I am interested in Georgia Tech, because I believe it's an ideal place to develop as an engineer. The B.S. in Computer Engineering program is very flexible; I could take diverse electives in computer architecture, software engineering, and semiconductor devices. In my senior year, I would have to apply what I've learned in a yearlong design project and showcase it at the Capstone Design Expo, with the chance of walking away with cash prizes or a new job. There...

In 8th grade, I had little idea what I would study in the future. I liked math, science, and computers, though, so I took a gamble and applied for the Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Technologies. Fortunately, I got accepted, and I decided to take the offer. This choice turned to be one of the most important in my life. I had become a part of the "Academy family," a close-knit community of about 160 bright, inspired students,...

My personal viewpoints and perspectives have been shaped by my unique background and upbringing. Unlike most immigrants, I have been influenced by American customs nearly from birth. Yet, I still hold on to connections with my heritage. I’m only fluent in English, yet most of my meals, the movies I watch, and my friends are Indian. I shudder when I hear extremist Muslims criticizing the moral “looseness” of the US, yet I refuse to take part in dancing, dating,...

When I was in 8th grade, I was still unsure what I wanted to be when I grow up. I liked math, science, and computers, though, so I took a gamble and applied for the Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Technologies. Fortunately, I got accepted, and I decided to take the offer. When I first stepped through the doors in September, 2011, I had no idea what to expect. The next four years changed me forever. The “Academy...

One day, I returned home from school clutching recommendation letters for two summer programs inside envelopes differentiated only by the Post-its on them. I removed them so I could write down the addresses. After looking up the information I needed, I took out my pen when I realized my grave mistake. I had forgotten to note which envelope was which! Since these were security envelopes, my only option was to remove one of the letters, but this likely violated the...

Oh, come on. I need to talk about how I have fun, too? Sarcasm is sometimes described as one of the lowest forms of humor, a poor substitute for clever puns and punchlines. But for me, it has been a way to entertain people. Generally, the best time to drop a line is when no one expects it. During lunch, I never sit with a specific group of people, because I like to interact with as many classmates as I...

In November 2013, my life changed when I attended my first hackathon (which is essentially a "marathon" where teams work on projects in hardware and software in short time periods). When I arrived, I was surrounded by countless talented students who shared my passions for programming and engineering. We were all "hackers," using our abilities not for malice but to create a better world. At every hackathon, I am inspired by the quality of the projects to do more. Hacks have...

The definition of the word "hacker" has had many revisions over the past few years. While most people think of cyber-criminals, a new meaning has arisen. This new generation of hackers does not use their abilities for malice or terror. Rather, they channel them to create a better world. In November 2013, my world expanded when I attended the PilotPhilly hackathon. Hackathons are essentially programming marathons where people work on projects in hardware, software, and more. When I stepped into the...

In 8th grade, I had little idea what I would study in the future. I considered my general interest in math and science when I applied to the Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Technologies. This decision turned to be one of the most important in my life, as I discovered what I wanted to do when I signed up for the electrical and computer engineering class. There was a certain thrill in solving complex problems with hardware...