A student exploring the combination of computer science, society, and art

Ava I. Rathenberg

Education

Santa Clara University

  • 4.0 GPA

  • Math 13

  • Math 14

  • Computer science and engineering 11

  • Computer Science and engineering 12

  • Digital media and design

  • Critical Thinking and Writing

  • Ethics in Society

Palo Alto Senior High School

  • 4.22 GPA

  • 1520 SAT

  • AP English Language: 5

  • AP Computer Science: 4

  • AP Seminar: 5

  • AP Biology: 5

  • AP 2D Studio Art: 5

  • AP English Literature: 5

  • AP Research: 4

Awards

  • AP Capstone Diploma

  • AP Scholar with Distinction

  • PSAT Honorary Scholar

  • Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award 2020

  • Silver President’s Volunteer Service Award 2021

  • Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award 2022

  • Golden State Seal Merit Diploma

  • State Seal of Civic Engagement

Alto Swim Club

I have been swimming with Alto Swim Club since Kindergarten, which at the time was called PASA, and later spun off into Alto Swim Club. My favorite distances are short sprints, such as the 50 and 100 freestyle, and the 100 and 200 backstroke. I enjoy going to swim meets where I can spend time with my teammates and friends.

Tae Kwon Do

I was always fascinated by watching martial arts classes on my walk to preschool in San Francisco. When I was 4 years old I joined Navarrete's Black Belt Academy to learn Tae Kwon Do. I went to practice, took part in competitions, and progressed quickly, becoming a red belt at age 10. After moving to Palo Alto, I joined a new studio, Palo Alto Martial Arts, run by Grand Master Kwangil Bae, an exceptional teacher. At this studio, I earned my first and second-degree black belt, went regularly to sparring competitions, and became a referee for national tournaments. Tae Kwon Do has had a great influence on my life and helped me to become a better person.

Hope Musical Theatre

I have attended Hope Musical Theatre Summer Camp every year since 2nd grade. It is a theatre program run by Sarah Hope, who had previously worked on Broadway and SNL, in which kids learn to produce a professional play in 2 weeks. While I was there, I was fortunate to have roles such as the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz and Mrs. Peterson in Bye Bye Birdie. After 8th grade, I became a camp counselor, and was in charge of helping put on the shows rather than act in them. I designed props, organized art activities, and prepared costumes, and helped the campers become actors.

Tech Challenge

Participating in the San Jose Tech Challenge when I was 10 years old jump-started my passion for pursuing a mix of computer science and art. For the tech challenge, the goal of 1 year of work was to produce an airplane that completed several tasks, including flying, unmotorized, through an obstacle course while carrying a load. Out of the 600 teams competing, we were one of only 10 teams that won an award.