Julia Peavey

Murray 1693 Scholar Julia Peavey

Hometown

San Diego, CA (Point Loma High School)

Academic Interests

Neuroscience, English, Public Health

Why W&M

Some of the most frequent advice I received during the college application cycle was that ‘fit’ is vital to look for in a school. And yet, the ever-changing list which I had assembled at the start of my senior year belonged to either the most adaptable person in the world or someone who didn’t have a clue what they wanted. School size, school location, school type - I simply had no idea what my preference was, so it was almost entirely by chance that William & Mary slipped onto my list. Quick searches into its interdisciplinary programs, its amazing study abroad opportunities, and its intriguing essay topics were promising, but it soon faded into the background of a chaotic few months.

It was only after receiving the email notifying me I was a 1693 semi-finalist that the school flew back onto my radar. I was surprised by how supportive everyone was - I was able to constantly reach out to current staff and students, both related to the 1693 program and my potential major. I progressed through the semi-finalist rounds with increasing disbelief, expecting a letdown around every corner but grateful to experience opportunities I’d never imagined could be part of the college application process - including the presentation of a potential research project to W&M faculty.

When I stepped onto campus during Finalist Weekend, I finally felt the ‘fit’ that had been so often described to me. While I’d visited some great schools, none of them felt immediately comfortable and all seemed to have something missing. But experiencing W&M’s natural beauty, meeting exceptionally friendly and passionate students who were happy to give impromptu lab tours, and spending time with my fellow finalists and current scholars made me feel an incredible sense of excitement and belonging. Hearing about William & Mary’s outstanding promotion of undergraduate research and truly collaborative community only added to this feeling. I quickly realized that I couldn’t see myself going anywhere else. And so when I received the call offering me a place in the 1693 program, I was filled with relief and joy, my college decision being made easier than I ever could’ve dreamed of - I’d not only found the perfect ‘fit’, I would be able to attend William & Mary and continue learning alongside an amazing group of people. I’m so thankful to be part of the William & Mary community!

High School Activities

Student Researcher, UCSD Supercomputer Center
Editor-in-Chief and writer, Pointer Press student newspaper
Treasurer and Board Member, My Girlfriend’s Closet
Captain, Academic League
Conference Organizer, Model United Nations
Varsity Swim Team
Club Swim Team
Athlete Representative and DEI Committee member, San Diego-Imperial USA Swimming
Lifeguard, YMCA Aquatics
Youth Action Council Member and Student Mentor, National Marine Mammal Foundation
Independent researcher and literature review author on the potential of ketamine to prophylactically treat PTSD, Journal of High School Science
Research Intern, Quench and Connect

Awards / Distinctions

AP Scholar with Distinction
3^rd place in CA’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay contest
CA State Seal of Civic Engagement
The President's Volunteer Service Award
San Diego City Conference Spring Student-Athlete of the Year
T. Hayes Award for Academic Achievement in AP US History
Yale Book Award
Point Loma High School's 2024 Outstanding Citizen