A Global Journey in Robotics: How Yunosuke Got Accepted to UC Berkeley

When CGA student Yunosuke received his acceptance letter to the University of California, Berkeley, one of the world’s leading institutions for engineering and robotics, it marked the culmination of years of hard work, discovery, and global exploration. Based in Tokyo, Japan and shaped by a global perspective, with roots in the UK, Spain, and the U.S., Yunosuke is not your average high school student. He is a future innovator in STEM, a robotics champion, and a standout example of how Japanese students can thrive on the international stage with the right support and vision.

From Tokyo to the World: A Student on the Move

Yunosuke's passion for STEM and robotics began in Silicon Valley classrooms, where hands-on experimentation and real-world applications sparked his imagination. But when he returned to Japan, he struggled to find a traditional school that matched the pace and flexibility he needed to keep growing.

That’s when he discovered Crimson Global Academy (CGA) through the Masason Foundation. CGA offered everything he needed: an internationally recognised curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and the flexibility to pursue internships, research, and robotics competitions while learning online from Japan.

“CGA gave me the freedom to learn at my pace and the flexibility to dive deep into robotics and research while preparing for university abroad,” he shared.

Robotics, Research & Real-World Impact

What sets Yunosuke apart isn’t just his academic excellence; it’s his ability to apply what he learns to solve real-world problems. He’s been part of multiple international robotics competitions, earning awards such as the Dean’s List Semifinalist at the FIRST Robotics Competition and first place globally at the Real World Design Challenge. His team developed drone technology for environmental monitoring, inspired by the California wildfires.

He also completed a software development internship at Atheer, where he designed robotics systems for warehouse automation. Combined with his AP coursework in subjects like Physics C, Chemistry, and Microeconomics, Yunosuke crafted a university application that blended STEM proficiency with purpose-driven impact.

He has an impressive track record in robotics competitions:

• 2018: Teamwork Finalist & Robot Skills Awards at VEX IQ California
• 2018: Judge's Award at VEX IQ World Championship
• 2019: 2nd Place Skills, CREATE US Open Robotics
• 2019: Tournament Champion & Excellence Award at VRC California
• 2023: Dean’s List semifinalist, FIRST Robotics Silicon Valley
• 2025: Tournament Champion at Japan VEX V5 nationals & 1st place internationally at Real World Design Challenge

Such extracurricular success builds a strong university application, showcasing STEM leadership, robotics expertise, and teamwork, all highly valued by top schools.

Creative Communication in STEM

In his AP English Language class at CGA, Yunosuke created a podcast project, learning to communicate complex technical ideas in an engaging and accessible way. It was this blend of creativity and STEM focus that helped him stand out to top universities.

Strategic University Admissions Support

With support from CGA's University and Admissions Counselling team, especially his advisor Mr. Bob Fan, Yunosuke built a thoughtful, compelling university application. During the peak application season, they covered:

• Common App & UC Essays
• Personal Statement Development
• Recommendation Letters & Activity Descriptions

His efforts paid off: Yunosuke was accepted to several top U.S. engineering schools, including Georgia Tech, Northwestern, and his ultimate choice, UC Berkeley.

Why UC Berkeley?

Berkeley stood out to Yunosuke for its pioneering work in robotics and the opportunity to combine mechanical engineering with computer science. He sees the university not only as a place of academic excellence but also as a launchpad for future innovation.

“I want to stay at the frontier of robotics and use my knowledge to make a difference. Whether through research or entrepreneurship, I want to lead with impact.”

Advice for Japanese Students Pursuing International Education

Yunosuke knows the path he took isn’t a traditional one. For Japanese students who want to study abroad, he says:

“The overseas path is different from Japan’s. You have to create your own opportunities. Don’t fear failure, keep challenging yourself and grow through the process.”

How CGA Supported His Success

CGA’s flexible online model allowed Yunosuke to balance high-level academics with intensive extracurriculars. Through AP courses and support from expert teachers, he established a strong academic foundation in science, math, and economics, all crucial for competitive STEM university admissions. With CGA’s subject-specific guidance and counselling support, Yunosuke didn’t just follow the path; he built his own.

Join CGA and Design Your Future

Yunosuke’s story is more than an admissions success; it's a testament to what’s possible when global education meets purpose, support, and ambition. If you're a student who dreams of studying engineering, robotics, or STEM at a top global university, Crimson Global Academy offers the foundation and flexibility to make it happen.

Start your journey with CGA today and take your learning beyond borders.