My heart lies at a lake. A man-made, clear blue lake, situated in the center of a commonplace park. A wooden dock protrudes toward the water, warmed by the sun, at the perfect height for sitting on the edge. Green, lush trees surround the perimeter of the lake, sheltering it from the hustle and bustle of its surroundings. Ducks float lazily on the water, occasionally diving and leaving their feathery tails up in the air. The sun shines bright as...

I want to live in the world of country music. The down-to-earth tunes and heartfelt lyrics make me long for a Southern culture that I can’t experience stuck in Californian suburbia. But I can experience it at Duke. When I visited, I savored Dames’ uniquely Southern, unexpectedly delicious combination of fried chicken with cinnamon waffle. I delighted in familiar country songs floating through campus during tailgate, songs that my California friends would write off. I marveled that Duke has...

I love physics. I love that theoretical science fosters understanding, answering the “why” and “how” about our universe, allowing us to see the world clearly and truthfully. For me, however, understanding is only the first step. In the end, I want do something with my knowledge, make an impression: discover, research, experiment. What better college, then, than USC? I love that USC provides opens countless doors to research and careers. Within the school itself, I intend to immerse myself in...

I used to see leadership as somewhat of a lost cause. When I was captain of my soccer team at the age of twelve, I would get frustrated trying to get my teammates to stop talking and do the warm-up right. How could I possibly motivate all of them to do what I wanted? Two months ago, I faced the same problem. Every year, the California Scholarship Federation, a 150 member club at my high school, offers the opportunity for a...

I live in Pleasanton, California, a mid-sized suburbia. It’s the Bay Area’s ideal destination to raise a family. It’s safe, it’s happy, it’s sheltered. From above, the town would look like any other: a collection of business buildings and houses all connected with ordinary streets. However, when all these buildings, houses, and streets come together with people, Pleasanton starts to live and breathe. What makes Pleasanton amazing is the community it fosters. The potential for...

Passionate, Driven,...

I declined other schools because...

I both took out loans and applied for scholarships. Apply for as many scholarships as you can; although...

I love playing sports, both intramurals and with friends, because it's...

I would change the Greek life; while I...