Five in the morning—what a terrible hour. The sun resides on the opposite side of the earth, and the moon looms in the sky subverting the technicality of the word “morning.” Five a.m. — 5:30 exactly—is the time when my alarm clocks assure me that sleep’s comforting embrace is over and the drudgery is about to begin: morning practice on a Monday. Ever since the summer going into my freshman year, I have run cross country and long-distance...

What influenced me to apply to Claremont McKenna College is the outstanding academic standing of the institution. As the highly-ranked school it is, Claremont would undoubtedly offer me a world-class education. I also know that Claremont has an amazing economics program that I would like to participate in. The small classes and 8:1 student faculty ratio assure me that I would thrive as a student at Claremont McKenna. On a more personal note, Claremont is an ideal location for me to...

Given the chance to invite anyone to speak at the Athenaeum, I would invite Shai Agassi. A year ago or so, I saw a TED presentation in which Agassi discussed developing worldwide infrastructure for electric cars similar to that which the US already has in place for traditional gasoline fueled cars. Agassi is the founder of the company Better Place which sells battery-charging and swapping services for electric vehicles resembling traditional gas stations. Considering that Agassi is an activist, entrepreneur,...

Following in the tradition of St. Augustine, I agree that we learn from those around us even if we don’t realize it. We don’t have to be in a classroom or listen to someone we perceive as intelligent in order to learn valuable lessons. The lesson I would like to share with others has nothing to do with chemistry or the proper conjugation of a verb, but I think it’s made all the difference in my academic...

Knowing that I am considering a career in business, you may be bewildered by my applying to the College of Arts and Sciences rather than applying directly to the Leonard N. Stern School of Business. I am applying to the College of Arts and Sciences because I want to experience the Core Program offered at NYU. I am highly interested in and wish to benefit from its interdisciplinary curriculum. NYU’s Core Program almost seems tailored to my learning style....

I’m interested in Lehigh for many reasons, but the most prominent is the research-intensive interdisciplinary curriculum. What I am looking to do is get the best education I can: one I know Lehigh could offer given its outstanding reputation. I’m not interested in a college that has a Division 1 football team or one that is located in any particular city. Because I will be entering college undecided, Lehigh is very appealing to me for its excellent programs in...

I took AP Studio Art in High School, and I sent in my portfolio just to show the admissions board...

1) Dress formally. It's always better to be overdressed than under-dressed and you really do want to put your best foot forward while interviewing. 2) Show up on time. This is...

Make sure you're on top of the whole application process. ...

Definitely the most popular extracurricular at my college is athletics. ...

Accomplished, driven,...