Stanford Supplement - Well, roommate, let me tell you about my rock band...

Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. What would you want your future roommate to know about you? Tell us something about you that will help your future roommate -- and us -- know you better.

Here is the essay... Thoughts, comments? Thanks a ton!

The house lights dimmed. A hush fell over the anticipative crowd. As I flipped on the amplifier switch, a boisterous thump resonated. Show time. Our drummer counted off, the prismatic stage lights illuminated, and we began to play.

I strummed away on my bass guitar, not a thought crossing through my mind. It is a euphoric feeling to be thoroughly in the moment. In such a demanding world, where scholastic success is so highly valued, I find it a necessity to have some sort of escape.

For the past three years, "Halcyon" has been my retreat. Halcyon - the name itself is reflective of the harmony it has brought into my life. During my sophomore year of high school, a few college students I knew asked if I would be interested in playing bass for an indie rock band they were forming. I graciously agreed to audition and we have been together since.

I have found it crucial to establish a balance between schoolwork and recreation. Having that balance has helped me maintain a clear mind and stay focused on my goals. Additionally, music in itself has been an incredible means of inspiration.

On a typical school day, it is not unusual for me to go from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM without any break from my rigorous academic pursuits. However late it is before I am finally ready to call it a day, I still find time to pick up my aureate acoustic guitar and play a few ardent tunes.

Hey thats pretty good. I really get the feeling that you love music and can feel a lot of personality in your response.
I would suggest that you include something about how you would relate to your roommate. What would he expect to encounter while living with you?

And please, read my essay too, thanks (:

Good unique topic, but maybe don't focus so much on how its an escape from academics. Stanford wants students who are passionate about their studies. You could still say that is your escape, but maybe from just life in general. Just a suggestion. Hope this helps! :)

Please return the favor and take a look at mine!

it's a decent essay on its own, but i was thinking - - why would you want to tell a roommate this? would your ability to balance schoolwork and recreation be the first thing you say when describing yourself to a person who's going to live in the same room you do for a whole school year?

a few wording tics:


"anticipative" - - there's probably a more natural sounding word


given your writing style "aureate" sounds like it was plucked from a thesaurus. either up the vocabulary you use in the rest of your essay, or change this to something a little more down to earth.

Thank you very much for the suggestions!

Jonathan and Kara, I am looking at your essays now.