I described how learning about education in India altered my perspective on learning. Upon discovering that Indian children learn volumes more in school than I do, even with advanced classes, I was motivated to discover STEM through any avenue I could. I showed how this desire is the driving force behind all of my activities.

Ask people with whom you feel a personal connection. There are often many strong students in a class, so your performance alone...

Try your hardest to pursue areas that interest you. If you're a science person, contact a lab at a university near you to see if you can shadow professors or even conduct your...