Three girls and a boy linger outside the open chemistry classroom, nervously pawing at the ground. Inside awaits a monster, ready to rip them apart. The group is terrified. It was well known among the community that confronting the monster guaranteed an emotional breakdown. The group had no choice, however. It was a choice of crying for a night or living with failure hanging over their heads. Muttering their final prayers, the group hesitantly steps through the door towards their...

“Sometimes…I think God’s like Santa Claus.” My friend raises her eyebrow. “What do you mean?” “When I’m faced with a situation that’s beyond my control, I ask God for help. It’s like…I’m using God like kids use Santa, to ask for presents. I feel that people just use religion to get the things they want.” I don’t meet her gaze, reluctant to admit that I use God as some kind of wish-fulfilling...

I was encouraged to not only do volunteering and community service, but...

I suggest going to teachers who you've had multiple times for recommendations....

While I did receive very helpful advice from my private counselors in writing my application essays, sometimes the...