My arms pumped methodically, continuously planting my trekking poles into the rigid earth while my scrawny legs scrambled behind. I was a skinny twelve-year-old sprinting up the side of a mountain. My father’s cheeks concaved up into a smile as he shook his head and beseeched me to let him catch his breath. Desperate to reach the peak, I disregarded his plea, continuing to accelerate despite the ache coursing through my thighs and sweat slithering down the middle of...

Why Northwestern? Every university is difficult to summarize. Relaxed, ambitious, studious, spirited; albeit all are true, two descriptors of Northwestern stand out above the rest: flexible and friendly. One of the major draws of Northwestern is the intellectual flexibility provided by the quarter system. As one who is passionate and continues to find new passions in a wide variety of studies, the flexibility of the quarter system is a dream-come-true. Being able to take twelve classes a year as opposed...

Why Notre Dame? Every university is difficult to summarize and has a variety of drawing points. Nevertheless, two aspects of Notre Dame stand out for me above the rest: academics and culture. When one talks about Notre Dame, it is impossible to avoid a discussion of the rigor and excellence of the academics. Notre Dame doesn’t just have a tradition of excellence in academics and as a research institution. More importantly, it has all of this in addition to...

Home is where your story begins. Tell us about your home and how it has influenced your story. In the same way that corn embodies the Midwest, corn embodies my identity. Growing up in a Midwestern suburb, I struggled to recognize the importance my community has in defining me as a person. As Americans, we take a lot of what we have for granted. It’s only when we take a step outside that we appreciate the blessings we have....

Think about when you first meet people... I’d like to think people have good first impressions of me. I feel that I often come off as very nice, but too bashful. This is because I tend to be nervous when talking to someone new compared to a friend I’m comfortable around. Despite this initial social anxiety, once I calm myself down and become comfortable, my true personality is able to shine though this facade. It’s only been...

Idea or experience important to intellectual development Tears filled my eyes as my years of lawn mowing finally paid off. It was time to buy my first computer. Goosebumps ran down my sides as I thought about the wealth of knowledge that would soon be available at my fingertips. Despite how frivolous it sounds, having my own computer was an eye-opening experience for my twelve- year-old self. It prompted me to satisfy my curiosity by learning and exploring countless topics...

Note to future roommate Hi, I’ve known Parker for quite a few years; we go way back. Five years ago, he picked me up at Starbucks, but don’t worry, I’m not his girlfriend, I’m his coffee cup. And since we met, it’s ‘bean’ great. He straps me in his backpack and carries me around wherever he goes. When you first meet Parker, it’s easy to recognize that he’s a nice guy and maybe...

What matters to you, and why? In the same way that corn embodies the Midwest, corn embodies my identity. Growing up in a Midwestern suburb, I struggled to recognize the importance my community has in defining me as a person. I tried to fit in with others at school who thought we lived in a corn field in the middle of nowhere and that our town didn’t matter because everyone was leaving soon enough. I tried to convince myself...

The first thing that comes to mind when one talks about NYU is New York City itself. As one of the greatest cities in the world, New York is the hub of innovation, and I am drawn to be a part of a city, of a culture that drives the world forward. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been intrigued by computers. My curiosity drives me to ask how they’re constructed, how they function, but most...

At MIT, we bring people together to better the lives of others. MIT students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world's biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way in which you have contributed to your community, whether in your family, the classroom, your neighborhood, etc. (*) (200-250 words)  After pondering among the cookie-cutter ideas, I dreamt up an original plan. It started off as a novel idea - conducting an electronics recycling drive....

Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?(*) (200-250 words) In the same way that corn embodies the Midwest, corn embodies my identity. Growing up in a Midwestern suburb, I struggled to recognize the importance my community has in defining me as a person. I tried to fit in with others at school who thought we lived in a corn field in the...

Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?(*) (200-250 words)  Because my sister, Audrey, is very kind yet introverted, she always has trouble making friends. In college, however, it became even more difficult for her to find people she felt comfortable around. Without any quality friends, she began to seclude herself from all social activity. As her depression worsened, she began to conspire that...