The Secret Life of a Teenage Chess Player Flipping through the pages of my seventh grade yearbook, I come across the picture of a girl who resembles me, but not quite exactly. Although her hair is the same chestnut brown, her noses’ arch is indistinguishable and her broad smile is almost identical, there is something different about the girl who stares back at me; she seems conflicted. Gazing into the open window of her midnight blue eyes, I see a...

Why are you interested in the studies you chose? (Educational Studies) Through learning and teaching chess, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative benefits of education. I attribute my successes as a chess player to the dedication and encouragement of numerous teachers and coaches, who in turn have inspired me to educate others.

Why are you attracted to Brown’s Open Curriculum? As a self-motivated learner, I am attracted to the opportunity to be the "architect of my own education." The chance to work with professors in small groups and pursue and combine my multifaceted interests in education, public policy and business excites me. Even more thrilling, is the chance to be a part of Brown's environment, which promotes student initiative and innovation, and to take advantage of Brown's intellectual resources. Brown is...

"Where have you lived?": For as long as I can remember I have spent my days in exactly 64 places; experiencing the game of life by maneuvering back and forth among a combination of black and white squares. Though some days I don't know which way to move -- left or right, up or down -- a chessboard is always my home.

If I could do something with no risk of failing I would... create a program to eliminate gaps in academic achievement between different socio-economic groups and provide all students with the intellectual skills and motivation to reach their full potential.

Something you have created, which has made you proud With their matching chess jackets and euphoric dispositions, the chess team of inner city students was clearly thrilled to be attending its first State Championship. Inspired by seeing this, I used my tournament winnings to create a scholarship program for Bridgeport inner-city students. This allows 20 students yearly the opportunity to receive free weekly chess instruction, equipment and entry into the State Championship. This program will bring happiness to these students as...

A group/community you belong to and how it has shaped you Harkness dorm stands as a symbol of the community that my friends in Brown's 2010 Leadership Program created. We came as individual leaders from our hometowns, but left as a cohesive global community of student activists. We inspired and challenged each other to tackle complex world problems and came up with better solutions because of the diversity of thought. We benefited from learning about our different cultures, customs and...

Describe a moment when your perspective changed. As I impatiently waited for my opponent's arrival, my mind began to wander. It was the first round of the Eastern Chess Open, and after a long day of traveling I was eager to play a quick and easy first match. As my mind continued to drift, I got lost in the silence of the tournament hall. Then suddenly, a strident sound awoke me from my dream-like state. Sitting up in my chair,...

My favorite essay was "A Reality Check," which I submitted to both Brown and Harvard: As I impatiently waited for my opponent's arrival, my mind began to wander. It was the first round of the Eastern Chess Open, and after a long day of traveling I was eager to play a quick and easy first match. As my mind continued to drift, I got lost in the silence of the tournament hall. Then suddenly, a strident sound awoke me from...

Self-motivated, passionate,...

Since Brown has an open-curriculum and no real requirements, I think admissions officers look for students who have demonstrated the ability...

I interviewed only with Brown. The interview process was exceptionally low-key and laid back. The interview lasted ~45 minutes...

Spend time doing what you are passionate about to build up credibility that this is something you truly love and are committed to - don't do 1 million activities. Additionally, I'd recommend doing a "Leadership Program" at one or more of the schools you are...

Although I originally came to Brown to study education policy and economics with the hopes of working at the U.S. Department of Education, (which I received and internship offer to do my sophomore summer) I found, through my courses,...