My personal statement on the Common App focused on overcoming failure and using that experience as a motivator for success. I was a full time athlete when I started high school, and an injury set me back a long way. Following the setback, I never reached the same level of success, which was extremely disheartening. The gist of my essay was that I found a new calling, music, in the midst of my unhealthy self pity, and suddenly found that...

Growing up in a public urban school district has been an extremely illuminating experience for me. I have developed close bonds with a diverse group of people from various backgrounds, both ethnic and socioeconomic. Drugs, truancy, and underachievement are but a few of the afflictions that I’ve seen within my school. However, music provides the drive and motivation to rise above them. Music unites students and cultures in a cohesive whole that provides an opportunity for individuals to experience...