In my high school, self-sufficiency and independence are expected. The very idea of asking for help can be daunting and can, at times, be seen as self-deprecating. One day, my sophomore year, my health teacher started class by announcing he would blindfold us. It was strange, yes, but health was a tedious subject and all of us were just tickled at the thought of change. We complied. He led our single file line into the nearby gymnasium where he told...

NORTHWESTERN Northwestern Statement: What are the unique qualities of Northwestern - and of the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying - that make you want to attend the University? In what ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified? (250 words) After taking a tour of the campus and attending the Engineering Information session, I was convinced that McCormick could offer me the most holistic yet in-depth learning experience. McCormick’s faculty promotes student...

PURDUE What life goals will Purdue help you to achieve--and how? (Respond in 100 words or fewer.) I have always loved math. Math is rational, analytic and realistic, like me. I have always looked for ways to apply my love for math to real world situations. As an engineer, I will be able to see tangible evidence that I am making a difference. Purdue’s First-Year Engineering Program will help me build a strong foundation of understanding while allowing me to...

UW MADISON 1. Consider something in your life you think goes unnoticed and write about why it's important to you. Sophomore year, our school offered optional EKG screenings for all of its students. I was one of the few students in our school of 4,300 that was flagged. I have ventricular tachycardia, meaning that my heart is sometimes ‘lax’ in duty. Sometimes it goes too fast and other times it skips beats all together. As an athletic student who loved cardio and...

U OF I @ URBANA CHAMPAIGN Tell us about one interest or experience of yours that allows us to get to know you better as an individual. Please limit your response to approximately 300 words. Consider something in your life you think goes unnoticed and write about why it's important to you. Sophomore year, our school offered optional EKG screenings for all of its students. I was one of the few students in our school of 4,300 that was flagged. I have ventricular...

Go to all their events, tour campus, sign up for their events. They...

Definitely get started on applications early. Rushing to finish everything...

My Calculus BC Teacher (junior year), My AP US History Teacher (junior year), My Journalism Teacher (freshman-senior year). Definitely choose at...