For some North Penn students, college feels like a lifetime away, but for others, they’re already opening acceptance letters from their dream schools. For senior Jack Bachman, due to his hard work and persistence, his dreams have become a reality as he has committed to Brown University.

Most students will recognize Bachman as they see him walking through the halls of North Penn High School, whether it’s as a member of the student council, a leader in the link crew, a member of chamber singers, lead in a musical, or maybe even just a smiling face, but what they may not know is exactly what he has been preparing for months on end.

“Finding out I was accepted into Brown was so exciting, but it was mostly relief. I would wake up and think about college, and I would go to bed and think about college, and not having to worry anymore is one of the best feelings ever,” Bachman explained.

Brown University is an incredibly prestigious school with an acceptance rate of only 6%. Applying to 14 schools can leave one feeling overwhelmed, but Bachman claims his secret for staying sane is time management.

“First, I did my Common App. Essay, and I tried to finish that as soon as possible; then, I did my activities list. For Brown, I had the option to do a two-minute video introduction to introduce myself to the admission committee,” Bachman stated. “I would say that my video was pretty strong and most definitely the part I was most proud of; I still watch it today and smile.”

Applying to 14 schools, many of which are very competitive, can affect someone’s self-esteem and stress levels while going through this anxious period. Bachman goes through each application with self-appreciation and dedication that many may not be able to find.

“I think the hardest part is comparing yourself to other people. There are so many geniuses at North Penn and all over the country,” Bachman said. “Being true to yourself, writing about what you’re passionate about, and creating an application that doesn’t cater to someone else, but highlights you as an applicant, are some of the most important things.”

 A huge misconception is that once you graduate high school, you’re supposed to know precisely what you want to do with your life. Many students, no matter how smart, are unsure of what education and career paths will look like for them after high school. Luckily enough for Bachman, Brown makes it easier for their students to test the waters. 

“I’m definitely still on the fence about what I want to major in, but I would say my top three choices are modern culture and media, business economics, and political science,” Bachman explained. “The nice thing about Brown is that it’s an open curriculum, which is something they’re famous for, making it a lot easier to double major.”

One aspect of applying to colleges is the support needed from friends and family, but one group of people often gets overlooked; teachers. Although many great teachers have helped Bachman succeed in his time here at North Penn, two truly helped shape him into who he is today, not only as a student but as a person as well.

“Mr. Evans is like an angel from Heaven. Mr. Evans and Mrs. Specht have just been so wonderful with writing my recommendation letters and helping me calm down,” Bachman said. “Last year, Mr. Evans really helped us focus our minds on college towards the end of our Junior year. He took me in on the Diversity Equity Inclusion project, which was a great opportunity. He does everything he can to ensure every student is on their absolute A-game. He’s just the best, and I can’t say enough good things about him.”

There isn’t necessarily a class that will teach you how to apply for colleges. Still, there are skills from different courses available at North Penn that can help students become more disciplined and experienced when filling out their applications. Classes, such as those at the AP level that hold students to a higher level of accountability, may help instill healthy habits to help balance a school work to social life ratio.

“The rigor of taking AP classes gave me a good work ethic and college application season is all about managing your time and having a good work ethic,” Bachman claimed. “I think that North Penn being so competitive lit a fire under my butt to work hard and want to go to a good school, and now it’s finally happening.”

Bachman has worked relentlessly inside and outside of school for the past four years to ensure that he can call Brown University his home for the next four years. The early mornings and late nights have finally paid off, but he could never have done it without his love for other people and for helping his community.

“It makes it easier to get through the day when I’m doing something I love,” Bachman said.