Seniors Elton Aba and Yejoon Ham were recently accepted to Princeton University. Bearden is proud to recognize these two for their admission into the Ivy League.
Having two students from the same high school within East Tennessee accepted to a school of Ivy League prestige is incredibly unusual. For Ham, this scenario raised his angst above that of which he anticipated. Prior to his own acceptance, Aba had received his letter of admission through the QuestBridge program, as these decisions predate those of standard early action.
“I was asking Elton what schools he was applying to because I knew he was a QuestBridge finalist, and he said Princeton,” Ham said. “My heart dropped because that’s the same school I was applying to.”
Nonetheless, the two celebrated their shared accomplishment and look forward to potentially seeing each other on campus next fall.
Both students attribute their career interests to classes taken throughout their academic careers; particularly, classes within the STEMA academy. The students plan to major in fields adjacent to their studies within high school.
“I’m interested in cybersecurity, but I’m also curious about quantum finance,” Aba said.
Aba later related his experience in computer science and coding courses to his interest in the computer science field.
Ham has catered to his passion through a similar schedule to that of Aba, placing emphasis on mathematic and research-driven courses.
“I would really like the opportunity to research, and later work as a professor,” Ham said.
Known for their ability to support students in a multitude of regards, both students hope to utilize the extensive resources that Princeton has to offer.
“[Princeton] has so many opportunities,” Aba said. “If I want to research, study abroad, or do an internship, there are plenty of opportunities.”
Ham was accepted to Princeton early action, and he plans to make his final decision sometime this spring. He said he appreciates the opportunity the university will offer him and compliments the welcoming environment. Following his visit last summer, he quickly grew fond of the lively campus.
“All of the students there were very nice when I toured,” Ham said. “[Princeton] also offers a very generous financial aid package and networking system.”
Prior to their acceptance, Aba and Ham completed rigorous course loads and career-specific extracurricular activities. Job internships at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, robotics, and several STEM-related clubs highlighted their impressive resumes.
Both students understand the importance of a consistent presence in their field in order to display passion on college applications.
“I did an internship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, with a focus on cybersecurity for two summers,” Aba said. “Taking the most rigorous course load and participating in extracurriculars like cybersecurity club and robotics club helped my application stand out.”
Added Ham: “All of the extracurriculars I did, I did for at least 3 to 4 years. Consistency shows in your essays, and proves that the things you did is what you’re really passionate about.”
“Showing this really draws colleges in and says, ‘This is a genuine student who really cares about what he does.’”