From Cadet to Cornellian: How Olivia Engineered Her Application Journey

Olivia Jung’s path to Cornell shows how uncertainty, doubt, and even feeling like an outsider can become strengths in the college process. She didn’t know her exact major when she applied, couldn’t afford to visit campus, and often felt out of place as the only girl in her JROTC program. But instead of seeing those as weaknesses, she used them to shape a story of flexibility, resilience, and leadership that stood out to admissions officers. Her journey reminds students that you don’t need everything figured out to aim high — what matters is how you frame your experiences, take risks, and turn difference into distinction.