Student Spotlight: Dana’s Journey to Georgetown University
Dana, a Haddee college counseling student, shares in her own words what made her application work and her advice for younger students.
Dandan Pan · Founder, Haddee
We are incredibly proud to celebrate Dana, who will be joining Georgetown University this fall!
With the guidance of Ms. Pont, Dana was also admitted to Claremont McKenna College (CMC), Tufts, and UNC Chapel Hill. Ultimately, she chose Georgetown because its culture, values, and location were the perfect fit.
Dana couldn’t join our live panel; however, she graciously sent in her exact responses to our interview questions to help guide the next generation of students.
Q&A with Dana
Please use 1 word to describe your application experience.
Dana: Strenuous
Please use 1 sentence to describe what really made your application special.
Dana: My application was authentic: it reflected who I am, my growth (different than most students from my school), and genuine interest in the college I was admitted to (not just because of prestige).
If you were starting over again, what would you do differently?
Dana: Nothing I would do differently.
Did you do competitions? Did you publish a research paper? Did you start a non-profit?
Dana: Yes to competition (3 years chess state championship—only girl on my high school chess team). Yes to research (but probably did not matter), and yes to an impactful club (it really doesn’t matter nonprofit vs. profit)—my club was featured on the local news (the news station found us through an affiliated club in another state).
What is your key advice to younger students?
Dana: Stay focused on your own path and no need to pay attention to what other students are doing. Find the school that matches you.
A Final Note for Underclassmen
Dana left us with these beautiful, inspiring words on the true meaning of success:
“Success is rarely an individual accomplishment. It’s built on the love, encouragement, and unwavering support of the people who have always believed in you.
“Life’s greatest blessings aren’t the destinations we travel to, but the people who make the journey worthwhile.”
Congratulations, Dana! We know you will do amazing things at Georgetown.
Want help finding a college that fits you? Reach out to Haddee Counseling.
Originally published June 14, 2026.