I was only four when I learned the importance of Nelson Mandela’s quote, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” I grew up under the watchful gaze of my Russian grandparents. It was during this formative period that I developed the values I hold to this day, among which is the importance of multiculturalism and multilingualism. Up...

FOR NYU: New York University provides its students with access to an international community that is unparalleled among institutions of higher education in the United States. When I visited earlier this year, I was astounded by the scope of the NYU study abroad programs – I look forward to the opportunity to take NYU courses at one of the eleven overseas campuses. That said, the New York campus – a microcosm of global culture and thought in and of itself – boasts a...

FOR CARNEGIE MELLON: For someone who does not get out of bed before reading the headlines of four carefully selected news networks, it is impossible not to come into contact with economic matters or foreign affairs. The 24-hour news cycle makes it possible to learn about these issues as they unfold. Having been so engrossed in current events for many years, I have a genuine passion for the disciplines of economics and international relations, and I look forward to studying...

FOR EMERSON COLLEGE HONORS PROGRAM: I grew up in a family that constantly watched the news. Essentially, it was the only form of entertainment I knew – and that was the issue. It was entertainment. Many years went by until I realized that what I was watching was actually happening somewhere. I remember an afternoon in 2008 when I was watching CNN footage of the immediate aftermath of an attack in the Gaza Strip and I was overcome by what I saw....

FOR TUFTS: Tufts gives its students phenomenal opportunities in the field of economics – one of my prospective majors. At Tufts, I would be able to choose between a major in economics and a major in quantitative economics From where I stand now, I am not sure if I want to pursue the theoretical side of economics or the mathematical one; if I were accepted to Tufts, I would have the opportunity to explore both before deciding. Tufts also has an...

FOR TUFTS: Great Neck, NY is a small town devoid of any small town charm. We pride ourselves on our clear and rigid socioeconomic divisions as well as our nonexistent sense of community. That said, I am grateful to Great Neck for all that it has brought to my attention. Essentially no one attends public school concerts, games, or events, and those that do venture out spend the time that their child is not on stage or on the field...

FOR TUFTS: Our society has unfortunately never succeeded in adequately protecting human rights. It would make me infinitely happy to see Russia pass gay rights legislation, or Syria end its oppression of women, or China grant its people freedom of speech. Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible for me to cause real change in the world. I can participate in these journeys only passively, being nothing more than an advocate and far from an activist. This reality frustrates me, but ultimately,...

FOR UCHICAGO: The University of Chicago’s educational philosophy is contingent upon the Core curriculum – a collection of required courses that provides students with a well-rounded education. I am enticed by the prospect of leaving UChicago having received world-class instruction not only in my major of choice but also across universal disciplines. I am confident that this could make me a more valuable asset to society and a more capable professional. From an academic perspective, the Core works to unite...

FOR WILLIAMS COLLEGE: I would love to participate in a tutorial alongside the esteemed journalist, Anderson Cooper. He is the epitome of today’s foreign correspondent, having traveled to and reported on everything from the Bosnian conflict of the nineties, to the famine in Somalia, to the Ukrainian civil war. While broadcast journalism is not necessarily the field I intend to pursue, Mr. Cooper is incredibly knowledgeable in the field of international relations – one of my prospective majors. I am...

The essay is perhaps the most feared component of any and all college applications. At least for me, it was. The difficulty of the essay lies in the subjective nature of its assessment. While you may be able to gain insight into a school’s admissions criteria from the statistics released on its website, there is no such thing as a “median essay!” You can find median GPA’s, SAT/ACT scores, and other quantitative measurements. Unfortunately, the essay is...

I had an amazing admissions counselor and I do not regret spending money on his services. He and I got along extremely well, and he provided me with the knowledge,...

Quirky, Intellectual,...

I would apply to fewer safety schools. I let my parents scare me with their incessant "YOU BETTER GET IN SOMEWHERE." And I...

Write a phenomenal essay if you want to get in to UChicago. They really value it, and they use it to get to know who you are. Be genuine, be truthful, and tell a good story. Obviously you...

Don't go for activities that you think will look good. Do something you genuinely enjoy. This is super important because you...

You are one of many kids who will be asking their junior year teachers for recommendations. That will almost always be the case, but you can make the most of it. First of all, consider your teacher's well-being. Don't spring it on them the week it's due. Ask them if they would even consider writing you...

UChicago is a school that has an unbelievable culture behind it. There is a tradition for every possible event, and the entire school participates. If you want to show the admissions committee that you've done your research you're much better off discussing one of these traditions (Scav, midnight...

I have mixed feelings about these exams, and I won't take time now to deliberate their effectiveness as tools to measure learning. That's not why you're here. I will give you my experience coming from a public high school which a) offered many AP classes (all sciences, all math, lang/lit, all histories, both econ, many languages, music...