For AGHS senior Mark Andrawes, academic success didn’t come from just pure talent but intentionality. Being methodical about how he tackles every day, Andrawes has built his high school career around a simple idea: effort determines outcomes. 

“I would describe myself as a pretty hardworking student. I like to put my best effort into all of my schoolwork because, technically, what you do in school determines your future,” Andrawes said. 

This mindset developed early, tracing its roots back to middle school, when this curiosity gave rise to a significant commitment.

“If I’m being really honest, probably around sixth grade. I would log into my parents’ Aeries account just to see when teachers posted test scores,” Andrawes said.

By the time he was in middle school, the discipline was beginning to take root. 

“That’s when I really locked in. I started spending a lot more time on assignments, studying, and actually caring about the quality of my work.” 

For him, academics became purposeful when he began thinking about his future. 

“When I realized I wanted to become a doctor and go into medicine, I understood that [it] comes with a lot of hard work,” Andrawes said. “There’s a lot of schooling involved, and knowing that’s where I wanted to go encouraged me to start dedicating time and effort.” 

This commitment is evident in how he structures his week. 

“I always make a plan. I’ll map out my week in a planner — what tests I have and when — and then I’ll plan my studying around that.” 

Rather than cramming before a test, he studies with intention.

“I don’t recommend cramming the night before. If you do that, there’s no way you’re going to remember what you studied a week later or a month later,” Andrawes said.

Instead, he opts to space out this work to make it more effective. 

“If I have a test on Friday, I’ll start studying on Wednesday. I’ll study an hour Wednesday, an hour Thursday, and if it’s a bigger test, I’ll start even earlier,” Andrawes said. 

This strategy, he says, helps him make whatever subject he’s learning stick. 

“Studying ahead helps me actually understand the content instead of just memorizing it. It also makes finals and AP exams way less stressful,” Andrawes said. 

Even with academic demands competing for his time, Andrawes has a firm line when it comes to health. 

“If I don’t get eight to ten hours of sleep, I’m not ready for the next day. I try to go to bed around 10:30 and wake up at 7.” 

For him, performing at the highest level means recognizing when sleep is necessary. 

“If it means pushing homework to the next morning, I’ll do that. Sleep is really important — for mental health and for success in school,” Andrawes said.

When he’s drowning in work, he relies on prioritization. 

“I tell myself, ‘What’s due tomorrow? What’s worth the most points?’ and I start there. Sometimes you have to push things off based on importance,” Andrawes said. 

Despite the rigor of his courses, Andrawes says he has never experienced burnout. 

“There are definitely weeks where I feel stressed and need a break. But overall, I don’t feel burned out,” Andrawes said. 

A key part of balance is finding outlets beyond academics. 

“People don’t really see me as an athlete. But swimming is what helps me relieve stress. That’s my thing,” Andrawes said. 

Beyond athletics, Andrawes is deeply involved in leadership and service. He founded and leads Students For a Better Community. 

“I actually enjoy preparing presentations and helping people find service they care about,” Andrawes said

Beyond school-related activities, his family also plays a central role in his life and the person he is becoming. Both his parents immigrated to the United States from Egypt and built their lives in a place unlike where they grew up. 

“I’m really fortunate to be born here. They’re a huge inspiration, and I want to make them proud,” Andrawes said. 

As a first-generation applicant, he has had to navigate the college process independently. 

“I don’t really have that background of parents who went to college here. So I’ve had to figure out a lot of things on my own,” Andrawes said. 

His sister, who is currently studying at Cal Poly, has helped guide him. 

“She was the guinea pig first. She’s definitely supported me when it comes to classes, leadership roles, and internships.”

Looking into the future, Andrawes hopes to attend a top school in California,  UCLA being at the top of that list. He plans to study medicine and eventually become a neurologist. 

“I really want to work in a clinical setting. I want to build relationships with patients and truly get to know them.”

His perspective has been shaped by his numerous internships and hands-on experience in medical settings. 

“That experience solidified that I want to work in a clinical environment rather than an emergency setting,” Andrawes said.

Despite his numerous achievements, Andrawes says that one of the biggest misconceptions about top students is how they study. 

“People think I study for six or eight hours straight every day. That’s not really true,” Andrawes said. 

Instead, he emphasises efficiency. 

“It’s studying with purpose and strategy. You can study for eight hours and still do poorly if you’re not focused,” Andrawes said. 

For younger students, he encourages action rather than sitting and waiting.

“Don’t procrastinate, and prioritize your health. Get involved in something you enjoy, even if you’re scared to try,” Andrawes said. 

In a school full of driven students, Mark Andrawes stands out. He is driven by high standards, a pursuit of perfection, a love for everything he does, and a belief that balance and purpose are what turn hard work into success. 

“I just want to look back and know I truly tried. That’s what matters most,” Andrawes said.