LISTEN: Incredible achievement as Sazi Bongwe gets accepted to Harvard University

Sazi Bongwe from St John’s College has been accepted into the Harvard university. 

So what happened to the other 4,1%??

As we all know, Harvard University is arguably the most prestigious university in the world which was founded 8 September 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America. It is the oldest academic institution on the planet and is among the top 1% of Universities until this day.

To think that one of our own was able to meet the challenging criteria and slim acceptance rate of only 4% for international students is phenomenal.

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So how did Sazi do it??

Sazi’s journey to Harvard can serve as a masterclass to those looking to head in the same direction. His efforts did not start in his grade 11 or matric year like many students around South Africa. 

He started crafting impressive portfolio with numerous extra-curricular activities, Nine distinctions in his final exams as well as an average of 95,9%

Can you believe that!

“For me, understanding all the things that go into a well-rounded application, from academics and extracurriculars to standardised testing and essays, made the journey much easier,” says Sazi.

For fellow South Africans the application process can be extremely complex and highly competitive. Sazi advises participating in as much as we can handle and familiarise ourselves with the application process.

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 In addition to his dazzling academic achievements, Sazi is the founder of an organisation called Ukuzibuza where he along with 4 other high school students have created a platform to share purposeful, stimulating and entertaining content. It also serves as a community space where people can share their work.

Sazi further adds: “My advice to other students wanting to study overseas is to think of the application as the culmination of you doing things that are meaningful to you. Instead of doing something because it will lead to a good application, make sure that you’re doing things that are meaningful and that you’re fully giving all yourself to them. The result of that will be a really impressive application.” 

“Iron sharpens Iron”

Sazi pays tribute below to his fellow classmates who aided in his success.

We couldn’t be more proud of Sazi and wish him all the best with his bright future ahead! 

Don’t forget to bring that knowledge back home Sazi! #watchthisspace