Class of ‘98 (CommonApp Essay) Leafing through yet another list of unimpressive credentials, a bespectacled social worker tosses aside his yellowed file. The reject pile is growing higher than the rickety bookshelves. "Baby girls," he comments, leaning back in his chair, "as common as broken glass." With higher stakes than an Ivy League, Sichuanese Adoption, class of '98, was a discarded peasant daughter's best chance at success. How would I have fared if college admission standards were applied for my adoption?...

In our house, it's impossible to avoid the topic of neurological health. I delved into neuroscience after a dangerous dance with a pituitary tumor. When I first found out, my 7th grade self was too preoccupied with the new iPod Touch to notice the possible calamity on the horizon. Eventually, she became a little more frightened, but she was also fascinated by the single organ in control of our life. My tumor was small enough that surgeons didn’t want...

“Curiouser and curiouser,” from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll “Now what do you plan to do, my dear?” the Mad Hatter asks, piling far more sugar into my cup than tea. “Why, neurosurgery!” I begin excitedly. “I find the brain to be quite-” “No, no, no, that won’t do," the March Hare interrupts. “Too much tinkering will leave you with a hole in the head!” He taps a fork on the tea kettle to accentuate his...

When I was little, my favorite compliment to receive was that I was “unusually articulate”. In high school, I loved Model Congresses and Debate Society almost as much as Science Olympiad. I was thrilled by speeches that could move nations and how policies could radically alter the domestic sphere. I even considered a career in politics before I realized I couldn’t go that far, since my birthplace constitutionally prohibits me from the White House. I now intend to become...

I feel that my essays were the strongest part of my application. I spoke on diverse an interesting topics that really presented my personality, personal goals, and humor. You don't have to worry about sounding smart. A funny, interesting essay is always the smartest choice.

Fun Smart...