TRUE PROFIT A small, empty pouch sits on my desk. Every now and then, I glance in its direction and smile. Ironically, its emptiness fulfills me. The pouch inspires me to see the positive in every aspect of my life, starting with my experience at a flea market fair. On a Saturday morning last summer, a flyer came in the mail. It read: “New Jersey Flea Market Fair - Sell your items and earn money. No registration needed!” Having always...

Human beings have a creative side that tends to shine most when we are truly invested in the world around us. Describe a situation when you responded effectively to a particular need and found yourself at your creative best. "Do you think you would be up for the challenge?" my team leader asked me. "It's just seven kids that need help in math. I can do it,” I responded because I had always enjoyed the complexities of math problems. So,...

Coming from an immigrant family, I am a synthesis of the Eastern and Western values. My combined identity has given me a larger worldview to appreciate people from different cultures. A mosaic of world cultures, BU would contribute to my global citizen identity, and I would be able to contribute back to BU through the Multicultural Center by building bridges with other cultures. At BU, I intend on majoring in Mathematics and Religion. Boston University's flexibility in curriculum and program...

What is your favorite fiction or non-fiction work (film / book / television show / album / poem / play)? Why? Last year, my AP Calculus teacher recommended me to read the book,"Doing School" by Denise Pope. In the book, Pope talks about her research at Faircrest High School where she discovers that students only care about their GPAs and do not learn for the sake of learning. The book became my favorite because, as a student, I was able to relate. Students in...

What motivates you to learn? I see the universe as a book. When I read this book of the Universe, it expands my horizons. Knowing about the elements in the Universe, their functions, and the harmony among these elements allows me to see the big picture. Take for example photosynthesis, the process that uses three elements: sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. How could plants use these unconnected elements to produce oxygen, the most essential element for life? It fascinates me...

A. What factors influenced your decision to apply to Barnard College and why do you think the College would be a good match for you? (100-250 words) Coming from a cultural background that limits the role of women in society, I have always wanted to break past cultural barriers. As a woman, I felt that I should have rights as well. I was not sure which direction to take, until I explored Barnard. As a feminist, I would blossom and...

B. Pick one woman in history or fiction to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. What would you talk about? (100-250 words) Using sign language, I would converse with Helen Keller, a leading humanitarian who overcame the adversity of being blind and deaf at a young age. Her persistence, faith and hope leaves me in awe. Regarding what a disabled person could accomplish, she was able to change the public’s view about whether disabled people could...

C. Alumna and writer Anna Quindlen says that she “majored in unafraid” at Barnard. Tell us about a time when you majored in unafraid. (100-250 words) “You know this is the computer science class?” one of my classmates smirked, as we were waiting for the teacher. I gulped. Looking around, I wished there was another female in the class. I tried to avoid the glances between the guys in the class by pretending to be focused on the summer assignment...

The abolitionist and Rochester luminary Frederick Douglass said, "Man's greatness consists in his ability to do and the proper application of his powers to things needed to be done." Your ‘ability to do’ will appear in other parts of this application. Please illustrate here how you properly apply your powers to ‘things needed to be done.’ The Rochester region and its University enroll, employ, and foster independent thinkers who create positive change in their communities. In seeking to join them,...

How will you explore your intellectual and academic interests at the University of Pennsylvania? Please answer this question given the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying. (400-650 words) Last year, my AP Calculus teacher recommended me to read the book, Doing School by Denise Pope. In her book, Pope talks about her research at Faircrest High School where she discovers that students only care about earning an A. She emphasizes that learning should happen for the sake of...

Which aspects of Tufts’ curriculum or undergraduate experience prompt your application? “Why Tufts?” (Required length is 50-100 words) I love that Tufts combines creativity, knowledge, and experience. Tufts is a place where I can challenge my intellect, try new things, and thrive. What initially drew me into Tufts was its student body. Jumbos have a passion for passion and a wide range of interests, just like I do. At Tufts I can explore what I love. Only as a Jumbo...

There is a Quaker saying: “Let your life speak.” Describe the environment in which you were raised—your family, home, neighborhood or community—and how it influenced the person you are today. (Required length is 200-250 words) Every day, my family and I sit around the dining table and drink cups of Turkish tea, conversing about the day, movies, and about my homework. In my culture, tea is conversation. Now and then, when we invite guests over, we offer them...

Answer one of the following questions. Think outside the box: take a risk and go somewhere unexpected. Be serious if the moment calls for it but feel comfortable being playful if that suits you, too. (Your response must be between 200 - 250 words.) D. What makes you happy? Lots of things. Getting drenched from head to toe under water balloon fights over the summer. Leaving footprints in the snow during winter and attempting to make igloos. The endless fun in every...

QUESTBRIDGE NATIONAL COLLEGE MATCH ESSAY We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges that have most shaped your personal life and aspirations. How have these factors caused you to grow? (800 word limit)*** My struggles have become certifications to show the world what I can do. Throughout my life, I have faced plethora of challenges; each challenge became...