Honor Society® member
Maxwell Zhang
- Computer Science, Economics, Statistics
- Class of 2024
- California
Member since January 2024
About
I also took courses from High Bluff Academy:
9th (Grade/Marking): AP Computer Science A (A)
10th (Grade/Marking): AP Biology (A), AP Seminar (A)
11th (Grade/Marking): AP Statistics (A), AP Research (A)
I also took 14 AP exams and got a 5 for each one:
9th: AP Physics 1, AP Chinese, AP CSA
10th: AP Biology, AP Seminar, AP Microeconomics
11th: APUSH, AP Calc BC, AP Calc AB (BC subscore), AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Physics C: E&M, AP Lang, AP Research, AP Statistics
I exhausted all the math courses offered at Palo Alto High School since I skipped one grade of math, so I am currently taking Multivariable A, Multivariable B, and Linear Algebra at Foothill College.
Education
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University of Pennsylvania
Computer Science, Economics, Data Science/Statistics
2024 – Present
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Palo Alto Senior High School
2020 – 2024
Honors and awards
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American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10 Distinguished Honor Roll
AMC 10 Distinguished Honor Roll recognizes students in the top 1% of all AMC 10 participants. AMC 10 is a national mathematics competition for students in 10th grade and below.
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4-Time American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME) Qualifier
The top 2.5% of American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10 and top 5% of AMC 12 scorers qualify for the AIME every year.
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USA Computing Olympiad (USACO) Gold Qualifier
Students advance to the Gold Division in the USACO through passing both the Bronze and Silver Divisions by achieving a qualifying score in each division. Currently, 658 students compete internationally in the Gold Division.
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USA Physics Olympiad (USAPhO): 2-time USA Physics Team Semi Finalist
To earn a spot as a USA Physics Team Semifinalist (same as qualifying for the USA Physics Olympiad), students must rank among the top 400 nationally in the F=ma exam, a mechanics-focused multiple-choice physics test that is administered annually.
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2-Time Palo Alto High School Science Academic Excellence Award: Top 5 in school (Physics Honors, AP Physics C)
The Palo Alto High School Science Academic Excellence Award is presented by the faculty every year to the top 5 students in each science course, recognizing their exceptional academic performance and classroom engagement in that specific subject.
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Journalism Education Association of Northern California (JEANC) 2023: News Stream 1st Place, Review Writing 1st Place
The JEANC hosts an annual contest where student journalists across NorCal can submit their work in various categories.
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Top 3 among 900 global teams in the 2021 FIRST Robotics Innovation Challenge
Worked with 3 peers to develop SightWalk, an AI-powered GPS device designed to assist visually impaired individuals in navigating sidewalks using audio and haptic feedback. Leveraged deep learning techniques with over 5,000 images.
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FIRST Robotics Competition: Won 4 Regional Championships in 2022 & 2023, reached the World Championship semifinals in both years, and ranked 8 out of 3376 globally in 2023.
Palo Alto Youth Robotics Association Strategy Director and App Developer: Responsible for design, software, app development, and leading the strategy team. Secured $100k through grants and GoFundMe campaigns. Expanded team from 20 to 70 members.
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Tests of Engineering, Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science: 1st overall in SF Peninsula region, 1st in Math at States, national qualifiers.
Team Captain: Organize weekly team-building activities. Lead innovative engineering/research projects: design efficient sports stadiums, develop protection for marine life at SeaWorld, improve bicycle infrastructure/safety in cities.
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Columbia Scholastic Press Association Golden Crown and NSPA finalist in 2022 & 2023.
Editor-in-Chief and Webmaster of The Paly Voice: Lead real-time news reporting, coach staff writers, and oversee publication of over 180 high-quality articles annually.
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Qualifiers for the National Economics Challenge State Quiz Bowl and achieved a top 100 placement out of 5000 in the Wharton Global Youth Program Investment Competition.
President of Paly Economics Club: Organize weekly agendas/lectures and prepare 40+ members for the Wharton Global Youth Program Investment Competition, the National Economics Challenge, and the AP Microeconomics/Macroeconomics exam.
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Varsity Golf: 2-time De Anza League Champion and 2-time California Interscholastic Federation qualifiers in 2022 and 2023.
Palo Alto High School Varsity Golf Team Co-Captain: Coordinate fundraising efforts, organize team-building events, and coach newcomers for varsity team.
Goals and interests
- Career goal
Quantitative Analysis, Data Scientist / Economist, Software Engineer, Policy Analyst / Advisor in Technology and Economics
- Graduate school interests
Algorithmic Trading, Financial Technology, Data Science and Big Data Analysis
- Outside the classroom
My hobbies, crucial to balancing my busy life, offer both tranquility and exhilaration. Golf, more than just a sport, is a favored pastime for me. The golf course, with its varying landscapes and thoughtful challenges, provides a setting that is both calming and mentally engaging. Every stroke is a lesson in both patience and accuracy. I also love the infinite possibilities in every match I play, which allows me to use my creativity and adapt to unique circumstances.
Participating in social events adds vibrancy and energy to my life. I enjoy exchanging stories and building relationships with others. Each social gathering, whether casual or meaningful, offers chances for personal development and knowledge.
Car meets excite me with their mix of engineering and community. I love being around the sound of engines and shiny cars, where I can appreciate automotive design, speed, and new technology. Being able to see my dream cars right in front of me is something that I truly enjoy.
These activities together lead to a satisfying and balanced lifestyle, combining peace, excitement, and social interaction.
Volunteering
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Marketing Manager: Taught middle schoolers the importance of writing skills and how to report on social events. Aimed to inspire young students in journalism.
Paly Media Arts Center Journalism Summer Camp
Jan 2023 – Jun 2023
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Board Officer: Develop/instruct weekly curriculum in computer science and physics for 25+ underprivileged Nepali students.
Education Club for Nepali Students
Aug 2022 – Jun 2024
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Founder/President: Recruited 30+ members through school and community events. Created website to build community connections across CA. Organized weekly lectures on business strategy, marketing skills, and return on investment. Raised $8k in proceeds for farmers. Established cooperative with farmers to extend support to more regions in China.
MeiTea Northern California Club
Jan 2022 – Jun 2024
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Mentor (2023-24): Mentor 100+ students, foster leadership skills, and enhance their financial planning abilities. Signed 34 microloans for rural farmers in Ningxia/Hunan, China. Leader (2021-22): Worked with profs. and students from Stanford, Claremont McKenna, and UCs. Led 8 teammates to develop business models to provide microloans to farmers.
Peer-to-Peer Global Philanthropy Leadership Program
Dec 2021 – Jun 2024
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Project Manager/Circuitry Lead: Engineered electronic components and elevator mechanisms, and designed/assembled circuitry for hydroponic systems. Programmed automatic feedback systems for efficient monitoring and control of nutrient levels. Developed a camera system using deep learning and segmentation to assess the rate of plant growth.
Altoponix (nonprofit organization developing hydroponics)
Aug 2021 – Oct 2022
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Counselor: Instruct middle schoolers in machining, CAD, programming to build robots. Raised $16k for team funds per year. Engage in outreach programs to inspire 200+ middle and elementary school students yearly in STEM.
Palo Alto Youth Robotics Association Robotics Summer Workshop + Outreach
Apr 2021 – Jun 2023
Languages
- Chinese (Simplified) Advanced
- English (US) Fluent
Additional information
Organizations
