Research, Community, and Bone Marrow Made Soren’s Caltech Application Stand Out

When you picture a Caltech admit, you might imagine a born genius in a lab coat. Soren Ghorai’s story shows something different and more relatable. He created his own opportunities by applying his niche knowledge to a real-world cause he was personally invested in. From cold-emailing his way into research labs to organizing nationwide bone marrow drives in South Asian communities, Soren’s journey is a masterclass in self-started impact. This case study should inspire readers to use academics to uplift communities and enact real progress. It shows how to turn small actions into lasting change, and how persistence, purpose, and a few bold emails can open the biggest doors.