My mom attempted to teach me to read using phonics cards she had purchased when I was about four. While flipping through the cards, the word—bus—came up. I struggled with sounding out the word multiple times, repeating buh-uh-ss over and over. After I had stated the sounds a few times, my mom told me to put the sounds together. What came out of my mouth was not bus, though. I instead excitedly blurted out, “Basket!” After a moment...

The first thing I noticed when I stepped into UChicago was the studious atmosphere. It felt like a great place to curl up with a good book. To me, that atmosphere provides each student with an environment where they are free to explore whatever interests them. I am, at the moment, undecided about what I want to do with my life, but UChicago’s myriad of programs would allow me to explore my passions to the fullest. I am leaning...

When I first met my nemesis, he did not come swooping out of the sky wearing spandex ready to destroy the world. Instead he appeared in the form of a small, 12-year-old boy wearing a light blue oxford button-down shirt and navy blue pants. He seemed innocent enough at first, but that was before I realized that his sole goal in life was to be better than me. I first met him at scholastic bowl practice in seventh grade. Seventh...

The Central Catholic Concert Band functions like a family. The upperclassmen act as parents, guiding the underclassmen. There is always someone willing to assist anyone needing help. Being part of the family erases social lines. It is a safe, judgment-free zone. For example, at the end of my very first week, I had to play a scale in front of the entire band. I was afraid I was going to miss a note, and everyone would laugh. I was visibly...

Culture is what defines a society. It is inescapable. Everyone is part of a culture. These days, when people think of culture, the first thought that comes to mind is pop culture: the stars, the scandals, and the fame. Because of the media, many of the ideas practiced by celebrities have become everyday occurrences. Many of my peers regularly engage in this behavior, which I find inappropriate and unappealing. Is not that sort of behavior the norm for high school...

My favorite course so far has definitely been Organic Chemistry. Prior to taking the class, I had heard countless stories about how difficult the class was. Going...

As of right now my post college plans consist of medical school. I have to take the MCAT next spring...

I only interviewed for a few schools and I did not really like the experiences I had. The interviewers were friendly enough, but I had a hard time connecting with them. Normally I can hold my own...

I chose UChicago because I liked the atmosphere and the study culture. I need structure to keep me...

Chicago is, in my opinion, the best city to be in. It feels vibrant and alive, without the crowded feeling of other big cities....