This past summer, I saw my grandmother for the first time in six years. She hugged me, looked me straight in the eye and said cheerfully, “My husband says that you are his friend, so now we are friends too, nice to meet you!” My mind blanked and all I wanted to do was run away and cry. But looking past my grandmother’s shoulder, I saw the red rimmed eyes of my grandfather begging me to play along. So...

(Amherst College) PROMPT: Respond to this quote: “Stereotyped beliefs have the power to become self-fulfilling prophecies for behavior.” [300 words max] There are infinite definitions of success. Attending a top STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Math) school in the Silicon Valley, the “success” of my peers consists of STEM-related achievements and ultimately, securing high-paying STEM jobs. Few question this definition of success, because many have limited exposure to (or interest in) the definitions that exist elsewhere. And so throughout middle school, I...

(Santa Clara University) Prompt: "Santa Clara University's strategic vision promises to educate citizens and leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion and cultivate knowledge and faith to build a more humane, just, and sustainable world. What aspect of SCU’s strategic vision appeals to you? Why?" I believe that compassion a crucial aspect life. Although our nation’s brutal and shameful history of slavery is behind us, discrimination and injustice still exist in our everyday lives. Recent controversy surrounding police violence...

Introduction to Theater: with only 15 students in the class, the professor (who is a producer of many off-Broadway productions) was able...

Passionate, focused, aware, fun, excited. Attending a liberal arts college has allowed me to meet...

Although UCLA would have been a smart choice for me since it is close to home and the cost...

Get to really know your teachers and guidance counselors. If...

Located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the opportunities for internships are endless. Although the...

Internships,...