How this student matched into Duke University

Duke University is incomplete. Though it has the sports, the academics, the prestige, and the late-night walks through the Chapel shadows that make Duke, Duke, it’s missing a special someone that will make waves in the campus. That special someone, however, is one of our most driven seniors: Berrica Jor. She grew up in a low-income, first-generation background and applied to Duke through the Questbridge scholars program, and we wanted to interview her unique application journey.

What’s your major and your interests/ future career aspirations?

Berrica is undecided, but she is largely interested in medicine, biology, or global health. She hopes to become a physician's assistant or doctor. She plans to attend medical school after she graduates from college.

How did you form your college list?

Berrica formed her college list based on prestige and how it pertains to her future career. She particularly looked at how the college is ranked in pre-medical circles.

Do you have any advice on forming a college list?

Berrica advised knowing which fit factors are the most important to you. For her, she valued location the most.

What do you look for in a college? 

Berrica values a college that is prestigious and in a good location.

What extracurriculars do you plan to do at Duke?

Berrica plans to do hospital volunteering, shadowing, and be involved in Asian cultural clubs.

What was your unweighted GPA?

Her unweighted GPA was a 3.98

How many AP Classes did you take, and what were your scores?

AP World History (4), AP English Language (5), AP Computer Science Principles (4), AP United States History (4), and AP Chemistry (4).

Any advice on AP Classes?

Berrica emphasized the importance of fully understanding the FRQ scoring rubric for all AP Classes.

Did you take any dual enrollment classes at KSJC or at a community college?

Berrica took Psychology 101 at Evergreen Community College, where she received an A.

What were your main extracurriculars, and how much time did you spend on them?

Berrica had 3 main extracurriculars:

The Stanford Institutes of Medical Research program (SIMR)(40 hours/ week):

Berrica was a research intern in the SIMR program. Under the guidance of her lab mentors, she used stem cells to bioengineer a heart and created a poster detailing her results.

Interact 5170 (6 hours/ week):

Berrica worked as the area 6 director, where she managed numerous interact clubs in numerous schools. She formed events throughout the year and created international-level events. She was also able to raise 600 care kits for unhoused populations and initiated a campaign that prevented children from stunting in underdeveloped countries.

Asian Pacific Islander Association (APIA) club (3 hours/ week):

As president, she helped create numerous fundraisers and managed club meetings. Under her leadership, she organized our school’s Lunar New Year event as well as led the fan dance troupe.

How have those extracurriculars influenced your future aspirations?

For interaction and APIA, she developed her love for community service. When she joined the SIMR program, it developed her interest in medicine and medical research.

How did you rank your extracurriculars?

For her three main extracurriculars: 

1. SIMR

2. Interact

3. APIA

Do you have any advice on your extracurriculars?

Berrica recommended to have fun in your extracurriculars and apply yourself in them; be the best you can.

What did you write your essay about and why?

She wrote about the love-hate relationship with the color pink and how she overcame sexism she encountered within her life.

Here is a quote from her essay:

How much time did you spend on your essays?

Berrica spent 3 hours a day.

Do you have any advice for writing your essays?

Berrica said to have a clear goal on what you want to write about and make sure that your topic demonstrates the impact you’ve curated.

Who were your letter of recommenders and why?

Berrica asked Dr. Albert and Mr. A.

With Dr. Albert, Berrica could demonstrate her impact and leadership within Interact and APIA.

With Mr. A, Berrica could demonstrate her academic achievements and show her academically driven nature.

Do you have any advice for choosing your letter of recommendations?

Berrica emphasized the importance of choosing recommenders that display the different aspects of your character.

What do you think was your strongest part of your application?

Berrica highlighted that her research at SIMR was the most impactful part of her application. She said that SIMR’s prestige combined with its research legitimacy pushed her past the competition.

What was a barrier you faced during the application process, and how did you address it?

Berrica was knee-deep in senior slump. She also had a bad sleep schedule that added to her stress. The tight deadline was a big motivator for her to get things done.

If you were to restart your high school career, what would you change?

Berrica wanted to have a more tangible impact in her extracurricular activities. She also wanted to get more involved politically.

Any final thoughts?

“Work hard, play hard”