An 18-Year-Old’s Determination: From High School Graduate to Pop Star Applicant with Over 150 College Acceptances
Helms Ategeka harbored a dream of becoming a pop star. However, his father wasn’t fully on board with this plan when Helms announced his intention to pursue a music degree after graduating from high school next month. In an attempt to prove his commitment and passion for music, Helms, a resident of Oakland, California, embarked on an unprecedented college application journey. He applied to an astonishing 150+ colleges and universities in the fall of 2023.
The results were nothing short of astounding. Helms received acceptance letters from a multitude of schools, totaling 122, along with over $5.3 million in grants and scholarship offers. The volume of acceptances was indeed a turning point for both Helms and his father, Chris Ategeka.
Initially, Chris had hoped that his son would choose a career with financial stability, such as medicine or computer technology. Given Helms’ impressive 3.94 GPA and his background as a mechanical engineering graduate from the University of California, Berkeley, this seemed like a reasonable expectation. However, as Chris watched the influx of acceptance letters pile up in Helms’ room, his hope began to wane.
Each letter arrived with messages that resonated with excitement and enthusiasm: “You’re in!” or “Our family welcomes yours!” These affirmations reaffirmed Helms’ determination to pursue his passion for music. Chris acknowledged that his son’s unwavering confidence and commitment necessitated a shift in perspective.
Helms, who had spent most of his life revolving around music, shared his aspirations with the world through his college applications. He highlighted his passion and background as an immigrant in his essays, showcasing his drive to succeed in this field. Although a small group of schools rejected him or placed him on their waiting list, the majority accepted Helms with open arms.
From big state universities to smaller private colleges such as Bard College, Drexel, Howard, Loyola Marymount, and Sarah Lawrence College, Helms’ list of acceptances spanned the country. Chris himself had immigrated to the United States from Uganda in the late 2000s to attend the University of California, Berkeley. He left Helms with his mother in Fort Portal, Uganda, until they were reunited five years ago.
Due to the pandemic, Helms’ first year at his new school was primarily virtual. This experience left him uncertain about the impact of his applications on various colleges and universities. Nevertheless, he devoted substantial time and energy to the application process. He contacted schools to ensure they had received his applications and crafted personalized essays that highlighted his passion for music and background as an immigrant.
As Helms navigated the college application journey, he encountered numerous challenges and revelations. This experience proved to be a transformative period for both him and his father as they grappled with change and compromise.
Helms’ life has always revolved around music. At Head-Royce High School in Oakland, he is a member of an a cappella group and spends most of his time listening to, making, or performing music. Prior to college, Helms plans to embark on a summer trip to Peru with a choir to share his love for music in churches and communities.
“I live for music,” Helms shares, “I spend most of my time either listening to music, making music, or performing.” This unwavering passion led him to prioritize strong music programs in his college search.
The process of whittling down such an extensive list of options proved daunting for Helms. He spent hours studying the websites and social media accounts of schools that accepted him, carefully considering the pros and cons of each program. With the help of candid conversations with his father, Helms arrived at a decision: he would attend the University of California, Berkeley, where his father had graduated.
The acceptance at UC Berkeley, with an admission rate of approximately 12%, marked a significant milestone for Helms. This prestigious institution offers a diverse range of musical programs, including African music ensembles and a brass quintet. As an immigrant, Helms is part of a growing demographic, with children born abroad or to immigrant parents accounting for over half of the increase in national college enrollment between 2000 and 2018, according to a study by the Migration Policy Institute.
Helms’ new chapter comes at a challenging time for US colleges and universities as they grapple with the aftermath of pro-Palestinian student protests and debates surrounding free speech. Despite these complexities, Chris believes his son will find appropriate ways to contribute to campus conversations and continue his musical journey.
As Helms embarks on this next phase of his life, he reflects on the valuable lessons learned from the college application process and the transformative impact it had on both him and his father. The journey towards becoming a professional musician has only just begun, but with determination, focus, and the unwavering support of his loved ones, Helms is poised to make his mark on the world.
