A MARIANAS High School student and member of the National Honor Society, Sydney Lim has been accepted to Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri as a QuestBridge scholar.
She said she will either choose neuroscience or biology as her preferred field of study.
WashU in St. Louis is ranked among the top 20 universities in the U.S. with a 10% acceptance rate for the Class of 2026.
“I chose WashU because of its strong pre-med program,” Lin said in an interview. “It is well-known for providing ample opportunities for students to engage in research, clinical experiences, and other hands-on experiences.”
At MHS, Lim is the president of the Tutor Club and the Elocution Club.
She is also a JROTC cadet and a member of the MHS Theatre Club and the National Speech and Debate Association for which she competed in the nationals.
“I’ve always been in leadership positions throughout high school because I genuinely enjoyed exploring clubs and interacting with people,” Lim said.
Asked if she wants to be a doctor, she replied, “I am not too sure about that yet, but the opportunities [provided by the QuestBridge] program could definitely help me open the path.”
Supportive family
She said her family “has been a constant source of support and encouragement throughout my life. I am infinitely grateful to them, as they have shaped my personal and professional development.”
She believes that her curiosity about human behavior and cognition inspired her to dedicate her time to “following my passion.”
She is also grateful to Questbridge for the opportunity to study at the university.
Lim said she prepared well for her application and did her best in school.
“I’ve always dedicated my time to extracurricular activities that I genuinely enjoyed…. I stayed proactive, searching for and seizing opportunities,” she said.
To prepare for college life, Lim said she is taking care of her mental and physical health.
Lim is also encouraging her fellow youth to persevere to achieve their goals.
“As you prepare to apply for college, you may feel overwhelmed by the many challenges and uncertainties ahead. However, this is your moment to shine — showcase your strengths, and highlight your unique qualities and experiences,” she said.
High-achieving students
The QuestBridge National College Match is a national program that connects high school seniors “who have shown outstanding academic ability despite financial challenges” with full four-year scholarships to the nation’s top colleges. The program receives about 17,900 applications a year.
This year, there were 1,755 College Match Finalists and 75 of these students will attend WashU, including Lim.
Sydney Lim
