Aryan Garg
Stamps 1693 Scholar
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Hometown
Herndon, VA
(Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology)
Academic Interests
Computational & Applied Mathematics & Statistics, Biochemistry, Pre-Med
Why W&M
The first time I visited William & Mary was in 2022, years before I seriously began considering college applications. From the Sadler Center to the Sunken Garden, I was struck by how picturesque the campus was, and over the next four years, even as I navigated the college application process and toured other schools, William & Mary remained one of my favorites. In fact, this incredibly exhausting and confusing process of college applications made me reflect on what I wanted in a college: a strong community with students and faculty that would be supportive, great opportunities for undergraduate research, and a school that I could look back on and appreciate, not just for all the skills and experiences I would have learned, but for the friends I had made.
However, all of these ideals remained abstract to me until the spring of my senior year. After all, every college proclaimed a great community and amazing opportunities. After visiting several schools, I was only left with more questions. When I was invited to Finalist Weekend, however, I began to realize that William and Mary was one of the few schools with everything that I was looking for. After receiving a plethora of friendly emails, text messages, and advice from W&M alumni and students, I began to picture myself in Williamsburg for the next four years. That being said, I never expected that Finalist Weekend would move the needle so much that as soon as Professor Cristol offered me a place in the 1693 Scholars Program, I hastily accepted.
On the Friday morning of Finalist Weekend, I cautiously approached Murray House and was immediately greeted with smiles by Kim and the students who were waiting for me to arrive. I toured campus, taking in the ISC, the Crim Dell, lab facilities, dorms, the Wren Building, and so much more. I enjoyed waffles & ice cream that evening, as well as a legendary Ultimate Frisbee game the day after. But most importantly, I met people who were extremely helpful, kind, and passionate, and I’m so happy to be part of such a community. In those few days, I realized exactly what I wanted my college experience to be, and I realized that I would find it at William & Mary.
High School Activities
- Captain of Congressional Debate Team
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Research Intern at Georgetown SOM’s Department of Pharmacology and Physiology
- Varsity Cross Country & Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field Runner
- Volunteer at Sentara Northern VA Medical Center
- Intern at Local Psychiatry Clinic
- Teacher/Volunteer at Local Temple
- Math Tutor
- Amateur Photographer
- Spanish Honor Society
- Chemistry Society
Awards / Distinctions
- Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, 3rd Place Team (2023-24)
- Wharton Global High School Investment Competition, Top 10 Teams (2024-25)
- National Speech and Debate Association Academic All-American
- Ranked 2nd in Virginia - Congressional Debate by NSDA
- Washington Area Speech & Debate League Champion - Congressional Debate
- National Spanish Exam Gold Award
- AP Scholar with Distinction
- National Merit Commended Scholar
- National District Cross-Country All-District Honors
- British Biology Olympiad Bronze Medal
- US Presidential Scholars Candidate