We are thrilled to announce that Luke Valenzuela, a senior at River City Science Academy Middle-High, has been accepted to Dartmouth University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world.

Luke’s high school journey has been nothing short of exceptional. He successfully completed 15 dual enrollment and 11 Advanced Placement (AP) courses, earning a weighted GPA of 4.79 by the time she received her acceptance letter. His relentless pursuit of academic excellence, deep involvement in extracurriculars, and strong sense of purpose have made him a standout student and a role model for others at RCSA.

We sat down with Luke for a short interview to hear more about her journey, plans, and reflections:

What was your first reaction when you found out you got accepted to Dartmouth University?

Screams. I had been awaiting the decision the whole day, and frankly ever since I submitted the application. As soon as I saw the Congratulations! I was screaming with my family by my side.

What do you plan to study at Dartmouth, and what excites you most about it?

I plan to double major in Applied Mathematics and Psychology. I love Math for its adjacency to puzzles and its problem-solving capabilities. I love Psych for its relevant, real-world applications and its depth. I am super excited to study these topics at Dartmouth because of the phenomenal undergraduate professors and the like-minded students.

What activities or experiences do you think helped your application stand out?

I don’t believe a single, sole experience helped my application stand out; instead, it was how my activities related to each other to form a coherent narrative. If I were to “shout out” an activity or two, I would point to my status as a Thrive Scholar and a former Read USA Tutor.  One was a wonderful, in-person, pre-college opportunity, and the other was a splendid job that directly supported the future generation, with both being targeted towards low-income, underprivileged students.

What role did River City Science Academy play in shaping your academic journey?

College-prep and community. That’s what RCSA does best. I was able to take a good assortment of APs. And because our school is so small, the community is so very close; that is why we are able to have lock-ins with merely five people, authentically-grilled chicken at every school picnic, and a school news system entirely run by students.

How would you describe the learning environment at River City Science Academy?

Compared to public schools, the learning environment is peaceful. Any chaos is trailed by creativity, which is riddled with the intent to learn and discover. In addition, the hand-selected teachers contribute greatly towards the overall positive rating I endorse. Their kindness and personalities work wonders in supporting students through high-school. 

Were there any teachers or mentors who had a big impact on you?

I would like to first and foremost give humongous thanks to Mr. Barindik and Ms. Viggiano for not only writing my recommendation letters, but also being great, (interesting…) teachers in their own regards. A big thank you to Ms. Kurt, Ms. Durmus, Mr. Baktir, Mr. Said, Mr. Noyan, and Mr. Barindik for teaching me math across these years. Another big thank you to my CMP/SMP teachers, Mr. Durmus and Mr. Noyan, and my Academic WorldQuest Leader and long-time teacher, Mr. Plummer, for everything you guys have done. To any unnamed teachers that I’ve had, you have my appreciation and respect for being great teachers I’ve learned much from.

What advice would you give to students dreaming of top universities?

Do the typical stuff: get good grades, take hard classes, and get good test scores…blah blah blah. More importantly — and more challengingly — be committed, determined, and honest. Join a club you actually have an interest in, start an organization out of passion, write about your true story. But whatever you do, don’t create through an inauthentic lens. Colleges will be able to tell. Do what’s within your means, and make sure you are maximizing every opportunity available.

How do you hope to make a difference in the world through your education?

Whether it be contributing to the world of mathematics or discovering/materializing new psychological concepts, I want to make something that will last. Maybe my work will directly or indirectly help some people. Maybe I will make some good money and harbor self-fulfillment along the way. But who really knows? This is all just hopes and speculation; I mean, the impact my education will have is a bridge I have yet to cross, or rather to see.

🏛 About Dartmouth College
Founded in 1769, Dartmouth College is one of the oldest and most respected institutions of higher education in the United States.

• 🏫 Member of the Ivy League, Dartmouth is known for its rigorous academics, close faculty-student collaboration, and strong sense of community.
• 📚 Undergraduate focus: Unlike many research universities, Dartmouth maintains a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, with small class sizes and personalized attention from professors.
• 🌍 Global opportunities: Dartmouth offers extensive study abroad programs, international research opportunities, and intercultural initiatives that support global learning and leadership.
• 🎓 Notable alumni span fields including government, business, science, and the arts, including U.S. senators, CEOs, Rhodes Scholars, and leaders in public service and innovation.
• 💡 Core strengths include strong programs in engineering, economics, computer science, environmental studies, and liberal arts, all supported by a vibrant campus culture of inquiry, collaboration, and interdisciplinary exploration.