I wanted nothing more than to fill my mother’s shoes. I wanted to have her soothing voice and magic ways. She was my idol. As a sixth grader, I decided to see if I could use some of my days off to go to work with her. I was so excited to have real responsibility. Instead of hanging with friends, I did menial tasks and observed her 3rd grade classroom. I took in her every word and gesture. Teaching...

My passions aren’t defined by any one hobby or activity, but rather by the ideas that unite them all: a dedication to empowering other people. I subscribe to the philosophy of serving communities through encouraging personal initiative at every age, something I have implemented by sharing my love for local involvement with elementary school children. Georgetown’s educational and spiritual values resonate deeply with me, and will provide a bridge between my own beliefs and the life I wish...

It’s that day again. Every year, over and over again, I have been told not to think of it as an audition, but an "evaluation". Wishful thinking. I always walk into that room feeling claustrophobic, and it's all I can do to open my mouth. The singing itself is far from the problem. Watch me do one of my favorite pieces, for example Bach’s Magnificat, and you'll know immediately that I couldn’t love it more. With my...

I had multiple versions of what you could call the "main" Common App essay. Don't waste your time - tweak refine versions of your essays to make them fit multiple prompts! Just make sure your message isn't lost.