A Turkish high school student’s passion for astrophysics has earned him a prestigious full scholarship to Yale University, valued at $100,000 per year, by showcasing his love for science through a creative essay inspired by his mother’s pancake recipe.
Can Erol, a student at İzmir American College, captivated Yale’s admission committee with a clever essay that artfully intertwined his childhood memories of pancake-making with his values and life philosophy.
“In my essay, I aimed to convey the values that are significant to me through pancakes,” Erol explained. “Drawing from a childhood memory, I sought to articulate the lessons I’ve learned in life and the recipe for a meaningful life, as I see it.”
His distinctive approach not only secured him an early acceptance to Yale but also garnered him a full scholarship offer.
Erol, who plans to pursue a double major in physics and computer science or applied mathematics and computer science at Yale, attributes his academic path to his interest in physics, which blossomed in ninth grade.
Throughout his academic journey, Erol has actively engaged in various research projects. His participation in a prestigious program at MIT last summer further fueled his dedication to astrophysics.
Despite his academic accomplishments, Erol remains grounded, underscoring the significance of friendships, the joy of learning, and the exploration of new ideas in shaping his future aspirations.
“I aim to chart a path that aligns with my nature, influenced by the friendships I’ve cultivated, the joy I find in learning, and the process of exploration and critical thinking,” Erol elaborated. “However, the specifics of this path may only become clear to me in my senior year.”
