Undergraduate / ICS program is one of a kind / Duke Sup/ Duke attractions [13]

(For Arts and Sciences Applicants Only) If you are applying to Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, please discuss why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something in particular at Duke that attracts you? Please limit your response to one or two paragraphs.

As someone who aspires to pursue a career in international diplomacy, I hope to enroll in Duke's International Comparative Studies (ICS) program and pursue a minor in economics. The ICS program is one of a kind and would allow me to develop a strong foundation in global studies, which is crucial in understanding the ever -changing state of our world and economy. Having travelled across Europe and Asia at a young age, I have experienced first-hand the cultural and political differences that exist between borders and with my experience, drawing from my travels, I hope to share my experiences with those I meet at Duke and actively contribute and engage in course discussions. Duke's multi-faceted FOCUS program enables me to explore unconventional disciplines not offered at other universities and I am particularly interested in the Ethics, Leadership & Global Citizenship and Modeling in Economic & Social Sciences courses. In addition, I am particularly interested in Duke's EDUCO Study Abroad in Paris because of its immersive French environment and diverse curriculum. Having studied French for nine years, I am eager to build upon my language skills as well as develop a holistic understanding of the cultural, historical, and political aspects of Europe covered in class.

Socially, I love Duke's 'work hard, play hard' environment. A school's sense of pride and community plays a crucial part in one's undergraduate experience and Duke is no short of school spirit with its superior academics and incredible athletics. Specifically, I am interested in Duke's Greek life. In a sorority, I can not only experience fun and excitement, but develop a close knit support system of like-minded students and alumni as well. From academic support and community service to leadership opportunities and life-long friendships, if accepted, Greek life will be a highlight of my undergraduate experience at Duke. Overall, Duke is the one institution where I can learn under the best minds of the country and flourish with students who are equally passionate about making an impact with their education. By exposing myself to a full spectrum of available resources, the Duke undergraduate program will prepare me for a career in international studies through an intellectual and dynamic environment.

Undergraduate / Economics, international diplomacy & Language/ Engaging Academically @ Penn(Wharton) [4]

With a passion for economics, international diplomacy, and language, I see no limits to the academic opportunities available to me at the University of Pennsylvania. The immense scope of courses available at Wharton investigates every crevice of business, and the university's multi-faceted curriculum allows me to explore my diverse academic interests. As an immigrant, I am drawn to international economics, specifically the rapid economic expansion in China. I hope to conduct research, for example, to examine the effects of China's one-child policy on the growing middle class. Valuable facilities such as the Penn Institute for Economic Research will accommodate and foster these aspirations.

In addition, at Wharton, I hope to become actively involved with the Penn International Business Volunteers (PIBV). Pairing my passion in global issues with my education at Wharton, I can utilize my business background to aid various development initiatives and NGOs around the world. Later in my undergraduate years, I hope to apply the event planning skills that I have developed as a Student Trustee and assist in organizing PIVB conferences and social events to educate the rest of the Wharton student body about how they can use their education to assist in international aid.

Last, I am particularly interested in Wharton's Study Abroad programs to Lyons, France due to the program's immersive French environment and focus on both business and the liberal arts. Having studied French for nine years, I am eager to build upon my language skills, as well as develop a holistic understanding of European culture and its business climate.

Overall, Penn is an institution where I can flourish with students who are equally passionate about making an impact. Through a full spectrum of available resources, the Wharton undergraduate program will improve my analytical capacity and literacy in business and prepare me for a career in the global marketplace.

Undergraduate / Liberal environment - the most appealing feature of Columbia [4]

Please tell us what you find most appealing about Columbia and why.

As a student interested in government and policy on both a local and global skill, I find Columbia's World Leaders Forum particularly inviting. Through the forum, I can witness issues that matter to me brought to the forefront of discussion by the world's most influential political and social leaders, as well as meet others who are passionate about similar causes. Invitations of controversial figures such as Ethiopian Prime Minister Zenawi and Iranian President Ahmadinejad exemplify Columbia's open-minded values and acceptance of individuals with alternative perspectives.

After researching the clubs and organizations that exist at the university, I realized that Columbia is home to a full spectrum of opportunities to explore my interests and make a difference outside of a classroom setting. Having always dreamed of writing for a university publication, I hope to draw upon my writing abilities and business background to write for the Columbia Daily Spectator or Columbia Economics Review. With a passion for social equity in the LGBTQ community, I plan to become involved with the Columbia Queer Alliance and draw upon my event-planning experience as a Student Trustee to assist in organizing LGBTQ education events such as Queer Awareness Month.

Columbia's liberal environment and plethora of extracurriculars are both ingredients for an exciting undergraduate experience. I want to attend a university that dreams as big as I do, and if my resume does not reflect that, let me show you in person.