628 words - Common App Walk Exiting school, my Creative Nonfiction classmates and I scattered for our solitary, silent, two hour walk around our Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. I did not expect to see anything new, having walked these streets for three years. But without the distraction I usually have walking with friends, I quickly realized that this neighborhood was actually a stranger to me. I could provide street names and store locations, but I had never really considered its personality or the...

I firmly believe that learning should occur both in and outside the classroom. I make a point of applying knowledge that I gain from my teachers and classmates to almost everything I do when my school day ends. What I love about Tulane is the balance it offers between learning inside and outside the classroom. I have always learned best in smaller classes where I have close relationships with professors; Tulane offers me both. I would have the opportunity to...

Rice offers me a perfect combination of challenging academics, varied extracurricular opportunities, cohesive community, and school spirit. The honor system is one of the core reasons I hope to attend Rice. In my high school, I am privileged to be part of a community that places high value on trust, mutual respect, and honesty. With Rice students all sharing this same mindset, I know I will have the opportunity to openly engage in discussions about controversial issues and learn from...

Among the things I want most in college are small class sizes where I can actively participate in discussions, form relationships with my professors, and collaborate with my peers; opportunities to explore many academic areas; access to internships and other outside-the-classroom learning; and a cohesive, supportive community. Haverford offers all these, strengthened by the honor code’s promise of an environment of mutual trust and respect, where diverse opinions can be voiced. Clubs like Teaf Business Society would help me...

Why Colorado College: I learned about Colorado College through a family friend who, over the course of a dinner conversation, noted, “Abby, I know just for the school for you, Colorado College.” Knowing little about the school, I did my own in depth research to determine the accuracy of her statement. I found that the factors that lead to my greatest success as a student - experimental hands-on learning that enables me to see the practical applications and gain first...

The main community that I belong to is my small, private, and progressive high school community. In addition to my roles as a student and player on the school basketball and softball teams, I hold several leadership positions: a member of the Student Committee, Editor of the Yearbook, and Student Representative on the Urban Board of Trustees. Through these leadership programs I have become more confident, articulate, and open to compromise. My ability to work with people from different backgrounds...

I chose two teachers who knew me well both in...

Summer is a break from school. If you are working hard during the year and getting good grades while still participating in other activities, I don't think you should worry all that...