Undergraduate / 'a biology related major' - Commonapp- school of choice short answer [2]

With the understanding that the choice of academic school you indicated is not binding, explain why you are applying to that particular school of study.

I am applying to the Wiess School of Natural Sciences in order to pursue a biology related major. I have been interested in biology all my life, as I have always gravitated towards the life and health aspect of science. During my junior year of high school, I enrolled in advanced biology, chemistry, and physics courses concurrently, in order to find out my true passion. I confirmed my inclination towards biology, as I realized that I loved the mechanics of the living world. To me, biology is by far the most important type of science, as it is the most directly related to our wellbeing. I believe that biology holds the most secrets of the world, and that advancements and discoveries in biology can be applied to many other things. Biology is an extremely versatile subject and is applicable in many fields, creating flexibility in a future career path.

I want to learn about biology so that I may help others, which is why I want to become a doctor, and therefore plan on going to medical school after my undergraduate studies. I have wanted to become a doctor from a very young age, when adults would ask what I wanted to be when I grew up; the answer was always doctor, because I regarded doctors as heroes who saved lives. Since then, I have always been passionate about helping others, and I wish to be able to help others in a much more significant manner. The summer before my senior year, I decided to volunteer at a hospital and gain a first hand experience of what I believe to be my future. My volunteering experience made me realize that I wanted to help others, and I believe that studying at the Wiess School of Natural Sciences will help me achieve that goal.

any help would be appreciated, thanks!

Undergraduate / 'Hitting yellow balls' -Extracurricular Activity Short Answer [2]

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below (1000 character maximum).

Hitting yellow balls back and forth over a net. A seemingly simple activity, yet one that has impacted my life so greatly. Playing team tennis for the past four years has taught me much more than how to hit the ball. I now understand the power of dreams and goals, as I watched myself progress and reach my goal of playing on the varsity team. It has taught me what it means to be a part of something bigger than myself, and what the meaning of teamwork and unity is. I learned how to support my teammates, be a good sportsman, and how to fight all the way through, never giving up. I learned the value of hard work and determination, as the grueling practices our coach put us through culminated in my team becoming district champions two years in a row. Playing tennis has not only improved my physical fitness but has also conditioned my mind. Playing tennis has helped me create some of my most cherished relationships and bonds, to both my teammates and other tennis aficionados. It is said that high school is a time when you find out who you truly are. I feel that a great part of discovering myself has come from my biggest passion, tennis.

Undergraduate / 'a place to learn, live, and grow' - Application Supplement- Why rice short answer [5]

Just a quick rough draft I typed up, any help is appreciated!

What motivated you to apply to Rice University? Please be specific and limit your response to 200 words.

I am drawn to Rice for many reasons. As a potential pre-med student, there are many intrinsic advantages at Rice. There is the opportunity of applying to the Rice/Baylor program, which would greatly promote my goal of going to medical school. I will be able to take advantage of Rice's proximity to the renowned Texas Medical Center, and the various opportunities for research and clinical experience in some of the best medical facilities in the world. The Wiess School of Natural Sciences is acclaimed for its undergraduate research opportunities as well as it's great programs for biology, my intended major. I love that the median class size at Rice is 15 students and that the student to faculty ratio is 6-to-1. I want a more personal, one-on-one approach to learning, and the smaller classes create a more personal learning atmosphere versus large lecture rooms. I am very partial to the unique residential college system, which is the heart of campus life and social interaction. I look forward creating close relationships in a residential college community, as opposed to the Greek fraternities and sororities present in other colleges. I want to attend an amazing college, but I want a home for four years as well. The rare combination of a place to learn, live, and grow is what motivated me to apply to Rice.