MEET THE 2025-2026 TOUR GUIDES
Alexandros ‘27
alexnpas@bu.edu
Lincoln, MA
Shady Hill School
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite class at BUA was sophomore year English, because my teacher was always really supportive and the class was engaging. It was a small class and it was amazing when we could hold a strong conversation.
Best Thing about BUA
The best thing about BUA is the teachers and the students as a whole. I love being able to have connections with my teachers beyond just the class I have with them. Many hours of my life have been spent conversing with teachers and other students about hobbies and learning about how the teachers have ended up where they are today. BUA has a unique community and it is the best.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
My advice to anyone applying to BUA would be to try your best to convey who you really are: your personality, your interests, your role in school, and more. It is really important for you to be honest in order to thrive at BUA.
Fun Fact
A fun fact about me is that I like to play piano and sing. I am actually in BUA’s advanced jazz band, Swamp Cats, as a singer having joined last year.
Angelique ‘26
apacombe@bu.edu
Woburn, MA
Beebe School
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite class at BUA is PreCalculus! PreCalc is structured almost like a humanities course in that it’s heavily discussion based. Everyday, I got to engage with and learn from my classmates, which really helped me grasp the material.
Best Thing about BUA
The best thing about BUA is the people here. The community is able to have open and honest discussion super easily. One of my favorite moments was when one debate between a friend and I in the hallway grew to about 10 people in a circle adding their perspectives as well!
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Be yourself! Be authentic! I know you probably hear that a lot, but BUA values people beyond who they are as a student. Your personality is the strongest part of your application!
Fun Fact
I’m scared of butterflies.
Annie ‘26
yanannie@bu.edu
Brookline, MA
Michael Driscoll School
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite class at BUA was Chemistry, because of the lab-based approach. It really helped me see the real-world applications of the concepts we learned. My favorite lab was the titrations lab where each group tried to get the lightest shade of pink by titrating a weak base with just the right amount of HCl. I love a good and friendly competition! :)
Best Thing about BUA
BUA challenges you academically but still feels like a close-knit and supportive place. When I came to BUA, it felt like I finally found my people. The people love learning and working hard, and that made me feel more connected and comfortable with my classmates. No matter what interests you have, there’s always going to be students who can connect to you on some level at BUA.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Be yourself and focus on showing who you really are. Let your personality shine and enjoy the process!
Fun Fact
I love going to hockey games! My favorite teams are Montreal Canadiens, BU, and UMichigan.
Arden ‘26
apn1@bu.edu
Stoneham, MA
Acera School
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite class at BUA was Integral Calculus with Mr. Ford. If you have a slight obsession with watching random math Youtube videos, knowing Calc II is very helpful for understanding a variety of more complex math problems. Also, Mr. Ford is hilarious!
Best Thing about BUA
The opportunity to pursue things that you are interested in! For example, this year I am taking Developmental Biology, which is an upper level biology elective at BU. Most high schools don’t have science classes in such niche areas with the kind of rigor found in the advanced science classes at BU.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Find things you are excited about at BUA! I remember that when I was applying, I would look through the biology courses offered at BU and I was excited about the possibility of taking classes on things like stem cell biology and translational medicine as a high school student. There is also senior thesis, research opportunities, clubs, and school traditions! If you are excited about BUA, writing your application essays will be much easier.
Fun Fact
I can hyperextend my left thumb.
Betty ‘26
baraia@bu.edu
Cambridge, MA
Cambridge Montessori School
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite BUA class was my junior year English with Ms. Kelly! She’s an amazing teacher and really prioritized having the discussions run by the students’ interests. She’s so wellversed in the books that we read and I never went to a class without learning something new. Larsen’s Passing, Fitzgerald The Great Gatsby, Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley is, in fact, the best lineup in the BUA English curriculum.
Best Thing about BUA
Hands down, the people! My favorite part of the day is just getting to walk down the hallway and greet everyone as they pass, asking about their day or their weekend plans. Everyone here is so easy to talk to and really supportive, so I feel that I’ve really gotten to find my people here. I’m very grateful for how much effort BUA puts into uplifting the community bond and prioritizing events that work to bring us all together.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Trust the process. Just be yourself and you’ll end up wherever is right for you!
Fun Fact
I aspire to be able to backflip.
Cici ‘27
ciciye@bu.edu
Newton, MA
Meadowbrook School of Weston
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite BUA class was Biology in freshmen year. Using a flipped classroom approach, where we learned new concepts through homework assignments, we came into class ready to engage with the material in interactive ways. The class was filled with hands-on labs, creative projects, and collaborative activities that brought the material to life.
Best Thing about BUA
The best thing about BUA is the supportive environment. It’s a place where I can easily connect with teachers and peers, and where sharing experiences beyond academics feels natural and encouraged.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Be yourself and don’t be afraid to show what excites you. BUA is a place where people openly share their interests, and curiosity is always welcomed—reflecting our values of kindness and curiousity.
Fun Fact
I love to bake, but the cookies never last longer than 5 minutes—my dog doesn’t really help with that. :)
Daniel ‘26
dshaer@bu.edu
Newton, MA
The Acera School
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite class at BUA was definitely Chemistry with Ms. Perrone. Being able to learn core chemistry concepts and then apply them in real experiments—often involving burning or freezing things—made the class so engaging, enjoyable, and educational.
Best Thing about BUA
The best thing about BUA is the community. No matter where you look, you’ll find a friendly face, whether you know them well or not. We all bring out the best in each other, and that’s something rare.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Be yourself! Authenticity is incredibly valued at BUA, a place where each and every member of the community brings something unique and contributes differently.
Fun Fact
I have family in every continent—except Antarctica.
Genevieve ‘27
gengouv@bu.edu
Sudbury, MA
Ashley Hall (Charleston, SC)
Favorite Class at BUA
Sophomore English (or, as I call it, Brit-Lit) with Dr. Harrington because of the interesting essay prompts, fun and thought-provoking in-class discussions, and the wonderful support of Dr. Harrington!
Best Thing about BUA
The interwoven network of support and community amongst students and teachers alike. You really can just have a conversation with anyone and everyone and teachers feel more like friends.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Just go for it! It may be daunting and scary at first, maybe even overwhelming, but in order to grow, you have to walk through the fire. BUA can and will push you to your limits and then even further and, trust me, you’ll be grateful for it in the end.
Fun Fact
In my free time, I love writing! I’m currently finishing up a children’s book illustrated by my sister, which we will publish soon! :)
Harris ‘27
hbraman@bu.edu
Arlington, MA
Lesley Ellis School
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite class at BUA is chorus with Dr. Abigaña. His extensive musical training has helped me improve tremendously over my two and a half years with him. Additionally, the pieces he picks are pieces a professional orchestra or chorus might do. He challenges us the perfect amount so that everyone must improve in order to put on a good performance, but we aren’t overwhelmed by the difficulty. Within the day to day classes, his sense of humor, his ability to connect with each student and their interests, and the pacing of his classes towards a overarching goal, makes every day both fun and productive.
Best Thing about BUA
To me the “secret sauce” of BUA is its close knit community. Many camps or programs I’ve attend have had cliques of people who talk only amongst themselves. At BUA, this is completely the opposite. While there are friend groups, the close BUA community enables one to talk to anybody in any grade. You can become friends with anyone.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
It can be tempting to put only big achievements on your application to try and show middle school excellence, but small moments are just as important. Whether it’s holding a door for the rest of class everyday or making sure that a less popular kid got included in a class activity, BUA values these small moments of dedication and inclusion that best show someone’s character.
Fun Fact
In 8th grade, I created what I believe to be (based on extensive market research) the world’s first and only pair of wheelchair brakes. My invention is currently patent pending.
Harry ‘27
hwieand@bu.edu
Arlington, MA
Lesley Ellis School
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite class at BUA was my Calculus I class with Mr. Dent in sophomore year, due to the welcoming environment and the eagerness of everyone in the class to engage with the material and actively participate.
Best Thing about BUA
For me, the best thing about BUA is the size of the school. BUA is small enough to allow you to get to know everyone in your class while still being big enough to have a wide variety of people with unique experiences.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Use the resources that are available to you! If someone gives you their email and offers to answer any questions you have, take them up on it. Everyone is willing to help out however you need.
Fun Fact
I spent three weeks this past summer at a sports analytics camp, and I hope to implement the skills I learned to help me co-lead the school’s Sports Analytics Club this year.
Frankie ‘27
fgrills@bu.edu
Winchester, MA
McCall Middle School
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite class at BUA was Chemistry, because I loved participating in different labs and the content was both interesting and engaging. One of my favorite class periods was the titration lab we did towards the end of the year. My lab partner and I were so invested that we stayed after class to keep working!
Best Thing about BUA
The best thing about BUA is the lively community, especially my close friends and teachers! One of my favorite traditions I have with one of my friends is celebrating by going to Starbucks before every break or long weekend!
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Be as open minded as possible to meeting new people and trying new things.
Fun Fact
Although I’m right handed, I perform all my gymnastics skills as a lefty.
Jeffrey ‘27
Chelsea, MA
Brooke Charter School East Boston
Favorite Class at BUA
9th grade F-block history has to be my favorite class. Learning about ancient history was really interesting, and the class is really engaging. My favorite classes were the Friday ones, because the vibes were just so immaculate.
Best Thing about BUA
The best thing about BUA is how understanding and friendly the teachers are. They’ll not only help you with your academics, but they’re also just someone to talk to about life with. They understand if you have extracurriculars or something else in the way, and they try their best to work around it.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Have fun, and be yourself! There’s nothing worse than going to a school that doesn’t fit you!
Fun Fact
I have a cool orange cat whose chill 75% and then rowdy 25% of the time.
leoneld@bu.edu
Brookline, MA
Jewish Community Day School
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite class at BUA was Ancient Greek II; I loved refining my Greek skills and learning even more about Ancient Greek culture. One thing I especially enjoyed about the class was reading Greek myths and stories in their native language and discovering fascinating etymological connections between Greek and English.
Best Thing about BUA
The best thing about BUA is the amazing connections I have made with my teachers and friends. Some of my favorite memories at BUA are from the various affinity club events, like the Latin American Student Assoc. annual Hispanic Heritage Breakfast, or the South Asian Student Assoc. Samosa Social. I enjoy these events not only because the food is invariably amazing, but also because I love deepening my connections with my peers.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
My advice to anyone applying to BUA is that you should just be yourself and try to honestly represent yourself as you are.
Fun Fact
I have four passports: America, Italy, United Kingdom, and New Zealand!
Lizzie ‘26
elliottl@bu.edu
Newton, MA
Chalres E. Brown Middle School
Favorite Class at BUA
I really like English, because I love to read new texts and discuss them with my teachers and classmates. While I can’t pick a favorite year so far my favorite text we have read so far was called Passing by Nella Larsen. Not only did I love the book and the discussions we had surrounding it but I loved how while we were reading it we were learning about the time period in history. The ability to see how different classes connect is one of the things I love the most about BUA.
Best Thing about BUA
The best thing about BUA is the community, because everyone is so supportive. For example, I am part of our girls varsity soccer team and people will often show up for our games. Specifically, the school has a festival event called Fall Fest and everyone goes to the soccer games to support our seniors for senior night. This tradition highlights the support from the community that you can expect at BUA.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
What makes things so fun at BUA is that we all are different, so showcase what makes you different. Most of my favorite memories at BUA are bonding with my fellow classmates over unique hobbies or interests we have and that is really what makes our community so special.
Fun Fact
I have the most perfect dog in the whole world who is named after one of my families favorite shows. She is called Higgins after the sidekick in Magnum P.I.
Lisa ‘26
Liszhou@bu.edu
Brookline, MA
The Pike School
Favorite Class at BUA
Dr. Davis’s History class! It was my favorite, because it encourages me to think outside of the box and beneath the surface.
Best Thing about BUA
The best thing about BUA is the kindness within the community.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
My advice to anyone applying to BUA would be to have fun during the process and present the authentic you. Treat it more like a self-discovery process than an application.
Fun Fact
I can spin a basketball on all my fingers.
Lyahnnette ‘27
lyahm@bu.edu
Lawrence, MA
Community Day Charter Public School
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite class at BUA was English 45, where we explored the growth of English literature from its Germanic roots to its diverse, multicultural present. I also wasn’t limited to formal essays and got to experiment with writing in different forms, like a Shakespearean sonnet or original poems. These creative risks helped me become more confident in my writing voice and taught me how form can be just as powerful as content. The class even designed and led short lessons for our peers, which gave me early experience in organizing my thoughts clearly, presenting ideas to others, and engaging with different perspectives which are all skills that are incredibly useful both in college and beyond.
Best Thing about BUA
The best thing about BUA is the balance between academic challenge and creative freedom. At BUA, you’re surrounded by people who genuinely care about learning, not just earning grades. This creates an environment where curiosity thrives and you’re encouraged to think deeply and take risks. It’s the best of both worlds: rigorous, extensive academics paired with the support and flexibility to grow.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Lean into what makes you curious. BUA is a place where intellectual passion isn’t just encouraged, it’s celebrated. You don’t have to know everything or have all your interests figured out, but you should be excited to explore, question, and grow. BUA values students who are thoughtful, open-minded, and eager to learn, not just for a grade, but for the joy of discovery!
Fun Fact
I’m a silver-medalist in the IDO World Tap Dance Championships 2024.
Makeda ‘27
makeda27@bu.edu
Cambridge, MA
St. Theresa of the Child Jesus School
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite BUA class so far has been my sophomore year English class, British Literature: Global Citizenship. In the class, we explored a myriad of British texts from Anglo-Saxon times to the post-colonial era. In class, we not only discussed the deeper meanings of the overall text but we also explored the history and etymology of words we would otherwise overlook. There was also the occasional appearance of snacks that helped with morale, especially when we “celebrated our learning.”
Best Thing about BUA
The best thing about BUA is that there is always something new you can learn from someone, whether they’re your teacher or peer. BUA prides itself in bringing together students with a wide variety of interests and skills; thus, just talking or doing an activity with someone can teach you something you never knew about.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
My advice to anyone applying to BUA would be to not be afraid of meeting a certain standard when you apply. BUA, as well as most other high schools you will apply to, look for students with diverse skill sets and interests. Authenticity in your application is the best way to demonstrate that.
Fun Fact
I have practiced martial arts (Tang Soo Do) for 10 years and I am an instructor trainee. I was also one of the youngest people to be promoted to black belt standing in my region.
Ned ‘26
nedj@bu.edu
Swampscott, MA
Tower School
Favorite Class at BUA
I’ve had so many great classes at BUA, but one that still stands out to me is my freshman year history class. I really appreciated how my teacher, Ms. Kamen, encouraged us to approach history creatively and have fun with it. I have a lot of great memories from that class, and I think it inspired me to think in different ways about learning in general.
Best Thing about BUA
The location. Setting aside all the great BU facilities within walking distance, like the GSU or FitRec, BUA is perfectly placed to enable students to explore all over the city of Boston. With just a short walk, bus ride, or train ride, you can get to everywhere from Brighton/ Allston to the MFA to Newbury St.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Don’t stress too much! Obviously applying to schools is a stressful process, but everything will work out the way it’s meant to. As long as you put in the effort and be true in your application to who you are, you’ll have done everything you need to do. There’s no point worrying about being the perfect applicant—just be yourself.
Fun Fact
My elementary school was the closest school to the ocean in the whole United States.
petrajm@bu.edu
Somerville, MA
The Newman School
Favorite Class at BUA
The Makings of the Modern World with Dr. Davis. The class is set up in a way that explains the people, events, and ideologies that make up our modern culture and geopolitics. I think it was really valuable and intersting to learn all the theories and philosophies around the development of modernity.
Best Thing about BUA
The community! I’ve made so many great friendships and connections here!
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Remember to enjoy the process! It’s so cool to meet new people and learn about different places. Don’t stress it too much, you’ll end up somewhere that works for you.
Fun
Fact
Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday! I love chocolate and BUA has a bunch of fun events for it!
Sharon ‘27
shxiong@bu.edu
Brookline, MA
The Pike School
Favorite Class at BUA
Mr. Ford’s Multivariate Calculus class. I learned everything from handling functions with two variables to integrating in three dimensions, and the course deepened my appreciation for math. It was also a lot of fun. Mr. Ford used personal anecdotes and realworld applications to bring the concepts to life. The class had a great balance between inclass learning and at-home practice, which really helped me internalize the material.
Best Thing about BUA
The opportunity to meet kind and curious peers who share similar interests has been one of the best parts of BUA. I love how welcoming the community is, and it has made me feel comfortable trying new things. I was able to join crew and tennis with no prior experience, and I also became part of the robotics team. Thanks to this supportive environment, I’ve found close friends and discovered things I truly enjoy.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Think about what has been important to you so far and what will matter most to you in high school. This could be a specific academic interest, a sport, or the community. Knowing what you care about can help you highlight your strengths in your application and ask meaningful questions during the process.
Fun Fact
I was named after Sharon Park in California, a place my parents used to visit often.
Sofia ‘26
sashih@bu.edu
Chestnut Hill, MA
Brimmer and May
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite class at BUA (so far) was my sophomore year precalculus class with Mr. Divac. While it was a really hard class, I found that my classmates and I were able to really work together to understand the material whether it be through study sessions or group chats, we all worked together. I found that even though the class really pushed me in how I learned, it taught me a ton about problem solving both in the classroom and outside of it!
Best Thing about BUA
THE COMMUNITY!!! I absolutely love the community here at BUA, everyone you interact with truly just wants you to succeed in what you’re doing and so many people are willing to do whatever it takes to help you!
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Ask any and all questions that you have! It doesn’t matter what type of question it is, if you’re curious about something, then it’s a good question to ask!
Fun Fact
I spent the most recent summer on a lake in New Hampshire as a sleep-away camp counselor!
Sonja ‘27
slv08@bu.edu
Weston, MA
Meadowbrook School of Weston
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite class at BUA has been my history class, Makings of the Modern World with Ms. Petertam. As we discussed historical events and readings from across the globe we learned how to make connections across history and interpret readings and events on a complex level. The class was an amazing balance between philosophies and events, and all the material was incredibly engaging. My favorite part of the class however was the discussions. As it is a discussion based class, the majority of our class time was dedicated to these discussions.
Best Thing about BUA
BUA is full of kind and curious people, who never hesitate to help their classmates, take a leadership role, or try something new for the first time. By being surrounded by my fellow members of the BUA community, I feel encouraged to be a better person myself. I am always excited to come into the building everyday, knowing I am going to be greeted with a warm welcome, and I am so grateful to be a part of the community here.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
My advice to anyone applying to BUA would be to stay open minded. The goal of the application process is to find the school that is the best environment for you, and coming into the process with assumptions can make that more difficult. Try your hardest to find the school that is the right match for you.
Fun Fact
I am Finnish. My parents grew up in Finland, and I grew up speaking Finnish at home.
Victoria ‘27
vks17@bu.edu
Revere, MA
Brookwood School
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite class at BUA was Chemistry, because of the versatility in every class, the labs, group work, and passion from the teachers.
Best Thing about BUA
The best thing about BUA is the small community that allows you to build close relationships with all your teachers. Your teachers always have time to answer your questions and make sure you are getting the most out of their class.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Don’t overthink your interview. Generally, it’s just a warm conversations with one of our staff or alumni. Being too nervous won’t help you, and there is nothing to be afraid of.
Fun Fact
I have 10 pets—a dog, a fish, a gecko, a scorpion, a tarantula, and 5 snakes!
Xavier ‘27
xjsoong@bu.edu
Winchester, MA
Lesley Ellis School
Favorite Class at BUA
My favorite class at BUA is History 45. I loved this class not only because I enjoyed the topics and scope of the lessons but also because of the thoughtful and respectful discussions we were able to have. While teaching the broader facts and general information of important events, Ms. Petertam simultaneously challenged us to approach history through every possible lens, forcing us to have discussions about dominant and resistant narratives while examining primary sources and documents.
Best Thing about BUA
I know it’s an often repeated statement about BUA, but personally I have never felt so much enthusiasm for learning in any other place. From teachers who are experts in their disciplines, always happy to stay after class to go off on tangents with you, to students who will help you research random science and literature questions in their free time, the BUA community truly does enjoy learning.
Advice to Applicants to BUA
Talk to students! Most everyone at BUA is willing and even excited to share their experiences with both the admissions process and BUA in general, and this can be a perfect opportunity to learn about our school and the community here.
Fun Fact
I love racing! I joined a competitive Go-Kart league and it’s quickly become one of my favorite activities.