Meet Bella Wei

• AP Scholar with Distinction
• SAT 1530
• TOEFL 108
• International Biology Olympiad National Gold
• DAIS Musical Theater lead actress
• Smith College Class of 2028 (committed)

Hi, this is Bella Wei from the DHS class of 2024. You may recognize me if you had the chance to watch The King and I, the musical theater performance this year, in which I played the role of one of the play’s main characters. Besides music, I am also interested in all aspects of science, ranging from making insect specimens to dealing with microorganisms like cells within laboratories. As a graduated senior, I have set my sights on pursuing a degree in the field of Biomedical Engineering and am excited to combine my passion for science with my desire to contribute to advancements in healthcare and technology.

Before I came to DHS/DAIS, I had the opportunity to study abroad at a public school in Boston during my first year of middle school. Upon returning to China, I enrolled in a public school in Dalian and faced the challenge of adapting to a new school culture. This experience of transitioning between different environments has greatly contributed to my open-mindedness and ability to adapt to new situations. I am fortunate that DHS/DAIS has provided plentiful opportunities for reflection and self-discovery while learning in a diverse and inclusive community.

Throughout my junior and senior years, I have taken a total of 6 AP courses. I wouldn’t say that this is an extensive number of courses, but I certainly chose the ones that truly captivated my interest. I particularly enjoyed the unique way of teaching by all science teachers. In science courses such as AP Chemistry and AP physics 1, I learned the key concepts through hands-on experiences by performing experiments. For instance, I experimented with the conservation of Energy, learned to obtain the molar mass of butane gas, and designed lab procedures to measure the gravitational field. These valuable experiences not only aided my understanding and retention of the subject matter but also fostered effective teamwork and collaboration with my peers. Moreover, in order to delve more into my passion for science, I spent the weekends and vacations in laboratory settings, doing internships with some professionals in the field.

My high school experience was highlighted by my participation in Musical Theater performances and school activities such as the Talent Show. I was a member of the Musical Theater team for two years in a row and performed in the plays Oliver Twist and The King and I, which both required over four months of commitment. I deeply appreciate the support and guidance that Ms. Terry gave me. Working closely with a cast and crew of over 40 members was a unique experience for me.

Now, after all we’ve said, it’s finally the time for college application. I have to admit that the first few months of my senior year were probably the toughest time throughout high school. I have made lots of crazy decisions such as rewriting the entire personal statement two weeks before the first-round application deadline. After getting rejected from my ED1 school, I had to swiftly manage my emotions and continue to work on the essays for the other schools I applied. Throughout the application months, Ms. Queenie followed all her students through the entire application process and gave me fruitful advice on both the college decision process and the outline of my personal statement.

The most valuable lesson I learned from college application is to realize that rejections is not equivalent to my worth, but rather a chance for me to make self-reflections and stay determined. So please never be depressed by a temporary failure or loss, sometimes all you need is a bit of luck. Your dream school may reject you, but your dream won’t.

Another piece of advice from me is to stay motivated, always strive to improve, and remain focused on achieving your goal. College application is just one step along the journey. Driven by my passion, I took on additional challenges, such as participating in the International Biology Olympiad (IBO/USABO) in April, after submitting all my applications. Even now, during summer vacation, I have been taking the time to relax while also engaging in science activities that pique my interest. It is important to keep exploring your passions regardless of the outcome of college applications.

Introduction of Smith College

Knowledge. Community. Generosity. These three concepts capture Smith’s identity as an institution. Since its founding in 1871, Smith has remained at the forefront of higher education. A leader in service, sustainability, and scholarship, the college fosters the creativity and determination of its students with first-class facilities, dedicated faculty, and endless scholarly resources. Many world-famous women have graduated here, including Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind, and two First Ladies, Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush.

—— https://www.smith.edu/discover-smith