Application Essay Excerpts

What would you do for a Klondike bar?” As this question resonates in the heads of many, some people will react differently from others. Some will immediately start to jump around, scratch their armpits, and “Ooo Aaaa” like a monkey, while some will pause for a moment, give the questioner a look of contempt, and walk away. These two types of people, simply, are the two types of people in the world: those who will do anything for a Klondike bar and those who will refuse it...

Ever since I was a toddler, the only real goal that I had was to become a doctor when I grew up. Among the other kids who dreamed of becoming astronauts, businessmen, and professional athletes, my aspiration was to save lives for a living.My first toy was a doctor kit...

Making a lasting contribution to some small area of the world’s knowledge would be, for me, the ultimate achievement in life. I think I have the necessary talent and drive: I am naturally analytical, I enjoy tackling difficult problems, and I am strong in math. I understand that achieving this goal will be no easy feat, but I think I can do it if I make the correct choices...

Eight seasons of Track and Cross Country have helped me fully develop two essential skills needed to be successful in life. The first is time management, a skill essential for busy college students...

Over the summer, I was a camp counselor at a program for boys who were entering kindergarten; I had expected the summer to consist of keeping the kids safe and entertained. However, two of those boys had life-threatening food allergies which made safety a primary issue. I was trained by the camp in the detection of allergic reaction and treatment with epinephrine by the use of the EpiPen. One day at camp the unexpected happened...

I believe that in order to be a successful doctor you need to have more than just a scientific perspective to make change happen. The College of Human Ecology introduces a unique perspective on health science by adding in a relevant global outlook. Coming from an International Baccalaureate School I value the prospect of thinking through more than one dimension, aiming to explore and understand knowledge on a broader scale...

In 2004 I watched the expression on the coxswain’s face as the USA women’s 8+ rowed to a silver medal in Athens. Watching their crew’s excitement inspired me to look into what the sport of rowing was all about – early mornings, erg machines, teamwork, and commitment…I loved it...

I sit here today in one of the new classrooms at the Salabwek Primary School in rural Kenya. As I look out the window I see a mosaic of earthy-colored farmland scattered with grazing cattle and barefoot children in blue collared tunics. I am inspired by the positive change that has occurred in this community since Free the Children began developing in 2005...

I became involved with the UMMA Center -a non-profit organization- the summer before my junior year. I have always had an interest in helping other people, especially those less fortunate than myself. The UMMA Center’s mission fulfilled my interest: “The Mission of the Urban Muslim Minority Alliance is to empower the lives of underprivileged individuals in Lake County by providing educational support and community resources. The UMMA Center believes that Lake County will be strengthened by the growth that education, hope and purpose bring to those seeking to enrich their lives with opportunities.”..

Throughout my high school career I have taken a variety of classes. However, my academic interests are mostly limited to French, history, social sciences, computers, and English. Rather than figuring a difficult trigonometry or physics problem, I prefer to utilize my critical thinking powers when examining advanced literature, analyzing historical texts, evaluating case studies in social science classes, or trying to discern the French language. Although math and science aren’t my strengths or preferred courses of study, I challenged myself by taking higher level math and science courses...