Undergraduate / Which "Why Tufts?" essay is better? [6]

Tufts is not only an excellent university for pursuing my major in biomedical sciences, but its well-rounded undergraduate program will also allow me to explore my other interests in law, computer engineering, and math. During a campus tour this summer, I was fascinated by not only the beauty of the university’s diverse grounds, but also by the student tour guides’ unique experiences studying in a Tufts program abroad. I believe Tufts’ various activities can open many doors for my future.

Would this sound better if I replaced the last sentece with "Tufts is THE university for me."?

OR

Tufts is not only an excellent university for pursuing my major in biomedical sciences, but its well-rounded undergraduate program will also allow me to explore my other interests in law, computer engineering, and math. Furthermore, my nomadic lifestyle inspired my fascination with other countries around the world. As I listened to student tour guides’ unique experiences studying in a Tufts program abroad, I realized I wanted to do to the same in Japan. Tufts is THE university for me.

Undergraduate / Why Boston University? - One look at the Boston University website had answered all my prayers [3]

At the start of the year, I was still unsure about which college I really wanted to attend. Through my travels between three different countries, I came to learn the importance of diversity and the need for varying opinions. Of course, this soon became one major factor in my decision. I wanted to attend a college that emphasized the significance of diversity. Another factor involved my various interests. Although I plan to major on a subject under pre-medicine, I also have interest in political science, computer engineering, and math. Furthermore, my nomadic lifestyle incited my fascination of other countries around the world. I would love to attend a college that would allow me to participate in a strong program abroad.

One look at the Boston University web site had answered all my prayers. The university virtually defines "diversity" with its incorporation of all types of students, and the liberal values of the Howard Thurman Center. Also, BU is not only an excellent university for pursuing my major in biomedical sciences, but its well-rounded undergraduate program will also allow me to explore my other interests in law, computer engineering, and math. This cause was further strengthened when I read about the many opportunities available in pursuing a dual degree! Finally, my face lit up with joy as I read the following statements from the website: "Want to study abroad? Pursue an internship program? CAS has programs in 19 countries on 6 continents." 19 countries! It was decided. Boston University was THE university for me!

Undergraduate / Tufts Supplements -- curriculum, saying, expressioin [4]

Which aspects of Tufts' curriculum or undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short: ''Why Tufts?''

I have yet to decide which career I want to follow, but I believe Tufts' well-rounded undergraduate program will help me prepare for whatever career I later choose, whether it involves medicine, law, or computer engineering. During a campus tour this summer, I not only admired the cheerful atmosphere between the student tour guides, but I was also fascinated by the their unique experiences studying in a Tufts program abroad. I knew Tufts was the choice for me.

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.

During my middle school years, I had lived in Lord Baron Apartments in Burlington, MA. Initially, my friends and I always played basketball and tennis on the courts outside. However, I eventually began to feel that we should add more to the mix. An idea hit me! I grabbed four rubber balls from my house, called up my friends to the tennis court and told them, "Let's play dodgeball!" I made up some additional rules to make it more compatible with the tennis court, and we immediately started playing. It was thrilling! Constantly watching out for enemy attack while at the same time searching for an opportunity to grab a ball. It was fun! Within the next few weeks, about twenty other children from the neighborhood had joined in on the game and had become our new friends. A few months later, another idea popped into my head and I started a new trend of capture the flag. Slowly, others began to speak up their own ideas for new games. By the end of the year, I found myself leading the crowd through a diverse range of activities: tennis, basketball, dodgeball, capture the flag, cops and robbers, "the rock game," building tag, etc. This community had an immense influence on me. It not only showed me the joy of various recreational sports, but it also enabled me to take the initiative and gave me my first opportunity at leadership.

Self-identity and personal expression take many forms. Use the richness of your life to give us insight: Who are you?

When I was around ten years old, I wished to be like Superman, saving the world and coming to the aid of those in need. In India, I encountered many poor people begging for money outside the temple entrance. In the United States, I visited the Boys and Girls Home and met orphans who had lost the place they once called "home." Seeing all these unfortunate people, I felt like I needed to help them in some way. I wanted to be the hero that would come to their rescue. But what could a person like me do for them? I can't make much of a difference, can I? I'm sure this same thought has crossed the minds of many others before me. However, I realized that I could make a difference. To them, even a little could mean a lot. When I visited India this summer, I handed ten rupees to an elderly couple sitting outside the temple, and saw their faces light up with joy. As a Key Club member, I gave a winter coat to the Boys and Girls Home and saw them gratefully accept our donations. I also ran alongside many others in the Autism Run to show support for the disadvantaged children with autism, and I participated in Relay for Life to gain support in helping cancer patients. No, I may not be a superhero with the power to save the world, but I am a proud volunteer with the power to make a difference.

Undergraduate / "How would you feel if you were in his shoes?"; U Tufts: "Let your life speak" [4]

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.

In my case, there are not one, but many communities that helped make me the person I am today. However, there are a few memorable experiences that had the strongest influence on me. One of these experiences occurred when I was in the third grade in the town of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A neighborhood bully was chasing me around the apartments. Just then, my friend stepped in front of him and told him to stop. He said, "How would you feel if you were in his shoes?" Seeing that my friend's mom was watching through a nearby window, the bully decided to leave. I was amazed, and at the same time I felt a surge of gratitude flow through me. I believe that statement left a permanent mark in my character. Ever since, I have often found myself asking that question in many situations, and it can be seen through my benevolence towards my friends. I always try to help my friends whenever I can, whether it involves borrowing lunch money or giving a ride home after-school. Why? Because I know I would want their help if I were in the same situation.

Undergraduate / CommonApp Essay: "I am.... born in India" [3]

Who am I? There is no easy way to respond to this question. It cannot simply be answered with a description of my personality or a list of my accomplishments. A person is much more than that. "I" am the result of all the experiences I have undertaken in life and of all the lessons I have learned from these experiences.

Born in south India in 1992, I began my life in a poor, pre-industrial society. As a little child, I simply spent my time doing anything I found to be fun. I would go up the stairs leading to the roof, jump over the wall to the next-door building, and run all the way back just to do it again. At theaters, I would attune to the crowd's excitement in screaming and whistling when the hero and heroine made their appearance. During the festival of Diwali, I would happily run around with other kids and play with the firecrackers that lined the streets. I learned to love even all these little things in life, and the town of Chennai gradually became my one and only home.

Twelve years ago, my dad got a job in Dubai and my family relocated to the United Arab Emirates. At first, my mind was shrouded with uncertainty. Why did we have to move? Why should I have to leave the place I loved? As I stepped out of the airport in Dubai, I felt as if I was entering a whole new world. The people here were of a different religion, and were all speaking an unknown language. After gaining a basic understanding of English and Arabic through private lessons, I joined Saint Mary's Elementary School and began to gradually adapt to the community. I eventually learned to grasp the cultural differences, and life in Dubai became a norm for me. However, just as I had begun to find my place in society, another life-changing event occurred.

When I was eight years old, my dad's new job in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania brought my family to the United States. Once again, I was enraged at the notion of being forced into another world! I had just finally adapted to the customs of Dubai, and now I had to throw all that away and start over again? I expected this transition to be as tedious and as drawn out as the previous one. However, I was completely wrong. The nation seemed to welcome me with open arms, and I soon fell in love with the country's incorporation of diversity. As my family continued moving between numerous cities across Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and North Carolina, I explored the many different activities and opportunities available here in this country. In Burlington, I discovered my love for tennis as I played for the Rahanis Park Tennis Team and helped them reach the Regional Championships. In Chelmsford High School, I learned the importance of teamwork as I worked with the Asian Culture Committee in hosting a video game tournament, badminton tournament, and a talent show to raise money for orphanages. Then here in Cary, I gained leadership qualities from organizing Key Club projects and leading volunteers through various events.

All of my life experiences have helped make me the person I am today. Adapting to different societies has enabled me to grasp these cultural differences, and improved my ability to work with others. Now, once again, who am I? I am the little child who wholeheartedly resisted leaving his home country of India. I am also the high school student who has fallen in love with American values. I am [my name].