Matthew Merril

Matthew Merril

Matthew didn’t follow the typical college application roadmap. No early decision. No dream school. No chasing prestige. Instead, he stayed true to what felt real. He wrote an essay structured in three acts—literally a script—about learning to accept himself beyond ego, perfection, or performance. And yeah, he knew it was a risk. But he also knew the right schools would get it. He leaned into content creation as his angle, even when it might’ve been easier to pick something more “academic.” His biggest lesson? Anything can be a standout topic if you’re honest, specific, and reflective. It wasn’t just that he made videos. It was what those videos taught him about people, identity, and creativity. And while classmates at his competitive D.C. high school were stressing rankings and name brands, Matthew focused on fit. He chose Cornell not because it was the “flashiest” option, but because it matched who he was and what he wanted: a place that values hospitality, leadership, and creative energy. Once he got there, he thrived—running clubs, leading teams, and doing exactly the things he said he’d do in his apps. Message Matthew if you’re a creative who wants to stand out without selling out, if you’re trying to cancel out the noise of college pressure culture, or if you just want to write the kind of essay no one else can. He’s proof you don’t need to chase prestige to end up exactly where you’re meant to be.