A Lesson Buried in the Snow The avalanche was surprisingly quiet for such a deadly force. Frozen in place, I watched helplessly as the silent torrent of snow overtook my father, unsure if I would ever see him get up. The day began just like usual: I rushed my father out the door the instant he woke up, eager to get the most out of our vacation. He casually asked me a question while I stepped into my skis, but...

[Describe the world you come from. How has this world shaped your dreams and aspirations?] The lights are startlingly bright. We begin to file quietly into the large auditorium. I stride comfortably onto the stage and take my seat. I've been here countless times before, yet the same rush of raw energy begins to flow through me as we prepare to play. I look around to my friends, those who have helped me thrive for the past four years, and...

[Reflect on an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development] Jarvis from Iron Man. Marvin from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. C-3PO and R2-D2 from Star Wars. These four machines, among others, represent a vision decades in the making: Artificial Intelligence. Humans have long imagined a world where robots can not only think as well as we do, but develop personalities, or even emotions. Obviously, this is nowhere near reality, but this vision...

[Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate — and us — know you better] Hey, it’s me, your new roommate. I know it’s crazy to think we’re about to spend a year with someone we just met, so here are a few facts about me to break the ice: The worst thing I’ve ever been addicted to is Netflix. That being said, whenever I do get hooked...

Go abroad at least one summer. This is your...

Actually apply early decision. I thought I'd be better served by...

Major involvement in an extracurricular activity. In addition to devoting...

Cal Band. It's a 200-person family that made moving cross-country no trouble at all....

Location: it's right next to Silicon Valley, and connections in...