Columbia University received 59,616 applications for the Fall 2025 intake, admitting only 2,557 students, with an overall acceptance rate of 4.29%. The competition is fierce! In this context, one applicant successfully broke through and secured an offer from Columbia University. Her success wasn’t a stroke of luck but the inevitable result of countless days and nights of quiet effort and relentless pursuit. Let’s dive into her research world and hear her share her invaluable experience—from the spark of interest to the coveted university acceptance!

Student Profile: G
High School: A High School in Beijing
Admission Offer: Columbia University

Here’s G's Story in Her Own Words:

How I Started with Youfang and Opened the Door to Research

When I first decided to pursue research, I had already considered my future career path, which was to become a researcher. Therefore, I chose to embark on research early on, partly to enhance my college application, and partly because I was eager to understand the research process and explore what scientific discovery is truly about.

My major is neuroscience, and I had previously studied for USABO/BBO-related courses at Hanlin. When I decided to dive into research, a teacher from Hanlin recommended Youfang, which became my introduction to this institution.

Before choosing Youfang, I had considered other background enhancement organizations. After a thorough comparison, I found that Youfang had the most complete service process. From precisely matching research projects to meticulously crafting background research and providing full follow-up support from mentors, every step was interconnected and orderly. This comprehensive service model made me confident that here, I would experience the greatest growth and learn the most. Therefore, I ultimately chose Youfang.

I chose to research degenerative diseases primarily because of my major in neuroscience and my strong interest in psychology. This led to a keen interest in brain diseases, especially degenerative diseases. Additionally, research in this area is relatively underexplored. Compared to other research fields like cancer or leukemia, the space for exploration is larger. I also believe this field is a fascinating intersection of psychology and pathology.

Different Projects, Different Research Experiences

In the vast expanse of scientific research, every exploration is a brave inquiry into the unknown, and each breakthrough is an elevation of self. Let’s dive into G’s world of research, where she faced cutting-edge challenges and dealt with experimental setbacks.

1. Navigating the Fog: Knowledge Barriers and Mentor Assistance

When I first entered the field of research, my understanding of biology and degenerative diseases was limited to simple textbook knowledge. While these books opened a small window into the mysteries of life, they could not satisfy my thirst for deeper exploration. So, I took the initiative to explore how these diseases develop, how they spread, and what changes occur in the body during their progression. However, when I turned my focus to the forefront of academic research in these diseases, I found myself lost. Where exactly are the research targets? What are the latest developments in the field?

I am especially grateful for my mentors at Youfang, who provided immense support. It was them who led me into the world of experimental research. They not only introduced me to the industry’s research hotspots but also analyzed the tough challenges faced by the ALS field and the drug treatment targets researchers are focusing on. This information inspired me greatly.

In addition to their guidance in disease research, my mentors also provided strong technical support in programming. Although I had learned many programming languages, I was encountering new challenges with R Studio and single-cell sequencing. My mentors patiently guided me through these challenges, step by step, until I was able to code independently.

2. ALS Research: A Rare and Challenging Topic

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects motor neurons. The disease is often considered incurable, with most patients passing away within 3 to 5 years of diagnosis. The lack of databases and the relatively small patient population for ALS research made it an underexplored topic. Many ALS researchers avoid it due to its low patient base, considering it not worth the effort.

To overcome these challenges, I utilized databases from other related diseases like multiple sclerosis, which shares many symptoms with ALS, to cross-reference and find potential drug targets for ALS reversal. By integrating various databases, I successfully made significant strides in ALS research.

3. Perseverance in Research Challenges

When I started the experiment, I used nematodes as the experimental subjects. Over several batches, I struggled with the dosage control of the drugs. Nematodes are tiny, and even small deviations in the dosage would result in significant deaths. Despite repeating the experiment multiple times, the results were unsatisfactory.

By the time I conducted the final batch of experiments, I was almost out of time. Yet, I persisted and believed in the potential of this research. Fortunately, during the last batch, two types of drugs or drug combinations successfully extended the nematode's lifespan, providing valuable data and confirming that this research had real merit.

4. Exploring the Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adolescent Brain Development

My second research project focused on the effect of childhood trauma on adolescent brain development. This project differed significantly in its programming approach and data visualization techniques from the ALS study. With my mentor's guidance, I found a new direction to explore, diving into areas that had not yet been sufficiently researched in this field.

G’s Research Journey: The Secret to Her Success

G’s research journey was filled with struggles and breakthroughs. She attributes her success not only to her passion for research but also to the support from her mentors at Youfang. According to G, the preparation for her presentations played a crucial role in her victory. Youfang mentors helped her practice answering difficult questions about her experiments, ensuring she was well-prepared for any challenge.

Although G did not win at ISEF, her experience proved invaluable in helping her win the STS award. She also emphasizes the importance of working with mentors who provide tailored guidance for different competitions.

What Was the Key to Her Success in College Applications?

When it came time to apply to universities, G faced a dilemma between neuroscience and classical studies. Ultimately, she decided to split her focus between both fields. After receiving the STS award, she immediately shared the news with the schools she was applying to, which she believes played a significant role in her success.

G also incorporated her initial frustration with ALS research into her application essays, a move that showcased her perseverance and determination in the face of challenges. She believes these qualities resonated with the admissions committee and contributed to her success.

Balancing Academics and Research: Two Essential Tips

1. Follow Your Passion: Choose fields that genuinely interest you and delve into them with sincerity and enthusiasm.
2. Plan Early: Start your research as early as possible. High school seniors who start research projects too late often find themselves overwhelmed.