AMERICA | A 17-year-old boy named Angel Ortiz has achieved a remarkable academic feat after gaining admission into seven Ivy League universities in the United States.
According to US News, Ivy League schools are considered the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world.
These eight private Northeastern schools are known for their highly selective admissions process, academic excellence, and promising career opportunities for those who attend. Remarkably, Angel did not earn acceptance from one but 7 out of the 8.
Angel, a senior at Arts High School in Newark, described the moment as unbelievable. What started as a hopeful application to Princeton University through early action eventually turned into a flood of acceptance letters from some of the most prestigious institutions in the world.
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Alongside Princeton, he was accepted into Brown University, Columbia University, Dartmouth University, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University.
“I honestly did not imagine getting accepted to all of them. I never would have imagined it four years ago, so to have this now is incredible,” he told GMA.
Angel said he is waiting to decide which school he will attend until the last day of April 2025, which just so happens to be his 18th birthday. “I will be making my final decision on April 30, mainly because that is my birthday. So I just want that extra bit of luck,” he said.
Newark Public Schools Superintendent Roger León praised Angel’s extraordinary achievements in a statement.
“Angel’s acceptance to seven Ivy League institutions is a personal triumph and a powerful symbol of what is possible for young people in Newark,” León said.
“His story inspires us all. We are incredibly proud of Angel, whose remarkable academic journey is a testament to our school’s strength, our educators’ dedication, our supportive parents, and our students’ resilience,” he added.
While in High School, Angel thrived. He took seven AP courses, including AP United States Government and Politics and AP English Literature and Composition. Angel’s teacher, Sean Kenny, also said Angel developed into a “top-notch” student.
Beyond the grades, Angel has a clear vision for his future. He plans to study Political Science, with hopes of diving into American politics or international relations. His long-term goal is to become a lawyer or take on a role in government.
For him, the Ivy League schools offer the perfect environment to learn, grow, and connect with others who share his passion for service and change.
Advising fellow students dreaming of getting into an Ivy League school like him, Angel said his suggestion is for them to stay true to their passions.
“Don’t feel pressure to do things simply to impress other people or other institutions. Any high school student can take something from me, it’s basically just to be yourself. Don’t be like me. I’m a different person. Just be you and things will come eventually,” he said
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