Harry Sillifant: The Hutchins School rowing prodigy off to MIT
A Tasmanian teen rowing prodigy and aspiring engineer has pulled off an international coup, with a coveted offer from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston.
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An aspiring Tasmanian engineer and rowing prodigy whose prowess at the sport has taken him to the pinnacle in Australia is set to progress further, with an offer to study at and compete with the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
But all the rowing glory in the world wouldn’t get The Hutchins School graduate Harry Sillifant over the line in the gruelling 18-month application process unless it were allied with a powerful intellect: he graduated last year with an ATAR of 99.65.
Mr Sillifant said he “almost stopped breathing” when he received the offer from the Boston college, which was followed by a celebratory drive to the beach, followed by a bowl of hot chips at the pub, with his dad and brother.
The proud teen, who made the First VIII two years running and claimed a gold medal at last year’s Australian Rowing Championships at Lake Barrington as part of a coxed four, said family trips to the United States about five years ago stoked his desire to study there.
“A friend’s sister went to USC (University of Southern California) and said it was awesome, so that inspired me to get on track,” he said.
It’s been a chaotic two years for Mr Sillifant, as he juggled his school work and college application process.
He started by ringing around college rowing coaches seeking endorsements, attempting to sit an SAT – three interstate trips to sit the test due to Covid-19 – then submitting a series of essays describing his suitability, before a final interview, which he had expected to be the easiest part of the process.
“It was pretty rigorous, it took me off my feet,” he said.
“I read online it was supposed to be pretty easy.
“It got me over the line, showing a bit of Aussie spirit to try and stand out a bit.”
Mr Sillifant’s four-year course, in which he hopes to major in mechanical, software and electrical engineering, commences in August.
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