It’s my turn. It’s my turn to play the 12-bar jazz solo—an improvised solo. Butterflies fly into my stomach. I forget to take a deep breath, and the first notes come out poorly. I cringe. I’m so embarrassed. The notes I play clash with the chords the rhythm section plays. My fingers flutter over the trumpet valves in an attempt to play something even remotely good. When the saxophones and trombones come back in, I’m...

In the not-so-distant future, I will be searching for a career, a home, and a community in which to live. While my goals seem straightforward enough, a comprehensive and distinct education has become even more important in the ever-changing and complex society we live in today. The liberal arts and sciences foundation on which a Penn education is based will provide me the tools to live a rewarding and meaningful life. I hope to live in society with the ability...

“Taps” While I don’t normally identify myself using my hometown of Ridgefield, Connecticut, there is something important about this community I must not overlook. Ridgefield is small, financially and ethnically homogenous, and lacking in a great deal of excitement. However, the shared values not only set Ridgefield apart from other towns but also help define me. Every Veterans Day and Memorial Day, our town organizes a ceremony and parade honoring those who have fought for our country. During these...

In the not-so-distant future, I will be searching for a career, a home, and a community in which to live. While my goals seem straightforward enough, a comprehensive and distinct education has become even more important in the ever-changing and complex society we live in today. And I know that the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan will provide me the education and skillset I need for the future. LSA’s curriculum will provide...

The Third Class of Mankind I believe “those that move” are the ones who are able to navigate through our ever-changing society, lead others, and overcome challenges for the common good. And I am in this third class of mankind. I “move” because I am flexible and open to change. I do not wait around for others to “move” me. This year, I am the drum major of my high school’s marching band. My high school’s band has...

I think it's easy as a high school student to feel like you need to be involved in a large number of extracurricular activities, but depth is...

I interviewed with the University of Pennsylvania and had a very nice interview experience. I would suggest looking at your interview as more of a conversation. When the interviewer asks a question, for example, it will feel more natural and more comfortable to ask him or her follow-up questions. You should of course...