Undergraduate / 'Thomas Jefferson' - Common App, historical figure [2]

Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.

Running a country is hard work; especially when everyone is hoping that you will fail. Thomas Jefferson, one of the most opinionated Founding Fathers, has had a profound influence on my outspoken and passionate manner as well as how I adjust to new conditions. Jefferson's first term as president depicts how skilled he was at adapting to a new and difficult situation. The election of 1800 is called the "Revolution of 1800" because Jefferson was the first Republican to take office after two Federalists. But unlike what the citizens expected, Jefferson did not revoke all previous legislation enacted by his Federalist opponents. At the same time he was not scared to be the "new kid on the block". As a Virginian and representative of the back country farmer, he vehemently opposed a strong federal government. But when the time came he acclimated to the situation, not shying away from new challenges.

I myself have been the "new girl" over seven times in the past thirteen years. Born in India, I immigrated to the United States when I was four, and moved at least once a year until I was eleven. Assimilating into American culture was a different process for me because of the many places I have lived. Understanding the differences between the states has made me even more appreciative of this country. My family finally settled down second semester of my freshman year, but I still dreaded that first day of school. Many unoriginal nick names followed me around that semester; the start of my high school career was not as glamorous as I had expected.

Before the year ended I helped my sister with a project on Jefferson. Talking to her about how Jefferson changed the course of America with a single 15 million dollar purchase opened my eyes. As president he was not exceptionally popular, but thousands of Americans still value his contributions today. I realized that I needed to learn how to make the best of difficult conditions but make my mark on them as well. I vowed that sophomore year would see a truer version of myself. I created new relationships and established myself in all the activities I pursued. In fall of 2010, inspired by Jefferson's acclimation to his presidency, I took on new challenges such as Speech and Debate and Junior State of America.

Jefferson's rhetorical skills and passionate voice were instrumental in the unfolding of the American Revolution. Most people hold the Declaration of Independence in high esteem, but the first time I read it in the tenth grade I got goose bumps. It was evident even over two-hundred years later that Jefferson was fearless in his accusations and beliefs. I wanted to exude that confidence every day; I wanted people be able to hear my ideas. Eventually my true personality shone through communication and expression. The confidence and passion I see in Jefferson's writings has influenced me to become more enthusiastic and successful in my passions than I ever thought possible.

Undergraduate / Amherst Supplement Essay "Difficulty need not foreshadow despair or defeat." [5]

"Difficulty need not foreshadow despair or defeat. Rather achievement can be all the more satisfying because of obstacles surmounted."

I can picture myself four years from now with a Bachelor's in History. Though I knew my future major in freshman year, math class has been that temptress since I was twelve. In the seventh grade my teacher outlined what math classes I could take in high school; the class that caught my eye was AP Calculus B/C. As a twelve-year-old I could wrap my head around algebra, geometry, and even trigonometry, but calculus seemed so immensely complicated and even exotic. I was drawn to this class like a moth to a lamp. I did not expect calculus to come easily to me, I knew that it would be difficult, but I decided not to admit defeat just yet.

My calculus teacher jumped into teaching limits of functions the first day of school. As I furiously copied down the amalgamation of letters and numbers on the board, I thought about how easy it would be just to drop this class and focus on AP US History. However, at the end of the ninety minutes, I did not pick up the drop form. Instead I asked my teacher to explain the concept once more. After that day, math class was never easy, but it was never boring. When difficult concepts came up, I never resorted to neglect or self-pity; I aspired to achieve something that I had dreamed of since the seventh grade.

Neither the score on my AP exam nor the grade in that class can truly depict what I achieved that year. I rose to the challenge and each little concept I learned that year felt like a huge mountain that I was proud to have climbed to the top of.

Undergraduate / Rice (Why do you want to study history, What perspective do you bring) [3]

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.

History has, since childhood, filled my dreams with escapades with Marco Polo, heated discussion with leaders like Jefferson, Elizabeth I, or Louis XIV. My daydreams are vivid depictions of the Peace Paris Conference after WWI or the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. I wish to pursue history not only because of my fascination with the subject but also because it is the most inclusive of all academic quests.

Reading a history book gives me a joy like no other: it offers revelations that cannot be gained from studying any other subject. I love piecing together different eras in history and pointing out their similarities. In the sixth grade, after discovering the similarities between the Magna Carta and the Declaration of Independence, I spent weeks reading everything I could on the subject. The lionized lessons I received in grade school no longer satiated my hunger. My knowledge of history has developed from mere appreciation of facts into a deeper passion for analysis of historical events and their influences and impacts.

My interest in revolutions intensified when I discovered the Enlightenment; it contains many revolutionary and inspirational thinkers such as Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau. These philosophers directly influenced the Founding Fathers of America, and the leaders of the French Revolution. Discovering these connections and analyzing how certain events influenced others are one of the many joys of studying history. Eric Foner points out that "the study of the past is a constantly evolving, never-ending journey of discovery." History is a virtually limitless study, but through history I can branch out into almost any career. Whether it is politics, law, journalism, teaching, or research, I know that history is my calling. As a child I fished out my first history book, The Kingfisher Encyclopedia of History, from a clearance rack at a used book store. The pictures caught my eye, but the excellent bedtime stories kept me reading.

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The quality of Rice's academic life and the Residential College System are heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural traditions each student brings. What perspective do you feel that you will contribute to life at Rice? (Most applicants are able to respond successfully in two to three double-spaced pages.)

Indian culture is rigid and unrelenting, but I was never hit by the full blow of it. My parents bring traditional Indian values and traditions to my everyday life, but our travels across America have made their advice unique and invaluable. Since the day of my birth my parents have tried to set up for success. I was born on a rainy night in Jamshedpur, India; in fact my name itself means "monsoon" in Sanskrit. My parents did not choose my name just because of the stormy scenery outside; they hoped that I would someday take this world by storm. My plane ride to America in 1998 was the first of many trips. "Home" has been many different places these past seventeen years, but the two consistent things are my mother and father who have constantly pushed me to set higher and higher standards for myself.

India is beautiful and rich in culture, but my Indian citizenship is only a part of me. My world is unpacking my clothes into a new closet for the third time that year. My father is assembling the bunk bed we just bought in our only bedroom, while my mother is dispersing her many pots and spices throughout our new kitchen. On our own for the first time, with only a bus pass, we roamed the streets of Worchester, Massachusetts, and realized why everyone in India raved about America.

After five different states and two siblings, my parents and I have finally gotten used to "American" life. Throughout the years, however, my parents have prevented my complete Americanization by successfully tying in their childhood lessons into mine.

My parents have a very clear policy on life: "Don't chase success, just strive for excellence and success will chase you." After a decade of my parents' so called "nagging," I stopped relying on my parents to push me and decided to start pushing myself. Striving for excellence is no simple task, but trying to do so resulted in some of the biggest risks I have ever taken. I joined Academic Decathlon, Speech and Debate, Robotics, and Junior State of America because I had become attracted to new experiments. However my challenge-seeking and enthusiastic personality was not always evident in my early years.

I used to shy away from change because of my constantly-evolving environment, but my parents kept pushing me to try new things. Today I am outgoing, talkative, sociable, and opinionated; none of these adjectives could have been applied to me had it not been for my parents' invaluable guidance. I stopped chasing everything in life and just pursued whatever pulled me. Instead of being the "new girl with the really long name," I am now known as "Varsha, who never leaves a room without giving her opinion." I never hesitate in front of a new opportunity because I finally know how to take this world by storm.

the above essay is not completely 2 pages double spaced, what can i add to make it so?

Undergraduate / 'Indian culture' + 'Academic Decathlon' - UC Prompts [3]

Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

Indian culture is rigid and unrelenting, but I was never hit by the full blow of it. My parents bring traditional Indian values and traditions to my everyday life, but our travels across America have made their advice unique and invaluable. I was born on a rainy night in Jamshedpur, India, in fact my name itself means monsoon in Sanskrit. My parents did not choose my name just because of the stormy scenery outside; they hoped that I would someday take this world by storm. "Home" has been many different places these past 17 years, but the one consistency is my mother and father who have constantly pushed me to set higher and higher standards for myself.

India is beautiful and rich in culture, but my Indian citizenship is only a part of me. My world is unpacking my clothes into a new closet for the third time that year. My father is assembling the bunk bed we just bought in our only bedroom, while my mother is dispersing her many pots and spices throughout our new kitchen. On our own for the first time, with only a bus pass, we roamed the streets of Worchester and realized why everyone in India raved about America. After five different states and two siblings later, my parents and I have finally gotten used to "American" life. Throughout the years, however, my parents have prevented my complete Americanization by successfully tying in their childhood lessons into mine.

My parents have a very clear policy on life: "Don't chase success, just strive for excellence and success will chase you". After a decade of my parents so called "nagging", I stopped relying on my parents to push me and decided to start pushing myself. Striving for excellence is no simple task, but trying to do so resulted in some of the biggest risks I have ever taken. I joined Academic Decathlon, Speech and Debate, Robotics, and Junior State of America because I had become attracted to new experiments. However my challenge-seeking and enthusiastic personality was not always evident in my early years.

I used to shy away from change because of my ever-changing environment, but my parents kept pushing me to try new things. Today I am outgoing, talkative, sociable, and opinionated; none of these adjectives could have been used to describe me had it not been for my parents' invaluable guidance. I stopped chasing everything in life and just pursued whatever pulled me. Instead of being the "new girl with the really long name", I am now known as "Varsha, who never leaves a room without giving her opinion". I never hesitate in front of a new opportunity, because I finally know how to take this world by storm.

(455 words)

Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud, and how does it relate to the person you are?

I picked up an application and it took all the willpower I had to not put it down. In May of 2008, I tried out for the Arcadia High School Academic Decathlon team, and I was deathly afraid of confrontation, rejection, and change. After a test and an interview I became an Arcadia High School Decathlete. I only had nine months with this amazing team before I moved to my new home.

At West Ranch High School, I did not hesitate (like I usually did), and pitched my love for the sport to the advisor the same week I started school. I remember being in awe of the older team members; they were comfortable with interviews, speeches, and impromptus. I may not have been a "flood of words" at that time but I decided to join because I loved the subject matter. Sophomore year I got truly attached to the study of history by spending hours reading up on the French Revolution. I grew up with a love of history, but Academic Decathlon truly nurtured my spirit for the subject. Every year I could delve in deeply into another time period or region's history and culture; it has to be the most rewarding aspect of my past four years at high school.

One of the most important parts of Academic Decathlon is that it is a team effort; after vying for a spot on the team for a month everyone has to bond together and never let go. I am proud to be part of a team that not only supported each other within team issues, but also any problems in our outside lives. As competition dates came closer and closer the nine of us could be seen clustered in hallways reviewing Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal and the musical components of "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime". I grew close to my teammates because they welcomed my eventual outgoing personality.

I have worked hard these past 13 years to gain confidence in my voice, and joining such an engaging sport pushed my confidence to a new level. After 9 schools I had become conditioned to hate change, but being a part of such a close knit group changed my whole outlook. By my junior year I was finally out of my cocoon because I finally had a group of people I could be myself with. Academic Decathlon is not for the faint of heart; decathletes are more than just "book smart" they are passionate and spontaneous. These were characteristics of mine that were not evident until I actually became a proud Wildcat Decathlete.

Academic Decathlon has offered me a way to shine socially, politically, and academically. I may have always held a passion for history and other cultures, but without Academic Decathlon I could never have pursued these topics. As co-captain this year I strive to give that same experience to our new team members, because the relationships, knowledge, and skills I have gained from Academic Decathlon are invaluable.

(499 words)