What work of art, music, science, mathematics, or literature has surprised, unsettled, or challenged you, and in what way? Robert Penn Warren’s All the King’s Men seems to track the story of Willie Stark through the reflections of his companion Jack Burden. The story reflects the narrator’s stream of consciousness, which does not care for chronology or order. Thus this story becomes an enigmatic study for me, as I try unsuccessfully to document all of the changes...

Describe the world you come from and how that world shaped who you are: The person I am today was shaped through 16 years of immersion in the teachings, and guidance, of Vedic philosophy. As a child, I grew up learning about the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and qualities, like understanding, self-control, and gratitude, that made people like Lord Rama and Lord Krishna so great. Under the guidance of Pandurang Shashtri Athavale, I learned the true meaning of the verses of...

Why Rochester? - The University of Rochester is one of two universities listed by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as arts-and-science focused, medium-sized, and highly residential, with comprehensive PhD programs, medical schools, and very high research activity. Both offer undergraduates an unusual degree of freedom in their curriculum. Which of these characteristics (or others) are leading you to apply to Rochester? The University of Rochester’s focus on research and its open curriculum are two leading factors...

Please tell us what you find most appealing about Columbia and why: Columbia appeals to me because I can see that at Columbia, I can truly find and explore who I am, and what I am really interested in. Though I am leaning towards a biology focus, I feel that by having core requirements, Columbia successfully allows me to experience ideas that are not within my own field of study, instilling within me critical ideas that would give me a...

When I think of the possibility of studying at Boston University, I see an opportunity for self-development. At the University, I can see myself diving into the depths of my passion for biology while researching under the eye of a mentor and through the SURF program. BU’s seven year Accelerated Medical Program would facilitate exploration of my broad academic interests and interest in medicine. In addition to these academic opportunities at BU, I like the university’s unique atmosphere....