There is something about the heart of a child that draws me in. Maybe it’s the pure and genuine love that seems so rarely found in adults, or perhaps it’s the innocent smile full of nothing but joy, or even the spontaneity with which those tiny arms surprise me as they wrap around to give me a hug. Whatever that little something is, it makes me feel special and accepted – the best version of myself. “I’m thankful...

***NYU is global, urban, inspired, smart, connected, and bold. What can NYU offer you, and what can you offer NYU? (200-400 words)*** NYU makes an impact. Whether it’s service trips abroad to countries like Peru or weekly visits to the classrooms of underprivileged kids needing inspiration, the students at NYU are people driven by what they see in the world around them and are compelled to make an everlasting impact. NYU has opened their eyes to their roles as...

***What are the unique qualities of Northwestern – and of the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying – that make you want to attend the University? In what ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified? (300 word max)*** Northwestern has the best of everything – renowned academics with big ten athletics, a traditional campus environment with proximity to the city, and a variety of majors with the opportunity to pursue more than one through the quarter...

***If you are applying to the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences as either a first-year or transfer applicant, please discuss why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something particular about Duke that attracts you? (150 words max)*** Duke has it all – an ideal balance of renowned academics, school spirit to match stellar athletics, and an indispensable commitment to service. With a plan to pursue education as a career, I truly appreciate the program’s unique approach, which...

***Please relate your interest in studying at Georgetown University to your goals. How do these thoughts relate to your chosen course of study*** Because. The dreaded word. A word so vague and meaningless, meant to be merely a subordinating conjunction to connect two parts of a sentence, yet one that too often finds itself as an answer to my favorite question: Why? “Why can’t I do _____?” Because. “Why is she allowed to and I’m not?” Because. “Why do...

***In no more than 250 words, please tell us why BU is a good fit for you and what specifically has led you to apply for admission?*** It was Thanksgiving dinner with my long-lost aunt and uncle, who, in trying to find a relatable topic of conversation, stumbled upon the dreaded question. “So Katie, where are you headed off to school next year?” Rather than addressing this predictable and slightly uninformed question with blunt annoyance, I continued the conversation as follows. �...

***Please share with us any story that you believe your application would be incomplete without. (500 words max)*** Confidence, uncertainty, eagerness, intensity, the rare but not out of the question panic – these are the possible auras of a beginning pose. What looks to most like a picture carefully crafted by the choreographer to mark the start of a routine is to a dancer the culmination of an elaborate and consuming process. We train for months and prepare for hours, all for...

***Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests?*** I love and admire kids for their untainted view of the world, their innate curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new things, and the simple pureness in their hearts. I want more than anything to one day find myself submerged in this atmosphere,...

***Indicate any special talents or skills that you possess.*** Think about a time that you were given a gift – a gift that perhaps is hanging on your wall, set out for display on your mantle, or even tucked away for long-term safekeeping. No, not a famous replica of a Van Gogh masterpiece or a $200 authentic antique vase. I mean a gift from the heart, handmade, crafted specially for you. Maybe it was a coupon book of free hugs and kisses...

***Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (300 words max)*** I rhyme with little but am not the littlest. I am forever walled in but am not a guinea pig. Did you guess middle child? If you did, chances are that you are one...

I knew I wanted an urban school, but also applied to some typical campus schools too because I did a bad thing and hadn't visited very many by the time the application deadlines came around. I figured I would just visit the ones I got...

Everyone talks about NYU being in New York City (and to be honest, everyone I know here chose it at least 50% for the city), but the admissions department doesn't wanna know that. To them, there are endless amounts of schools in the city so the "why NYU?" question still stands unanswered. That being said, it's still a very urban campus and only a certain type of person can thrive in such a real world environment right away, so it would still be good to address that aspect of it. Plus, if you just ignore the topic all together, they'll know...

College Democrats - If you're looking for a liberal campus, come to NYU. Everyone is very activist-oriented and it's pretty awesome. I would call myself a Republican, but the College Dems...

Colleges Against Cancer (college branch of American Cancer Society, organizes Relay for Life and raises awareness/funds about cancer on campus) - I chose because one of my close friends from home was recently diagnosed & community service is a very important part of my life and this club provides lots of group opportunities for that Club Crew Team (rowing) - My small group leader from a pre-orientation program randomly joined her freshman year without prior experience and was trying to get all of...

Obviously New York City is a prime location. We have everything at our disposal here, whether it be little food and coffee shops on every corner, an amazing array of (free w/ college ID) museums for every weekend adventure, and a...