In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Wrld Trvlr, Lake Els, CA — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:30:25 GMT

My congratulations to this young man. Keep up the good work. Be happy and grateful to your God, whether you just are different and learn quickly, or you have to study quite hard to learn. Always be thankful and at peace with your creator. I do hope you believe there is a God.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

David Widauf Ogden UT — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:49:13 GMT

Was he a product of a public high school? Where did he go to high school?

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

mike Severn Md. — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:53:38 GMT

SO WHAT IS WRONG WITH OUR KIDS UNDERPRIVILEGED?

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Marvin Norman — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:01:37 GMT

The kid must not be so smart if he selected Harvard over Princeton.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Hometown girl, Providence, RI — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:05:00 GMT

But, what about Brown?

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Melinda Gale — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:11:31 GMT

Would that more American kids would so value the education available to them, instead of idolizing sports figures and entertainers. Imagine what a great country we would be if everyone tried their absolute best in school! An adult's job is usually their job. A students' job is to get the BEST EDUCATION POSSIBLE in order to make the best life for themselves and their families, and to contribute to the good of their communities.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Rafal K — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:17:17 GMT

CONGRATULATIONS! AND YES HE IS FROM POLAND!! REMEMBER: from POLAND !

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Rosemarie Betz, LeRoy,NY — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:39:16 GMT

Congratulations to a fine young man. You make your parents and your homeland proud. All the best to you. You can achieve anything. I hope NBC will keep us posted an somebody so poised and well educated.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Tara Torre, New York, NY — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:47:33 GMT

This is actually a really interesting story! It is unfortunate that the reporting skills are poor, the readers needs more information about this kid.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Anthony Biancoviso, Staten Island, NY — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:52:54 GMT

It would have been nice if the young man had mentioned the name of the high school he attended. It deserves at least some of the credit for his success.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

cdm — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:59:43 GMT

congrats kid...
what school did he go to, wha't the district like and the curriculum...both here and in Poland (especially Poland)

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

John Smith, Venice, FL — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:01:43 GMT

Wrld Trvlr
I wouldn't want to take away anything from his hard work. He's smart enough understand evolution.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

impressed vancouver usa — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:07:48 GMT

Congratulations to this young man. He will no doubt do brilliantly at his studies at Harvard.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Kobe — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:11:09 GMT

So many kids got admitted to ivy leagues but why this kid makes the news? Can someone explain please.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Jon, Honolulu, Hawaii — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:11:50 GMT

What a gracious, intelligent young man. To not regret being turned down by MIT because he knows there is someone else, as passionate as he, who will do well in that slot. We should all be so humble.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Bemuda — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:29:55 GMT

I am vey happy for this young man do your best in what ever you choose to do

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Brown Stain — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:41:22 GMT

Nobody wants to go to Brown. Not even Polish guys, so he didn't bother applying. What a boring town Providence is.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Dr. Judi, Chesapeake VA — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:44:07 GMT

What a wonderful story! You are an inspiration for all! Congrats to your parents and the Poland community! Now LZ, do well at Harvard, get your Jacket, figure a way to bring our gas prices down and balance the *^%#$ budget. As a former 1986 HS Valedictorian, Im proud of you LZ!

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Richard Krakowski, Chicago, Illinois — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:53:27 GMT

Dzien Dobry, Lukasz. I, too, was an emigree to the United States long ago after having been born in Germany after WWII and emigrating to the US with my brother and parents in the early 50's. I believe that it is wonderful that you've come so far since you came to America and am, particularly pleased, that you intend to study politics and the law. I did the same and am a practicing attorney in Chicago, Illinois. I wish you much luck and hope that you stick with your plans and dreams. With a good education, one can get very far in America. Just look a Sen. Barack Obama (presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party's presidential candidate). This is how America works and you can do it. Ryszard Krakowski

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Melinda, Kirkland, WA — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:53:47 GMT

That's incredible, I'm proud (and a little jealous!) What an achievement!!!

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

matt, arlington, va — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:05:02 GMT

I'd just like to point out that he didn't get into Brown! The best of the Ivy league schools, in my opinion. As a senior who applied to 9 schools this year (and got accepted to all of them) I can understand the pressure in the admissions environment. The anxiety leading up to when I heard from Brown was almost unbearable: I was a pretty strong applicant but with single-digit admit rates, it can really go either way. Luckily, I'll be joining the class of 2012.

In a way, it's almost fitting that the one Ivy he did not apply to was Brown. It's really culturally different from the rest of the universities, much more akin to a Wesleyan, Willaims, Amherst, or Vassar than a Harvard or Yale.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Spider Man 1, Washington, DC — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:07:28 GMT

MIT is my fave of all Ivy Leagues. But it's very humble, honest, and admirable of him to be true to himself and know what his true passion is. Good luck w/ Harvard.
Mmmmmm, MIT...

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

spammen fool — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:58:43 GMT

congrats son, now quit the bragging and get to working.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Harvard Grad — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:01:19 GMT

I think his quick transition to English reinforces the theory of having a strong 1st language foundation before learning a 2nd language. Good for him! I hope he did come from a public school background.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

billtucker — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:06:15 GMT

hard work was rewarded. congratulations, and keep fdocused on your goals and you will do great you have the brsains and you are in the greatest country to make a good living for you and your family. You have been blessed. good for you young man!!

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Stressed mom, Brooklyn, NY — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:24:37 GMT

An excellent example of the insanity surrounding the college search & application process. What about the 17 other students who went through the agony of being waitlisted at the schools Zbylut eventually turned down? My son's school only provides recommendations to a maximum of 9 colleges which seems like plenty to me. I can't imagine putting him through the application process for 19!

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Marie,edison NJ — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:31:10 GMT

What was his SAT score? If he didnt take the SAT than what was his ACT score?

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Maria Morgan — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:49:57 GMT

I am sure this young man attended a NYC Public HS. I would just like to know which one. NYC high schools turn out excellent students every year. Best Wishes to him and his family for this accomplishment.

M. Morgan, SI

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

College chick, New York,NY — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:51:51 GMT

So he's the dude who took up all my possible spots!!!!!!!!! LOL, i guess in the end, good things happen to people who never expect it and who we never expect! Good for him.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Get Over It — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:51:55 GMT

Basically . . . I think this kid was incredibly selfish to apply to so many schools - that sort of behavior is completely uncalled for. Getting into all 7 Ivies - come on. He knew he was going to get in to a bunch of them. I feel this way - and the school he is attending is my alma mater! He's making it look like a publicity stunt - and doing it "just because he could".

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Gus Chiggins, youngstown, Ohio — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:54:08 GMT

I hope this kid is content knowing that he forced applicants from 17 schools to take a spot on the waitlist. Being accepted to 18 schools is incredible, but couldn't he have narrowed his choices down a bit? Plus, he should have chosen Dartmouth.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Joe Tattaglia — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:31:07 GMT

Perfect SAT? Bronx Tech.? That's what I'm heard but I see no collaboration. They should give the info of his GPA, SAT and high school. Maybe it's Stuyvesant.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Zali,Alexandria,VA. — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:48:59 GMT

That says a lot.The discipline that children grow with outside U.S pays off.What lucky parents!

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Patty, kentucky — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:04:14 GMT

What's this show us? Just how behind the American public school system is. It's a shame.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

John — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:25:44 GMT

He went to New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Some One, Chatham, Illinios — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:41:55 GMT

Wow. I want to get an acceptance letter to at least one ivy league school when I'm older. But seven?????
He must be very very smart. He's my 6th role model now.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Isabella Cullen — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:45:14 GMT

W-O-W
i would love to take his place any day

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Anna, Fairfax, VA — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:51:48 GMT

It makes me feel concerned that when my son will be applying he'll be competing with kids from other countries where education is much more 'rigorous'. Something has to be done to boost up American school system...

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Tom Murphy, Rochester,NH — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:54:24 GMT

We have a grandson who graduated from a public high school, Dover NH, sixth in his class and was accepted at Duke,Boston College,Brown,Yale,Penn,NYU and several other smaller less known institutions. In fact the only school that rejected him was Harvard(their loss) He chose Penn and recently graduated from the Wharton School of Finance with a BS in Economics at Penn. Looking for work if anyone wants a very bright young man!

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Wowzawu, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 23:55:50 GMT

Don't buy into the Harvard marketing -- GO DARTMOUTH!!

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

W.W. Terry — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:02:23 GMT

When he started in the pubic school system here in the USA did they put him in English as a second language program? Lucky for him he survived our socialist school system as currently imposed upon students here by retart instructors with a social agenda like in my town of Portland Oregon.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Joanna Kozlowski — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:05:31 GMT

It is a great accomplishment and honor for such a young person to achieve what he achieved in such a short span of five years all the while learning English and being so proficient in it. I wish our state officials and government officials in Washington D.C. would take note and mandate that all immigrants from Mexico would not get spoonfed everything in Spanish so as not to apply themselves to learning English and getting acclimated to our culture. We should not have dual language English/Spanish ATM's and signs and automated phone messages everywhere. There should be only English spoken if they want to live in this country!

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

mark Stein — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:24:43 GMT

to Marvin NORMAN !
You either are not smart or more likely ....simply jealous......SAD case ....

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

DALIA — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:33:09 GMT

wow he is pretty smart. but MIT let him down .. MIT is no joke.. wow i was suprised about that but.. i knew that MIT is a very very good university but i guess they dont care about who u r ...

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Mother of 2 college students, Hopkinton Ma — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 02:37:45 GMT

I am familiar with a 4.0 grading scale, not one that could reach 104.7. Is this a private school or public that uses this configuration? Also, what were his SAT scores? Obviously they were exceptional. Congratulations on a wonderful accomplishment!

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Dianne Barriger, Nashville, IN — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 03:31:38 GMT

Congratulations, Lukasz! You have made great achievements in your new country, and you and your family truly can be proud of them. May you continue to do well in your college endeavors, and later on, in your future career and, no doubt, family life of your own. My 17yo daughter is in a small public school here in Indiana, and is also doing exceptionally well. We came here 6 years ago from Australia, and she has had great support from her step-dad, who is American, her peers and her school. I think that the key to succeeding well is to have goals and work hard, it can't be done just by sheer intelligence, and maybe the challenge of moving to a new country is a stimulus to wanting to achieve more. I think that's true in my daughter's case, but it's also essential to have ongoing support and encouragement from family, friends and school. All children should be able to succeed like you, but unfortunately, so many do not get the right kinds of support or encouragement, or lack financial and other resources. I hope that when the time comes for you to move on to independent adult lives, that you, and other successful students like you, will try to find ways to help and encourage children and young people who did not get the same opportunities and/or support that you may have had.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Kathy, Wright City, MO — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:38:46 GMT

I am a little confused-----HOW Can anyone get a 104.7 GPA from high school??? Can someone explain this to me please???

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Vang Her, San Diego, Ca — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:48:49 GMT

The kid must not be so smart if he selected Harvard over Princeton.

Hey Marvin, there are probably other reasons why he pick Havard over Princeton. I been doing some research on the benefit of those top notch school. It's seem like Harvard have one of the best scholarship and financial packages to offer.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Moody Red — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:25:56 GMT

Don't we wish more American born kids had this in them? Or do they, and all we ever hear most from the media are the miserable and underachievers?

Kudos to this young man!

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Proud Tiger Mom - NJ — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:56:41 GMT

Princeton has THE BEST financial aid program in the nation. If you make less than $100,000 tuition to Princeton is FREE! They also help out with room & board. Harvard can't even come close to Princeton on financial aid. Additionally, Princeton concentrates their efforts on their undergrads. Harvard and Yale only truly care about their graduate schools. Princeton's campus is prettier than Harvard(and certainly miles ahead of New Haven.) Harvard is generally picked because of name recognition. He will be sorry he turned down Princeton.

FYI, MIT, while an excellent school, is NOT in the Ivy League!

And, just for the fun of it...What do Harvard & poop have in common? They are both #2! Friends don't let friends go to Harvard!
Duck Fartmouth!
Yale Sucks! (If you don't believe it just look at the idiot in the Whitehouse.)

PRINCETON is the #1 school in the country!
I can't wait until we having a Princeton woman living in the Whitehouse!
GO TIGERS!!!!!!!!!

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Joanne Deutch — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:08:29 GMT

But he didn't get into MIT, and that is all he spoke about, not getting in. MIT doesn't play with the other schools and I'm sure gave the spot to someone who doesn't go on TV bragging about how many schools he got into. He is a true American now, bragging just like all Americans do. Now, leave the bragging behind and do something truly great for your country.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Trig, Old Lyme, CT — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:57:49 GMT

Uhh....MIT's not an IVY.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Katherine Kelly, Traverse City, MI — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:31:45 GMT

Interesting interview. The interview especially caught my attention on how Poland does not give homework. When I was going to school, I would have several hours of homework each night. Practice, practice, practice. Drill, drill, and drill.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Dissatisfied Observer — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:25:56 GMT

The terrible reality this incident reveals is that American schools favor immigrants over our own better-qualified American students for the sake of social mobility and diversity. Neither the valedictorian of the top school in the largest county in the South nor the highest-GPA-in-history valedictorian of the top public school in the same county was accepted to any of his or her preferred schools. Instead, sadly, but very similarly to the story of Mr. Zbylut, Harvard for example decided instead to accept a lower-qualified student because she floated over on the raft from Cuba.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Nguyen, Vancouver, WA — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:40:19 GMT

Congratulations to this young man. Well done! Thanks America, the land of opportunities. Many many thanks... The story like this shows how great America is. I'm very proud to have this country as my second home. I was an immigrant like this young man. I understood what he went through and the hard work to he put in to have this accomplishment. Best of luck to this young man.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

PIMP Palace — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:57:53 GMT

I feel sorry for this kid actually...anyone who would only really consider Ivy leauge schools is being led into a world of stereotypes and false assumptions.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Paige, Madison, WI — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:39:30 GMT

Being waitlisted has everything to do with the university believing another individual is more qualified for a spot. So if you are worried that someone as clearly qualified as him is taking "spots" because of applying to so many schools, maybe you need to accept the challenge and work harder at your studies to avoid being waitlisted. Nobody is saying you have to be happy for him, but don't blame your own shortcomings on him.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Heidi, Stanford, California — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:53:35 GMT

I'm very proud of my fellow LEDA scholar, though that part isn't mentioned in the article. I am disappointed that anyone would try to detract from his accomplishments by being so negative about his choices. Congratulations to Lukasz and best luck at Harvard!

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Shane — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 22:06:50 GMT

I believe showing off is what he was doing, recently I graduated from high school, and I had a basic idea of where I could go.

I applied to three colleges, a most likely not, probably, and guaranteed. I don't get why he had to do this to other people who possibly applied to only 3 colleges like I often hear suggested.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Pissed Off Middles School Student, New York, NY — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 22:58:54 GMT

Okay I have taken the SATs THREE times!!! No I am not in highschool. Yes i am in middle school. Why on earth am I not on TV!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Someone explain this to me. My friends think I'm nuts and my grandma is hysterically lauging reading this. So not fair. What is his highschool and his SAT score. If it is below a 800 then that is just pathetic. Hello!!! Will this world ever get its people right. I mean honestly.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Ludwik Kozlowski M.D. — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 02:48:51 GMT

Gratulacje Lukasz. I hope everyone will take to heart your statement:"If one wants to live in the USA , she or he must learn English". Proficiency in English is needed to "make" it here. Immigrants must immerse themselves in English.This what I did for 2-3 years.hard worktoo is a must to get ahead. God bless.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Bruce Saltzman, Shelton, CT — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 16:04:09 GMT

The reason for aplying to many colleges is to see which one will give the most financial aid. Many financial aid programs are given out on a cut off date with the remaining money given out on a first come forst helped bases. By applying to many schools he placed several people in need of financial aid on the waiting. Some possible pasted the cut off date; there by indangering their chances of getting financial aid. I view him as inconcederate and his guidence counclers as being unprofessional to go along with this.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Henia, Chicago — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 01:06:49 GMT

Congratulations Lukasz. I can't even imagine how elated your parents must be. There will always be some people around you who are jealous of your success and try to downgrade you, however most of us are simply happy for you! I experienced it myself.
Keep up the good work. You are a wonderful young Pole.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Me, VA — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:30:03 GMT

For all you HATERS. Let the boy have his 15 minutes of fame. If you cant be happy for him then dont discourage or ridicule him. We say we want to hear more uplifting stories and now some of the writers are trying to degrade his accomplishment. Who cares what school he went to or his SAT/ACT scores or what toothpaste he uses or toilet paper he wipes his a-- with? Let us be about CHANGE and uplift ALL!

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

ayb, Albany NY — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:38:07 GMT

I would like to know what his parents do for living?
They must be hard workers also.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

linda smith, Sun City, Ca — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 04:25:10 GMT

This is an amazing story.
Wow...exactly who inspires us.
So glad that all of us here at attentiontodetailgifts.com read your blogs EVERY DAY.
You and your stories inspire us so much!
THANK YOU and kudos for the great articles that are truly uplifting...not just bad news.
Way to go.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Michelle, South Windsor, CT — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:41:14 GMT

Just a little FYI for all those wondering if he went to a public school. I googled his name and found that he attended New Utrecht High School of Brooklyn, NY (public school).

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Smart Myself — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:07:28 GMT

First of all there is "extra credit" that is how kids get a higher than average 100%. Secondly my daughter went the same route back in the 1990's..only diference was American, at a public HS, came from divorced a single mom family that was on public assistance....and went to an Ivy herself..we didn't get any press when she was on the university dean's list for 4 years either! What's the big deal with this kid? There are hundreds of them all over the USA who never het recognition

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Harvard Girl, Cambridge, MA — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:43:55 GMT

His GPA is weighed, so it's inaccurate. I met him at an event for early admits to Stanford University, which means that in December he already knew that he was accepted to Stanford, and had ample time to withdraw the applications to all the schools that he would not prefer to Stanford. Had he done this, he would have taken up spots in fewer colleges, and been less selfish about the whole process.
I agree with the earlier comment, however, why is this news-worthy?

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

v.n.a.b. Providence, RI — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:33:04 GMT

He is not right for Brown.

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Ana Staten Island, NY — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:26:45 GMT

He attended New Utrecht HS. I'm surprised. It's a very average school in Bensonhurst, not one of the better ones in Brooklyn. When I lived in Bensonhurst and was applying to high schools, New Utrecht was at the bottom of the list. Granted, that was a while ago.

In an (Ivy) League of His Own

Dahabo G., Federal Way, WA — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:01:32 GMT

Confused here, How is it possible to get a104.6 gpa?
But hey, way to go.

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liz — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 05:32:47 GMT

i was on the debate team with that kid. yeah, new utrecht high school. represent.