From MLC School to New York: Annaliese Yan (2025) accepted to Columbia University

MLC School is delighted to share wonderful news from our Alumnae community: Annaliese Yan (Class of 2025) has been offered a place at Columbia University in New York City.

For years, Annaliese has spoken with clarity and quiet determination about her hope to study overseas – especially at Columbia. It wasn't a passing idea, but a goal she worked towards step by step, with the kind of focus that's inspiring to witness.

Alongside a wide range of external endeavours and initiatives, Annaliese completed the International Baccalaureate with a perfect score of 45 – an extraordinary achievement made even more impressive by undertaking four Higher Level subjects beyond the standard requirement.

Through it all, Columbia remained the place she most deeply hoped to reach.The offers began to arrive in October 2025, with early news from the University of Manchester and King’s College London – an exciting confirmation that her years of preparation were translating into real opportunities.

In January, Annaliese received an offer from the University of Oxford – recognition of an exceptionally high standard, and a moment her family will long remember.As US decisions were released in March, she was also admitted to UCLA, UC Irvine, and UC San Diego.

And then came Ivy Day, March 26 – Annaliese received the offer that had been her dream for years: Columbia University. For her family, it was a ‘pinch-me’ moment – joyful, emotional, and the perfect culmination of everything she has worked towards.

In Columbia’s congratulations letter, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions Jessica Marinaccio wrote:

‘We saw Columbia in your child – the desire to dig deep and question, a commitment to not just learning about the world’s challenges but solving them, and a kindness and care for others that guides and binds our community… What is most important is that Annaliese finds the best place for them to thrive.’

Her family shared that reading these words was deeply moving – capturing so much of the curiosity, care and purpose that Annaliese has demonstrated throughout her years at MLC School.

In a note to the School, Annaliese’s mother, Shelley, wrote of the pride their family feels – and the gratitude they hold for the teachers and community who have supported Annaliese along the way, through encouragement, care and advocacy.

Annaliese has decided to accept her place at Columbia University and will be heading to New York to begin this next chapter.

‘It feels incredibly special to be able to share this moment, as it marks the culmination of years of determination, resilience, and hard work.’
– Shelley, Annaliese’s mother

We congratulate Annaliese on this outstanding achievement and can't wait to see where here curiosity and drive take her next. From everyone at MLC School, we wish her every success as she begins life and learning in New York City.