In the spring of 2008, Jamie Li shared her experience as she began the college application process. "My college selection process was a leisurely one. I had been urged by my parents to begin researching colleges in my sophomore year so my process went unrushed. Rainier Scholars also played a big role in my research and helped tremendously in narrowing my choices...I whittled my original list of thirty or so down to a few favorites! College visits proved incredibly useful in helping me decide which schools I loved and which got cut. After visiting Dartmouth, I fell in love with its beautiful campus and interactive class environment."

   Despite her doubts about being admitted to such a prestigious school, and her parents fears about her heading so far away from home, Jamie proceeded to apply to Dartmouth. She shared about this experience at the 2009 Rainier Scholars Luncheon.

   "I poured my heart into the Dartmouth college application and let my parents know I was applying for early decision. They were hesitant to be supportive, expressed concern that I would be disappointed and once again suggested I look at options closer to home.

   But Rainier Scholars was an advocate for me. They provided opportunities to network with school representatives.  They let me know that it was okay to dream big and equipped me with the tools for achieving my goals. And they even helped my parents to understand the importance of this step in my life.
 

   And I would like to announce that dreams do come true. When I checked the website in early December for the names of those students granted early decision I could hardly believe my eyes.  I even pulled out my cell phone in math class and made a call to the Rainier Scholars office to whisper my good news… and in the background I heard whoops of joy and shouting and clapping and the moment became real. I had been admitted to Dartmouth College Class of 2013."

   Jamie is currently thriving at Darmouth as a member of the class of 2013.