Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. (650 word limit) I explore every avenue of my life as an outlet for creative potential. Deriving extraordinary beauty from ordinary moments gives me immense satisfaction; my secret artistry takes me to fantastical places, where the world is my canvas. But ingenuity without application is like strumming an imaginary guitar. It takes...

Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. In the summer of 2019, I arrived on the campus as a curious and ambitious high school student. Armed with an exciting opportunity as an intern, I took a particular interest in a project creating uniquely gene-edited strains of C. elegans. In the following weeks, I sought to generate a new mutant strain for neuron-specific gene expression. However, I would...

Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. Growing up with both of my parents working in the pharmaceutical industry, I was the audience for frequent science-related talks during long car rides. Although most were far beyond my grasp, I was always curious about my dad's work on metabolic mechanisms and drug development. The light exposure gained from these impromptu road lectures ignited a scientific spark...

What have you done to make your school or your community a better place? The elementary school classroom buzzes with vibrant energy as students each grab a pencil, two dice, and a piece of paper at the weekly math tutoring session. A young boy named [redacted] enthusiastically asks, "Which game are we gonna play today?" I gently smile as I introduce the class to my newest game, Countdown. "You will each start at 1000, roll two dice for a two-digit number,...

Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admission to the University of California? While working full-time and caring for a family, my mom made countless sacrifices in her pursuit of a law degree. As a child, I constantly felt her absence and longed for “law school” to stop keeping her away from me. However, as I grew older, my mom began to describe to me...

“Gotcha! Pokémon has been caught.” Balancing my phone in one hand and steering my bike with the other, I feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins as I recall the weeks of planning it took to pinpoint the location of this phenomenon. As my fellow Team Instinct trainers catch up, we share our euphoria and exchange intense stories about catching the legendary Rayquaza. I love playing Pokémon Go: not just for recreation or exercise, but for the close...

My first dissection involved one disfigured fetal pig, a messy spread of skin and organs, and a middle schooler fascinated by the intricacy of pig anatomy. Since then, I’ve been irresistibly drawn to scientific exploration. Course 5-7 appeals to me for the distinct emphasis on undergraduate research and interdisciplinary education. Understanding the intersection between biology and chemistry can help me better understand the enigma of the human body. Whether I pursue a UROP in IMES or potentially publish my...

The elementary school classroom buzzes with vibrant energy as each student grabs a pencil, two dice, and a piece of paper at the weekly math tutoring session. A young boy named [redacted] enthusiastically asks, “Which game are we gonna play today?” I gently smile as I introduce the class to my newest game, Countdown. “You will each start at 1000, roll two dice for a two-digit number, subtract it from your total, and repeat the process. The first to reach zero...

My first glimpse of medicine was strolling through the neighborhood, gathering dandelions from sidewalk cracks and grassy fields. I silently followed my grandpa’s instructions: grab the stem of the weed, pull it out of the soil, and place it in the bag. Later those nights, I watched in awe as he chopped up dried dandelion roots and formulated a healing concoction. Inspired, I tried to follow in his footsteps, eventually perfecting my own original recipe of dandelion root soup....

I arrived on campus as a curious and ambitious high school student. Armed with an exciting summer opportunity as a intern, I delved into the realm of C. elegans neurobiology. Astounded by the enormous research potential in such a minuscule microorganism, I worked on a project to generate a new mutant strain for neuron-specific gene expression. One month later, I rubbed my eyes in disbelief. I expected a neat array of bands corresponding to mutant DNA length, but all I...

Growing up with both of my parents working in the pharmaceutical industry, I was the audience for frequent science-related talks during long car rides. Although most were far beyond my grasp, I was always curious about my dad's work on metabolic mechanisms and drug development. The light exposure gained from these impromptu road lectures ignited a scientific spark inside me, inspiring me to learn more on my own. As I progressed through my high school science classes, one particular subject...

“Gotcha! Pokémon has been caught.” Balancing my phone in one hand and steering my bike with the other, I feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins as I recall the weeks of planning it took to pinpoint the location of this phenomenon. As my fellow Team Instinct trainers catch up, we share our euphoria and exchange intense stories about catching the legendary Rayquaza. I love playing Pokémon Go: not just for recreation or exercise, but for the close...

“Seven Eight Nine Ten-nis!” My teammates and I grunt together as we stretch and warm up under the blazing sun. Performing our signature team chant, we erupt with a mighty screech, ready to soar into victory. With my arms hung around the shoulders of two fellow teammates, I am overcome with a fierce sense of camaraderie that characterizes the tennis team. “Six-All, Match Point,” I mutter under my breath as my doubles partner readies himself at the net. We’re...

After working with my mentor to learn various molecular biology techniques, I took a particular interest in a research project focused on designing a unique gene-edited strain of C. elegans for neuron-specific expression. Delving into the nuances of worm neurobiology, I was astounded by the enormous research potential in such a minuscule microorganism. Throughout my project, each challenge I faced invigorated me to think differently and collaborate with others in the lab. Frequenting the hallways in search of alternate perspectives,...

Each year, my family explores a new national park. In fifth grade, I roamed the Badlands, eagerly scouting for hidden fossils and misshapen rocks as a junior park ranger. In high school, I climbed the slippery slopes of the Smokies and dangled my legs over the Grand Canyon’s steep ridges, perpetually searching for my next adventure. In college, I’m excited to hike the Appalachian Scenic Trail with the DOC, take a Trip with my fellow first-years, and wander...

Growing up with both of my parents working in the pharmaceutical industry, I was the audience for frequent science-related talks during long car rides. Although most were far beyond my grasp, I was always curious about my dad's work on metabolic mechanisms and drug development. The light exposure gained from these impromptu road lectures ignited a scientific spark inside me, inspiring me to learn more on my own. As I progressed through my high school science classes, one particular subject...

My first dissection involved one disfigured fetal pig, a messy spread of skin and organs, and a middle schooler fascinated by the intricacy of pig anatomy. The University of Notre Dame thus appeals to me for its distinct emphasis on undergraduate research. I’m excited to continue fostering my passion for scientific inquiry; in particular, I’m intrigued by the Lu Lab’s focus on identifying novel therapeutic targets for cancer immunotherapy. I see myself mapping out DNA sequences and...

Volunteer Math Tutoring Club provides me with the opportunity to lead my peers in community outreach and extend my passion for supporting youth education to others. By directing a tight-knit group of tutors and training new members on teaching strategies, I can pass on the torch of mentorship that this organization has ignited. Through teaching group lessons and designing new games, I strive to present local students with learning opportunities they may not receive elsewhere. It brings a smile to...

“Seven Eight Nine Ten-nis!” The entire team grunts together as we stretch under the blazing sun. Performing our signature chant, my teammates and I erupt with a mighty screech, ready to soar into victory. With my arms hung around the shoulders of two fellow teammates, I feel overwhelmed with a fierce sense of camaraderie that characterizes my tennis team. From cheering on teammates under the dazzling court lights to celebrating euphoric victories with post-match ice cream, I’ve formed many...

Growing up with both of my parents working in the pharmaceutical industry, I was the audience for frequent science-related talks during long car rides. Although most were far beyond my grasp, I was always curious about my dad's work on metabolic mechanisms and drug development. The light exposure gained from these impromptu road lectures ignited a scientific spark inside me, inspiring me to learn more on my own. As I progressed through my high school science classes, one particular subject...

Some intellectual pursuits I wasn’t able to put on my application: - I research and debate global topics ranging from cryptocurrency to space exploration as a delegate in Model United Nations. - I participated in the [redacted] Program, actively working alongside medical researchers at the [redacted] Cancer Research Institute. - I enjoy reading short stories and novels of all genres; my favorites are Flowers for Algernon, The Martian, and Animal Farm. - I attended the 22nd International C. elegans...

It’s almost midnight. Sitting on my bed with a book in my hands, I stare out the window into a storm of battering sheets of rain and haunting booms of thunder. With no cars in sight, I tuck myself into bed and close my eyes. Suddenly, the sound of the garage door creaking open jolts me awake at two in the morning. Mom’s finally home. While working full-time and caring for a family, my mom made countless sacrifices...

It’s almost midnight. Sitting on my bed with a book in my hands, I stare out the window into a storm of battering sheets of rain and haunting booms of thunder. With no cars in sight, I tuck myself into bed and close my eyes. Suddenly, the sound of the garage door creaking open jolts me awake at two in the morning. Mom’s finally home. While working full-time and caring for a family, my mom made countless sacrifices...

In the summer before junior year, I experienced true independence for seven weeks. Living in an apartment next to University’s campus, I biked to and from the Lab, experimenting with nanoparticles. Stumbling through failed experiments and roadblocks, I learned that research takes both ingenuity and patience. Before the start of school, I visited Spain with my family, indulging in Madrid’s savory paella and learning the rich history of Seville’s awe-inspiring cathedrals. Last summer, I explored the nuances...

Growing up with both of my parents working in the pharmaceutical industry, I was the audience for frequent science-related talks during long car rides. Although most were far beyond my grasp, I was always curious about my dad's work on drug development and metabolic mechanisms. The light exposure gained from these impromptu road lectures ignited a scientific spark inside me, inspiring me to learn more on my own. As I progressed through my high school science classes, one particular subject...

Taking my first steps into Elder, I arrived on the Northwestern campus as a nervous yet excited middle-schooler. Armed with a fantastic summer opportunity in the Center for Talent Development Spectrum program, I immersed myself in the academic and social atmosphere of a college campus. I eagerly leaped into the wonders of Intro to Biomedicine, seeking to understand more about the enigma of the human body. Outside of class, I perfected my ping pong techniques in the Norris Game Room...

The elementary school classroom buzzes with vibrant energy as students each grab a pencil, two dice, and a piece of paper. A young boy named [redacted] enthusiastically asks, "Which game are we gonna play today?" I gently smile as I introduce the class to my newest creation, Countdown. "You will each start at 1000, roll two dice for a two-digit number, subtract it from your total, and repeat the process. The first to reach zero wins! Ready, set, go!" I say....

The faint whirs of the spectrometers serve as background noise as I slowly spread a lotion-like solution across a clear glass slide. Inspecting the slide for perfect nanoparticle consistency, I smile at my creation, knowing it has the potential to introduce a new feature to the sunscreen industry: skin-cooling! As I explored the applications of nanoparticle research, I realized that engineering facilitated my obsession to design, build, and innovate to improve the world around me. The Pratt School of Engineering...

I explore every avenue of my life as an outlet for creative potential. Deriving extraordinary beauty from ordinary moments gives me immense satisfaction; my secret artistry takes me to fantastical places, where the world is my canvas. A familiar scent of peppercorn and soy sauce washes over me as I stride into the kitchen. It’s Thanksgiving Day, which means food, family, and fun! Combining a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with an extensive array of mouthwatering Chinese dishes, my family hosts...

I arrived on campus as a curious and ambitious high-schooler and delved into the realm of C. elegans neurobiology. Astounded by the enormous research potential in such a minuscule microorganism, I worked with other scientists on a project to generate a new mutant strain for neuron-specific gene expression. Our end goal was to encourage others in the scientific community to adopt [redacted], a system of crossing strains of C. elegans to efficiently manipulate gene expression. After learning basic lab techniques...

Inclusive; Encouraging scientific inquiry; Innovative; Passionate students that aren’t afraid to voice their beliefs; Engaging; Supportive but intellectually stimulating faculty; Collaborative; Small classes that champion debate and discussion; Eclectic; Infinite avenues for self-exploration

My first dissection involved one disfigured fetal pig, a messy spread of skin and organs, and a middle schooler fascinated by the intricacy of pig anatomy. Since then, I’ve been irresistibly drawn to scientific exploration. Last summer, I delved into the nuances of C. elegans neurobiology. As I explored the enormous potential in such a minuscule microorganism, I found that research combined both collaboration and creativity to advance human knowledge. Columbia thus appeals to me for its distinct emphasis...

Please list the following (150 words or fewer for each question): the titles of the required readings from courses during the school year or summer that you enjoyed most in the past year; The Awakening by Kate Chopin; Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller; Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald; The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien; How to Tame a Wild Tongue by Gloria Anzaldua; Hamlet by William Shakespeare; The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucher; The Lottery by...

Growing up with both of my parents working in the pharmaceutical industry, I was the audience for frequent science-related talks during long car rides. Although most were far beyond my grasp, I was always curious about my dad's work on metabolic mechanisms and drug development. The light exposure gained from these impromptu road lectures ignited a scientific spark inside me, inspiring me to learn more on my own. As I progressed through my high school science classes, one particular subject...

The elementary school classroom buzzes with vibrant energy as I, along with other volunteer math tutors, dash from student to student, helping each kid understand the irksome concept of borrowing. I am invigorated by the smiles of kids as they learn something new, their bright eyes exuding a growing curiosity. It is a rewarding experience to provide kids with an educational opportunity they may not receive elsewhere. On Friday afternoons, [redacted] Elementary School is my home. At Emory, I intend...

Behind the eccentric characters and frivolous plots of sitcoms, there often lies insightful commentary on personality development. In “Friends,” Chandler Bing’s identity as an empathetic ambivert is shielded by witty remarks and sarcastic jokes. Like Chandler, I am not defined by a single label: introvert or extrovert, jock or nerd, confident or insecure. I am a blend of all facets of my personality, adapting to the situation by bringing out traits that best exemplify me. As a senior on...

Growing up with both of my parents working in the pharmaceutical industry, I was the audience for frequent science-related talks during long car rides. Although most were far beyond my grasp, I was always curious about my dad's work on metabolic mechanisms and drug development. The light exposure gained from these impromptu road lectures ignited a scientific spark inside me, inspiring me to learn more on my own. As I progressed through my high school science classes, one particular subject...

Penn hosts a culture of inclusion and camaraderie that greatly appeals to me. Outside the classroom, I can celebrate my cultural identity with the Penn Lions and join dumpling-folding parties with the Chinese Students Association. By sharing my love for games of all sorts, I’m excited to create timeless memories in organizations like BGS Tennis and the Penn League of Legends club. Whether it be through grabbing a Philly cheesesteak with my suitemates or throwing toast onto Franklin Field,...

Growing up with both of my parents working in the pharmaceutical industry, I was the audience for frequent science-related talks during long car rides. Although most were far beyond my grasp, I was always curious about my dad's work on metabolic mechanisms and drug development. The light exposure gained from these impromptu road lectures ignited a scientific spark inside me, inspiring me to learn more on my own. As I progressed through my high school science classes, one particular subject...

The most fascinating phenomena often lie in the abstract. Throughout hundreds of billions of years of human history, no one has been able to point to the real-life version of infinity. Maybe, Olive Garden has finally achieved the impossible. Its famous “infinite breadsticks, soup, and salad” special has made its name across America, and the concept of “truly infinite” breadsticks has puzzled millions. Is it just a marketing scheme? Or is there something deeper, something mysterious, maybe even something dangerous? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...

1. Biology (Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry) 2. Chemistry 3. Neuroscience My first dissection involved a disfigured fetal pig, a messy spread of skin and organs, and a middle schooler intrigued by pig anatomy. Since then, I have been irresistibly drawn to human biology and new medical advances. Whether I am in or out of the classroom, I seek to learn more about neurogenesis, organic reactions, and anything related to the study of life. The enigma of the human body has always baffled me, and...

When I first visited campus, the collaborative, close-knit communities in each residential college piqued my interest. These microcosms of the university will broaden my horizons by placing me in the midst of peers and faculty from diverse backgrounds. With the flexibility of shopping for courses through a liberal arts education, I can reinforce my love for interdisciplinary collaboration by seamlessly exploring my varied interests from molecular biology to Greek philosophy. Yale's extensive network of research opportunities captures my curiosity as...

What inspires you? - As a volunteer coach for Special Olympics Tennis, I am inspired by each athlete’s ceaseless optimism to create a more inclusive world, celebrating the different abilities of all human beings. Yale’s residential colleges regularly host conversations with guests representing a wide range of experiences and accomplishments. What person, past or present, would you invite to speak? What questions would you ask? - Immanuel Kant! How did your religious background influence your perspective on humanity...

Growing up with both of my parents working in the pharmaceutical industry, I was the audience for many spontaneous science-related talks on long car rides. Although most were far beyond my grasp, I always endeavored to learn about my father's work on metabolic mechanisms and drug discovery. Today, I can trace my insatiable thirst for scientific knowledge to these impromptu road trip lectures. In my high school chemistry class, a brief lesson on organic chemistry unearthed a fascinating area of...

The elementary school classroom buzzes with vibrant energy as students each grab a pencil, two dice, and a piece of paper at the weekly math tutoring session. A young boy named [redacted] enthusiastically asks, "Which game are we gonna play today?" I gently smile as I introduce the class to my newest game, Countdown. "You will each start at 1000, roll two dice for a two-digit number, subtract it from your total, and repeat the process. The first to reach zero...

The elementary school classroom buzzes with vibrant energy as students each grab a pencil, two dice, and a piece of paper at the weekly math tutoring session. A young boy named [redacted] enthusiastically asks, “Which game are we gonna play today?” I gently smile as I introduce the class to my newest game, Countdown. “You will each start at 1000, roll two dice for a two-digit number, subtract it from your total, and repeat the process. The first to reach zero...

I have always had a passion for exploring the unknown, and the myriad of undergraduate research opportunities is what attracts me towards Purdue. I can further my education with an interdisciplinary approach, combining my interests in the biological sciences and engineering. Student-led organizations such as Purdue MIND and MEDLIFE allow me to apply ingenuity and problem-solving skills to modern clinical problems in the surrounding community. Purdue’s Honors College also hosts an academic culture that suits my learning style perfectly...

On a brisk Halloween night in 2018, my grandma suffered from a stroke, originating from her brain arteriovenous malformation. The gravity of the situation rapidly changed from the joviality of sorting candy to the solemness of a medical emergency. It was during my grandma’s recovery that I realized my natural passion for helping others facing similar medical challenges through science. A degree in biomedical engineering would present me the opportunity to combine the fascinating world of biology with the ingenuity...

Purdue’s Honors College provides a multifaceted approach to the “hard skills” acquired through interdisciplinary academics and the “soft skills” of collaboration and problem-solving. I plan on shaping my honors experience through multiple aspects, all revolving around the four primary tenets that comprise the mission of the Honors College. The unconventional nature of HONR courses is what attracts me most to the Honors College. I hope to plunge into a diverse set of academic interests to encourage a well-rounded approach...

Photography is an art, an application, and a tool, all in one. Taught in high schools as an optional elective class, photography is an unconventional education topic, capable of being examined at a multitude of angles. Students with little to no prior experience will instantly associate photography with an application pertaining to their own educational background. So, what happens when it’s taught to a diverse group of 25 students? Well, a student concentrating in chemical sciences might explain to the...