My leotard and tights clung to my body, causing me to feel as uncomfortable on the outside as I did inside. Feelings of fear and anxiety rocketed around my mind, making it even more difficult to keep an impartial expression planted on my face. I figured if I couldn’t pretend to be confident, I could at least hide my insecurities. Remain neutral – that was all that mattered in the moment. Despite attending the same dance studio for over six...

...While learning in a classroom setting is sufficient on its own, gaining knowledge through experience adds a more interactive approach that keeps topics exciting and aids in learning. Dickinson manages to provide educational opportunities for its students under any circumstances. At Dickinson, so-called "active learning" starts the second students walk up the Old West steps. First-year students are not pushed to the side and forced to wait for their time to immerse themselves in their academic passions. The fact that...

Brandeis’ emphasis on interdisciplinary study is a particular feature that has drawn me to the school. Students have the chance to compose a curriculum filled with courses from virtually any department, no matter what single academic focus they wish to pursue. And I know most students at Brandeis do not exclusively focus on a solitary major. This diverse group of students is not forced to conform to a “straight line,” or follow a specific standard. I can imagine the unique...

Visiting Union was a last minute addition to my New York college tours because the school met my general requirements of small classes, individualized attention, and an emphasis on undergraduate teaching. However, my intent to apply never wavered for reasons that go beyond these aspects of a liberal arts college.  Academically, Union excels out through the use of a trimester system that grants more flexibility and allows students to balance their workload efficiently. Besides academics, the unique living environment that...

What are you passionate about? While somewhat similar to a Common App essay prompt, this question differs as it encompasses all areas of a student’s life. No longer is the focus solely on a student’s academic pursuits. This question is one that should inspire a response that only ends because of the imposed word limit. Personally, whenever I become invested, or interested, in something, my friends will never hear the end of it. My ability to talk hundreds...

As captain of my school’s varsity cheerleading team, I have discovered that personalized instruction is the most efficient way of making progress. Due to the uniqueness of each of the positions in a stunt group, the same approach does not transfer to everyone. Based on my four years of experience, I have been able to individualize my teaching so teammates (both old and new) can excel at holding a fellow team member many feet in the air, before safely...