If there’s something stressful in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Stress-Busters! If there’s too much pressure and you don’t feel good, who you gonna call? Stress-Busters! Ah, stress: while I can’t simply wave a magic wand and make it disappear, that won’t stop me from trying to find a solution. Behind my test scores, transcript, and list of extracurricular activities, I, like many of my peers, struggle with academic-related stress. Whether I’m studying...

"I want to read that one," she declared, pointing to a picture book in the bin labeled "art." I peered closer, expecting a misplaced princess book, or perhaps her favorite: Mermaids on Parade. What I saw instead was Celebrity Cat. "The cat book?" I asked, slightly perplexed as to why she was so intrigued by Celebrity Cat. But she nodded emphatically, so I helped her take the book out of the bin. Ana had been my Little Buddy for almost...

Ever since first grade, I have been a part of Girl Scouts. As a Girl Scout, I have participated in various community service projects, from helping the elderly move into new houses to actually constructing new houses during Habitat for Humanity’s “Raise the Roof” events. One of my favorite activities is baking desserts and creating dozens of food baskets twice a year for the holidays and then donating them to the local food pantry to distribute among families in...

Columbia's intensive Core Curriculum mirrors my diverse interests, and the school's wide variety of resources and opportunities would help me pursue them. In particular, I want to extend my studies in foreign languages, and Columbia offers courses for over 50. The opportunities for research and internships around the university as well as New York City are invaluable experiences. Columbia has over 500 clubs and associations, several of which fascinate me. With its unique "nomadic" style of performance, the King's Crown Shakespeare Troupe...

The atmosphere of UChicago is what I love most. I want a tight-knit community that acts like a home away from home, and UChicago’s unique House System promotes cohesiveness, even though each House has its own traditions and distinct cultures. There are weekly House meetings and activities that the students can participate in, and fun and friendships are both important to me, especially in a college setting. From the witty extended essay questions to the “Top 11 Reasons to Finish...

I'm currently undecided, but I'm particularly interested in the humanities. Literature fascinates me because its expression of ideas and passions through words alone resonates with people of all kinds. I've always been a reader; throughout my childhood, my parents told me that I read too many books. As soon as I was old enough, I began volunteering at the local public library by shelving books, organizing events, and being a "Big Buddy" mentor in the Reading Buddies program. The library...

I honestly did not like any of my essays. It was extremely hard to think of what to write about, and I feel like none of my essays accurately reflect my personality and character.

1) Yale - this was my first interview, so I was extremely nervous, but it was fantastic. My interviewer was a fascinating person, and we discussed academics, extracurricular activities, current events (yikes! I definitely recommend perusing the news before a college interview just in case this happens to you), and my personal strengths and weaknesses. He did ask some controversial questions, but discussing such topics with him didn't feel uncomfortable, and afterwards he told me that I reminded him of a student he takes out to lunch sometimes to debate current issues. It was more casual than I expected, and I...

I had to pick between three very different schools in the end. It was a really difficult decision. I ultimately chose Dartmouth because of the connections I would make there would pay off in the long run, the gorgeous location, its reputation for being a great...

1) Start everything earlier! Spend more time writing essays and revising them 2) Ask more...

I did not use a private college counselor, and I do regret this slightly. However, I did get...

Honestly, I just applied to all the top schools I knew and one safety school. Definitely not a smart choice!...

Ask early! If you're asking a teacher, remember that it doesn't matter if you got an A in the class or not. As long as you worked hard and had a good relationship with your...

Vanderbilt - the distance! And the fear of a culture shock. I'm too used to the...

I tried to be genuine throughout the entire process....

Dartmouth is GORGEOUS. So many opportunities for hiking, boating, swimming, skiing, camping... Anything at all,...

I'm trying to avoid loans like the plague, but I definitely...