Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Teen CEO Rejected by Top Universities Sparks Controversy

4/4/2025

43 7

Summary

Story summary

Zach Yadegari, the 18-year-old CEO behind the popular AI calorie-tracking app Cal AI, faced a surprising setback: rejection from 15 prestigious universities despite his stellar 4.0 GPA and 34 ACT score. His candid post on X ignited a heated discussion about college admissions, as critics labeled his essay as arrogant. Now, he yearns for the college experience he was denied.

1 of 1

Story summary

Zach Yadegari, the 18-year-old CEO behind the popular AI calorie-tracking app Cal AI, faced a surprising setback: rejection from 15 prestigious universities despite his stellar 4.0 GPA and 34 ACT score. His candid post on X ignited a heated discussion about college admissions, as critics labeled his essay as arrogant. Now, he yearns for the college experience he was denied.