Stanley Zhong had a 4.42 GPA, a 1590 SAT, and ranked in the top 1% of the USA Computing Olympiad (Platinum). He built a free e-signing platform, reached the semifinals of Google Code Jam, and placed 2nd in MIT’s Battlecode.
Still, 15 of 18 colleges rejected him — including… pic.twitter.com/dXu2Rgl7ME
— Alumni Free Speech Alliance (@afsaalumni) May 29, 2025
Stanley Zhong’s story is one that has sparked national debate. Despite earning a 4.42 GPA, scoring 1590 on the SAT, and ranking in the top 1 percent of the USA Computing Olympiad (Platinum Division), he was rejected by 15 of the 18 colleges he applied to. His list of rejections includes Stanford, MIT, Carnegie Mellon, and even Cal Poly, institutions that traditionally value academic excellence and technical skill. This raises a fundamental question—when did merit stop mattering?
Zhong’s achievements extend beyond academics. He built a free e-signing platform, reached the semifinals of Google Code Jam, and placed second in MIT’s Battlecode competition. His resume reflects the qualities universities claim to seek—innovation, leadership, and problem-solving ability. Yet, despite these accomplishments, he was denied admission to some of the most prestigious schools in the country. This rejection highlights a growing concern that college admissions are prioritizing factors beyond academic performance.
His case is not isolated. Across the country, high-achieving students are facing similar outcomes. The rise of holistic admissions policies has led to increased emphasis on subjective criteria, often at the expense of measurable academic success. While diversity and personal background play a role in shaping student bodies, critics argue that merit should remain the foundation of higher education. When students who excel in academics and innovation are overlooked, it raises serious concerns about the integrity of the admissions process.
Zhong’s response to his rejections has been remarkably composed. He acknowledged that he did not expect to gain admission to every top-tier school but believed that state universities would be within reach. His humility and perspective have resonated with many, fueling discussions about fairness in college admissions. His story is a wake-up call for students, parents, and policymakers—if merit is no longer the deciding factor, what is?
https://abc7news.com/stanley-zhong-college-rejected-teen-full-time-job-google-admissions/13890332/
https://fee.org/articles/why-a-student-with-a-1590-sat-score-was-rejected-by-16-colleges/