Undergraduate / 'community organizer' - SHORT Brown U. Supplement - How did you hear about Brown? [2]

How did you become interested in Brown, e.g., college counselor, undergraduate, relative, web site? (limit 900 char.)

I strode back down the narrow hallway to the desk of our community organizer, Chris, my completed call sheets in hand. It wasn't long after I had turned in the sheets when he asked me the only question I get asked nowadays: "Where are you going to college?" Following my polite "not sure yet," he suggested Brown University, his former college. Chris passionately described Brown's programs and student life, and he even took the time to give me a tour of Providence using Google Earth. By zooming in on his favorite places to eat and his usual route to class, I felt as if I was actually there taking a tour of the campus. If I am fortunate enough to be accepted to your university, I truly have Chris to thank for introducing me to Brown's unique academics and its vibrant social life.

Thanks everyone! This is my second-to-last essay of the admissions season!

Undergraduate / 'too late for the election' - Brown U. Supplement - Academic Interests [5]

Tell us about the academic areas that interest you most and your reasons for applying to Brown.

I guess my November 5th birthday, one day too late for the 2008 election, is just fate's way of mocking my interest in politics. I remember staying up late in 2004, a bowl of popcorn in one hand and the remote control in the other, anxiously alternating between CNN and NBC as I nervously awaited the election returns. That night was my first exposure to politics, and to this day nothing motivates and fascinates me more.

As my interest deepened, it also broadened. My desire to understand public policy attracted me to economics; my following of international relations developed into an interest in that field as well. Simultaneously, however, high school was planting the seeds of my interest in chemistry, calculus, and history. My single largest concern when applying to colleges has been the worry that no school could allow me the freedom to explore my various interests, but yet supply me with the resources to cultivate my passion for political science.

I want the freedom to explore my diverse interests without the worry of required credits and rigidly outlined majors. I want to be able to take "The History of Classical Rhetoric" in the morning, "Population and Environment in China" at noon, and "Evolutionary Biology" at four. That's why I am applying to Brown. It is perhaps the only school in the country where I can have wiggle room when choosing my courses without sacrificing a top-level education. And in the end, I believe I will emerge from Brown University a better, more well-rounded person, ready to face life and tackle the issues confronting future generations.

Undergraduate / UPenn: A Bold Choice (Why UPenn?) [5]

PROMPT: Describe the courses of study and the unique characteristics of the University of Pennsylvania that most interest you. Why do these interests make you a good match for Penn?

I first encountered the University of Pennsylvania at the Exploring College Options consortium in Jacksonville. To be completely honest, I attended the program mainly to learn more about Georgetown and Harvard, and I had little knowledge of Penn's strong academics or its focus on undergraduates. After the presentations, however, I found myself hovering around the Pennsylvania representative, eagerly eavesdropping on other students' questions and their responses. When the crowd finally dissipated and my turn came, I was very impressed by the representative's enthusiasm for the University and what it could do for me. From that moment forward, the University of Pennsylvania has been number one on my list.

One of my top concerns about college has been the prospect of narrowing down my diverse interests to a single major. The thought of double majoring and possibly minoring in order to fully pursue all of my academic interests is exciting, but also daunting. That's why I fell in love with Penn's Philosophy, Politics, and Economics program. With courses like "Behavioral Economics and Psychology" and "The Political Economy of Mass Media," I will be able to study all of the topics I have a passion for without having to fret over their not counting toward my major. The program has the flexibility I desire to allow me to study overseas or to shift my academic focus amongst the three disciplines without having to change my major, yet it also provides the structure I need to remain focused on my academic goals. The PPE major's interdisciplinary nature will also give me a large pool of teacher and resources from which I can draw upon for my thesis. All in all, it's as if Penn made the program just for me.

Two other considerations of mine in my college search have been location and culture. I remember living in Pennsylvania when I was in kindergarten, and the memories of the chill winters and temperate summers remain with me to this day. Now, after having lived in Florida for eleven years, I am looking for not only more variety in climate, but also exposure to new locations, new ideas, and a new culture. This is the primary reason why I am applying to out-of-state universities: there are just too many new experiences out there for me to remain in one place. The idea of leaving class and meeting some friends for a cheese steak in front of Independence Hall is inspiring, and a diverse campus like UPenn's in the center of one of the country's most cultural cities is just what I am looking for.

The final characteristic I have included in my college search is community. Like most other students, I am going to be a long way from home, and while I look forward to the challenges that my independence will bring, I would also like to know that the school I attend has a history of reaching out and providing everyone with opportunities to get involved in the school and the community. UPenn traditions, such as the "throwing of the toast" and Hey Day, exemplify the loose and approachable atmosphere that I have been searching for. The broad intramural sports programs will also give me chances to form relationships through a game of Ultimate Frisbee or flag football.

Poet and Penn graduate Ezra Pound once wrote, "When you cannot make up your mind which of two evenly balanced courses of action you should take - choose the bolder." It would certainly be easy for me to stay in Florida and pursue a normal degree in a normal college, but I want to make a bold choice. I want to attend the University of Pennsylvania.

Undergraduate / Davidson Peer Recommendation [5]

Peer recommendation to Davidson: Will you guys and gals check to see how well I answer the questions? Thanks!

1. How long and well have you known the applicant?
I have been close friends with Stephanie for about two years. We have worked on multiple assignments and projects together, and I have come to know not only her strengths and weaknesses, but also her approach to life and her idiosyncrasies.

2. Are you applying to Davidson College?
No, I am not applying to Davidson, although it had been on my list for some time. I eventually decided that I would be better suited to schools further north.

3. Are you familiar with Davidson College?
I am somewhat familiar with Davidson College. I have not had a chance to visit, but I am highly impressed by Davidson's Honor Code system. I believe it was also what sold Stephanie on the school: when I asked her what she liked about Davidson, she first talked about how the Honor Code made the campus feel safe and friendly.

4. What do you see as the applicant's strengths? Please give specific examples when possible.
Hopefully it doesn't sound cliché, but I think Stephanie's biggest strength is her seemingly endless ability to multitask. Even with piano lessons, workout classes, planning and working functions as president of the Anchor Club, and tutoring for the National Honor Society, (not to mention a rigorous course load, including five AP classes), she has done a fantastic job of managing her time. I am curious to see how her penchant for multitasking will impact your college and I believe that Stephanie's undertaking of such a rigorous curriculum now will more than prepare her for her future course load at Davidson.

5. What do you consider to be the applicant's weaknesses? Again, it would be helpful to give specific examples by referring to activities or projects in which a weakness has emerged.

One of Stephanie's weaknesses (and she will admit to this), is math, which is all the more amazing since she has managed to do very well in Pre- and AP Calculus. I attribute it to her determination and her refusal to give up on problems. We work on math homework together often, and she is a fantastic study partner because at times when I am ready to give up, she will push me to keep working at it. In that way, she not only learns the material, but also acts as a role model for myself and others in the classroom striving to do the same.

7. We welcome any additional statement you wish to make about the applicant.
Of my four years in high school, there is no one whose approach to life has impressed me more than Stephanie's. She comes to school every day and manages to turn in stellar assignments. It's not just school though: her commitment to her family and her extracurricular activities has been an inspiration to all those who know her. In addition, Stephanie is a person who is not afraid to face her (sometimes eccentric) fears. For example, she admitted to me once that she was afraid of drive-thru car washes, but rather than avoid them, that day she faced her fear and emerged with both heightened confidence and a sparkling car. All things considered, I am proud to know Stephanie ***, and there is no person I know whom I would more highly recommend to your college.

Also, if she is my gf, should I mention that? Thanks in advance!

Undergraduate / My last two summers, including jobs - essay [4]

Please tell us how you have spent the last two summers (or vacations between school years), including any jobs you have held, if not already detailed on the Common Application.

Even in the summer, I don't like to wake up after 7:00. Don't get me wrong: I realize that relaxation is summer's primary function, and I get plenty of sleep, but summers for me are more than just a time to relax; they are also a time for challenging myself and developing new approaches. One extreme example occurred two summers ago: I attempted not to eat sugar for a month, primarily to see if I could do it. I could, but after one week I had lost 8 pounds off of my already-thin 150 pound frame, so I decided to cancel the experiment. Much more commonly, however, I will read books I would usually avoid (like McCullough's John Adams), attempt to learn difficult songs that I could not devote enough time to during the school year, and try various techniques to make myself healthier and more productive.

Over the last two summers, I have kept myself plenty busy. In my rising junior summer, I spent my time volunteering at a local church's vacation bible school, and I also became a member of the Florida Youth Leader bowling board, a commitment that entails working as a team to help organize and staff statewide tournaments.

My summer as a rising senior was even busier. I became even more involved in the state board, which entailed taking multiple trips to Orlando for state meetings. I also enrolled at my local community college, taking courses in statistics and sociology. I decided to go back to school during my break not so much because I wanted the credits, but rather to enhance my understanding of math and political science. I often find myself referring to information I learned from those courses in my calculus and government classes. The activity that I am most proud of, however, is my internship for the Obama campaign. I had not expected a campaign office to open in my county, the second "reddest" in Florida. When it did, however, I was the very first to show up and ask for a position. I know that the skills I learned and the experiences I shared will stay with me throughout my life.

Undergraduate / 'economics and law, calculus and chemistry, and philosophy and film' -Why Duke? Short [4]

There are a great number of reasons why I am applying to Duke; indeed, to list all of Duke's attractive qualities would certainly break the word count. To me, though, the single most appealing aspect of Duke is its commitment to interdisciplinarity. Although I am fairly certain that I will pursue a political science major, my interests are not simply limited to political science. When I go to college I also look forward to the opportunity to explore my interests in economics and law, calculus and chemistry, and philosophy and film, and I believe that Duke's dedication to interdisciplinary studies will provide me with the room to do just that.

What do you think? Thanks in advance for the input!

Undergraduate / student government - CommonApp EC Activity SHORT! [4]

In the space provided below, please elaborate on one of your activities (extracurricular, personal activities, or work experience)(150 words or fewer).

Unquestionably, the activity I have been most involved in is student government. It was not uncommon for me to stay after school for four or five hours to plan fundraisers and other functions. It has been a tremendous investment, but my peers chose me for the task, and I try my hardest not to let them down. Being class president is also a learning process. For instance, I was entirely committed to the idea of a chocolate-themed prom, and fought hard for it, but my peers disagreed, and in the end we chose a different theme. Naturally, I was disappointed, but I learned that no matter how much I disagree with an idea, I cannot let that keep me from contributing all I can to its success. What a success it was, too; my classmates and I managed to organize the largest, most expensive prom in our school's history.

Writing Feedback / 'it is the right thing to do' - Page 218 Autobiographical Essay [5]

You have just completed your 300-page autobiography. Please submit page 218.

...a day devoted to learning the inner workings of the justice system, and the Duval County Prison was kind enough to allow the members of Youth Leadership Jacksonville a tour of the facility. An air of naivetï hung over the group as we made our way through the musty labyrinth of metal detectors, keycard elevators, and bulletproof glass checkpoints to our destination: a long, narrow hallway, where we were told to line on one side. From a door at the far end of the hall emerged approximately twenty inmates, each of them about our age, and they lined the opposite wall. We grudgingly wore business casual while they wore tattered, fluorescent-orange jumpsuits. The guard had each state the reason for his incarceration: armed robbery, battery, grand theft auto, and double homicide. The inmates' forlorn expressions of regret and shame mirrored the bleak, economy-white walls of the jail. "What separates you from them?" asked the guard.

It was upon those moments that the relationships of the fifty of us who constituted Youth Leadership Jacksonville Class XVIII were constructed. Together we had somberly toured prisons, homeless shelters, and neonatal care units. The experiences we shared stitched together a tight-knit group of people with a blanket of interests and approaches more diverse than I had ever known, and I graduated the program having learned something from each of them.

In the course of all of these experiences, two clear themes developed. One was the fragility of any situation: how easily, how inadvertently we could step off the precipice. From that humbling vulnerability, however, came a sense of possibility. Prior to YLJ, I had often reflected on why I am so committed to my education, and my answer was always, "because it is the right thing to do." These encounters, however, had pushed me to be more productive with my time, more sensitive to the issues and concerns of my community, and more acknowledging of the gray areas of morality. I finally realized who I was striving for, and I grew more clear-sighted in my goals and their significance.

The most rousing YLJ event for many of us was meeting Henri Landwirth, for whom the stakes were literally life and death. A holocaust survivor who had lost most of his family, Mr. Landwirth had come to the United States with only twenty dollars and the clothes on his back. He went on to become a successful hotelier, serve in the Korean War, and founded six different charities, one with which I had already been involved. To me, his story perfectly encapsulated what I took from the YLJ program: the potential for good is present in every situation, as long as one chooses to do the hard work required to bring it about.

To answer the guard's question of what separated me from those that I met at the prison, I believe that I have turned my challenges into opportunities. I have not taken the path of least resistance, but instead, confronted adversity with commitment and determination. I knew that this attitude would only create further possibilities down the road...

Undergraduate / Which Professor offers faculty and research opportunities? Essay... [6]

*** offers its undergraduates an eminent faculty and a wealth of research opportunities. Use the space below to name a ***professor with whom you would like to study or conduct research and explain why. (It is not our expectation that you contact faculty directly to answer this question.)

I remember staying up late on election night 2004, a bag of popcorn in one hand and the remote in the other, nervously flipping back and forth between CNN and NBC. Eagerly counting down the minutes until the next polls closed and watching the colors on the map appear was exhilarating, and ever since I have been certain that I would major in political science. I know I have the passion and the commitment to get the degree, but what has always worried me is my subsequent career path. For guidance, I would look to members of the *** faculty like Professor Brendan O'Leary. Not only is Professor O'Leary distinguished in his field, he also puts his ideas into action through his work in Iraq. I look forward to working with Professor O'Leary because I believe that he will be both an effective and inspiring teacher, as well as a mentor and adviser who could help steer me in my political science studies.

Undergraduate / Catholic school, September in Florida - Common App Essay PROMPT 2 [6]

This is my first draft of the main essay for the Common Application.

Prompt: Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.
September in Florida; still shorts-weather. Cautiously choreographed rows of trees string the sidewalks of yet another cookie-cutter development. Their leaves dance in a slow and steady breeze that, while refreshing, cannot quite compensate for the half-marathon of walking, knocking, walking, and knocking that I have devotedly performed over the last six hours.

Finally, as the stretch of empty sidewalk I am on unites with a targeted driveway, the monotony breaks and the bounce in my step returns. I am on a mission. My friendly rap on the door was welcomed by an older man with a kind disposition. He left his door all the way open, a rare sign of trust in this business. "How can I help you, young man?" he asked. He reminded me of my grandfather, and the disappointment that flushed over his face in reaction to my standard "we're looking for supporters of Barack Obama" line was thus doubly wounding. He sighed and dropped his shoulders a bit His reply caught me off-guard: "I just cannot support someone who advocates killing babies. Are you a Christian?" he asked.

I was raised a lapsed Catholic, if such a thing is possible. I went to a Catholic school for a time, attended Mass on Wednesdays with my classmates, but not on Sundays. The issue for me has always been a struggle, and this wasn't the first time I had experienced static due to religion on the campaign trail: I doubt I will forget the hulking, bearded man (and his equally-large dog) who said "Barack Obama? I ain't no Muslim" before slamming the door in my face. More heated conflicts between religions have raged for thousands of years, and the greatest philosophers have tried to solve the riddle of life after death for even longer; it makes my personal struggle feel so insignificant.

It is not a question of God's existence for me, though. Whether it be a stranger holding open a door on a difficult day; or the feeling of losing oneself in the rhythm of a piece of music; or even in biology, and learning the sublime complexity and immaculate efficiency with which atoms bond to atoms to perform tasks in the cell, I have no doubt in the existence of a God. With a vastness of personal experiences to draw upon, and the concrete logic of those like Aquinas, theism is easy. What follows is a mishmash of religions and rites, churches and creeds, denominations and dogmas that leave my head spinning. It is impossible to simply step back and make a reasoned decision. There are no "Idiot's Guides" to choosing a religion, no flowcharts or compare-contrast tables of positions and ideas to help me decide. Facts are scarce, support is rare, and for an empirical mind like mine making the leap is difficult. But I keep trying: I attend services that are unfamiliar to me, I read books that are outside of my comfort zone, I experiment with approaches to life that I feel can make me a more spiritual person. It will likely take time but, hopefully, the patchwork of experiences that I have exposed myself to will eventually come together and provide me with the courage to take the leap.

"Yes, sir, I am," I replied. It was partially true. "...and that is an issue that I have struggled with." I continued by highlighting some of the Senator's "more Christian" policy proposals, but it was clear we had reached a stalemate. Before I turned to leave, though, we shook hands. That two people, so many years apart, on opposing ends of the political spectrum, could set aside their differences and recognize each other as equals gave me a faith in people that I had not felt before.

As I made my way back to the pale gray sidewalk, I thought about the work ahead of me. So many more doors to try. And although most of them will be left unanswered, I am going to keep knocking because, every once in a while, there are lessons like the old man's behind those doors that make the search worthwhile. Maybe one day I will find the support I am looking for, but I guess if it was so easily understood, it wouldn't be called faith.

Too long? Too short? Too much asyndeton? Do I ramble? Thanks for the input!