{A Penn education provides a liberal arts and sciences foundation across multiple disciplines with a practical emphasis in one of four undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Nursing, or the Wharton School. Given the undergraduate school to which you are applying, please discuss how you will engage academically at Penn.}
Freakonomics (Levitt and Dubner) started it all. It revealed a subject I’d formerly associated with abstract, vaguely ominous graphs as actually useful: Economics can tell us how to catch teachers cheating on their students’ tests, why certain kids excel at school (to my mother’s disappointment, stay-at-home mothers didn’t help), and why some consider joining a gang economically beneficial...
Ray was a short name. It seemed to fit any personality. I didn't know what kind of character I wanted to write yet, and I'd find out along the way. In the meantime, Ray would do.
In seventh grade, Ray Zandiel was twelve too, whisked away from one of her mother's awful galas by a purple- eyed stranger. He gave her sweet "beilloc"; to chew, and they ascended into a city among the clouds...
{Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate - and us - know you better.}
Dear Future Roommate,
If there is one thing I should communicate to you from the beginning, it is that I do not believe in placing people in categories. If you think that knowing what group I would be associated with in my high school would help you to understand who I am as a person, I regret to inform you that this will get you nowhere...
{What matters to you, and why?}
The African drums boomed in my ears, and from the back of the auditorium I could almost feel the dancers long dark hair whipping wind into my face as they paraded around the stage in perfect unity. In a blur the cluster of girls left the stage as it was being filled with electric bright dresses with hips swaying to salsa music...
{Stanford students possess an intellectual vitality. Reflect on an idea or experience that has been important to your intellectual development.}
My curiosity for a subject could be compared to a light bulb in my mind. If it is on, this bulb’s light illuminates formerly dark areas and uncovers new possibilities for interest and passion. However, if the light bulb is off, that potential for broadening my knowledge can remain unexplored. The subject of science had always been a dimly lit area for me, until I took IB Biology...
Mrs. Pipkin. I still remember the sweet voice and caring nature of my first teacher as if it were just yesterday that I was walking into a colorful kindergarden classroom, clad in my favorite pair of overalls, sporting pigtails in my hair. Every word she said resonated in my mind as I watched her with my wide sparkling eyes...
Hair is apart of my identity but is also my enemy. From the time I was a young girl, I had always had trouble with my hair. I can remember when I was about four years old my mom used to wear her hair in a cute short style. I used to love looking at her, admiring her, and touching her soft, short, dark brown hair...
{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...
{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...
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