Pahrump Valley High School senior Sasha Strain has always been a standout in the classroom, but this year, she’s taken her achievements to a whole new level. With a perfect 4.0 GPA, an ACT score of 35, and recognition as a National Merit Finalist, Sasha has earned more than 2.1 million dollars in scholarship offers from universities across the country. After careful consideration, she has chosen the University of Alabama, where she has been awarded a full-ride scholarship for five years and accepted into the highly selective Witt Fellows Program.
Getting to this point didn’t happen by chance. Sasha put in hours of preparation and planning, starting with her approach to standardized tests. She first took the ACT in July 2023 to establish a baseline, after doing a few weeks of science section practice. From there, she turned her focus to math, which had been her lowest scoring section, and studied about four hours a week. When she took the test again in October, she had raised her math score by five points, bringing her composite to a 34. When superscored with her July results, Sasha earned a 35. Her preparation for the PSAT came naturally, as she had already taken it once as a sophomore and the official test during her junior year came shortly after her ACT preparation.
Despite her high score, Sasha admitted she didn’t realize how significant the PSAT could be when she first took it.
“I was honestly unaware of what amazing opportunities could come from taking the PSAT at first, so I did not put too much emphasis on the test,” she said. “I think that should be more widely known at the school.”
It wasn’t until she received her results that she started to grasp the impact it could have.
“I did more research after I had taken it, and when I received my score back junior year, I was excited and surprised to learn that I actually had a chance of becoming a National Merit Finalist. It really opened up the door to a lot of amazing scholarships and was a validation of all my hard work.”
When it came time to decide where to apply, Sasha leaned on support from her parents, who helped her research top-ranked business schools and institutions known for awarding generous merit-based scholarships. They looked at schools with strong academics, engaging student life, and locations that Sasha might enjoy. She cast a wide net, applying to universities in Alabama, Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Indiana, Arizona, and more, with student body sizes ranging from 2,500 to over 40,000 students. Sasha approached the process with practicality, focusing first on financial options before evaluating other factors like location and campus culture.
The application process itself was no small feat. Sasha wrote more than 43 essays—one for nearly every school, every honors college, and every major scholarship she applied for. She spent countless weekends, evenings after school, and even bus rides to cross country meets working on her submissions.
“Coach Nagle and Coach Odegard can definitely attest to that,” she laughed. “There were times I was writing in the back of the bus while the rest of the team was napping.”
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Sasha has maintained an impressive commitment to extracurricular activities. She earned her black belt in karate at the age of 16 after ten years of dedication. When her local dojo closed, her family made twice-weekly trips to Las Vegas for the last two years of training—long, exhausting nights that tested her perseverance. At Pahrump Valley High School, Sasha has been a multi-sport athlete, participating in track and field, golf, cross country, and wrestling. She has qualified for the state meet in track all three years, with a standout sophomore year in which she qualified in all four of her events: long jump, 100-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles, and the 4×400 relay. Sasha anticipates qualifying for state this year as well.
Balancing schoolwork, college applications, and varsity sports wasn’t always easy, but Sasha said her coaches played a key role in helping her stay motivated. “I had so many people supporting me through the different phases of life, including all of my friends and so many coaches—Coach Nagle slays,” she said with a laugh. “They were always encouraging, and that made a huge difference when things got overwhelming.”
The biggest challenge, she said, was staying motivated while balancing everything else. On top of her regular schoolwork and extra curricular activities, she was also enrolled in an online American Sign Language class that required several hours a week. Add to that work, the number of essays she had to write and it was no small feat. Though many essay prompts were similar, each one needed to be tailored to reflect the mission and values of the specific school or program—meaning extra research and attention to detail.
The scholarship offers poured in. Sasha was awarded $44,000 from William and Mary, $235,220 from the University of Texas at Dallas, and $130,000 from Southern Methodist University (SMU). Purdue and the University of Nevada, Reno each offered $64,000, while the University of Houston awarded her $114,704. Indiana University offered $40,000, and Trinity University extended a generous $229,984. The University of Arizona offered $103,000, and Arizona State followed with $70,000. Baylor and Texas Christian University (TCU) each awarded her $120,000, while the University of Florida offered $80,000 and Florida State University added $75,776. The University of Richmond offered $90,453, the University of South Carolina $110,000, and the University of New Mexico $91,600. She also received a $20,000 State Farm Scholarship and $116,000 from Texas Tech. Her final and largest offer came from the University of Alabama: a full five-year scholarship package worth $223,660.
After weighing her many offers, Sasha ultimately committed to the University of Alabama. The deciding factor wasn’t just the scholarship package—which includes full tuition for five years, four years of housing, a $5,000 annual stipend, and a one-time $2,000 allowance—but also her acceptance into the Witt Fellows Program.
The Witt Fellows Program is a cohort-based honors experience focused on community engagement and social impact. Only 25 students are chosen each year out of more than 1,500 eligible applicants. Sasha had to complete five essays, an online interview, and an in-person interview on campus to be selected.
“As a fellow, I’ll get to participate in projects like volunteering in Alabama’s Black Belt region, travel internationally to places like Cuba, and have in-home dinners with university professors and community leaders,” Sasha explained.
She was also drawn to Alabama’s beautiful campus, its nationally ranked business school, the option to complete a five-year master’s program, a strong alumni network, and plenty of social, research, and study abroad opportunities. It checked every box she was looking for—and then some.
At Alabama, Sasha plans to major in finance, and is also considering a double major in business statistics, accounting, or economics. As a Witt Fellow, she’ll also earn a minor in social innovation and leadership. She’s excited to take what she’s learned in high school and use it to make a meaningful impact.
Sasha credits her success to a strong support system. Her parents have been instrumental in motivating and encouraging her, and she’s grateful for the many friends and coaches who’ve helped her along the way. She also acknowledges her own inner drive.
“I’d say I’m pretty hardworking and determined. I always try to be the best that I can be,” she said.
As she prepares for her next chapter, Sasha is looking forward to new friendships, being in an exciting and energetic environment, and continuing to grow as a person. And yes, she’s ready to enjoy some of the fun that comes with college life.
“I’m looking forward to making many new friends, being in a new environment that is full of energy, and growing as a person,” she said. “And to finally go to a party!”
When asked about her plans after school, Sasha said she’s keeping an open mind, but would love to become a financial analyst, be surrounded by a close group of friends, and live in a home with at least two dogs.
Sasha Strain’s journey is a shining example of what happens when talent, work ethic, and heart come together. From Pahrump Valley High School to the University of Alabama and beyond, her story is just beginning—and her future is bright.
