Background: "I'm a year younger than everyone in my grade, and I went to a boarding school in Connecticut my freshman year, but it wasn't a great experience. I'm from an inner-city neighborhood, so when I came back, I was really lucky to get into a program that takes students from one school district into a better one."

How I did it: "I've always been involved in athletics -- cross country and track. Last year, I was accepted into National Honor Society. I'm the president of my school's Spanish club. I'm involved with my school's choir. I also volunteer at my church and help out at Sunday school, as well as being involved with the youth group there."

Test scores and grades: "I've gotten mostly As. I'm really lucky to be in such an amazing school. I got a 2110 on my SAT.

What pushed me: "I feel that there's a lot of negative stigma about being Puerto Rican in America and from an inner city. I have so much faith in where I've come from. Having been in Connecticut with people who were raised in suburban homes and lived amazing lives, I saw how they perceived where I came from and my culture. Since I've seen that, I wanted to change that perception.

I haven't been given as much as a lot of students who are getting into these schools have. It's important that I can break down barriers and be among them.

Now that I've been accepted to such an amazing school, it's opened so many doors for me."

Did you get accepted to the school of your choice? Share a photo -- and tell us how you did it -- with the hashtag #CNNIGotIn on Instagram.