4:41 PM. I push open the door of Boston’s Back Bay Station and am greeted by a familiar haze. My train will leave in exactly four minutes, giving me just enough time. Pushing past several much-taller travelers, I walk towards my favorite food stall in the station. The owners recognize me, as always. After several hellos, I ask for “una aguita, por favor” and begin to rummage among several notebooks to find my wallet. One of the men working at...

Perhaps because I was brought up in a household of two cultures—Brazilian and American—and because I grew up bilingual in Portuguese and English, I have always loved and respected other cultures and languages. Through my studies at school and my travels abroad I have become fluent in Spanish, and it has consistently been one of my favorite subjects. In my junior year, I petitioned to take on a sixth course (in addition to the standard five) in order...

Applying early decision can increase your...

Have a mix of schools: "reach" (where it might be tough to get into) "intermediate"...

There was just...

Do research on your institution! Penn, for example, has a big emphasis on...

Do something productive with your summer! Refrain from...

Get involved with what you're passionate about. When you are...

I intend...

Being in Philadelphia is great! It is a vibrant city with plenty of great...