Rishabh Rohira’s Letter of Recommendation BRAG SHEET
Full Name: Rishabh H. Rohira
Unweighted GPA: 100.24%
Weighted GPA: 101.40%
Class Rank: #1 / 189
Intended Major: Machine Learning / Data Science
Desired College(s): Binghamton University, Princeton University
Grade Extra-Curricular Activities Positions / Responsibilities Hrs/Wk Wks/
(clubs, student gov, sports, Role YR
etc.)
6 to 11 Band (Junior and Senior), and Saxophonist, Rehearsing and putting up a great 4-5/wk; 36/yr
Orchestra Trombonist, performance at concerts, gigs, Class +
Pianist events, etc., while promoting Club
cognitive function. Reduced
involvement in 12th grade.
11, National Honors Society + Member Volunteering for initiatives and Inconsiste ~36/yr
into 12 National Society of High School programs, signing up for nt, from
Scholars numerous opportunities. 1hr to
Dedicated time towards providing several
care towards the community.
Realized my love for children and
various other aspects of life in the
process.
10-11 Creative Artworks Intern Creating a unique fictional story 2/wk 14/yr
based on problems in NYC.
11, DecaX Studios, student-led Founder and Curating tech-based solutions for 8+/wk 52/yr
into 12 initiative Leader local businesses in the form of
websites. Working with clients
personally, creating a digital
service and product
simultaneously.
9 Workplace Challenge with Intern/Stude Devising projects and 9/wk 6/yr
NYPD, Jacob Riis Program nt community-based solutions to
healthy relationships and mental
health.
11 Student Government Provisional Campaigned for student 3/wk 36/yr
Treasurer government, managed funds for
the new club, lost the official
election by 5% margin.
7-12, Weight Lifting Club Member Exercising the body, reaching new 4/wk 36/yr
lifetime strength limits
10 Badminton Club Member Practicing, rehearsing, and 2/wk 36/yr
playing badminton to remain fit.
Engaging in effective cardio
sessions.
6 to Caretaking Father Figure Looking after my toddler brother 168/wk 52/yr
lifetime alongside my parents. Washing
him, playing with him, teaching
him with patience despite special
needs.
Grade Community Service Positions / Responsibilities Hrs/Wk Wks/
Role YR
11, DecaX Studios, student-led club Founder and Creating and enhancing the 4/wk 36/yr
into and nonprofit Leader school’s digital presence as a
12 whole and the CTE departments
within it.
9 ITHS Muslim Association Member and Helping Muslim community 1-2/wk 36 for 1
Volunteer initiatives, helping in prayer year
without being Muslim, building
relationships
11-12 National Honors Society Member Volunteering for initiatives and Meetings: Meetings:
programs, signing up for 1/wk 36/yr
community service opportunities.
Dedicated time towards providing Events: Events:
care towards the community. Variable Variable
Realized my love for children and
various other aspects of life in the
process. Examples include peer
tutoring, carnivals, school events,
etc.
Grade Honors / Awards (royal of the week/year, end of year academic awards, service awards, etc.)
9-11 For Fall and Spring Semesters, consistent Honor Roll recognition
10-11 #1 Class Rank, #2 Class Rank in 9th grade
10-11 Most Interesting World Creation - Creative Artworks
11, Founder and Lead Developer: Created a student-led digital agency supporting school departments and small
into 12 business clients; led development and delivery of custom code solutions exceeding 100 combined hours.
10-11 Silver Medal in Band NYSSMA Performance
Grade Place of Employment (paid or Position & Responsibilities #
unpaid) hours/week
9 Internship at Newcomer’s High Intern. Devising projects and community-based 9/wk
School (paid) solutions to healthy relationships and mental health in
partnership with the NYPD.
10 Creative Artworks at ITHS (paid) Intern. Crafting a unique fictional story based on 4/wk
enduring problems in NYC. Professional feedback and
awards at the end.
11 ISP Program at a Tech Lab Library Intern. Developing presentation skills, enhancing 15/wk
(paid) knowledge of Microsoft tools, motivating peers,
teaching children robotics, and managing time
effectively.
Grade Educational / Summer Programs Description & Benefits
11 DecaX Studios Leader. Practicing new tech trends and learning new skills alongside the
DecaX team of 11 people.
11 TECH360 AI Program Member. Real-life skill building and experience in technology, AI, and
innovation.
10 Aviation Course Member. Gaining insight into other potential career fields. Learning
what works for me and what doesn’t.
9 Jacob Riis Workplace Challenge Member. Devising projects and community-based solutions to healthy
(Paid) relationships and mental health.
The highest degree you Bachelors most likely. Masters desired if possible.
want?
I live Both parents
with:
Do you currently receive Free or Reduced Yes
Lunch?
Mom’s Master’s degree outside of US
education:
Dad’s Master’s degree outside of US
education:
Country where you were India If not US, age when you moved to US: 7
born:
Three words you would use to describe Unyielding. Visionary. Restless.
yourself:
Why would you like to attend college? Discuss your career and personal goals.
With the rise of AI and shifting tech landscapes, I’ve grown obsessed with staying ahead of the curve. I refuse to let my
future be dictated by outdated systems or limited opportunities. I’ve seen what happens when people are promised
stability but handed uncertainty; I believe the longer someone can last under unpredictability is the root to their success.
College, for me, is a way to challenge myself in places that push me to my limit in addition to the skills I’m already
building. While I’m open to nontraditional paths, I see higher education as a critical part of my journey as a builder and
strategist in every part of my life. Hence, I’m pursuing machine learning because I don’t just want to use modern tools. I
want to build them.
Within this pursuit, I want to obtain a comfortable, meaningful life and the means to provide for the people I care for.
My parents have had suppressed dreams that they weren’t able to pursue due to their transition here and financial
responsibility, and I want to provide the runway for them to do as they please while the moment is still here. In a few
years, I also plan on being a father, for which this success is paramount.
Are there any particular circumstances, school experiences, or persons that influenced your preparation or
motivation to attend college (e.g., cultural/financial background, family, teachers, schools you attended)?
Please explain
My motivation to attend college is deeply rooted in my background. We moved to the U.S. after a traumatic experience
involving religious violence — a moment that left a permanent mark on how I understand risk, resilience, and freedom.
That wasn’t the end of the struggle. In the U.S., I watched my father, a respectable man, get replaced and cheated out of
opportunities. COVID-19 hit our family hard. That experience exposed how quickly someone's livelihood can be taken
away if they aren’t constantly evolving or credentialed in the right ways. I go to a public school with limited resources, but
I’ve been lucky to have teachers who believed in me and challenged me to think bigger; educators who showed me what
learning could look like when it wasn’t just survival. That mix of cultural experience, financial pressure, and personal
mentorship shaped my mindset. I want to go to college to break the cycle of hatred. Not just for me, but for the painful
legacy I carry.
Discuss your academic background. Did you utilize any additional support at your high school, such as
tutoring?
My academic foundation began early, before I even moved to the U.S. I received English tutoring in India from specialists,
which played a key role in my transition and continues to support me academically today. Once I entered high school, I
made it a habit to constantly seek out those who knew more than me, whether it was learning the ins and outs of the SAT
or pushing myself to understand higher-level math like calculus. I’ve never been the kind of student who waits to be
taught — I chase information. There’s a unique satisfaction in learning something independently, a spark that very few
other pursuits have matched for me. The only structured tutoring I’ve had in the U.S. was limited to a few months of
exam prep. Everything else came from conversations, online research, and self-driven learning.
Do your grades in high school reflect your academic ability or potential? Explain.
Not entirely. Grades measure consistency, but not adaptability — and I’ve found my strength lies in the ability to recover
and rise quickly when it matters. Not just consistency. For instance, I didn’t get the score I wanted on my Geometry
Regents exam the first time, although I passed. So, without retaking the class, I studied the full curriculum in a single
7-hour deep-dive and sat for the exam again because I’ve proven time and time again that a single, highly effective study
session is most impactful for me. I’m currently awaiting the results, but I feel confident in my performance. The real
lesson was that I can absorb months of material in one night when I have to. That’s not just a study session — that’s who
I am when pressure hits.
In the upcoming future with my year-long program in Columbia University, my grit will be tested once more. The
experience will be something I’ve never seen before and although my tactics proved useful to me in school, I’d like to see
how my dedication squares up in the outside world. In this sense, grades remain inconsequential once again, as it is the
underlying skill and resilience that determines one’s ability, results, and potential.
Describe any obstacles you have faced in school/academics and how you overcame them:
One of the biggest academic obstacles I’ve faced wasn’t a single assignment or class — it was the attempt to juggle too
many things at once. During the school year, I tried learning a new skill outside of school while also preparing for the SAT
and managing several AP classes. On top of that, I avoid using electronics after dinner, so my window for productivity
was narrow. I eventually realized I was spreading myself too thin. Instead of trying to master time management down to
the minute, I shifted my mindset: I condensed my focus to core academic responsibilities, finished strong, and created
space to breathe. Now that summer’s here, I have a full 12-hour runway each day to dedicate to growth and
experimentation. That shift in priority management — not just time management — has been one of my biggest
academic breakthroughs, despite being read and brushed off as something seemingly obvious.
With all this said, thank you for your time and support in this process — I value your recommendation and
everything you’ve taught me. None of it has gone in vain.
