Hear From Our Graduates
Testimonials from Green River College international students who have transferred to top universities.
Testimonials by Year
2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015
Abigail Mordi
Nigeria
University of California - San Diego
Also Admitted to: Stonybrook University
Major: Electrical Engineering
"While Green River College has been the cornerstone of my academic journey, it has also been so much more than that. Beyond the rigorous coursework, Green River provided me with endless opportunities to grow and thrive. From joining MESA and working with the Workforce Education Department, to becoming an RA and Community Engagement Ambassador at student housing. I’ve learned valuable leadership and interpersonal skills that have shaped me into the person I am today. The unwavering support from faculty and peers has been critical in my acceptance to top universities. Green River College has given me a sense of community, growth, ambition, and belonging. I am incredibly grateful for the foundation it has provided me as I embark on the next chapter of my academic journey."
Arshia "Ash" Alizadeh Moghadam
Iran
University of Idaho
Also Admitted to: University of Washington - Seattle
Major: Architecture
"Being at Green River College was an experience that meant far more than education alone. My efforts to involve myself in the student life on campus proved fruitful in ways that not only changed my experience, but gave me a new skill-set, and even allowed me to leave a footprint behind. I found methods to use my talents in several clubs, student government, athletics, and campus life; giving me friends for life alongside experiences that overall make me a much more developed and capable student. This no doubt has served me in my journey of getting into my dream schools and being fortunate enough to be the recipient of scholarships to aid my journey through University."
Elizaveta Simonova
Russia
School of Visual Arts - NYC
Also Admitted to: Art Center College of Design, California College of the Arts, Minneapolis College
of Art and Design, Otis College of Art and Design, Ringling College of Art and Design,
Savannah College of Art and Design, School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Major: Illustration
"Green River has helped me immensely in the process of applying for transfer and being confident in myself. I’ve had amazing support from international student advisors throughout my journey at GRC who have made sure that I was taking the right classes and helped me with all my questions and requests. Green River has been a place where I got accustomed to American culture and expanded my global connections which is a huge benefit when transferring to a big university. I feel prepared to transfer and continue my studies at the School of Visual Arts in New York thanks to continuous support and all the things I learned at Green River."
Karen Preciousia Ho
Indonesia
University of California - Berkeley
Also Admitted to: Boston University, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, University of Minnesota
Twin Cities, Drexel University, Washington State University
Major: Biology
"Before attending Green River College, the idea of applying and transferring to one of the top public universities felt incredibly out of reach. As I look back at the support from my professors, advisors, peers, and family from back home, it suddenly didn't feel as impossible. I wanted to say thank you to my professors that helped me see the joy in learning, as well as everyone that guided me throughout my university application journey. I'm honored to have been part of the gator community as I immersed myself in all the opportunities it offers from working as a Peer Mentor and Writing & Reading Center tutor to becoming a GRC cheerleader and Gator's Med Club officer. Coming to GRC at 16 years old was a huge accomplishment for me, and I'm incredibly grateful for the amazing people I've met that helped me become the person I am today. Go Gators!!"
Matthew Owen Chandraco
Indonesia
University of California - Los Angeles
Also Admitted to: niversity of California Irvine, University of California San Diego, University of
Washington Seattle, University of Southern California
Major: Aerospace Engineering
"As an overseas student studying distant from home, Green River College has benefited my academic journey in various aspects. The college has given me many opportunities over the past two years to develop my interest in engineering and discover my own actual potential. One notable advantage that Green River has is the low student-to-faculty ratio; it fosters fantastic interactions between me and my professors and peers, making it a great atmosphere for learning. Moreover, my involvement in clubs and organizations like Associated Students of Green River College, the Indonesian Student Organization, and Phi Theta Kappa has been essential in developing my leadership and communication skills as well as expressing my voice to the campus community in an effort to promote positive changes. Lastly, the academic advisors at Green River College shaped my educational path by offering me professional counsel and thorough support for my transfer. I am totally confident that the experience I have gained has given me the skills I need to succeed in a cutthroat academic setting. Thank you, Green River College!"
Minseo Bang
South Korea
University of California - Berkeley
Also Admitted to: UC San Diego, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, The Ohio State University
Major: Linguistics
"Green River College provided various leadership opportunities through campus jobs, clubs, and student organizations. I had two jobs on campus, Resident Assistance and International Student Ambassador, and managed the Cooking Club, which allowed me to develop leadership skills. Engaging in these activities enhanced my statements and demonstrated my commitment to personal growth. Additionally, the academic support programs, such as math tutoring, the Public Speaking Center, Language Labs, and the Writing Center, helped me whenever I faced academic challenges. These resources made me excel in my studies and prepare for university-level coursework. The combination of leadership experience and academic support at Green River College played an important role in my acceptance into universities."
Nicholas Tan
Indonesia
University of California - Berkeley
Also Admitted to: UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Cruz, UW, University of Minnesota
Major: Environmental Science
"Green River College prepared me in ways like advising, recommendations, a build up of classes that would be useful to me, and also a pretty straightforward step-by-step way of transferring to a university."
Phuc Nguyen (Nick) Nguyen
Vietnam
University of California - San Diego
Also Admitted to: Washington State University
Major: Computer Science
"Green River College has played a crucial role in my successful transfer to UC San Diego. First, the detailed academic planning provided by the college ensured that I met all transfer requirements. Second, the supportive and experienced computer science professors at Green River were pivotal. Their expertise and mentorship not only deepened my understanding of the subject but also inspired confidence in my abilities. Third, the host family system connected me with my hostess family who were eager to support my academic journey. Her support provided me with a sense of belonging and stability, so I could fully focus on studying. Finally, the friendships I formed with fellow students fostered a collaborative environment where we helped each other succeed. These connections enriched my learning experience and encouraged me to keep pursuing my goal. Together, these factors at Green River College have fully prepared me for my next academic chapter."
Phwint Shoon Le Thu "Cindy"
Myanmar
Binghamton University
Also Admitted to: Kent State University, University of South Florida
Major: Nursing
"Coming to Green River College was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. This college provided me with a very supportive environment where I could not only excel academically but also grow personally and professionally. Working as a peer mentor, student marketing assistant, math tutor, and international housing assistant helped me develop leadership skills, hone my communication abilities, and cultivate a strong work ethic. Moreover, the faculty and staff at Green River College played a crucial role in my journey as they provided guidance, support, and mentorship every step of the way. Overall, my experience at Green River College not only shaped me into the person I am today but also provided me with the tools and experiences necessary to gain admission to a top university. I have very grateful for everything Green River College has done for me."
Shakti Manoj Rajwani
Singapore
University of California - Berkeley
Also Admitted to: Columbia University, Boston University, University of Oregon, and University of Washington
(Seattle)
Major: Political Science
"Green River College (GRC) has thoroughly shaped my perspective on education. I have made lifelong friends, learned from amazing advisors, and built a robust personal support system. I am very grateful to the faculty, who have been exceptional at fostering a supportive learning environment while challenging our academic psyche and ensuring student success and well-being. However, my experience has transcended beyond the classroom, with the various student clubs and organizations at GRC, allowing me to freely explore my niche while instilling core values in service and inclusivity. My involvement in Student Government (ASGRC) and employment at the Career and Advising Center deepened my insights into our student body and provided invaluable service experiences. Furthermore, my role in the Rotaract Club allowed me to engage and collaborate with local community entities aimed at improving lives. Hence, I will forever be grateful for the holistic educational experience GRC has provided to me."
Tony Chen
Taiwan
University of Washington - Seattle - Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science
Also Admitted to: UNC (Bio), UIUC (CS), UW (CS)
Major: Computer Science and Pre-Med
"The fact that I could take advantage of the high school completion program saved me time to complete all the prerequisites for Computer Science and Pre-Med while also getting my high school diploma. This aligns with my final goal to combine CS and medicine, especially neurology to help people with my knowledge. Green River’s transfer track has abundant resources and quality professors to guide me throughout the journey. My dedication was definitely important, but Green River helped me thrive."
Valerie Damaschek
The Netherlands
Southern Methodist University
Also Admitted to: University of Washington (Seattle)
Major: Business
"Green River College helped me to get into a top university by guiding me through my academic years. My advisor helped me create my Education Plan. In addition, I attended quite a lot of drop-in advising sessions when I had questions that I needed to get answered right away. This was also very helpful because they were always there when I needed them. Moreover, all of my professors were super helpful whenever I had questions or concerns about the class. Because all of the helpful staff and professors, I was able to succeed at Green River. They made it feel like home, which I am very grateful for."