Joy Wang ’25 from China will pursue a degree in Photography and Imaging with a minor in Film or Related Studies at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, having secured her placement through an Early Decision agreement that led her to withdraw her remaining applications. An Honors student fluent in Mandarin, English, and some French, Joy demonstrated exceptional academic rigor by completing eight Advanced Placement courses during her three years at TASIS. These included Precalculus, Calculus AB, English Language and Composition, European History, United States History, Art History, 2-D Art and Design, and French Language and Culture, earning her the AP Scholar with Honor distinction from the College Board in both grade 11 and grade 12. Beyond the classroom, Joy was deeply engaged in campus life, serving as a prefect in a High School dormitory, earning the MVP Award for the Varsity Badminton team, managing the Varsity Girls Volleyball team, performing in the High School Orchestra and the Sweet November Dance Company, and contributing her writing and photography skills as a three-year member of the Journalism Fellowship. Reflecting on her preparation for college, Joy noted that TASIS challenged her comprehensively, helping her develop strong time management skills through balancing AP coursework with extracurricular activities. She also highlighted the value of the school's diverse community, comprising 63 nationalities, which fostered her curiosity about different cultures and languages—an asset she anticipates will serve her well in New York City. Her role as a prefect further equipped her with problem-solving abilities in interpersonal dynamics, underscoring the holistic development she experienced.
Joy attributed much of her success to the supportive environment of the College Counseling Office, describing it as a refuge where she could seek guidance during moments of anxiety, stress, or excitement. She found particular value in the evening counseling sessions held at Villa de Nobili, where one-on-one meetings with her counselor, Mr. Wickham, involved brainstorming ideas, refining her writing, and identifying universities that aligned with her interests. Joy expressed deep gratitude for the office's dedication, stating, 'The College Counseling office is a great place with three amazing people that truly hoped to help me find my home after TASIS, and I am so grateful for their help.' Among her most inspiring experiences at TASIS was the Speaker Series during her senior year, where experts from various fields shared their journeys, offering motivation throughout the college application process and beyond. Joy fondly recalled specific teachers who left a lasting impact, including Mr. Dalton for AP United States History and AP Art History, whom she praised for making history engaging and fun, and Ms. Vander Heiden for her lively AP English Language classes. She also emphasized Mr. Wickham's role as a listener and supporter, noting how he helped her clarify her aspirations despite their relatively short time working together. As she looks back on her time at TASIS, Joy anticipates missing the camaraderie in the dormitories, her roommate Sofi, meals at De Nobili, badminton, and her involvement in the prefect team—elements that defined her enriching journey at the school.
