Undergraduate / "The Tipping Point" - University of Virginia Supplement [3]

What work of art, music, science, mathematics, or literature has surprised, unsettled, or challenged you, and in what way?

When assigned summer reading each year, I lack enthusiasm seeing as the only analysis of the books consist of solely reading quizzes and little discussion in the classroom. Yet while reading The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell over this last summer, I was increasingly drawn in by all of the different concepts he tied together to explicate trends and epidemics. I am usually rather skeptical of books on theories that describe human behavior, for they are often presented in a narrow-minded and pretentious approach; however, Gladwell delivers his premise in such an articulate manner that makes his argument difficult to deny.

Essentially, the Tipping Point describes the movement and expansion of trends, and why some are more infectious than others. Using various real-life examples, including views from scientists, marketers, public health experts and TV show creators, Gladwell establishes credibility to build upon a central point that little things can make a big difference. As the book progressed, I found myself shocked at how many of his examples related to my own life. For example, I connected the Sesame Street legacy to my own niece's infatuation with Elmo, and linked my own peers to connectors, mavens, and salesmen, Gladwell's influential trendsetters. One of Gladwell's main ideas is the "stickiness" factor of a fad-how well a message makes an impact-and to me; The Tipping Point holds a high stickiness factor, jarring my initial impressions.

Undergraduate / "Music is a powerful tool of expression" - Tufts supplement what makes you tick [2]

I'm not too satisfied with this essay but it's due tomorrow so any suggestions would be helpful!

For some, it's politics or sports or reading. For others, it may be researching solar power fuel cells or arranging hip-hop mash-ups. What makes you tick? (200-250 words)

Listening to an ipod's recently added playlist can present a unique insight to someone's character. Music is a powerful tool of expression when both produced and listened to. It can reveal the deepest aspects of ones personality on top of serving as an enjoyable source of entertainment. Music corresponds to the moods and evokes many different emotions. At times, music can be people's best friend or worst enemy, depending on their frame of mind. Whether it is a memory or a message, each individual piece holds some sort of unique personal meaning.

Music has been playing in my life since I can remember. From Elmo singing the ABC's to Blue Oyster Cult live in concert, music has been right alongside me every step of my life. Sometimes the only constant rhythm, it has been a fortress in times of desperation, providing comfort and steadiness. Although my music preferences are constantly changing, it has become engraved in my personality and it describes who I am.

Not only do I just listen to music, but also I create it with my acoustic guitar. I have been playing the guitar ever since the age of seven, and each day I become even more engrossed with the harmonies that my hands can compose. Unlike some of my peers, music has never been forced upon me; I have taught myself through all these years without any outside pressure from parents or instructors. To me, I can connect with my music the most when I'm not going at someone else's pace but my own. Playing an instrument is like having a relationship; it requires attention and substance to surely progress. My relationship with my guitar is one of security, care, and inspiration, enabling me to freely express my passions and emotions.

Undergraduate / Outstanding Science Dept/ I lost mom; Why Tufts/ Let your life speak [4]

I'm not too confident on my short essays, so any honest suggestions would be very helpful.
Thanks in advance!

Which aspects of Tufts' curriculum or undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short: ''Why Tufts?'' (50-100 words)

Living in the small, liberal bubble of my hometown, the only chances to encounter other communities are the occasional retreats. By attending Tufts University, not only will I get the experience of living on the other side of the country in a wholly new environment, but also I will be provided essential tools to pursue my dream of becoming an oncologist. With the abundant research opportunities offered, the outstanding science department, and the diverse and interactive surrounding community, Tufts is the cynosure to my beckoning mind.

There is a Quaker saying: ''Let your life speak.'' Describe the environment in which you were raised--your family, home, neighborhood or community--and how it influenced the person you are today. (200-250 words)

When I found that I was left home alone due to my brother's incapacity to baby-sit, I would slither over to my next-door neighbor Blandy's ridiculously comfy couch, where she would cater me with popcorn smothered in butter. When I was crying because of my scraped knee, I would run across the street to Katy where she would give me band-aids, cookies, and milk. When I had a bad day at school and just wanted to sob, I would mope over to Della's old, pink house where she would cheer me up with candy and books. And when I was exhausted at the end of the day, I would scurry upstairs and cuddle with my own loving mother.

My upbringing is swamped with memories of mothers coming at me in all directions, each contributing to shaping the human being that I am today. It wasn't until I lost my own mother that I realized the role all of these other women played in my life. Each nurtured me in their own unique fashion, elucidating different perspectives and attitudes that stay with me to this day. They always responded with benevolence when my family was in need, teaching me the importance of goodwill and camaraderie. Supportive and encouraging of my dreams and aspirations, my mothers' raised me to be the aspiring doctor that I am today.