The Sunday morning sun slowly sneaks in through partially-closed blinds. Rows of children and adults rise in their pews and start to clap their hands. A trio of singers begins harmonizing and from the keyboard next to me, an army of chords and arpeggios raid the air. I happily look up from my perfect spot: behind a massive Pearl bass drum, surrounded by golden Zildjian cymbals and pale olive Vic Firth drumsticks on a reddish-brown felt stage, drumming for my...

[For the University of Chicago] UChicago’s Applied Mathematics program has a unique Siren-like appeal – minus the shipwrecking and cannibalism! The variety of classes, covering everything from Probability Models to Markhov Chains, assures me that the University will prepare me thoroughly for every aspect of my major in applied math. However, my major isn’t the only mathematical part of UChicago that I know I’ll come to love. The University’s weekly Math Club meetings and participation in the...

[For the California Institute of Technology, a/k/a Caltech: "Please describe an unusual way you have fun."] A horde of spectators cheers... from my bed. I face a worthy challenger... in cargo shorts. My weapon is a children's device. My arena -- a hotel room. This exhibition has little to do with gladiators or fencing and more to do with ink and stubborn stains. While most kids enjoy bouncing basketballs and marching through malls, I find excitement wielding a...

Don't be lazy! Spend your summer getting any early action applications handled so you have plenty of time for your regular decision colleges. I waited...

My college, in conjunction with an outside foundation, offered me a full scholarship with a generous stipend...

Gates Millennium. Coca Cola Scholars. Burger King/McLamore. QuestBridge. Robertson. Ronald Reagan. These are just a handful of scholarships you should know off the top...

I sent some poetry and songs...

If you know what you might want to major in, use that to your advantage! Research the relevant department at the given college. Learn teachers' courses and names. Find out about...

Make sure your recommenders are teachers from your current or previous year of high school (i.e., if you're graduating with your senior class, ask your senior and junior teachers for recs; if you're graduating as a junior, as your...