Praseodymium. ‘What a fascinating name for such an unexceptional element,’ I thought as I stared at my blank sketchbook page. Attempting to create an original cartoon character for praseodymium made me feel like a mother trying to dress up her child for a concert with clothing from a thrift store. I had a lot more materials to work with for the other elements. Carbon is the “king of the periodic table” for its unmatched versatility; it forms fancy diamonds on...

Mixing phenolphthalein indicator, concentrated ammonia, and water creates a solution that turns clear when heated and pink when cooled. From experience, I know that it can be used for an adorably awkward confession on Valentine's Day. The Undergraduate Chemistry Council at Northwestern shares my love for public displays of chemical reactions. It would be a blast, both literally and metaphorically, to help Mr. Zwergel prepare for the annual Eberhard beach show. Who would not want to witness Lake Michigan erupt...

I Have a Dream Art teachers suggested that I enter the publication industry after leafing through my graphic heavy books What’s for Dinner? Is there Dinner? and The Cartoon Periodic Table. Their convictions were further strengthened when several magazines published my artworks, with one used as the cover art. Science teachers encouraged me to pursue chemistry when they observed my active involvement in class and browsed my science website www.justlovechemistry.com. However, I want to expand my undergraduate...

Hyper six year old boys, somber high school students, tired businessmen, and elderly couples formed a long line that snaked around the aged wooden pews. This procession for holy communion moved forward step by step to the pulse of the soothing hymn pouring from the church organ. The sounds of music my fingers made on the keys and the singing voices of the attendees merged into one collaborative performance that was as moving as “Una Furtiva Lacrima.” None of us...

Amid the squeaks of sneakers, I stood next to the bleachers, perplexedly examining a Nikon camera. To a fourteen year old neophyte photographer, setting up a DSLR for a poorly lit gym full of fast players was a mentally taxing procedure. I started with a high shutter speed of 1/250, so that the players wouldn’t be unrecognizable blurs. Unfortunately, a fast shutter speed limits light, so my adjustment resulted in dark photos. In response, I raised the ISO to 1000, which...

Start soon. I didn't work on my college essays until I...

I did not use a private counselor. In my opinion, private counselors are a waste of money. I...

Do activities you are truly passionate about, not just stereotypical clubs that you think "Ivy League students" do. I didn't...

I did activities because I WANTED to, not because I thought a...

Northwestern has the most prestigious business school (Kellogg School of Management is a top 5 business school, standing...

I did not apply for any scholarships, because many schools are not need blind for international students. If...

Choose teachers that are relevant to the majors you are applying as. I applied as chemistry and...

Northwestern is ranked top in the world for chemistry (Weinberg College of...

Due to its incredible journalism program,...

Evanston is a nice place to study. When I want to have fun,...

Location, general prestige, prestige in the areas I am interested in (check...

Transfers are very difficult. I personally suggest you...