Application Essay Excerpts

My best friend would describe me as someone that is resourceful, determined, and, laughingly, an incredible Googler. I spend a lot of my time Googling, mainly because I am remarkably curious. Many years spent on the Internet has taught me that there is always more to learn and there is (almost) always an answer to every question...

My first word was “cracker”, but it probably should have been “fairness”. As a child, I was in relentless pursuit of fairness. I told my mother that I wanted to be a lawyer when I was eight years old because seeking fairness in the world was my mission...

One can learn perseverance in a number of ways, but there is no better teacher than an angry French chef in a 100° Parisian kitchen. When heat, the pressure of time, and the potential ire of an egotistical chef in a toque loom over you, it takes a steady hand and cool composure to finish cutting onions into perfect "brunoise". And yet, that is what we endured five days a week, 13 hours a day for six weeks as students in our first semester of cooking school...

That night as I was getting ready for bed I became noticeably dizzy. I went into the bathroom to get a towel, suddenly; nothing, the world went blank. All I can recall is my vision becoming dark and narrow, then waking up two hours later on the floor...

I’ll never forget the surprised looks and muffled laughter when thirteen year old me, ambled into synagogue during the busiest day of the religious holiday season. into temple that day. There I stood wearing a tomato red skirt, and new fuzzy tangerine sweater. But it was the top of this ensemble that got everyone’s attention...

As a child, I prided myself on many things that may seem insignificant now but meant the world to me then. The fact that I was the first kid to learn how to blow a bubble with my chewing gum made me feel like the coolest girl in preschool...

​I’m sitting at a tiny, uncomfortable desk, staring at a tall man, anxiously waiting for him to hand out the tests. I just want to get this over with. I am already starting to overheat and my stomach is rumbling...

Upon opening a Northwestern pamphlet that was sent to my address, I could immediately sense the school spirit that goes on at the school. All the happy students walking across campus to go to class or to an event made me realize more than ever that I wanted to be a future face in that catalogue. The Big Ten football games, the amazing professors, the Kellogg Program for undergrads, the internship and study abroad opportunities, even the school's colors; these are all things that drew me in to this Midwestern school...

"Amanda, ven acá para comer!" It echoes through the house, but I know the command originated from downstairs in the kitchen. Alerted that dinner is ready, I immediately run down the flight of stairs to where I am greeted by a familiar and intoxicating aroma. From the distinct scent, I can already tell what is being prepared, and to the least, I am ecstatic...

​I’m sitting at a tiny, uncomfortable desk, staring at a tall man, anxiously waiting for him to hand out the tests. I just want to get this over with. I am already starting to overheat and my stomach is rumbling...