Teen Who Built Viral AI App Cal AI Rejected by 15 Top Universities Despite 4.0 GPA:

At just 17 years old, Zach Yadegari has already co-founded Cal AI, an app that's revolutionizing the way we track calories with AI. His app has gone viral, amassed millions in revenue, and even surpassed over 1 million downloads. You’d think that someone with such a stellar record would have a clear path to top universities, right? But that’s not what happened.

          Image:Google

Despite having a perfect 4.0 GPA, a stellar ACT score of 34, and a successful business that’s making waves in the tech world, Yadegari faced rejection from 15 out of the 18 top universities he applied to. These rejections came from schools like Stanford, MIT, Harvard, Columbia, and Princeton. How could this happen?

The answer lies in the personal essay Yadegari wrote for his college applications. In his essay, Yadegari discussed how he initially rejected the college route to focus on building his tech startup. He even revealed how mentors and venture capitalists advised him that college wasn’t necessary. However, through a moment of reflection, he realized that college could provide an invaluable opportunity for personal and intellectual growth.

His essay explained that while he had already achieved success without a degree, attending college would allow him to “elevate the work I have always done” and contribute to something greater. While his real-world experience was undeniable, Yadegari's essay may have come across as dismissive of the very institution he was applying to, which might have raised concerns among admissions officers.

This story teaches a valuable lesson about the college application process: authenticity matters, but it needs to be framed in a way that demonstrates a genuine desire to grow through education. Colleges want to know that applicants are not only academically capable but also passionate about learning and contributing to their communities. Yadegari’s essay, although authentic, perhaps lacked the enthusiasm for education that top schools are looking for in potential students.

Interestingly, Yadegari’s post about his rejections went viral on X (formerly Twitter), sparking debates on college admissions. Some commenters believed that his essay was arrogant, while others blamed the college system itself for being overly rigid and out of touch with real-world achievements.

Even Garry Tan, the president of Y Combinator, shared his own rejection story, admitting that he was also turned away from several colleges after submitting an essay influenced by Ayn Rand’s philosophy. While Tan eventually attended Stanford, his experience showed that even those who go on to achieve great success can face significant setbacks early on.

What’s Next for Yadegari?

Despite the setbacks, Yadegari remains optimistic. He says that he’s still figuring out his next steps, but the experience has taught him that success isn’t just about financial achievements—it’s about relationships, growth, and being part of something bigger. His entrepreneurial journey is far from over, and his future is still incredibly bright.

For those of us watching, Zach Yadegari's story is a reminder that education doesn’t always come in the form of a degree. Sometimes, the most valuable lessons are learned through experience, reflection, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. Whether or not he attends college, it’s clear that Yadegari is set to make a lasting impact in the tech world.

While many will argue about the fairness of college admissions and whether grades and scores should outweigh real-world accomplishments, Yadegari’s story serves as a reminder of the complexity of these processes. At the end of the day, authenticity and a clear vision for the future will always play a critical role in shaping one's path forward. For those contemplating their own future in tech or education, this is a powerful lesson in staying true to one’s goals and being prepared to pivot when necessary.

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post