I walk up the hardwood, the ball’s synthetic leather absorbing the sweat from my hands. Glancing quickly at the scoreboard, I take in the situation. Ten seconds left and we are down by two. I look up the court, trying to examine it like a chess board. I quickly note the position of each player, trying to predict what their next move would be. Curling my hand, I signal the play that will make or break our team’s...

The number three has always held a special place in our world. In math, three is the first prime. Pythagoras called it the “noblest” digit, as it is the only number to equal the sum of the all the terms beneath it. We feel the most comfortable in a group of three. We learn to stay away from three leafed plants. We count down from three in anticipation of the future, while counting up to three before we punish our...

“At the University of Chicago, it's all about ideas.” That was the first line inside the promotional pamphlet that I received. As I flipped through the pages I learned of U Chicago’s intellectual approach to education, the emphasis on ideas and thoughts, the well-respected faculty and groundbreaking research programs, the culture and diversity, the beautiful environment, and even the unique housing model. In addition to having one of the best business schools in the world, UChicago also has a...

When I was 12, my parents found an antiquated computer sitting on the side of the street. Knowing my interest in electronics, they brought it home for me. “If you can fix it,” they told me, “you can have it.” I was thrilled. I set to work on it the very next day. With my father’s help and a how-to book next to me, I slowly revived the old machine, soldering and attaching new microchips, programming and installing various programs...

My career will truly begin with the innovative First-Year Engineering program. Numerous hands-on projects will allow me to build a strong foundation in engineering. Afterwards, I hope to be part of the Engineering Leadership Program, in addition to pursuing a joint-degree in business.The school will also provide many opportunities to branch out and network with other talented, passionate students, each with the potential to be the next pioneer in their field. Finally, when I’m not studying or exploring...

When I was 12, my parents found an antiquated computer sitting on the side of the street. Knowing my interest in electronics, they brought it home for me. “If you can fix it,” they told me, “you can have it.” I was thrilled. I set to work on it immediately. With my father’s help and a how-to book next to me, I slowly revived the old machine, soldering and attaching new microchips, programming and installing various programs needed for the...

Roll, Push, Roll, Ollie onto rail, 50-50 grind, Kickflip off. When it comes to skateboarding, it is not just the skills you remember, its the feeling of family. I first got involved in the sport because the cool kids were doing it. Yet as I progressed, I realized skateboarding is a very fraternal activity. When I was at the skatepark, I was in the midst of strangers, yet I never felt more at home. Nobody criticized you if you failed...

Art and science. To many, the fields seem like polar opposites, existing in the separate realms of logic and emotion. Having participated in both, however, I know that the similarities between artists and scientists far outweigh their stereotypical differences. Both search deeply for the answers to life’s mysteries (albeit with different methods), and both laboratories and art studios are wonderful places for inquiry and learning. I have always enjoyed combining design and technology. As a kid, I had grand...

Engineering is the portal to the future. With my engineering degree, I hope that I will be able to create the next big thing that will propel our society forward. Whether it be economizing solar energy, creating energy from fusion, or even developing life-like robots, engineering will enable us to advance our civilization as a whole. In particular, I hope to go into electrical engineering. I want to help solve one of the biggest problems today, which is the presence...

To be honest, I’ve never actually thought of the difference between a nerd and a geek before reading this prompt. After a quick google search, however, I have learned that a geek is someone that has an intense interest in a particular subject (especially fantastical worlds and characters), while nerds are more into academic fields, especially math and science. Both groups tend to be more introverted. After thinking about it, I believe that I am neither a nerd or...

Focus not just...

College counselors are a great help with keeping track...

Find a internship, doesn't matter where, as long...

USC, CMU, Michigan. If they offer an interview, do...