions, I love ur videos so much, I'm applying to elite boarding schools in the Northeast and it is similar to the college process except its for highschool.

[@harshiaaa5041]

it’s my dream to go to columbia haha but i doubt i’ll get in, i’m a horrible test taker (anxiety oops) and i’m a freshman and i’m already stressing about college. did you always get straight A’s? i don’t think i’ll be able to get an A in geometry this year, most likely a B+ :/ please helppp

[@CassandraHsiao]

Watch his videos kzbin.info/aero/PL668AB35C6885A036

[@CassandraHsiao]

Don't worry. I got a B as well. To improve math skills, you need to focus on understanding the math concepts and work on as many practice problems as you can.

[@CassandraHsiao]

RSVP this event facebook.com/events/239370993882552/

[@angelahuang8011]

Cassandra Hsiao ahh thank you so much for that reply! i was stressing so hard over getting a final year grade B+ (im a sophomore) and thinking top colleges wouldnt accept me bc i dont have straight A/A- anymore

[@CassandraHsiao]

columbia vid! i reveal essays kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnOsZ4qKg8l4f9E

[@andreasakuraa]

me watching this with not enough extracurriculars but on lockdown for who knows how long: 👁👄👁

[@xysgsvvxvdv8315]

Beauty with Brain.....

[@sallyytsai]

I AM A HOBY WLC Alumni TOO!!! omg

[@CassandraHsiao]

we love to see it

[@thiagogregory1]

My shy ass could NEVER

[@rebeccahan8503]

hey Cassandra do you think having a KZbin channel would be beneficial in any way for applying to ivy leagues?? I hope you are staying safe during this time🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@CassandraHsiao]

hi! unless it's a major part of your life and who you are, it probably does not impact your application either way!

[@rebeccahan8503]

Cassandra Hsiao ohhh okay so if it shows something I’m passionate about, would it be good?

[@CassandraHsiao]

@@rebeccahan8503 Yes, go for it!

[@CassandraHsiao]

@@rebeccahan8503 RSVP this event facebook.com/events/239370993882552/

[@maxine6761]

hii so i’m currently a junior. I migrated to America just last year when it was already halfway through sophomore year and I came from a country that didn’t really care much about extracurriculars in admissions so I never focused on it :( The 1st semester is ending in a few weeks for me, is it already too late for me to do things that can “impress” colleges? :(

[@WoahAdri]

Maxine its never too late!:)

[@haozhechen2202]

Speech and debate is a good place to start!

[@CassandraHsiao]

absolutely not too late to pursue your passions!!! and remember what you do should not be done to "impress" colleges--they can see right through that

[@CassandraHsiao]

here is my new video with some advice about extracurriculars and passion kzbin.info/www/bejne/gam7oGOJrch-fLM

[@nidhireddy5100]

is it okay if i’ve only taken 2 years of a foreign langauage? i know most ivys want more ://

[@CassandraHsiao]

I think most selective colleges expect three years of the same foreign language. Google it.

[@nidhireddy5100]

Cassandra Hsiao i took my third year of foreign language online over the summer to make room for my classes, hopefully that’s acceptable 🤞🏽🤞🏽

[@yanavlall1308]

Hi Cassandra! First of all congratulations on that enormous feat! (Yale over Harvard🙃,must have been a particular reason?) What I wanted to know is that what does an applicant must have/do except for strong academics and SAT/AP scores in order to increase their probability of getting into Ivy League Schools. Also,if I’m not taking too much of your time,how does the scholarship system work in Ivy League colleges?

[@CassandraHsiao]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJCsdHeMdtVjqNU my stats video! just an example of stats that got me into college. Of course there are students with higher/lower scores who've gotten into ivy leagues, but there is ofc an average which i believe you can find on many of their websites. why i chose yale: admissions.yale.edu/bulldogs-blogs/cassandra/2019/04/16/why-i-chose-yale-coin-toss as for scholarships: all ivy leagues only give out FINANCIAL AID scholarships and NOT merit scholarships!

[@CassandraHsiao]

new vid series on life @ yale! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYTbfKiKgK-hnJY & kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHqvnYSpltqbb8U

[@kiaravaso9363]

Hi Cassandra, thanks a lot for making these type of videos to I find them genuinely very helpful and informative. I am still in high school in Australia but I want to attend college in America, since I am kind of new in Australia ( I moved here from Greece) I don’t really know any organizations that I can volunteer or help out with. I am wondering if there’s a way I can reach out to the ones that interest me for example helping with the environment or helping people who are in need of food etc. Also I have heard that some colleges require some kind of foreign language that is being taught at school, for example I had to do French in Grade Seven and Grade 8 for one semester only( one per year) what if you still don’t know how to speak that language not even well? Other than English I still speak Greek and Albanian fluently but that wasn’t taught at school I just know them cause my parents are Albanian and I was born and raised in greece meaning that im still practising my english but im getting better do they mind that? Im sorry with all these questions I would really appreciate if you replied to me😊.

[@CassandraHsiao]

here are some ideas to work on after this crisis IDEAS THAT WORK: It all starts with “The Appointment”- planting a vision. What you say at your appointment never changes… It’s the same message every time. Make an appointment with your principal at lunchtime. (Take a friend if you want.) Tell him/her that you know a family that delivers food to orphans in , and you want your school to help. You can also try making an appointment with your Church Group Leader, Sports Coach, Club President, or any organization that you, a friend, or your family belongs to. DREAM on Halloween! Students, in full costume, asked for a canned food at each door while trick-or-treating. on Halloween (October 31)!!! Neighborhood Canvas: Go around your own neighborhood and ask for canned food or cash. So what can YOU do to help keep the DREAM alive? All of the above? Or do you have a better idea that fits your situation?

[@CassandraHsiao]

The basic requirements for a college preparatory track in US are : Math - 3-4 years Science - 3-4 years English - 4 years Social Studies - 3-4 years Foreign language - 3-4 years and don't assume if you complete all course requirements will necessarily meet the admission standards of selective colleges. Find out what's required by the colleges you may apply.

[@kiaravaso9363]

Cassandra Hsiao Thanks for the reply and your advice When do you think I should start practicing for the SATs or ACTs? (I am in grade 9) and where do I complete these tests? Also how many essays are you (roughly) required to write for a college application?

[@dylanngo328]

Yay!!

[@JAYWLEE]

did you get a national merit scholar award?

[@CassandraHsiao]

JAYWLEE Yes, I did.

[@JAYWLEE]

Cassandra Hsiao thanks for the quick reply :) I recently took the sat as a freshman and got a 1370 is this a decent score?

[@CassandraHsiao]

@@JAYWLEE blog.prepscholar.com/sat-scores-for-colleges

[@sadiaobaidul7740]

I was wondering if you could explain the HOBY leadership program more? And did the program cost money ?

[@CassandraHsiao]

Find out more abt HOBY here : www.hoby.org/programs/state-leadership-seminars/

[@rebeccahan8503]

Hey Cassandra! I was wondering if you had an official leadership role in the organization or if you just lead it in your neighborhood, which is how you were a leader?

[@CassandraHsiao]

I just led it in my neighborhood but my effort was recognized by the President of the organization.

[@rebeccahan8503]

Cassandra Hsiao oh okay thanks so much!!

[@ellabartholomew9937]

My family and I have wanted to an organization similar to Operation Dream I was wondering if you had any tips on getting started. My family and I would greatly appreciate if you could help by sharing your experience when you were starting out with Operation Dream.

[@CassandraHsiao]

here are some ideas to work on after this crisis IDEAS THAT WORK: It all starts with “The Appointment”- planting a vision. What you say at your appointment never changes… It’s the same message every time. Make an appointment with your principal at lunchtime. (Take a friend if you want.) Tell him/her that you know a family that delivers food to orphans in Haiti, and you want your school to help. You can also try making an appointment with your Church Group Leader, Sports Coach, Club President, or any organization that you, a friend, or your family belongs to. DREAM on Halloween! Students, in full costume, asked for a canned food at each door while trick-or-treating. on Halloween (October 31)!!! Neighborhood Canvas: Go around your own neighborhood and ask for canned food or cash. So what can YOU do to help keep the DREAM alive? All of the above? Or do you have a better idea that fits your situation?

[@victoriar113]

No way.. it that Bright Hope or am i seeing things

[@CassandraHsiao]

use to go to Vineyard of Harvard Church! same building as bright hope

[@cherrylimeadelover]

do you think i have to do any sports to get into schools

[@CassandraHsiao]

nope!

[@varshapatibandla485]

When corona took over so you can't go to the hoby conference

[@CassandraHsiao]

aww man I'm so sorry! but that's so awesome you were chosen to go in the first place!

[@chilaka6930]

HAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAH YOU ARE HILARIOUS

[@samanthamahadeo6032]

What are you in university for?

[@meghakishore8136]

What was your age when you started the Operation Dream?

[@CassandraHsiao]

When I was 11 years old, I met her. www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3755340

[@meghakishore8136]

Cassandra Hsiao Ok thanks. Is it ok to start at 13 or 14 yrs old

[@CassandraHsiao]

@@meghakishore8136 Yes, you can start your own food Drive :- (here are some ideas to work on after this crisis) IDEAS THAT WORK: It all starts with “The Appointment”- planting a vision. What you say at your appointment never changes… It’s the same message every time. Make an appointment with your principal at lunchtime. (Take a friend if you want.) Tell him/her that you know a family that delivers food to orphans in Haiti, and you want your school to help. You can also try making an appointment with your Church Group Leader, Sports Coach, Club President, or any organization that you, a friend, or your family belongs to. DREAM on Halloween! Students, in full costume, asked for a canned food at each door while trick-or-treating. on Halloween (October 31)!!! Neighborhood Canvas: Go around your own neighborhood and ask for canned food or cash. So what can YOU do to help keep the DREAM alive? All of the above? Or do you have a better idea that fits your situation?

[@AigulKhausak]

Your mom is great woman.

[@CassandraHsiao]

Yes , she is. Thank you!

[@CassandraHsiao]

did a Q&A with her here if you want to give it a watch! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKCoqHWanbCib6M

[@hudas.957]

Do colleges care about Hoby?

[@CassandraHsiao]

Hi! I think it certainly adds value to my list of extracurriculars; I mentioned it in some of my essays too that asked what I spent my summers doing. It's a reputable and wonderful program for high schoolers that really does inspire/cultivate leadership

[@hudas.957]

@@CassandraHsiao Gotcha! Do you know any other programs/activities that can help someone stand out in their college applications?

[@thejackluo]

Yay congats

[@Nanami_X_Higurama]

Damn girl ya should do acting ,