Teen with 4.0 GPA who built the viral Cal AI app was rejected by 15 top universities

Zach Yadegari, the teenage co-founder of Cal AI, is facing backlash on social media after revealing that he was rejected by 15 out of the 18 top colleges he applied to.

Despite having a 4.0 GPA and scoring 34 on his ACT, Yadegari believes that his essay played a significant role in the rejections.

DailyTech previously reported that Yadegari is the co-founder of Cal AI, a successful calorie app that has garnered millions in revenue. He had also sold a web gaming company for $100,000 before that.

Originally hesitant about attending college, Yadegari changed his mind after realizing the value of a traditional education alongside his entrepreneurial pursuits.

His essay, shared on social media, detailed his journey as a self-taught coder and the influence of VCs and mentors in his decision-making process.

Despite his achievements, Yadegari was rejected by several prestigious universities but accepted by others like Georgia Tech and the University of Texas.

His tweet about the rejections went viral, sparking a debate on the college acceptance system and the importance of demonstrating a genuine thirst for education.

Yadegari remains introspective about the experience, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and personal growth beyond financial success.