From Scattered Excellence to Strategic Focus
How Crimson Transformed Paige's Multifaceted Talents into Northwestern Success
Paige G.
Accepted to
Northwestern University
Exceptional Talent in Search of Narrative
The Starting Point
Accepted to
Northwestern University
Target Field
Mathematical Modeling of Social Science
Academics
- 3.94 / 4.0 Unweighted GPA
- 35 ACT
- 1550 SAT
Activities
- Athletics / Swimming
- Social Justice
- Neuroscience / Health Care
- Peer Tutor
Location
Texas, USA
Future Plans
Finance & Artificial Intelligence Design
From Scattered Excellence to Strategic Focus
How Crimson Transformed Paige's Multifaceted Talents into Northwestern Success
Paige G.
Accepted to
Northwestern University
Target Field
Mathematical Modeling of Social Science
Academics
- 3.94 / 4.0 Unweighted GPA
- 35 ACT
- 1550 SAT
Activities
- Athletics / Swimming
- Social Justice
- Neuroscience / Health Care
- Peer Tutor
Location
Texas, USA
Future Plans
Finance & Artificial Intelligence Design
Exceptional Talent in Search of Narrative
The Starting Point
How Crimson Helped
Crafting the "Empathetic Innovator" Identity
Crimson's approach centered on patient relationship-building to unlock Paige's authentic voice rather than imposing artificial narratives. The transformation required extraordinary sensitivity, as April noted: "She's always been to me like a very sensitive child... Her empathy is not very outward because she's extremely introverted... But her way that she would go about solutions is never about, 'How are you feeling?' It's actually doing something."
Academics at a glance
Crimson’s approach was not to reinvent Paige, but to help her discover, articulate, and strategically present her authentic self. Crimson's mentors identified a core narrative that connected her diverse pursuits: The "Empathetic Innovator: Forging Connections in Mind, Health, and Heritage." This positioning powerfully linked her fascination with cognitive science, her drive to improve well-being through mental health research and philanthropy, and her deep connection to her Ukrainian roots.
5
Biology
5
Calculus AB
4
Psychology
4
Chemistry
3
US Government
Calculus BC
Statistics
Computer Science A
Economics (Micro & Macro)
36
English
35
Math
36
Reading
33
Science
760
Reading and Writing
790
Math
Extracurriculars Amplified
Crimson's approach centered on patient relationship-building to unlock Paige's authentic voice rather than imposing artificial narratives. The transformation required extraordinary sensitivity, as April noted: "She's always been to me like a very sensitive child... Her empathy is not very outward because she's extremely introverted... But her way that she would go about solutions is never about, 'How are you feeling?' It's actually doing something."
Top Highlights
Crimson helped Paige showcase her achievements with clarity and strategy—highlighting her Rising Scientist Award nomination, National Latin Exam distinctions, National Merit recognition, and AP Scholar with Distinction honors. These awards, combined with international athletic medals and published academic work, strengthened a profile that stood out to Northwestern.
Rising Scientist Award Nomination
International Artistic Swimming Medals
National Merit Commended Scholar
Profile Transformation
From Passion to Purpose
Before Crimson, Paige had strong academics and a passion for artistic swimming, but no clear direction. With expert support, she built a standout, purpose-driven application that earned her a spot at Northwestern. Here's how she got there.
Before
After
Strong in school and swimming but lacked a clear academic focus or unifying story for applications
Profile & Narrative
Strong in school and swimming but lacked a clear academic focus or unifying story for applications
Crimson helped her build a cohesive narrative around math, economics, and mental health
No clear plan for where or how to apply; unsure what schools aligned with her evolving interests.
Strategy & School Fit
No clear plan for where or how to apply; unsure what schools aligned with her evolving interests.
Targeted Northwestern’s interdisciplinary major and applied ED with a well-matched application.
Didn’t know how to reflect her strengths or story in a compelling personal statement or supplements
Essays
Didn’t know how to reflect her strengths or story in a compelling personal statement or supplements
Essay mentor guided bold, reflective essays that showcased identity, growth, and intellectual goals
Focused on artistic swimming with few academic or leadership-based activities outside of the pool
Extracurriculars
Focused on artistic swimming with few academic or leadership-based activities outside of the pool
Launched a nonprofit, tutored globally, attended top summer programs, and built a focused EC list
Had interest in mental health but no research experience or project to support her academic goals
Research Experience
Had interest in mental health but no research experience or project to support her academic goals
Designed and submitted a research study on anxiety in athletes
“My sister and I were on FaceTime with my mom when I opened my decision. I wish that I had recorded it. My mom was watching and said that I had an honest surprised face with hands over my mouth and then burst into tears. My sister hugged me. I felt as though all my hard work had finally paid off.”
Paige was accepted to Northwestern University Early Decision in Fall 2024 to study Mathematical Modeling of Social Science with added majors in Economics and Cognitive Science.
Results
How Paige Won Northwestern's Heart
Columbia saw in Derek exactly what they look for in their best students - genuine political passion backed by real action.
01
An Interdisciplinary Powerhouse
Her goal to study Cognitive Science and Economics, paired with the elite MMSS program, aligned perfectly with Northwestern’s offerings. Her outstanding academic record underscored her preparedness for the college's rigorous and demanding curriculum.
02
A Proactive Researcher and Innovator
Paige’s research on anxiety in artistic swimmers, plus her “Opi-O-Scope” prototype, showed exceptional initiative in neuroscience and health, reflecting rare undergraduate-level curiosity, innovation, and commitment to solving real-world problems.
03
Genuine Northwestern Fit
She demonstrated a nuanced understanding of Northwestern – from its fast-paced quarter system and specific research programs to its campus culture – making a convincing case for why she was a perfect match.
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