Undergraduate / 'the best educational setting' - Emory University Supplement [5]

Hi I'm in the process of writing the Emory supplement essay. This is what I have so far.
Prompt:1. Many students decide to apply to Emory University based on our size, location, reputation, and yes, the weather. Besides these valid reasons as a possible college choice, why is Emory University a particularly good match for you?

There is a 250 word limit.

I didn't consider Emory as a prospective school until I was narrowing down my list of colleges for the QuestBridge scholarship. At first I was reluctant to research the school because of its distant location from home, but eventually my curiosity coerced me into taking a peek. As I perused through reviews of the school on Unigo and scanned the opportunities available for students, I realized that Emory has the best educational setting that will help me develop into a well-rounded individual.

Emory's combination of a core academic curriculum and dedicated professors comprise the appropriate environment for developing new interests. While some students complain about Emory's general requirements, I find these classes to be essential for finalizing my decision for an intended major. The core classes will also allow me to broaden my knowledge as I study disciplines that differ in ideas and concentrations. Working with professors who have a passion for their field and care enough about their students to learn their names will allow me to receive the support I need to understand each discipline and to develop critical thinking skills in each one.

Emory's diverse student body draws me to the school because it will complete my college experience. Exposure to various backgrounds in a small community will contribute to my development into a well-rounded individual; my encounters with different beliefs and values will allow me to reflect on and modify my own and understand other cultures.

I hope to be an Emory Eagle next year.

Undergraduate / Common App- extracurricular activity (150 words) [9]

An extracurricular activity that I greatly enjoyed was volunteering in Brain Boosters, a local tutoring program that provides students with homework assistance and enrichment activities. I was glad to have the opportunity to interact with younger students and help them reach their potential. To make tutoring sessions more relaxing and fun, I inquired my buddies about their day at school and then absorbed their summaries of a new intriguing book, sympathized with complaints about the tyrant teacher, or advised on how to approach Dad about a lost calculator. One of my students often relayed to me her loneliness and hardships at home and I would offer her advice. I realized that my role as a tutor wasn't just to assist students with homework, but also to provide encouragement and optimism. By tutoring younger students, I improved my communication skills, pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and formed new friendships.

Undergraduate / Ideas for How did you get caught? [11]

I'm having trouble thinking of what to write for the UChicago prompt. The only literal experience of being caught that comes to mind is when I ran away from my preschool group during a trip in the park so that I could continue playing. I thought I could connect that to the present by saying that the adventurer in me then remains as I travel abroad. Sound good?

Undergraduate / 'stash of brainpower and creativity' - U of I essay- extracurricular activity [4]

In an essay of 300 words or less, choose one extracurricular activity, work experience, or community service project from the list you provided on the application and explain why you initially chose it, why you continued with it, and how you benefited from it.

During my early years in elementary school, my mom helped me discover my concealed stash of brainpower and creativity. Without her guidance I would have never delved into the world of reading or learned the intricate relationships between numbers. Her dedication inspired me to share with younger students the same "boost" that she had used to stimulate my interest in learning. I decided to reach out to students by volunteering in Brain Boosters, a local tutoring program that provides students with homework assistance and enrichment activities.

My first day in the program, I doubted my ability to tutor as I frantically racked my brain for effective ways of explaining to my buddy how to convert measurements for a cupcake recipe. I expected her to glare or criticize my attempt to tutor, and was grateful when she made no such signs of disapproval. I didn't allow my nervousness to discourage me from continuing the program. Tutoring became easier as I gained more experience explaining homework and bonded with the students. To make the sessions more relaxing and fun, I inquired my buddies about their day at school. I absorbed their summaries of a new intriguing book, sympathized with complaints about the tyrant teacher, or advised on how to approach Dad about a lost calculator. I realized that my role as a tutor wasn't just to assist students with homework, but also to provide encouragement and optimism.

My greatest benefits from being a volunteer were improving my communication skills, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and forming new friendships. As an Illini student I hope to continue interacting with younger students by participating in peer mentoring groups such as the America Reads and Counts program with other Illini students who share my interest in helping students discover their potential.

Undergraduate / Common App- background I grew up in [4]

Hello. i was considering submitting this to common app. i think i may be focusing too much on my parents tho. at the end i discuss what i've learned from them. what do u think?

"Ready?" my father looks at me solemnly, then breaks into a childish grin. I squeal as he lifts me up effortlessly with his feet, his strong fingers laced between mine to secure my position above him. "You can fly, you can fly, you can FLY!" he sings the familiar song in his deep voice graced with a foreign accent. I spread out my arms and legs and imagine soaring over my dad and around our home. The support my dad's legs provide allows this fantasy to flourish, just as my parents' support has permitted the pioneer in me to explore the horizons that were inaccessible to them during their youth.

My parents were born in the rural part of Poland during the communist reign. During their childhood, their days were filled with multiple chores on the farm and limited necessities. Education was not a priority in their families since books and homework did not provide the food on the table or the clothes on their backs. My parents immigrated to the United States at the prime of their life, when most young adults now strive for a higher education and frantically compete for high-paying jobs. With no degrees in hand and a lack of English proficiency, it was difficult for my parents to find well-paying jobs. By coincidence, they both ended up working in the same deli, slicing meat and mopping floors. Their greatest challenge arose after their marriage when they were delegated with the responsibility of raising two children in a country that my parents were still becoming familiar with. They accepted that their children wanted to assimilate into American culture, and strived to ensure that my brother and I would not forget our Polish background by sharing their language and customs and sending us to Polish school, where we learned about Poland's rich literature and a history dominated by dramatic victories, treachery, and struggles for liberation. In addition to these extra classes, my parents fulfilled their intentions for my younger brother and me to be well-rounded by providing us with other enrichment. My dad often came home with computer games and books that entertained and developed our young minds. My mom bombarded me with extracurricular options ranging from gymnastics to painting classes. The exposure to these activities introduced me to my love of music, art, and math; they were the keys that unlocked new interests, friendships, and opportunities in my life.

My father's presence resides in very few of my childhood memories as a result of his long hours at work; every day he would leave before my alarm sounded and return just when I was brushing my teeth to go to bed. My mom worked as a cleaning lady several mornings during the week and spent the rest of the time juggling housework, errands, and her two children. My dad's absence at home due to his work hours caused tension between my parents. My mom would constantly list the "what if's" of his missed opportunity for a higher education; she had seen potential in him when they married, and he ignored her requests for him to pursue a college degree. Whenever my parents turn down a dream and make sacrifices to pay the flow of bills, my mother turns to me and advises, "You have a lot of opportunities here. Study hard, and get a job that will allow you to spend time with your family and live a life easier than your dad and me." My mom has ingrained these words into my mind, and they motivate me to dedicate all my effort and time to studying and to pursuing my interests in music and other cultures.

I admire my parents' determination to overcome obstacles in a new country in order to provide my brother and me with the resources for pursuing our interests. I have inherited their perseverance, which motivates me to overcome challenges and seize opportunities: I took initiative in mastering the English language during my first few years in elementary school so I could eliminate the language barrier; I studied vigorously to be admitted to an elite Chicago high school; I pushed myself out of my comfort zone to travel abroad. Most importantly, my background and determination motivate me to pursue a goal never reached by other family members in America: applying to a prestigious college. The process is rewarding and exciting for both me and my parents. As I slowly unlace my fingers from my parents' grasp, I hold on to my Polish background that has shaped me into the person I am. In college I hope to pursue my interests in art and music that my parents evoked in me as well as to share stories of my parents' life that have stimulated me into reaching for higher goals and trying new things.

Undergraduate / Emory- how will it help me grow? [8]

This is my answer to the Emory prompt why I want to go to the college. The limit is 250 words

Emory's combination of community service opportunities and a diverse student body comprise a suitable environment for fostering my interests in other cultures and involvement in the community.

I prefer to learn through experience in the community rather than through textbooks. From explaining arithmetic to young, perplexed students and controlling their rowdiness when baking a treat, I learned how to communicate ideas efficiently. Working on service projects in Latin America helped me develop my Spanish comprehension and expand my knowledge on floor tiling and tree planting as I joked with native speakers and copied their work with my gloved hands. By attending a school noted for its students' dedication to community service, I will be able to continue this type of learning. Involvement in Volunteer Emory's regional trips and service days will allow me to continue developing through experience as I reach out to those in need and interact with people who share my passion for service.

Growing up in a diverse city and traveling abroad stimulated my appreciation for diversity and interest in cultural anthropology. The Office of Multicultural Programs and Services contains the resources for cultivating my curiosity in other cultures. Participating in the Office's retreats and seminars will nurture my growth into a global citizen as I learn more about racial issues and bond with Emory students with values and traditions different from mine.

I hope to continue utilizing my battered gloves and unraveling the secrets of cultural issues as a member of Emory's class of 2014.

Undergraduate / Why UChicago: Hogwarts in the Muggle world [7]

This is my first attempt for the UChicago prompt: How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to Chicago.

During my childhood, I devotedly perused the seven volumes of Harry Potter. As I immersed myself in the black print that disclosed the adventures of the wizard boy, I imagined myself walking down the warm halls of Hogwarts and dining in the Great Hall with other gifted minds. Instead of lying tucked under my covers, accompanied by a single light, I cast spells and followed the three friends on their antics. I dreamed of attending a school that was not just an educational institution for broadening the knowledge of its students, but also a home that united the students as a family. When I stepped onto the UChicago campus for a visit, I knew I had found my Hogwarts.

The gothic architecture cast a spell on me as I followed other prospective students around campus. I soon discovered that the buildings were not the only aspects of the campus that mirrored Hogwart's structure. The idea of a "pre-packaged" group of friends, just like the Houses in the institution from the magical world, made me feel welcome. As I befriended several students, I discovered how much I enjoyed their queer, witty personalities, which stood out from students I had encountered during my quest at other colleges. Their stories about the "Math Pirate" and disagreements about the myth that "fun comes to die" at UChicago cast a greater spell on me. The exemplary Department of Anthropology and the infamous Core attracted me to the school even more. I cannot break out of this spell; I know that my place next year is among the driven, passionate students of Hogwarts' replica in the Muggle world.

Undergraduate / Northwestern- my kind of soup [2]

This is a very rough draft. Please comment. I definitely want to shorten it.
What are the unique qualities of Northwestern-and of the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying-that make you want to attend the University? In what ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified?

Most of the schools I have researched contain the same underlying ingredients for the college experience "soup": multiple major opportunities, a safe campus in a beautiful location, and a variety of study abroad and internship programs. When I stepped onto Northwestern's campus for a visit and perused its informative website, I discovered the school's spices that flavored the Wildcats broth: a rigorous liberal arts curriculum with a strong Anthropology program; distinctive student-run traditions; and an exceptionally involved student body. These additional flavors satisfy my taste preferences for the full college experience and are the qualities that will foster my intellectual and personal growth.

After growing up in a diverse city and traveling to Latin America for community service projects, I have developed in interest in cultural anthropology. The Weinberg's College of Arts and Sciences' will nurture this interest with its Anthropology program. Not only will I gain an understanding in the four subfields of Anthropology through my small classes directed by dedicated professors, but I will also have many resources available that will help me develop the skills I need to pursue a career in the field. In addition, the College's freshman seminars will broaden my critical thinking skills that I will be able to apply to the Anthropology concentration.

During my Northwestern visit, I noticed the multiple banners hanging on the trees and the colorful messages scribbled on the sidewalk. I was pleased to hear from my tour guide that Northwestern students are not just academically-driven, but also passionate about their interests as well as philanthropic work. To me community service is education outside of the classroom; it teaches about social issues and human interaction more effectively than any course on these matters. I know that at Northwestern I will be able to work alongside students who are also driven by the interest to gain from this type of learning. As a Northwestern student I hope to continue working with younger students in need of encouragement to reach their potential by participating in OASIS and the Peer Health Exchange.

The final spices that complete the Wildcat broth are the various traditions at Northwestern. The Rock, a quartzite boulder adorned with announcements and students' attempts at art, is a symbol of the Northwestern community. Its every-changing face represents the diversity of the students' interests and unites the student body. The infamous Primal Scream and activity-filed Dillo Day allow students to release anxieties and get to know students in a healthy and fun way.

Northwester's qualities are the ingredients that complete my preferences for the college soup. I hope to taste the University's unique broth next year and to flavor it with my own spices.

Undergraduate / Why Northwestern (is it personal enough?) [6]

What are the unique qualities of Northwestern-and of the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying-that make you want to attend the University? In what ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified?

Initially I believed that I'd be a third wheel on the Northwestern campus among students majoring in business, journalism, or engineering; I expected the school's activities and events to revolve solely around those three disciplines and that interests in other concentrations were a significant minority. When I came to visit in early September, I was surprised to discover the school's diverse mix of majors, student organizations, and traditions. As I found out more about opportunities at Northwestern, I realized that it was the best place for me to pursue my passion for learning about other cultures and to continue my involvement in the community.

After growing up in a diverse city and traveling to Latin America for community service projects, I have developed an interest in exploring other cultures' traditions and beliefs. As I cheered for my community's soccer team in Costa Rica while sipping dark, sweet coffee and watched the masked dancers snap their noisemakers and bob around the plaza in Panama, I was astounded by how my foreign friends' traditions differed from my own. In my communities, I preferred that the driving force of one's daily life was the devotion for friends and family instead of consumerism and a lack of time as in the US. After both my trips to Latin America, I wondered about the origins of a people's traditions and the differences between people's interactions and values.

I hope to discover the answers to my questions by studying in the Weinberg's College of Arts and Sciences' Anthropology program. Not only will I gain an understanding of Anthropology through my small classes directed by professors experienced in the discipline, but I will also have the support I need to competently develop the skills I need to pursue a career in the field. The Northwestern Undergraduate Anthropology Society's mentorship program and information on career and internship opportunities will allow me to become more involved in the field and develop relationships that will benefit me in the future. What makes the College's Anthropology department an even better fit for me is its connections with the Latin American and Caribbean Studies program since I want to find out more about the cultures and history of Latin American countries. By minoring in this field, I will learn more about the diverse continent I have fallen in love with after being immersed in two of its many cultures.

I am the type of student who prefers to learn through experience rather than memorize facts from textbooks. As I explained arithmetic to young, perplexed students and controlled their rowdiness when baking an afternoon treat at a tutoring program, I learned about child psychology and developed more efficient ways for communicating ideas. Working on service projects in Latin America, I developed my Spanish comprehension and expanded my knowledge on the Hispanic culture.

I hope to continue learning through first-hand experiences by taking advantage of Northwestern's Ethnographic Field School and its connections with the Field Museum to go out and apply in the field the anthropologic theories I learned in the classroom. Besides developing my knowledge and appropriate skills for my major, I hope to acquire other skills by participating in extracurricular activities. I plan to participate in the OASIS and the Peer Health Exchange with other Northwestern students interested in working with younger students and helping them reach their potential.

Northwestern provides a home for many individuals passionate for their fields of study and interests. As a member of this family of driven students, I anticipate releasing my stress before finals in the infamous Primal Scream, dancing until the early morning in the philanthropic Dance Marathon, and socializing with my professors during "Coffee with a Professor". I look forward to growing personally and intellectually among other Wildcats as I volunteer in the adjacent neighborhoods of Chicago and Evanston and discover the mysteries of cultures in the Anthropology program.