To say I feel paralyzed would be an understatement. I’ve been standing here, nine feet above the ground, for 5 minutes now. The rest of the springboard lies in front of me, waiting for my weight to bend the tip of it down and send me flying into the air. My club team coach, bouncing on the balls of his toes, is thrilled I’m going to attempt the dive he’s been begging me to try for a week...

Travel! Travel as much as you can. Colleges like to see that you are global; I truly believe that because I had all that travel experience on my resume, Northeastern admitted me to their N.U.in Program, which is a group of freshmen who study abroad their first semester. Also in the summer, work wherever and whenever you can. Even if it isn’t the best job, it’s just a summer activity, and it is something to put on your resume and something that will help you...

If you are good at talking about yourself (which is something I believe...