My eyes search the terrain ahead. The grounds steepens, and my eyes are fixed on the natural staircase of rocks up ahead. The muscles in my legs ache, but I continue. My breathing is heavy and my hands are numb, yet I continue. The sun was shining at the beginning of our trek, but now it is hidden behind the peaks. The chill from its absence felt nice at first, but soon I'm missing the warm sun on my back....

Academically, my interests revolve around science, specifically biology. My sophomore year I met my favorite teacher, Mr. Warnke, whose enthusiasm about the subject of biology inspired me and sparked my interest in the biological field of science. He told stories of his work in biology research labs at locations ranging from Princeton University to the Bahamas. He lived and breathed the subject of biology. As the kids in class to the left and right of me groaned and nodded off...

Prior to this summer, I knew that I was interested in science and that it would be the field in which I searched for a career. Little did I know that this interest would soon grow into something greater. I participated in a Global Leadership Adventures excursion to the Dominican Republic, where I took part in building a bottle school and clinic, reforesting eroded land, and playing with local children. One day, after picking up trash in La Grua, one...

1st Supplemental Essay Prompt: Describe your academic interests and how you plan to pursue them at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections (250 word limit). (Majors: human biology and biochemistry) 2nd: USC students are known to be involved. Briefly describe a non-academic pursuit (such as service to community or family, a club or sport, or work, etc.,) that best illustrates who you are, and why it is important to you. (250 word limit)

Travel Abroad!!! I promise you colleges will be impressed your adventurous spirit. If you have the chance, travel abroad with a program that involves volunteer service. Go to camps, take classes, run your own business, design computer games/apps, participate in competitions, DO NOT sit around and...

As stated in my above advice, I would have done more with my summers. I would have done more with my time in highs cool as a whole. I now know that it's better to join a small number of activities that you...

I interviewed with UPenn, and it was an average experience. I didn't have an amazing connection with the woman that was interviewing me and immediately know that I was going to be accepted, but I also never...

I mean, it's kind of obvious. USC was not only the most impressive school I was...

Sadly, applied past the scholarship deadline for USC, and I received no large scholarships. The cost to attend the University of Southern California is extremely high. My family is taking out loans to pay for my tuition, but they will not have to pay...