How Ramen Got a Student Admitted to a Hidden Ivy League School
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Apparently you don’t need to run an underground casino, hitch hike around the world, or feed starving children in Africa to get into a very prestigious school. A Chinese high school student’s essay on instant ramen has earned him a slot of one of the “Hidden Ivys“ that is University of Rochester.
What is a Hidden Ivy?
A hidden ivy university is an institution of higher education that is not as well-known as the Ivy League schools, but which nonetheless provides quality education. These institutions are often small, private colleges that offer a more intimate learning environment.
They may also be located in less populated areas, which can make them harder to find. However, hidden ivy universities offer students the same opportunities for academic and professional success as their more prestigious counterparts. In fact, many hidden ivy schools are just as competitive when it comes to admissions, financial aid, and job placement.
How did Ramen Get a Student Admission to a Hidden Ivy School?
Wang, a student at Fuzhou No. 1 Middle School, is a devoted instant noodle lover. He never imagined that his love for noodles would help him get accepted to the University of Rochester in the United States. After stating his enthusiasm for instant noodles in his university application essay, he was accepted.
Wang posted a picture of his admission letter on Sina Weibo, which read in part: "The counselors recommended that you be admitted in part after reading about your enthusiasm for ramen noodles. The committee and I are confident you will both stand out and grow stronger as part of the Rochester family."
Wang stated that he has enjoyed consuming instant noodles since he was younger, and his interest in the food began when he tried a local-brand noodle from Singapore.
"I tried the noodles during my trip to the country, and my world changed the moment I ate it," Wang stated.
Wang is a ramen noodle fanatic, and he's tried flavors from all over Asia, from Master Kong in Taiwan to Nissin in Japan.
An education expert explained that many prominent universities in the US and around the world have a long tradition of focusing on their students' personalities and not just on academics. Wang's special hobby brought a sense of novelty to the admissions officer at the school.
Well, one thing’s for sure, he’s going to be eating a lot more of those instant ramen packs when he’s in the dorms.
