Allan An is Headed to Yale University

After achieving his way through a stellar academic career, Springstead High School graduate Allan An has committed to attending one of the most prestigious universities in the nation–taking with him his strong intellect, work ethic, upbringing and exquisite musical talents. Allan has been accepted to the Early Action program at Yale University.

“I was admitted through Yale’s non-binding early action program, where I will be matriculating,” he said.

Through this program according to information supplied by Yale University, applicants who would like to receive an admissions decision by mid-December may apply through Yale’s Single-Choice Early Action program (also known as Restrictive Early Action). The Office of Undergraduate Admissions announced on December 14, 2023, that out of 7,856 early action applicants, Yale College admitted 709 students to the class of 2028—a 9.02 acceptance rate and the lowest early acceptance rate in the history of Yale’s current non-binding early action program, which first went into effect for the class of 2008.

“As for why I applied to Yale, I deeply value and respect Yale’s approach to academics and community,” said Allan. “For the academics at Yale, I’m drawn to Yale’s interdisciplinary academic approach, which values diving deeply into current passion areas but also taking courses in other subject areas, and I am excited to explore Yale’s academic offerings.”

In Allan’s view, Yale offers much more than a strong course of study. “As for the community at Yale, I value how Yale students take an active role in shaping healthy spaces not just in the classroom but outside of it too, and through supporting each other in different ways,” said Allan. “Community is not something that just exists, but students really work to create it. I’ve always valued relationships and supporting others and I am excited to contribute to this supportive community. There is so much to talk about, but Yale’s community and academic approach definitely drew me to apply early!”

Allan comes well-prepared for what is sure to be an auspicious collegiate career. “I am graduating from F. W. Springstead High School on May 31, 2024,” he said. “I earned a cumulative 4.75 weighted GPA.”

Allan counts music as his favorite subject; in fact, this talented tunesmith was recognized at a Hernando County school board meeting on May 28th for an auspicious All-State Band achievement.
“I play the flute and have been honored as principal flute of the 2024 All-State Symphonic Band and 2022 All-State Concert Band,” he said. “I have been the principal flute of the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra since 2020 and a 5-time All-State Band member.”

Allan also has received exalted membership in a number of prestigious musical ensembles and programs.
“I was also admitted into these summer music programs for my summer after 11th grade:” he said, “Boston University Tanglewood Young Artists Wind Ensemble, Interlochen Arts Academy six-week Orchestra Summer Program, Idyllwild Arts Academy two-week Orchestra Program, and Brevard Music Center six-week Orchestra Program.”

Allan also has a passion for learning. “Outside of music, I’m deeply passionate about historical and archival research. For the past seven years, I’ve conducted year-long research projects that I developed into documentaries as a part of the National History Day (NHD) program. I first learned about NHD in 6th grade and was instantly excited by the opportunity to delve deeper into history,” he said. “With my parents telling me stories about my ancestors and heritage, history has always been on my mind. With NHD, I have been to the state contest for the past seven years and to the national contest for the past two years, representing Florida as first place and receiving the 2023 Outstanding Affiliate award for being the best High School project from Florida.”

He is a member of Key Club, an international high school service and leadership organization, where he has served as a 2024 Key Club International Trustee (an international elected leadership position where he works with California-Nevada-Hawai’i, New York, and Eastern Canada Districts and leads large-scale organizational initiatives), was the 2023 FL District Treasurer (where he supported more than 350 Key Clubs across Florida, earning recognition as a Distinguished District Treasurer at the 2023 International Convention), and was the 2022 Lt. Governor (where he supported 11 local Key Clubs).

Allan credits his many successes to a strong base of familial support. “My family is made up of my dad, who is a teacher at Powell Middle School, my mom, and my older brother, who have motivated me,” he said. “I am excited to explore my academic and personal interests in college.”

Allan encourages other young people to dance to their own tune of happiness, hard work and infinite success–and in a most ‘instrumental’ fashion.

“Pursue your passions deeply and with dedication while building and contributing to community along the way,” he said. “Your community of peers, teachers, and mentors is instrumental.”