Farewell to an “Incredible Class”: Keystone Class of 2024 Admissions Results
The year 2024 holds a special significance for Keystone Academy. As the school celebrates its 10th anniversary it also proudly welcomes its 7th graduating cohort. As the Keystone community commemorates a decade of learning, the Class of 2024 is reaping the benefits of their hard work with impressive admissions results.
This year, Keystone students have once again received acceptance letters from multiple Ivy League institutions, continuing a trend of consistent acceptances to the same top universities over several consecutive years. Furthermore, the number of Keystone students being admitted to the same prestigious universities continues to grow, underscoring Keystone’s commitment to academic excellence. Moreover, with the support of our outstanding college counseling team, all our students, no matter their academic standing, succeed in achieving offers from institutions which are an excellent fit for their personalities, aspirations, and academic goals.
The Class of 2024 received the first acceptance letter from Stanford University. They also received offers from Yale University and Wellesley College, marking the third consecutive year that Keystone students have been admitted to these institutions.
During the 2024 application season, several universities welcomed multiple Keystone students. University of California, San Diego admitted seven students; University of Southern California, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and New York University each admitted five students; Carnegie Mellon University, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and University of Rochester admitted four; Tufts University and the University of Michigan Ann Arbor each admitted three; while Duke University, Washington University in St. Louis, Boston College, and Brandeis University each admitted two.
Despite the changing landscape of international policies and increasing uncertainties, the admissions results of the Keystone Class of 2024 were excellent. To date, the 96 graduates of the Class of 2024 have received over 386 offers from institutions across 10 countries and regions.
Members of the Class of 2024 have been accepted to universities in the United States such as Stanford University; Yale University; Dartmouth College; Northwestern University; Duke University; Carnegie Mellon University; Tufts University; Washington University in St. Louis; University of Virginia; Emory University; Vanderbilt University; New York University; University of Michigan Ann Arbor; Boston College; Wake Forest University; Boston University; Case Western Reserve University; University of Southern California; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Brandeis University; University of Rochester; University of California, Los Angeles; University of California, San Diego; University of California, Davis; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; and Northeastern University.
In the United Kingdom, they have received offers from the University of St Andrews, University College London, Imperial College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, The University of Edinburgh, University of Warwick, The University of Manchester, and others. In Canada, they have been accepted to University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and University of Ottawa. In China, they have been accepted by top universities like The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, among others.
Keystone students have also received acceptance letters from several top liberal arts colleges such as Wellesley College, Middlebury College, Wesleyan University, Hamilton College, Davidson College, Vassar College, Macalester College, Mount Holyoke College, Bard College, Kenyon College, Dickinson College, Haverford College, Rhodes College, Babson College, Union College, Emerson College, and many more. This impressive list of acceptances demonstrates the hard work and dedication of the Keystone Class of 2024.
As Keystone has matured, so too have its students. Despite an increasing number of challenges and uncertainties, the vast majority of our students have received acceptance letters from their preferred universities. Graduation is seen as another starting point, and Keystone students will continue to follow their hearts, bravely explore, and create their own unique paths in life.
Application Results for Keystone Class of 2024
Please note that these application results are accurate as of May 28, 2024, and the complete list will be updated on the Keystone website in August.
First-time Admissions:
An increasing number of Keystone students are being accepted to more and more prestigious universities. For the first time, Keystone students have been admitted to universities such as Stanford University, Bangor University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Clark University, Haverford College, Hong Kong Baptist University (Zhuhai), University of Hull, Maastricht University, University of Portsmouth, Rhodes College, Scripps College, Trinity College Dublin, University Carlos III of Madrid, and Utrecht University, among others.
Scholarships:
More and more Keystone students are receiving scholarships from top universities. According to incomplete statistics, Keystone Class of 2024 students have received scholarships from Baylor University, Brandeis University, California College of the Arts, Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Kenyon College, Macalester College, Pepperdine University, Rhodes College, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Salve Regina University, University of Georgia, University of Rochester, University of Southern California, University of Washington, Marist College, University of Toronto, and several other universities.
Destinations Abroad:
In terms of study destinations, 90% of students still chose to apply to American universities. Additionally, the United Kingdom and Canada continue to be the top destinations for some students in the Class of 2024.
Major Selection:
Like their predecessors, the Keystone Class of 2024 continues to exhibit a diverse range of interests. Whether in STEM, humanities, arts, or emerging fields, the majority of students have achieved gratifying admission results.
An increasing number of Keystone students are opting for majors such as mechanical engineering, data analysis, physics, and computer science, while marketing, economics, and business remain popular choices. Additionally, a significant number of students are selecting majors in anthropology, psychology, media studies, pharmacy, biology, chemistry, mathematics, education, philosophy, and archaeology.
New Trends in 2024 University Admissions
1. Top-tier universities consistently admit Keystone students, with an increasing number of students being admitted to the same top universities.
Keystone students continue to receive admission offers from the same top universities. For the third year in a row, a Keystone graduate has received an admission offer from Yale University. Wellesley College has also admitted Keystone students for three consecutive years. Other top institutions such as Dartmouth College; Northwestern University; Washington University in St. Louis; University of Southern California; Carnegie Mellon University; Tufts University; Duke University; University of Virginia; University of California, Los Angeles; Vanderbilt University; New York University; Boston University; University of Michigan Ann Arbor; Michigan State University; University of Minnesota; Wesleyan University; Middlebury College; Davidson College; Vassar College; Mount Holyoke College; and Bard College continue to admit Keystone students.
The number of Keystone students accepted to the same top universities continues to grow, a trend that was particularly evident during the 2024 application season. In addition to the numerous students accepted to the same universities mentioned previously, several other universities admitted large numbers of Keystone students. Notably, University of California, San Diego and University of California, Davis admitted six and 20 Keystone students respectively. University of Michigan Ann Arbor, University of Virginia, Middlebury College, Wake Forest University, Case Western Reserve University, and University of Washington-Seattle Campus all admitted multiple Keystone Students, among them.
This trend underscores that in the face of many challenges and uncertainties, universities are more inclined to issue offers to high schools they are familiar with, that are well-run, have standardized college counseling services, stable student performance, and that graduate students with a positive reputation. The consistent admission of Keystone students to the same top schools is ample proof that Keystone’s reputation and influence continue to be recognized by universities.
Moreover, this pattern reinforces the fact that in a positive and closely connected community like Keystone, the student body does an excellent job supporting each other. The collaborative atmosphere among Keystone students constantly motivates them to learn and grow together, with even more universities recognizing their hard work.
Ada Li, a member of the Class of 2024 who has received acceptance letters from institutions such as Middlebury College; Vassar College; King’s College London; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; University of California, Davis; and University of Southern California, and who was awarded the Presidential Scholarship (half-tuition scholarship) from University of Southern California, appreciates the encouraging atmosphere of Keystone.
Looking back, Ada recalls the application season as a daunting period. However, the camaraderie and warmth of her peers made her realize that she was not alone on this journey. “Our collective voice evolved from the unanimous applause for our first classmate to receive an Early Decision, to the gentle comfort we offered each other in times of disappointment, to the quiet well-wishes before each exam, and culminated in the decision to sing together at graduation.”
On her first day moving into the dormitory, Ada noticed the phrase “we’re an awesome family” printed on the clothes of the dorm proctors. This unique “family atmosphere” at Keystone lends a real, warm meaning to terms such as “classmate”. The psychology club, one under the umbrella of Keystone Activities Program (KAP), which she took over from a previous graduate student Selena Ma, has been passed on to younger students Bessie Wang and Rosie Yu, and she’s heard that they’re about to pass on this KAP activities to the next generation of students. Recently, she observed a group of different students using the same classroom where she used to meet and truly felt how passing down leadership from one class of students to the next keeps curiosity and passion alive at Keystone. It was then that she realized that this KAP activity’s tradition is not only about “succession”, but also embodies the spirit of transforming momentary curiosity into persistent inquiry.
2. Early Decision brought challenges, but Regular Decision brought success.
The Early Decision stage in the 2024 application season posed significant challenges due to adjustments in policies, procedures, and practices in US higher education admissions in a post-pandemic context. A considerable number of applicants were placed on waitlists or deferred, which brought a lot more pressure to an already stressful time.
Among the 96 students in Keystone Class of 2024, 81% of them participated in the Early Decision for U.S. colleges, 26% of which got offer(s) during Early Decision and Restricted Early Action periods. Even as many Keystone students received early offers from Brandeis University, Dartmouth College, and Yale University the changes in admissions have brought great challenges and stress to many students who participated in Early Decision admissions.
However, as the application process moved forward in an organized manner, the Regular Decision stage brought brighter results. The Keystone Class of 2024 not only received acceptance letters from numerous top universities like Stanford University, Duke University, Wellesley College, Middlebury College, Tufts University, and University of Southern California, but the vast majority also secured admission to their desired schools.
Even with uncertain external factors, students who perform well will ultimately find success in their applications. It’s important to remember that receiving rejection letters does not signify failure. Especially when facing challenges, applicants should remain flexible and keep a positive mindset.
Amy Wang, a member of the Keystone Class of 2024, knows all about the challenges that come with university admissions. Despite receiving ten rejection letters during the application season, she eventually obtained acceptance letters from Wesleyan University; University of Wisconsin–Madison; University of California, Davis; and University of California, Santa Barbara.
Recently, Amy has been preparing to organize an exhibition about college rejection letters at Keystone. She has collected these letters received by her cohort and plans to display them to the Keystone community, aiming to foster a more diverse understanding of the application season among the underclassmen. As she puts it, “don’t deify acceptance results, nor resist rejection letters.”
Reflecting on her own experience, Amy shared, “I received ten rejection letters during application season. At first, I was caught only focused on the rejection letters, thinking that they were a personal rejection of me. However, I later realized that it was just the universities’ perspective on me as an applicant that didn’t quite match. At the same time, I realized that I had only seen universities as a symbol that could empower me socially, and I had been overlooking important factors that would truly impact my college life.”
Having decided to study biology and anthropology at Wesleyan University, Amy is now ready to tell her own exciting story in her own unique way.
3. Universities are increasingly favoring applicants with a personal touch.
With the development of technology and the popularity of AI, college admissions officers are more favorable to students with personal characteristics. According to Mr. Percy Jiang, Director of College Counseling at Keystone, in addition to the essays, colleges pay more attention to understanding the students from all aspects of the materials, such as recommendation letters from college counselors and different teachers. Universities are more interested in a student’s dedication to a project or activity, depth of exploration, heartfelt enthusiasm, and contribution to the community than the “perfect paperwork”.
Thomas Han, a member of the Keystone Class of 2024, received acceptance letters from Duke University; University of California, Davis; University of California, Santa Barbara; University of California, San Diego; University of Washington-Seattle Campus; and University of Wisconsin-Madison. In the end, he decided to go to Duke University to study biology or chemistry-related majors.
Thomas has harbored a deep interest in environmental science since his childhood. His involvement in numerous activities and projects related to this field was not a calculated decision, but rather a manifestation of his genuine passion.
“I am of the belief that many American universities are not swayed by impressive paperwork or a resume brimming with accolades. Instead, they value the authentic enthusiasm, ambition in a field, and energy and tenacity invested in other areas of interest that shine through in an application.
In my application, I highlighted my experiences with giant panda conservation research, the Wildlife Neighbors, and the iGEM project. These are all reflections of my passion for biology and environmental science. I also expressed my love for sports, arts, service, and multiculturalism, citing my involvement in the Keystone Dorm Council, school volleyball and soccer teams, the Round Square organization, and various photography activities.
As a student interested in science, I haven’t participated in many competitions or won significant awards. However, I believe that universities place more value on the growth I’ve achieved in my chosen field and the commitment I’ve demonstrated to my diverse hobbies.”
-Thomas Han, Keystone Class of 2024
4. In a climate of rapidly changing rankings, applicants should seek universities that better suit themselves
According to U.S. News this year, there are considerable shifts in the rankings of American universities, with some public institutions making rapid strides. Therefore, it is increasingly important for applicants not to focus on school rankings, but to select the university that best aligns with their needs.
For Ray Chu, a member of Keystone Class of 2024 who was admitted to both Carnegie Mellon University and University of Michigan Ann Arbor, university rankings should never be the only factor students consider when choosing a university.
“Rather than surrendering our future to the discretion of universities or rating agencies, I believe it’s imperative to establish our own steadfast ranking criteria. This allows us to understand which schools truly resonate with and are suitable for our present selves. For me, elements such as the campus environment, safety, academic atmosphere, and the level of expertise in my chosen field hold equal importance as the overall ranking. Consequently, I hope that future students won’t overlook these essential aspects when selecting a school. Ultimately, the goal is to find a place where they can spend the most fulfilling and happiest four years of their lives, or even longer.”
-Ray Chu, Keystone Class of 2024
As the Class of 2024 prepares to graduate from Keystone, they stand on the precipice of a new journey - one that carries with them the enrichment they’ve gained at Keystone and the cherished memories they’ve forged with their schoolmates. Regardless of how this new narrative unfolds, Keystone students will imbue it with the enduring values of sincerity, bravery, and a compassionate regard for others.
“Change is inevitable and learning how to be flexible leads to a growth mindset,” Keystone’s Head of High School, Dr. Régine de Blegiers, hopes that all of Class of 2024 can harness the strength they gained at Keystone, embrace changes, and be responsible for “the transformations needed to save our planet and humankind”.
“I encourage you to stay curious and not hesitate when it comes to engaging with people, asking questions, and fostering meaningful conversations even with strangers. Embrace every opportunity to learn from and connect with others. These opportunities may surprise you and end up enriching your future personal and professional life. Envision the world through other people's eyes to experience other perspectives. In this way, empathy will begin to play a positive role in your life,” she articulated.
Reflecting on the graduates of the Class of 2024, Keystone’s Executive Head of School, Dr. Emily McCarren, offered her insights: “They are an incredible class and I know they will continue to stay connected in meaningful ways throughout their lives.” As these students embark on their new journey, Dr. McCarren extends her heartfelt blessings and anticipations for their future endeavors:
“Of course, these kids have been on my mind as we prepare for graduation week. What inspires me most about this class is their belief in the collective. They have had a precious way of cheering each other on and wanting to be a part of a shared experience of Keystone. Perhaps it is because they came to learn earlier in their middle and high school years that it is truly an incredible gift to be in physical presence with each other, or maybe they are just special. Likely it is both. Whatever led to them being this way, it’s awesome.
They love each other and for that and so many other things, we love them.
Also, they have lots of activists in the class—people who see problems, or just opportunities for improvement and do something about it. They are eager to leave their mark, not for the sake of their egos—but out of care for our school, each other, and the planet.”
