Hi! My name is Maya. I'm currently entering sophomore year at Cornell, and I love it here. I think I'm a strange person for Cornell since I'm highly engaged in my academics (I'm a physics major focused in quantum computing), but I also take advantage of the many extracurriculars and fun opportunities here (greek life, singing groups, mixed-race club, etc.). I also love making college admissions content in my free time! Excited to share what I've learned (the good and the bad) and help you in your college admissions process!

Hometown

Phoenix, Arizona

Major(s)

Physics

Minor(s)

Spanish, Statistics, Data Science

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Quantum Computing Association - Theory Subteam Member Society for Physics Students (SPS) - Executive Board Member Hearsay Acapella - Member Delta Delta Delta Panhellenic Sorority - Member

Describe your college experience

My transition was ROUGH to say the least. I had a super hard time adjusting coming all the way from Phoenix, Arizona. I also was accepted off of the waitlist, so I had two months to prepare and flew out here without even seeing the school. I would definitely not recommend doing that. Luckily for me it worked out! I have made so many friends and honestly love the winter time here (people overexaggerate.) I love being in all my organizations and Cornell has given me so many opportunities to challenge myself and grow.

Tip for future students

I definitely wish I had visited. I won't lie to you: Cornell isn't for everyone. It's not near any major city and there's a lot of things that people take as dealbreakers and end up not coming or applying. I also wish I knew the bus system way better because it is critical to your transport here (and you will get sick of walking.) There's a ton of other little things like that that you don't fully consider and are super different from other campuses sometimes! Honestly more important than anything: you have to join clubs and organizations. Even if they're just for your academics, this school gets very lonely and isolating fast if you don't put yourself out there and find clubs and things to do. This school is double the size of the other Ivies, and it benefits in that you can truly do anything and be anything, with anyone (there's someone out there who gets you). Don't be afraid to explore and step out of your comfort zone!

Favorite class

Difficult, but probably my first-year writing seminar, Writing on Ruins. Even though I'm a STEM person at heart, I really love storytelling and writing as well. I had such a great relationship with the professor, and this class challenged me in many ways to consider a lot of different things about our world. (Though I will say, it was not an easy A by any means.)

Career goals

I'd rather not go to graduate school and go straight into industry as a Data Analyst​/​Business Analyst​/​Product Manager. My end goal is to go into Quantum Tech Product Management, though I have also considered going to Law School for Patent and IP Law! (I also might end up at graduate school later down the line, who knows.)

Ideal way to spend a free night

I'm not a super big partier on the regular and would much prefer a movie night in with friends. We order cookies from insomnia and raid the seven eleven for snacks, then set up the couches in the dorm common rooms and watch our movie on the big TV!

High school or secondary school

Basis Ahwatukee, Phoenix, Arizona