From Kindergarten Rejection to Milton Academy — and Beyond

I failed my kindergarten interview to Milton Academy. I must've stacked the blocks wrong. Honestly, I view this as an achievement in and of itself — even my interview to Harvard felt easier.

When I finally got accepted into Milton Academy in fourth grade, I wondered what they had seen in me over the many other candidates. After all, what could a school accepting only 13% of applicants see in a 9-year-old kid — before I had ever seen it in myself?

Over the next 9 years, I considered who my classmates were — top academic students, competitive athletes, you name it. And when it came time to apply to colleges, when I watched a large portion of my class get admitted into Ivy League schools, I was immensely grateful for the opportunity I had been blessed with.

A New Program for Milton's Next Generation

I'm building a program for elementary students applying to Milton Academy and other elite preparatory schools who are seeking the same opportunity I had. The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) is an integral part of showing academic mastery while applying, and applicants should score in the 90th to 99th percentile — or as high as they can.

I will pair each student with their ISEE mentor from Milton Academy. When it's time to complete their essays in the fall, I will be closely involved in this process, preparing them to excel in their interviews.

Who will be Milton's next generation of leaders?

— Omar Hamoda, Milton Academy Alumnus · Harvard University Student