It felt like an eternity. After three hours of waiting, the fire department's crowbars slowly pried through the doors of the halted elevator, which was filled well over capacity with myself and ten other students from around the country. We were all there for the same reason: the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network flew us to Washington, D.C. to speak to legislators about the need for school climate change. More specifically, we were lobbying for two bills that...

I explained my career interests. I have always known I wanted to go into startups, so I talked about my lifelong interest in social entrepreneurship and the future that I see for myself. I did talk a bit about involvement with social entrepreneurship and economics groups at school.

In both of my essays, I used an interest or a story to convey important details about myself. I elaborated extensively on some of my personal history, allowing me to provided an extended window into my community service and career exploration. Essentially any essay can be turned into a way to highlight your strengths as an applicant. Don't just talk about abstract interests. Make your essays relatable by highlighting specific impressive experiences and also discussing your trajectory going forward. For...

I didn't use a private admission calendar. Instead, the summer before my...

I personally was admitted EA, but many of my friends who were admitted after...

Most interviews are essentially the same. They want to know what differentiates you as an applicant. Everyone has the high tests scores and GPA, and most people...

Start early! I got ~$150,000 in outside scholarship offers because I was organized. I spent most of my junior year curating a long list of scholarships I was eligible for....

When I decided whether or not to apply to a school, I simply asked myself: would I attend this school over the University of Michigan (a state school that I knew...

In college, I play rugby and serve as the social chair for my team....

After college, I plan to move to San Francisco...

Nearly any applicant to Harvard meets their averages for grades and test scores. In fact, Harvard could fill entire classes with valedictorians. To get into Harvard, you...

I didn't really reach out to professors or coaches until after...

Do things you are passionate about. Don't waste money on expensive summer school or guided travel unless...

Harvard is in a really cool "bubble" of Cambridge, MA. It is very CLOSE to urban resources, with incredible public transportation, but kind of has its own culture...

I probably would have actually visited more schools. I didn't feel like I actually had...

Focus on specifics that matter to you. Colleges can tell when an essay is generic. It is okay to use some generic portions, IF colleges you...

I had the academic credentials that you need to get in. However, I also had...

I went to a public school, so my recommendation letters were somewhat limited. I worked as early as freshman year to establish a deep relationship with my guidance counselor. I tried to stop by frequently for visits and...

When I got into Harvard in Early Action, my safety schools (University of Michigan and Michigan State) felt irrelevant. I decided I didn't want to box...

I ultimately decided that Harvard was not only the best academic...