I am perverse. Not in the widely known connotative meaning, but more in the literal meaning of the definition. According to the Oxford dictionary, perverse can mean “contrary to the accepted or expected standard or practice.” My past has greatly shaped who I am presently and it is this that has made me into someone who has many untraditional dreams and perspectives. ! Growing up in the minuscule country of El Salvador provided me with a language and distinct culture that...

It goes without saying that the Wharton School of Business is the best business school in the world. Therefore, I see the school as a place of limitless opportunities where I will be able to grow intellectually and in so many other unimaginable ways. By talking to students, reading college mail from UPenn, and researching the school, I have come to realize that this is not like any other school in the world. The unorthodox way of thinking and doing...

My father and I have always been very close. Once my brother came out as being gay and my father lost his job that he had been working at for seven years, he thought it would be best to move to El Salvador to look for another job and ‘change’ the way my brother was. This occurred in the winter of my Junior Year. They were originally only supposed to stay for a couple of months until he could send...

If pH were an expression of personality, my own pH would be at about a three, which is considered pretty acidic. Nevertheless, what would lemonade be without lemons? In essence, my personality can be advantageous, but can sometimes be misinterpreted the wrong way. To put it briefly, I tend to be a very vocal person when it comes to my own convictions and morals and I tend to stand up for what I believe to be right. Although this can...

From a long-line of history and traditions, to the distinctive academic programs, to the wide range of extracurricular opportunities, the University of Chicago is unlike any other school in the world. The innovative thinking that is encouraged as well as the unorthodox way of doing things at this school has made me want to become a part of UChicago. Its commitment to diversity and making it easier for any student from any background to apply is also something that makes...

What you need to understand is that most essays get read very quickly by admissions officers and they are trying to see who you are through these essays. You therefore need to set yourself a part by doing things that can catch the readers eyes but at the same time not really corny or go to an extent that you may look desperate. Make sure to use a wide range of vocabulary but at the same time, make sure that...

You need to very carefully choose your recommenders when applying to college. Many teachers tend to ask for a resume or CV and as a result, tend to just "summarize" what is already on your resume/CV. To make sure this doesn't happen, make sure to pick someone that you truly know/have a personal relationship with. Although I did not have a personal relationship with any of my recommenders, I did know them very well and they knew me. One thing I would also watch out for is teachers who might be holding a grudge. I had asked a...

First of all, I would have started a lot earlier than I did, even though I started in September, I would have preferred starting in August when most of the applications came out. This would have allowed me to start on my essays a lot sooner and therefore improve them. In total, I was going to apply to about eighteen schools but ended up only applying to five due to the...

Each school that I interviewed with did it to me through Skype. The schools I interviewed with were UChicago, UPenn, and MIT in that same order. The first time I interviewed was very nerve-wrecking and I had not prepared enough. In UChicago's interview, I had to basically sell myself and answer the question as to why I wanted to go to UChicago. What caught me off-gaurd however, was my interviewer going into detail as to what I did for fun/hobbies. I came up with the cliche "reading" and as a result he ended up asking me about what I...

The "Why Us" essay topics for each individual school are very common and very important to your own admission. A very important part of writing these is to always have the reader imagine that you are on campus. Be very specific. If you...

I never fully understood how important it was to have summer activities while in high school until about my Junior year. Although I was lucky enough to get into my dream university, I still regret not doing more during these summers. Normally, I would spend a lot of time volunteering, which is very beneficial. But you should find something that you are passionate about and...