Nick Wong - University of California, Berkeley

Where did you go to high school? And what year did you graduate?

Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, 2018

What is your college major?

Data Science / Computer Science

Location of College

Berkeley, California

Type of College (liberal arts, research, community college)

Public Institution

How do you feel about the location of the college that you chose?

Being located in the Bay Area of Northern California within arms reach of Silicon Valley and San Francisco was a large factor in my decision to apply and study at UC Berkeley. I sought to study computer technology and entrepreneurship at a place embedded in the heart of the industry.

Are there any distinct features of the school geographically that stand out to you as either a negative or a positive?

Close proximity to San Francisco, ~40min train ride. Near Oakland, California.

What is the surrounding city/town of the school like? Is it a place that you like living?

I enjoy living in Berkeley/the East Bay! The weather is not too extreme, and the diversity reminds me of home. Berkeley's campus sits right next to Downtown Berkeley and is quite large. The area of Berkeley is generally pretty suburban. In my opinion, our campus is not as secluded from the surrounding neighborhoods as Stanford's campus. The surrounding area can sometimes be a little unsafe and requires basic vigilance when walking home.

Are there entrepreneurship programs and support at your college? If so, what are they called?

Many entrepreneurship programs on campus. Many departments across the school from the Engineering schools to the business school and the humanities departments have entrepreneurial classes and programs. I am most involved with The Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology which is the entrepreneurship center within the school of engineering.

Have you interacted with the programs from the above question? If so how were they, and would you recommend them to someone interested in entrepreneurship in your school?

Yes, very similar offerings to the experience of Nalukai. I have taken a few courses in this department and have been a Teaching Assistant for some as well.

Do the entrepreneurial programs cater to certain majors, or are there entrepreneurship majors available at the school?

Many opportunities to engage with entrepreneurship regardless of your major. Even off campus clubs, student-led Venture Capital firms, and accelerators.

Is there school support and funding for entrepreneurs looking to get their business funded? If so, where would a student look?

Not necessary official school support, but there exist many clubs and programs around campus for students to get funding for their ventures.

How does the surrounding community engage with the entrepreneurial community at the school?

There are definitely a good amount of enterprising kids looking to get started in entrepreneurship at Berkeley. There is definitely an entrepreneurial buzz in the air. Kids across disciplines are interested in entrepreneurship in its many forms--not only internet and technology.

How/Why did you chose this school?

Location and network of peers.

What were things that surprised you? It can be about the school itself or the college experience as a whole?

At least in the Computer Science domain, it is really competitive. Everyone is trying to land that internship at a big tech company, and the noise can be a lot to handle. Seeing everyone do a certain thing like get this internship can lead you away from pursuing things you're actually passionate about. Lots of imposter syndrome with all of these high achievers around.

What has been hardest about college so far? Was there anything that was really frustrating for you? It can be anything related to your college experience or application process thus far.

Imposter Syndrome. Recruiting for jobs.

What are some of the main ways that you interact with your college? (i.e programs, clubs, greek life, etc.)

I was a part of a club called Blueprint: Technology for Non-profits for most of my time at Berkeley. I also played Intramural sports a bit and have been a Teaching Assistant in a class.

What has been your favorite part of your college experience so far?

I've really really enjoyed my college experience. It was really the people that I met and the experiences that I've gotten to share with them that has been amazing. I've got my job from a member in my club.

How did you go about searching for colleges? What were the good, bad, and the ugly when you were going through the school search? What were the criteria that mattered to you?

I limited my college applications to only schools in the Bay Area. DON'T DO THIS IN MY OPINION. Spread your applications across schools that interest you moreso than the location. Diversify the "difficulty" of the schools you apply to. DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY. Rejection will hurt, but don't take it personally, it's not the end of the world, it will all work out.

For me, I really wanted to go to Stanford. I applied Early Action and got denied. I was the most upset I have ever been in my life. 4 years later, I'm happy and feel grounded in the fact that things worked out for a reason.

Thank you Uncle Davey for helping me get into college haha. MVP Unko Davey.

What application components did you find the hardest or most important, and what role do you think that played in the way you filled out applications?

It's all about the story you tell. Pick something and go deep. Be intentional with how you build your story that is true to yourself.

How was your experience with the financial aid process? How large of a factor was it in your final decision?

Financial aid BAD at UC Berkeley.

How did you ultimately decide on the college that you did? From your criteria that previously mattered to you, do you presently think you made the right choice?

Location and network of peers were the biggest factors. It has all paid off in my opinion.

And finally, If you were to give any advice to a Hawaii high school student applying to college, what advice would you give?

Aim high and diversify your applications so you have some schools you're confident you can get into.

It all won't matter even though it seems like the biggest decision right now. Try your best and keep moving forward regardless.