We are proud to share the exciting news that Joyce Tahhan, a senior at River City Science Academy Middle-High, has been accepted to several of the nation’s most prestigious universities, including Yale, Cornell, Stanford, the University of Pennsylvania, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Florida.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Joyce for a short interview to learn more about his experiences, future goals, and reflections on this exciting accomplishment.

This remarkable achievement reflects her dedication, academic excellence, and hard work. We congratulate Joyce and wish her continued success in her future endeavors.

What was your first reaction when you found out you got accepted to the top schools including Yale, Cornell, Penn, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, UCLA, UC Berkley, and University of Florida?

I was in utter shock, to be completely honest. Some acceptances garnered more tears than others, but I was in disbelief at each one. Immediately, I ran to tell my family and FaceTime my best friends, who pretended not to be surprised and simply celebrated as I sobbed in their faces. Overall, it was a long and arduous process, but these acceptances made it all feel worth it. 

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

At Yale, I plan to study biology and chemistry. I’ve always been fascinated by the workings of the body, and studying biology will allow me to understand its processes on a molecular level. In addition, as a very curious person, the seemingly endless material classified as chemistry is what I find most enjoyable about the subject. What’s more, the various branches within each type of chemistry create an infinite possibility for areas of exploration for a single object. Exploring these fields, I am excited to become familiar with the basics of drug interactions and mechanisms of drug action that I hope to work with in my future career in pharmacy. 

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

I really tried to show my personality and values through my activities list and unique/specific supplemental essays. Since I am interested in science, I highlighted my role as Science Olympiad co-captain, HOSA president, a Pioneer Academics biochemistry researcher, and as a pharmacy technician. Likewise, I showed my interest in culture through describing the traditional drum group I’ve been in since the third grade, the Multicultural Club I co-founded, and the independent language study I’ve carried out since sixth grade. 

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

More than just an educational institution, RCSA is a journey in itself. With the various academic teams, cultural and club events, AP and Dual Enrollment classes, and constant inspirational posters and sayings provided by staff, RCSA replaced any uncertainty I had with drive and determination. As this transformation occurred, the peers and teachers around me were nothing short of encouraging, constantly pushing me to challenge myself, which I am eternally grateful for. 

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

If I had to describe River City Science Academy in one word, it would be “flexible.” There is truly something for everyone at this school, and if there (somehow) isn’t, you can always make it yourself. There are always interesting, rigorous classes to be taken, but also calming electives and inviting clubs that allow students to explore their interests while forming a community of peers that will only aid them in their academic journeys. Still, no one contributes more to this community than the compassionate and dedicated teachers, mentors, and administrators that make it their mission to educate with warmth. 

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

It’s hard to narrow down the list to only a few, but there are definitely teachers that stand out when I reflect on my journey at RCSA. I would like to thank Ms. Taylor and Mr. Dastan for making my time at school so much more enjoyable; those van rides and competitions were more fun and insightful than our stressed faces made them seem. To Mrs. Durmus and Mrs. Uysal, whether we were studying together at school or playing games at home, you truly made any environment feel like home. Ms. Sloan, thank you for never losing patience with every question I had about writing my spinach report, and, of course, for helping me craft the story of my life in under 650 words. Certainly, I can’t forget Dr. Acar, who always accommodated to any academic request or concern I had (mostly willingly). 

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

Stay true to yourself. Don’t do things just because you think it will look good on your college applications; do things you enjoy, yet still challenge or invigorate you. Admissions officers want to know how your interests have driven your activities and classes, how those interests will allow you to contribute to campus, and how their schools will contribute to you. While they are important, test scores don’t tell them that, the way you frame yourself does. 

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

Being particularly interested in pharmacology and biochemistry, I hope to learn the skills necessary to conduct related research. Hopefully, with these skills, I will be able to advance and develop effective drugs like the ones that sparked my interest in these fields, helping the millions of people who depend on them along the way.