My background is too unique to leave unexplained. I am from a very rare demographic. I was raised by old fashioned agriculture, consisting of ranches and cowboys. My parents are both absolutely devoted to their careers in cows, horses, and hay. They brought me up in that special environment, an opportunity a small amount of people get to have. An appropriate analogy for my heritage is a cowboy riding horseback in a wide open pasture looking for cows. There is...

[Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.] In the summer of 2012 I worked for Jim Gerrish, a leading pioneer of intensive grazing. He put me in charge of his grazing practices and 300 cows. Every day it was my responsibility to move his cows from one section of pasture to another, but the duties were far from mundane. In an intensive grazing program, cows are frequently placed on new pasture to ensure fresh grass. As a result,...

[What matters to you, and why?] I am a teenager; this is an easy question to answer: food! Specifically, I have an appetite for beef. However, beef is more than sustenance to me. Being raised by a cowboy father, I have immense appreciation for the core of beef production: the cow. A healthy cow raises healthy calves. Healthy calves turn into healthy beef. There is one guaranteed way to keep a cow healthy: feed her more hay. Every year, my...

[Stanford students possess an intellectual vitality. Reflect on an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development] Nothing has been my intellectual affair. My fascination with nothing started sophomore year. In Wyoming, we are required to give a public speech to an adult audience. I did not have a topic for the speech and the deadline was quickly approaching. One of my friends mused about our philosophical discussions and suggested I speak of nothing. My English teacher...

[Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate — and us — know you better.] Future roommate, you should know that I have an affinity for change. I constantly seek to evolve. I actually overcompensate when it comes to change. Don’t be surprised if I rearrange my side of the room often. I might even change my laugh (you would be surprised at...

Neurology is fascinating! I have read many books, medical magazine articles, and websites about the brain. I have watched many documentaries about behavior and cognitive processes and my interest is never quenched. My adoration for learning about the brain is indescribable. To put this in perspective, I actually have no plans for a career outside of college. I want to fulfill my passion for neurology by making a difference with my cognitive studies, whether it be by surgery or research....

​I have worked for Richard Cross on his ranch, the Boot Ranch, since I was a freshman. My first day at work I was given the simple task of driving a farm tractor to headquarters. Richard was impressed by my competence in operating the heavy machine, so from that day forward I strove to keep him impressed with my abilities. Every year I work harder to ensure more productivity. Just this summer, I irrigated a meadow that produced 160 round bales...

I knew that even though I had good grades, ACT score, and extracurricular involvement, they would not be enough to grant me admission to my dream school: Stanford. I needed a way to set myself apart from thousands of applicants, and numbers are not enough to do it, so I looked into what made me unique. I grew up on ranches. It’s all i have ever known. My family is low income because we work on them. My parents...

Top colleges receive applications from tens of thousands of top students. To be blunt, looking good on paper isn't enough to get into one....

Ultimately, you have to think for yourself. However, everyone who is willing to help you...

The University of Wyoming offered me a full ride scholarship, which I turned down in favor of the...

The Common App makes you use teachers. I recommend teachers that know you well! Use a science...

Have some fun while you're young! live life to the fullest extent possible! However, your future is important too. Get a...