The Reality of the Fantasie When I play piano I feel free. The notes tell a story through a language of their own, my own. It’s a story of frustration and triumph. It’s a story where the final product is more than the sum of its parts. Mastering Frederick Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu in c# minor has proved to be such an experience. As my fingers glide through the A section, I can remember when I first set...

Prompt: Describe an academic challenge. Everyone has a spark for something. I happened to find mine while mixing a drop of Zinc ions into a beaker of clear, aqueous solution with an unknown strip of metal. Logic ruled the experiment. On our third attempt, my group saw the solution blush deep blue as the more reactive zinc ions displaced the unknown metal. Our deductive reasoning had paid off; the unknown metal was copper. Before, my experiences with learning were very...

Prompt: What is something that matters to you? Laughter is a uniting force, a powerful up lifter. I have found in my life that in the company of laughter, I am with friends, comfortable even in the most foreign places. ... I have found that as a role model, teacher, performer, the best thing I can inspire is a genuine smile. As my piano student gently nods her head in triumph as she sounds the final notes of her piece, her...

Prompt: Write an introductory letter to a hypothetical future roommate. To my roommate, In my happiness, I catch myself thinking of the rich mocha-shaded landscape and unrestrained sunshine that is so distinct to California, where I grew up. So, you see, by going back across the country, I’m actually going home. I anticipate that you will soon feel the same way. While we relax and get to know each other, let’s have a sip of refreshing ice tea ...

The university I chose to apply to did not ask for an additional essay. This shows they value the student's ability to effectively communicate in a limited amount of space. My suggestion would be to write a fully fleshed essay for an idea you would like to pursue. Then, in the editing process, snip portions that are ineffective/not helpful in the grand argument. This way, when you have your statement down to the word limit, there are no filler...

I did not seek the help of...

When I interviewed the atmosphere was relaxed, but professional. My main concern was finding the interviewer (we met in a cafe). Try to find some background on the person you will be interviewing with ...

As you are reading this, you are certainly on your way to be well prepared to apply to top schools. And yes, top schools select the top applicants. However, though the process may seem very one-sided (as if you have worked your heart to the top only to get tossed into a large pile of student profiles who have worked just as hard) the decision to commit to a school is ultimately yours. Do not forget that. And though these schools may all seem very similar (and they are), look for factors that distinguish them from the rest. Yeah, all...

I thought I would be able to keep up with my piano studies in college, but was surprised at how little time it seemed I had. Between classes, studying, finding my way into my social groups, clubs, more studying, other activities, and dorm socializing (which is essential, do not forget to set aside time in your first quarter/semester schedule to get to know the people you...

My plans have changed a lot since I first started university. The sciences were always for me, and now that I have a better grasp of the opportunities in graduate school and the...

High school: Seek out summer programs that deal with more than academics. The school year is the time to prove your academic prowess. The summer is where schools want to see you are advancing your knowledge about the world. Look for leadership workshops, humanitarian trips, camp counseling opportunities, activist programs. Or, do something within your community. Take...