College Admissions Results

Showcasing your interests—whether through research or by building a complex mobile app that addresses real-world problems—can significantly enhance your college applications. In a pool of applicants with strong grades and test scores, these projects help you refine a personal narrative that highlights what makes you unique—your story, skills, and dedication.

Among the 60+ Nova alumni who responded to our survey and have received college acceptances, many emphasized how their work with Nova was instrumental in acceptance to their dream schools.

952

Nova Alumni acceptance letters

107

Unique universities

45%

Of students offered scholarships

5x

Greater admissions chances at Top-15 School

60%

Of students admitted to a top-25 school

$3M

Earned in academic scholarships

30%

of the admitted students engaged in academic research during in high school - UPenn Dean of Admissions

45%

of admitted students included materials documenting their own past research - Caltech Admissions Office

Tier.1

achievements are the strongest indicators when evaluating college applications, and include securing a patent, winning an international Olympiad, or competing on a national sports team - Forbes

Nova Alumni Follow Mentors to Top Universities
‍

26%

of Nova students who applied to Stanford were accepted, compared to the standard 3.7% acceptance rate.

17%

of Nova students who applied to Harvard were accepted, compared to the standard 3.6% acceptance rate.

25%

of Nova students who applied to MIT were accepted, compared to the standard 4.8% acceptance rate.

18%

of Nova students who applied to Yale were accepted, compared to the standard 3.7% acceptance rate.

22%

of Nova students who applied to Princeton were accepted, compared to the standard 4.62% acceptance rate.

Nova Overall acceptance rate to Ivies

Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Cornell, Dartmouth, Columbia, Brown, Penn

32%

of Nova Alums who applied to Ivies were accepted to one or more

~5%

Average acceptance rate to Ivies

90%

of Nova Alumni responded that they were accepted to one of their top five dream schools.

Nova Acceptance to Top Public Schools

Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Cornell, Dartmouth, Columbia, Brown, Penn

23%

of Nova students who applied to New York University were accepted, compared to the standard 8.1% acceptance rate.

37%

of Nova students who applied to UCLA were accepted, compared to the standard 8.6% acceptance rate.

41%

of Nova students who applied to UC Berkley were accepted, compared to the standard 11.5% acceptance rate.

38%

of Nova students who applied to Georgia Tech were accepted, compared to the standard 13.8% acceptance rate.

52%

of Nova students who applied to University of Michigan were accepted, compared to the standard 15.6% acceptance rate.

80%

of Nova students who applied to University of Texas, Austin were accepted, compared to the standard 28.3% acceptance rate.

82%

of Nova students who applied to University of Washington were accepted, compared to the standard 39.5% acceptance rate.

Nova Acceptance to BS/MD programs
‍

12%

of Nova Alums who applied to BS/MD programs were accepted to one or more

~2%

Average acceptance rate to BS/MD programs

85%

of Nova alumni who applied to T-40 schools were accepted by one or more.

Want more details on Nova alumni projects?

Students have done everything from researching renewable energy to leveraging machine learning to develop mobile apps that address healthcare disparities for LGBTQ teens.

Explore the amazing work of Nova Alumni

Nova Scholar alum

Accepted to Yale, from California

Nova Research

Navigating the Ethics of AI-Driven Genetic Engineering: Governance, Equity, and the Future of Human Modifications: Advancements in genome editing, particularly CRISPR-Cas9, alongside AI-driven genetic analysis, are reshaping medical possibilities while raising profound ethical, legal, and social concerns. These technologies promise to treat genetic disorders but also provoke debates over germline modifications, genetic enhancement, and disparities in access. Questions about human evolution, equity, and regulatory oversight highlight the need for a deeper examination of their implications. By analyzing public discourse with natural language processing (NLP), mapping legal precedents, and applying bioethical frameworks, this research provides a comprehensive perspective on governance, policy, and the responsible integration of AI in genetic engineering.

Nova Scholar alum

Accepted to MIT, from New York

Nova Patent

AI-Powered Job Application Builder for Blue-Collar Workers: Many blue-collar workers face challenges in crafting professional job applications due to limited access to resume-building tools, difficulty articulating hands-on experience in a structured format, and unfamiliarity with applicant tracking systems (ATS). This AI-driven mobile app streamlines the process by automatically generating resumes and cover letters through intuitive prompts, voice input, and industry-specific templates. It enhances applications with ATS-friendly keywords, offers real-time translation for non-native speakers, and seamlessly integrates with major job platforms for effortless submissions, making job searches more accessible, efficient, and tailored to their needs.

Nova Scholar alum

Accepted to CalTech, from Washington

Nova Patent

AI-Powered Personal Finance Manager for Gig Workers: Freelancers and rideshare drivers often struggle with inconsistent income, unpredictable expenses, and a lack of financial planning tools suited to their needs. Traditional budgeting apps don’t account for fluctuating earnings, making it difficult to manage expenses, save regularly, or prepare for taxes and emergencies. This AI-powered finance manager analyzes income trends, predicts cash flow, and offers personalized budgeting and savings strategies. With real-time insights, automated tax calculations, smart expense tracking, and proactive savings recommendations, it helps gig workers achieve financial stability and confidently manage their finances.