Ivy League Acceptances at MVCS

Ivy League schools only take seven percent of the most qualified, prestigious applicants in the world. At least two Monte Vista Christian School students meet those qualifications.

Elijah Ezeji-Okoye and Justin Cong have been accepted into the ranks of scholars that reach back to before the beginning of America. Ezeji-Okoye has been accepted to Princeton, Cong to Yale.

The 17-year-old Ezeji-Okoye, with a 4.3 weighted GPA, was the first to hear back from his school of choice. Princeton University, with a seven percent acceptance rate, accepted Ezeji-Okoye last month. The official Ivy League Day is not until March 31 for regular decision applicants.

Although he has not committed to a major yet, his future already looks bright.

“I'm thinking about international relations, economics, and biomedical engineering,” says Ezeji-Okoye. “I’m also thinking of minoring in Spanish, because I want to be fluent.”

While it is an honor to be accepted to one Ivy League, Ezeji-Okoye has applied to two others: Harvard and Yale.

He spent his summer working at Veterans Affairs Hospital putting together files on medical techniques, and presented his work at a medical conference in Las Vegas in December. Despite his experience in the medical field, he does not want to limit his options.

“I want to go into business, law, or the medical field, but I haven't decided yet,” says Ezeji-Okoye.

Cong has also been accepted to Yale University, a school with a 6.5 percent acceptance rate, and the alma mater of Hillary Clinton, Ben Carson, and George W. Bush. The historic university gave Cong the good news last week, also before the official day. He plans to study engineering or computer science.

While many would be overwhelmed playing running back and safety for the MVC football team along with taking top notch AP classes and participating in the Young Marines, Cong has not only managed it, but has come out on top.

“It's not about being president of 50 different clubs,” he says. “It’s about focusing on a few activities and really getting involved with those.”

Cong’s involvement in the Young Marines impressed the Admissions Board at Yale. The Young Marines is an organization for high school students which promotes mental, moral and physical development of integrity and respect in its members.

He has maintained a 4.5 weighted GPA, a good attitude on the football field and in the classroom, as well as leaving a lasting impression on his peers.

“What got him in were his looks and charm,” Cong’s friend senior Jaime Fernandez said.

Two more MVC students have applied to Ivy Leagues and await their response. Zach Williams is waiting to hear back from the University of Pennsylvania on March 31, and Brittany Marshall awaits Yale and UPenn.

Monte Vista offers a rigorous workload which it claims prepares students for their college education. These students will put this “college prep” school to the test as they approach the behemoth of college on the horizon.