Being one of the top students and athletes in her high school, Megan Morell, senior, encountered an issue that few can hope to deal with: choosing which Ivy League university to apply to. It was after much pondering and reflection that she chose Princeton University, one which was sparked by its excellent academics, solid athletic programs, and financing system that is among the best in the nation.
“Princeton stood out to me because of how the school is exceptional in every capacity,” claimed Morell.
She continued, “Along with the top-tier academics, the school has the best athletic programs in the Ivy League along with some of the best financial aid in the country.”
Morell had a previous article written about her award-winning pole vaulting skills. This accomplishment along with her strong academics led her to seek out a more well-rounded education suitable to her needs. Princeton would be able to offer just that.
Morell went on to explain, “Compared to the other schools, I also felt Princeton focused more on its undergraduates. Some other top schools have large graduate programs while Princeton is more focused on the undergraduate experience.” While the majority of top universities have vast graduate programs, Princeton’s focus on the undergraduate experience fueled Morell’s appeal to it.
Morell’s scholarly interests are a perfect fit for Princeton’s prestigious School of Public and International Affairs. Although she does not yet have a specific career in mind, she possesses an interest in foreign affairs and would like to explore if this is the path she will pursue.
“I don’t have a set-in-stone idea of what my future is, but I am interested in foreign relations. We will see during college if that’s the career I want to pursue,” Morell stated.
Her path to Princeton was not void of obstacles, and Morell took measures to ensure she stood out in a pool of talented, qualified students. “I tried to excel at everything I did in school—from academics to athletics and to music,” Morell noted, “In my mind, I had to try and give schools as little reason as possible to reject me.” Her diverse set of skills and commitment to excellence certainly did not go unnoticed.
Even with her impressive academic stance and participation in various other activities, Morell knew she had to take additional steps to stand out. As far as her essays were concerned, she knew she had to stay true to herself whilst highlighting her distinct attributes. “When writing college-specific essays, I tried to be as unique as possible in a way that really showed off my personality,” she exclaimed.
Along with her stellar essays, Morell’s athleticism on the track and field and in soccer field helped her to be all the more interesting compared to other candidates.
Her Common App essay was also a personal success of perseverance. Megan wrote of her path of adversity and success as a pole vaulter. “With every jump you take in pole vault, you have to overcome your human instincts telling you not to jump,” she explained. “It’s taken a lot of work to overcome that fear, and that’s what I wrote about.” The vision of pushing beyond fear and standing above challenge resonated deeply with the admissions committees at the institutions to which she applied.
While Morell has always been fond of Michigan, she desires to experience life in another environment. “I want to go to school somewhere where I will be completely independent from my family and experience a new part of the United States,” she said. “I love Michigan, but also want to live in a new atmosphere.” Her independent nature revealed she is prepared to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come along with attending one of the country’s most prestigious universities.
Currently, Princeton remains Morell’s top choice, though she is still considering the possibility of pursuing a college athletic career. “Currently Princeton is my top choice, but I am also considering being a college athlete so my mind is not entirely made up,” she noted.
Morell’s professional life is just taking off. With her determination, dedication, and work ethic, she is bound to thrive at whichever university she settles on. Whether she puts on the Princeton orange or makes the decision to progress elsewhere, this much is certain: Megan Morell is just beginning.
