Zach Yadegari, an 18-year-old high school senior from Rosslyn, New York, faced a surprising challenge in his college admissions journey. Despite founding a startup that generated $30 million in revenue in its first year, he was rejected by 15 out of the 18 colleges he applied to. Yadegari’s academic record was impressive, with a 4.0 GPA and a score of 34 on the ACT.
He also learned to code at seven and released his first app on the App Store when he was just 12 years old. His startup, Cal AI, developed an app that calculates the calories in a meal from a picture. The app has been a huge success, generating millions of dollars annually.
However, Yadegari’s entrepreneurial achievements were not enough to secure him a spot at elite institutions such as Stanford, MIT, Harvard, and Yale. Georgia Tech, the University of Miami, and the University of Texas ultimately accepted him.
Teen entrepreneur sparks admissions debate
Yadegari’s story, which he shared online, has sparked a debate about the value placed on entrepreneurial achievements in the college admissions process. Many argue that traditional achievement measures, such as volunteer work and academic performance, are often prioritized over innovative ventures. This approach may overlook talented individuals who could contribute uniquely to society.
Some admissions experts suggest that Yadegari’s personal statement may have influenced his rejections, emphasizing the importance of conveying achievements and the reasons for needing a college education. Despite the setbacks, Yadegari has decided to attend one of the schools that accepted him. However, he remains uncertain about completing a full four years, primarily intending to use the opportunity to build relationships.
Yadegari’s journey highlights the growing skepticism among young people about the value of a traditional college education, particularly for those with entrepreneurial ambitions. His story inspires and provokes thought about what constitutes true readiness for higher education and beyond.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash