I define my transition into adulthood by an experience I had during the second semester of my freshman year of high school. My father, a professor at a local college, was given the opportunity to teach in its semester-long study abroad program in Florence, Italy. Having grown up in a small Kansas town, the prospect of walking the streets of Florence with the likes of Leonardo and Dante seemed exciting, but also slightly intimidating. I had no idea what to...

My application to the College of Arts and Sciences relates directly to my academic objectives and aspirations. I would like to earn degrees in history and cinema studies, perhaps to build a career in the museum industry as a curator or archivist; with multiple museums on campus, the university offers a chance for hands-on involvement that I find quite attractive. I am enthralled with the opportunity to take object-based learning courses where many of Penn's valuable resources are incorporated directly...

Several months ago my family skipped town, and I was, on all accounts, left to my own devices. One evening, a lack of ingredients in the kitchen prompted me to visit the local KFC-Taco Bell. When I opened the plastic lid of my "Cantina Power Bowl," I was met with an amalgamation of ingredients somewhat resembling a Jackson Pollock canvas. My entire dining experience was geared towards the practical, from all-plastic accoutrements to the obviously hasty preparation of my food....

I found that my college interviews were so much less stressful than I previously imagined. In most cases, it was just a low-key conversation with an admissions officer or alum of the school. Usually, the interview began with...

Just make sure you pick...

Make sure you do something productive. Be it...

I did not apply to any schools early-decision during my application process....

I ultimately chose Penn...