Meet the 4.0 GPA Teen Behind the Viral Cal AI App: 15 Top Universities Rejected Him!
Zach Yadegari, a remarkable high school teen and co-founder of the popular AI app Cal AI, has recently faced a storm of commentary on X after disclosing that he was rejected by 15 out of the 18 prestigious colleges to which he applied. This incident has sparked discussions about the college admissions process and the expectations placed on young entrepreneurs.
Yadegari’s Academic Achievements and College Aspirations
Despite achieving a stellar 4.0 GPA and scoring a commendable 34 on the ACT (with scores over 31 considered exceptional), Yadegari believes the main issue was his college essay. Many commentators on X echo this sentiment, suggesting that his essay may have played a significant role in his rejections.
Success with Cal AI
Yadegari is not just a student; he is also the co-founder of the viral Cal AI, an innovative calorie-tracking app. According to reports, Cal AI is on track to generate an impressive $30 million in annual recurring revenue. While this claim is yet to be independently verified, the app has seen over 1 million downloads and boasts tens of thousands of positive reviews on app stores.
From Gaming to AI: A Journey of Entrepreneurship
Before Cal AI, Yadegari successfully sold his first venture, a web gaming company, for $100,000. Initially, he had no plans to attend college, believing that his experience in a hacker house in San Francisco would suffice for a successful tech career. However, he soon realized that college could offer valuable life experiences and opportunities for personal growth.
Insights from His College Essay
Yadegari shared his entire college essay on X, revealing his initial reluctance toward higher education. He reflected on how his journey as a self-taught coder was shaped by the influence of venture capitalists and mentors, which ultimately led him to reconsider his path. In a moment of clarity, he wrote:
“In my rejection of the collegiate path, I had unwittingly bound myself to another framework of expectations: the archetypal dropout founder.”
He concluded with a strong statement about his desire to contribute positively to society through college, stating:
“Through college, I will contribute to and grow within that larger whole, empowering me to leave an even greater lasting, positive impact on the world.”
The Viral Reaction to His Rejections
Despite his impressive credentials, Yadegari faced rejections from top institutions such as Stanford, MIT, Harvard, and Columbia. He did receive acceptance offers from Georgia Tech, the University of Texas, and the University of Miami. His tweet regarding these rejections went viral, garnering over 22 million views and thousands of comments.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The reactions on X have varied widely. Some users criticized his essay as being “arrogant,” while others pointed out flaws in the college admissions system itself. Many insightful comments highlighted that colleges typically seek candidates who demonstrate a genuine enthusiasm for education, suggesting that Yadegari’s essay lacked this crucial element.
Notable figures, including Garry Tan from Y Combinator, shared their own experiences of rejection in college applications, adding to the conversation about the challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs.
Reflecting on Success Beyond Academics
Yadegari shared with TechCrunch that he is still contemplating his next steps but found the response to his post fascinating. He expressed his desire to be perceived as authentic by admissions offices, stating:
“At the end of the day, when I wrote my essay, I hoped admissions offices would perceive me as authentic because that’s all I ever want to be.”
Moreover, he has come to a profound realization that true success transcends financial achievements. He stated, “It is about relationships and being a part of a larger community.”
For more insights into the college admissions process, you can check out resources from College Board or explore the experiences of other young entrepreneurs.
