The white, curly hair sitting upon his head matched his lab coat precisely, and I was taken aback by his uncanny resemblance to a stereotypical mad scientist. I immediately questioned the acclaim he had garnered from the school community and wondered how someone so outlandish could be so highly regarded. The notion of this man becoming the most influential person in my life would have seemed absurd. In retrospect, however, the absurdity lies in my initial judgement of Mr. Horrace,...

After visiting numerous schools over the past year, Colgate was one of a select few that boasted what I was truly seeking: the feeling of a tight-knit community coupled with the resources and advantages of a prominent university. Colgate offers countless research opportunities to undergraduate students, which I would unquestionably take advantage of, as I have done in high school, conducting scientific research over the past two summers. Colgate’s off-campus study program, one of the finest in the country,...

After visiting numerous schools over the past year, only one boasted what I was truly seeking: the feeling of a tight-knit community coupled with the resources and advantages of a prominent university. Duke offers countless research opportunities to undergraduate students, which I would unquestionably take advantage of, as I have done in high school, conducting scientific research over the past two summers. DukeEngage would allow me to continue my community service on a global scale. I have been an active...

The atmosphere at Tufts was unparalleled by the other schools I had visited in my college hunt. Each person I met on campus seemed more friendly and engaging than the last. It quickly became apparent that the students contributed to the motivated yet supportive character I found almost exclusively at Tufts. As I researched more, I learned that students and faculty at Tufts do some amazing things, but unpretentiously. The modest, driven, and creative attitude that the Tufts community boasts...

After visiting numerous schools over the past year, Union boasted what I was truly seeking: the feeling of a tight-knit community coupled with the resources of a prominent university. 75 percent of students at Union are actively engaged in research; I would unquestionably take advantage of this, as I have conducted scientific research over the past two summers. As a former Girl Scout, I can see myself participating in many programs out of the Kenney Community Center. I will undoubtedly enthuse...

After exploring a plethora of schools over the past year, the College of Arts and Sciences, or “The College,” at the University of Pennsylvania was one of the few that boasted what I was truly seeking: a liberal arts education coupled with the advantages of a prominent university. As a student whose enthusiasm for the sciences has grown with her increased exposure to them, I know that the College houses excellent resources for those pursuing majors in the natural sciences....

After exploring a plethora of schools over the past year, Rochester was one of the few that boasted what I was truly seeking: the feeling of a tight-knit community coupled with the advantages of a prominent university. As a student whose enthusiasm for the sciences has grown with her increased exposure to them, I know that Rochester houses excellent resources for those pursuing majors in the natural sciences. The University of Rochester offers countless research opportunities to undergraduate students, which...

Most people find it hard to believe that a week after my Sophomore year of high school ended, I was happy to wake up at 5:30 in the morning (an hour earlier than I had to wake up for school). I guess that was not always true, but for the most part, nothing made me happier than starting my long, hectic day before the sun did. Typically, I would spend 20 minutes getting ready before one of my parents drove me to...

I think a selective college should ask how a prospective student spent their last two summer vacations in order to get an idea of the student’s interests. I would answer by saying that over the past two summers, I was able to conduct scientific research in the field of biomechanics with professionals at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. I undertook a project all my own, and collected data by analyzing failed ceramic hip replacements using...

Although I am not yet a member of the Community of Trust the Honor Code at University of Virginia establishes, I feel that my own ethical standpoint encompasses these facets. My personal morals go further, however, in that I hold myself responsible for those who may be unable to uphold these expectations. In other words, what I would add to the Honor Code is the importance of helping those less fortunate than myself. My family has instilled in me these...

My biggest piece of advice here is to write in your own voice. If you write what you think a college wants to hear, you are going to wind up sounding fake and generic. The idea of these essays is to make you stand out. Write about what is important to you, ensuring that your passion shows through your words.

I think that sending in additional material is a phenomenal way to stay on an admission's officer's radar after you are waitlisted or deferred, especially if it is newly acquired information. Although I was not deferred or waitlisted, I know many individuals who were and eventually received acceptance...

I only interviewed with Duke, as I was admitted early decision. My interview was very casual. I met my interviewer in a coffee shop, and he asked me for two things I would...

In my experience, my guidance counselor was the...

My guidance counselor and I wrote a list of schools that would be a good fit for me. I visited many of the schools,...

Apply early: No matter what any school...

Write about Duke's famous "work...

After visiting numerous schools over the past year, only one boasted what I was truly seeking: the feeling of a tight-knit community coupled with the resources and advantages of a prominent university. Duke offers countless research opportunities to undergraduate students, which I would unquestionably take advantage...