I can't really remember exactly, but I think I wrote about my first piano competition, how nervous I was and ultimately what I learned from that experience. One advice I would give is to think carefully about what you learned during the experience, and how it has changed you moving forwards.

I fly to Asia on a regular basis but have yet to set foot in Japan, even for just a layover. The same thing could be said for a lot of countries (despite having travelled abroad more than the average college student), but Japanese influences are a lot more prevalent in my life than other unvisited countries. The first encounter I remember is playing a Japanese version of Pokémon Crystal my uncle bought me. The frustration of being unable...

The elementary school I went to was an international school in the Netherlands. I studied there for six years, making friends from places all over the world, an experience I like to think levelled up my intercultural awareness a lot. I was also forced to take public transportation to and from school, and the hour long bus ride that required me to switch between different bus lines using a language I barely spoke helped prepare me for any adventures I...

Chemical engineering is a major with a lot of requirements to say the least. I am fortunate enough to have the AP credits to be able to spare a quarter of my schedule to study abroad. I would like to take this opportunity to explore interesting classes outside my major in settings as applicable as it can get. Furthermore, the classes I could take there would nicely complement my undergraduate education. The Japanese Popular Culture class nicely fulfills a disciplinary...

Although it is up there in terms of prestige, the atmosphere at Stanford is a lot more relaxed and friendly compared to other schools of...

Although my grades and test scores were certainly up there, and I was ranked first in my school, I am certain this could be said of most applicants. I think what set me apart from other applicants is my experiences abroad. I have lived in many different countries...

I would definitely have started college applications a lot earlier. It takes longer than you think, and I highly recommend having multiple people proofread your essays before submitting. It is...

I suggest asking teachers who know you well and like you, and who can testify to your academic ability. I picked...

The reason I chose my school was simple. It was the only one I applied to. After getting in early, I decided I was done with applications. Knowing the school you want and...