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The ever-growing pressures of the college application process will be in the spotlight at a PTSA I-Connect film screening of “Try Harder!” on Tuesday, February 6. The evening event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Bellevue High School (BHS) Performing Arts Center. A panel discussion immediately follows. This special event is for both BHS parents and students.
“Try Harder!” (running time: 85 minutes) is a compelling documentary that follows five high-achieving students at a majority Asian-American public high school in San Francisco, as they strive to get into the elite universities of their dreams. Watching these students go through hope and heartbreak will surely spark conversations between you and your own child.
Variety called “Try Harder!” both “endearing and alarming.” The New York Times said following the college application process in this film “has all the energy of a high-stakes poker game and a reality competition show combined.”
Guest speakers:
Yvonne Chiu, Assistant Admissions Director, University of Washington (UW)
Ms. Chiu, who oversees freshman recruitment, is currently in the midst of reviewing applications submitted to UW for Fall 2024. As the parent of a high school senior herself, she offers unique insights from both sides of the admissions office door.
Timothy Gager, School Counselor, Bellevue High School
A significant part of Mr. Gager’s job is counseling BHS students about their college application plans and writing recommendation letters on their behalf. He will fill us in on the pressures students face trying to get into their dream schools.
Benjamin Liu, Alumni Interviewer for Princeton University; Founder and CEO, Devblock Technologies
A product of the Bellevue School District, Mr. Liu was admitted to Princeton University as a non-legacy applicant. He now interviews local seniors who apply to Princeton. Having experienced what he calls a “quintessential ‘tiger’ upbringing,” Mr. Liu will share his perspectives on trying to strike the right balance when parenting his own children.
I-Connect is a community engagement program sponsored by the BHS PTSA.
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