Rach510,
McGill ‘24
B.A., Undecided
I'm a recent high school grad planning on studying economics and political science. I would love to offer you my insights on applying to college!
Features Included
23
Essays
15
Schools
9
Scores
8
Advice
4
ECs
1
Sports
Results, Essays, and Advice
Accepted
Waitlisted or Withdrew
Denied
-
McGill University (Montreal, Canada)
Applied for a B.A. in Undecided
Accepted and Enrolled Legacy: NoSchool Specific Essays
Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.A diver is standing on a moving ferris wheel and wants to land in a cart of water that is moving back and forth below. At what point should she jump? This is what I contemplated at age eight, late at night, curled up in my bed reading math textbooks written by my grandma, who had developed a high school math curriculum designed to teach math through its real-life applications. At the time, I didn’t understand the math, but...Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.On my first day of kindergarten, I didn’t understand a word my teacher said. Six months earlier, I had won the lottery when my name was randomly picked for enrollment in my school district’s Spanish-immersion program. My parents seemed thrilled, but on the first day, I didn’t feel very lucky. The program consists of an equal number of native English and native Spanish speaking students. Elementary school was taught mostly in Spanish. The program continued in middle...What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?“So what do you want to see changed at our school?” It was sophomore year and I was brainstorming with my running mate for Junior Class President. One thing came to mind immediately. We needed free menstrual products in school bathrooms. It had bothered me since middle school that toilet paper and soap were considered necessities but menstrual products were not, causing some girls to face embarrassment or miss school if they were caught unexpectedly without supplies or couldn’t...Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.When I told my dad I was going to write one of my essays about my artwork, he said, "What artwork?" I guess I shouldn't be surprised. A lot of what I do in high school is public-facing: running for student body president, advocating for policy changes, writing for the school newspaper. Artwork is something I do for myself. The first piece of art I made that I was proud of still hangs in my room today. I made it...The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?Personal Statement669 WordsIssue of personal significance, Leadership experience, One moment that changed you, Overcoming personal struggleLast year, I ran for student body president. The election kicked off with a candidate meeting in a stuffy, overflowing classroom. Seventy candidates were vying for ten positions; six were running for president. I knew, of course, that I might not win. But I had no idea that this election would end in one of the biggest cases of election fraud in high school history. I ran for president because, in my experience, student leaders can make meaningful change. As...I ripped apart the seam of the teddy bear’s stomach and reached in. Deep in the fluff I rooted around and pulled out the hidden Snickers bar. Confiscating contraband candy snuck in through the mail was part of my office job at the sleepaway camp on Orcas Island where I had lived for a month each summer since I was ten. My other jobs were sorting mail, stuffing envelopes, flattening cardboard, stamping letters, and talking with prospective campers. Fellow...I am persistent, and my friends and family would probably describe me as someone who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in. If I’m being honest, they would also probably say that I can obsess over things that I think need to change, especially if I feel like I can do something about it. But I am proud of the change I’ve accomplished. For example, last year I read an article about New York...A diver is standing on a moving ferris wheel and wants to land in a cart of water that is moving back and forth below. At what point should she jump? This is what I contemplated at age eight, late at night, curled up in my bed reading math textbooks written by my grandma, who had developed a high school math curriculum designed to teach math through its real-life applications. At the time, I didn’t understand the math, but...This was my letter of continued interest I sent to Penn after being deferred.Supplemental Essay: Other330 WordsJanuary 30th, 2020 Dear Admissions Committee, Thank you for taking the time to read my application. I know that Penn is an incredibly selective school with thousands of applicants and I am excited to still be considered a candidate for admission. Penn remains my dream school and I would love to become part of the class of 2024. I’m writing to express my continued interest in attending Penn, and to include some updates to add to my application. Below are some...What is important to you? And why?Supplemental Essay: Issue of personal significance237 WordsIt is important to me that I expose myself to different kinds of people and ideas that might be different from my own. One way I do this is by making sure I am involved in my city and school communities. I’ve been able to do this at my school though activities such as writing for the school newspaper and student government, and at the city through my internship with the City Council and my role on the Youth...Tell us more about ONE or TWO activities that are most important to you. Please explain the role you played and what you learned in the process.Supplemental Essay: Extracurricular activity337 WordsTwo impactful activities that have shaped my high school experience and given me insight into what I want to pursue at university are my internship at the City Council and my role as vice-chair on the Youth Commission. I intern for a City Councilmember. As an intern, I conduct research for, revise, and draft city legislation; propose ideas for legislation; and provide constituent services and answer phone calls. The Council recently passed legislation that I proposed and drafted, which gives...Indicate and special talents or skills you possess.Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school251 WordsMy friends and family would probably describe me as someone who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes. If I’m being honest, they would also probably say that I can be a bit obsessive about things that I think need to change, especially if I feel like I can do something about it. For example, last year I read an article about New York City requiring free menstrual products in schools for students who need them...What does it mean to you to be educated? How might Georgetown College help you achieve this aim?Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school617 WordsMy parents are not particularly religious, but one core value they imparted to me is a belief in the power of people to use their talents in service of others. Both of my parents are lawyers who have taught me from a young age the importance of standing up for unpopular people, treating everyone with compassion, and giving a fair chance even to those who have made terrible mistakes. They both use their law degrees to reduce the number of...How did you discover your intellectual and academic interests, and how will you explore them at the University of Pennsylvania? Please respond considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected.Supplemental Essay: Intellectual interest453 WordsMy two primary areas of interest are math and public policy. I enjoy analytical thinking and problem solving, especially in the context of using numbers and data analysis to find solutions to real world problems. Ever since my dad taught me how to calculate batting averages in fourth grade, math has excited me. My interest in policy came somewhat later, through classes that exposed me to social sciences and comparative governmental systems. I am intrigued by the factors that can...At Penn, learning and growth happen outside of the classrooms, too. How will you explore the community at Penn? Consider how this community will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape this community.Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay204 WordsI live in an urban, quirky city and attend a large, diverse, public high school. I want to attend a university with an eclectic mix of students and activities, located in a large, vibrant city. I had never seen Philadelphia before I came to visit, but as I strolled down Locust Walk, listening to my tour guide describe Penn’s engaged students and strong connection to the community, I knew Penn was the right place for me. In high school...What about being a student at Boston University most excites you?Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay224 WordsMy grandfather is from Boston, so although I was born in Atlanta and now live in Berkeley, we spend every summer in Boston with family. As a result, I was naturally drawn to Boston University because I have gotten to know the city as a kid and I am excited to study at a school in Boston that has such an intriguing mix of courses, engaged students, and civic-minded extracurriculars. I hope to pursue a major in economics and a...Elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiencesSupplemental Essay: Extracurricular activity149 Words“Please hold for the Congresswoman.” I was about to interview Rep. Barbara Lee, for the newspaper’s podcast series, about her lone vote against the Iraq War in 2001. I nervously asked my question, but, as it turned out, it was a story she told me about integrating her high school cheerleading squad that I most wanted my classmates to hear. My work on the newspaper allows me to bring stories to teenagers about their own lives and struggles. The podcast,...Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.Supplemental Essay: Extracurricular activity376 Words“Please hold for the Congresswoman.” I was about to interview Rep. Barbara Lee, for the newspaper’s podcast series, about her lone vote against the Iraq War in 2001. I nervously asked my question, but, as it turned out, it was a story she told me about integrating her high school cheerleading squad that I most wanted my classmates to hear. My work on the newspaper allows me to bring stories to teenagers about their own lives and struggles. The podcast,...Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about an academic interest (or interests) that excites you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue it.Supplemental Essay: Intellectual interest254 WordsA diver is standing on a moving ferris wheel and wants to land in a cart of water that is moving back and forth below. At what point should she jump? I pondered this at age eight, late at night, curled up in my bed reading math textbooks my grandmother wrote. At the time, I didn’t understand the math, but I loved the idea that math could be used to solve real problems. I still do. I want to...At Brown, you will learn as much from your peers outside the classroom as in academic spaces. How will you contribute to the Brown community?Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay254 WordsI am a persistent person, and my friends and family would probably describe me as someone who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in. If I’m being honest, I can obsess over things that I think need to change, especially if I feel like I can do something about it. I am proud of the ways I have improved my school and community. One example is my work to bring free menstrual products to school...Tell us about a place or community you call home. How has it shaped your perspective?Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school255 WordsI ripped apart the seam of the teddy bear’s stomach and reached in. Deep in the fluff I rooted around and pulled out the hidden Snickers bar. Confiscating contraband candy snuck in through the mail was part of my office job at the camp where I had lived for a month each summer since I was ten; my other jobs were sorting mail, stuffing envelopes, flattening cardboard, stamping letters, and talking with prospective campers. Fellow staff members who worked...List a few words or phrases that describe your ideal college community; List the titles of the required readings from courses during the school year or summer that you enjoyed most in the past year; List the titles of the books you read for pleasure that you enjoyed most in the past year; List the titles of the print, electronic publications and websites you read regularly; List the titles of the films, concerts, shows, exhibits, lectures and other entertainments you enjoyed most in the past yearSupplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school308 WordsList a few words or phrases that describe your ideal college community. (150) In my ideal college community, I will learn from professors who challenge me, and who are insightful, dedicated, and inspiring. I will have classmates who are curious, collaborative, argumentative, and passionate. And I will have friendships with people who are kind, generous, adventurous, supportive, creative, and witty. Community is about people and relationships; my ideal college community will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the people and the...Please tell us what you value most about Columbia and why.Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay307 WordsIt’s easy to say that what draws me to Columbia is New York City. I live in an urban, quirky city and attend a large, diverse, public high school. It’s true - I want to attend a university with an eclectic mix of students, located in a large, vibrant city. But what really draws me to Columbia is its undergraduate research and immersive learning opportunities, and its Core Curriculum, which I view as the ideal foundation for a...Please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the field or fields of study that you noted in the Member Questions section.Supplemental Essay: Intellectual interest293 WordsA diver is standing on a moving ferris wheel and wants to land in a cart of water that is travelling back and forth below. At what point should she jump? This is what I contemplated at age eight, late at night, curled up in my bed reading math textbooks my grandmother wrote. At the time, I didn’t understand the math, but I loved the idea that math could be used to solve real problems. I still do. Years...What factors influenced your decision to apply to Barnard College and why do you think the College would be a good match for you?Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay249 WordsIn fifth grade, I placed sixth in a regional math competition. I was the only girl to place in the top ten and was honored by the City Council. I was proud of how well I did, but my excitement was tempered by what almost everyone, including my dad, said to me when the results were announced: “Congratulations! You were the highest-placing girl!” I remember feeling outraged. I wanted to be good at math, not good at math for a...Pick one woman in history or fiction to converse with for an hour and explain your choice. What would you talk about?Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school257 WordsIn middle school, the boys almost never passed to the girls during ultimate frisbee. On the rare occasion one of them passed the frisbee to me, I was terrified of dropping it and confirming their expectations. As a teenage girl who loves sports, I am often not taken seriously, even when I rattle off baseball statistics or write an in-depth article for the school newspaper sports page. A picture book about Jackie Mitchell I read as a kid has stuck...At the University of Vermont, we have a set of core values called Our Common Ground, which define how we work, live, study, do research, and participate as members of the community. Each core value statement falls under one of the following words: Respect, Integrity, Innovation, Openness, Justice, and Responsibility. Choose one word from Our Common Ground and explain why it is important to you, how it has impacted you, and how you have incorporated it into your life.Supplemental Essay: Unique question posed by school322 WordsTo me, responsibility means making things right when I think the status quo needs to be changed. I believe that it is my responsibility to play an active role in my community and to speak out when I need to. One example of this is the menstrual products policy that I convinced my school district to adopt. I read an article last year about New York City requiring free menstrual products in schools for students who needed them unexpectedly or...This was an essay specifically for the Honors program (I was admitted): UIC Honors College is described as a community of scholars whose goal is to enrich the educational experience of undergraduates and allow the faculty and students of all disciplines to interact in teaching, learning, and research. How will your engagement with the Honors College foster your academic, personal, and professional growth?Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay428 WordsI’ve always been interested in attending a college in a vibrant and engaging city, with the resources of a large research institution. I also see the benefit in attending a smaller school with a tighter-knit community of faculty and peers to learn from. The UIC Honors College seems like the perfect mix of the benefits of those two very different types of schools. The Honors College will foster my academic, personal, and professional growth through its undergraduate research, academic,...We would like to know more about your interest in NYU. What motivated you to apply to NYU? Why have you applied or expressed interest in a particular campus, school, college, program, and or area of study? If you have applied to more than one, please also tell us why you are interested in these additional areas of study or campuses. We want to understand - Why NYU?Supplemental Essay: “Why us” school essay413 WordsIt’s easy to say that what draws me to NYU is New York City. I live in an urban, quirky city and attend a large, diverse, public high school. It’s true - I want to attend a university with an eclectic mix of students and activities, located in a large, vibrant city, and NYU certainly meets that definition. But what really draws me to NYU is its global connections, and its renowned undergraduate public policy program. When I...Letter of continued interest I sent to Northeastern after being deferred in the early action round.Supplemental Essay: Other361 WordsJanuary 30th, 2020 Dear Admissions Committee, Thank you for taking the time to read my application. I know that Northeastern is an incredibly selective school and I greatly appreciate that I am still being considered a candidate for admission. I’m writing to express my continued interest in attending Northeastern, and to include some updates to add to my application. I am drawn to Northeastern for its strong value on experiential learning. In high school, I’ve realized that I learn...School Specific Advice
How I chose schools to apply to67 WordsDon't forget about Canada! Seriously, make sure you consider options outside of your comfort zone. McGill is MUCH cheaper than...List of schools I interviewed with and my interview experience377 WordsG'town: So I messed up with this interview. The way they do interviews is a little bit different. They send you the name of the interviewer and you reach out to them. The email got lost in my spam folder and I found it a month late. I sent my interviewer a VERY apologetic email and we were able to arrange a last minute interview. So, check your spam folder. Penn, Barnard: Pretty standard alumni interview. Prepare for questions like "Tell me about yourself," "What are some achievements you're proud of," and "How did you develop your academic interests?" And...How I chose schools to apply to118 WordsLondon schools are also cheaper that US private schools! So I will be honest I didn't really know what I was doing with the UCAS application, but it was super easy and quick. (My personal...Additional material sent in after waitlisted or deferred187 WordsPenn deferred me in the ED round, so I sent in a letter of continued interest (LOCI), which is in the supplemental essay section. I have no clue if this helped me in any way, but I do sincerely believe that it is important to use EVERY SINGLE opportunity to submit material to a school. If...How I chose schools to apply to363 WordsThese are all of the schools that I toured. I went during spring break of my junior year. I think touring definitely made me want to apply, since tours tend to make most schools look pretty awesome. I was planning to tour some other schools that I got into after receiving decisions in March of my senior year, but I wasn't able to because of the coronavirus. However, I was still able to do webinars, and I asked my school counselors if they knew students at the schools I was considering and they were able to give me contact info....
More Essays
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General Admissions Advice
How I narrowed down my essay topics374 WordsSo we all know how difficult it is coming up with a topic for a personal statement. I went through about five essays that I hated before landing on an idea I actually liked. I had had an experience that really angered me - the student election I was in getting hacked - but I didn't realize I could write about it. I sat down one day and decided to just tell the story, and since I was so passionate about the story, it was my strongest writing. I was able to then turn it into a story about bouncing...How to deal with the stress of applying to college230 WordsAs you can probably tell by the amount of essays I wrote, I spent a lot (probably too much) time on my applications. And yes, it was very stressful. My advice? First, apply to a few safety schools! Nothing will relax you more than knowing you got in somewhere. And if you DO get into a safety school, do everything you can to make it a great option....My advice about getting recommenders104 WordsI was pretty scared to ask for recommendations. But remember, your teachers do this every year. I approached my recommenders at the end of my junior year in person, and then...
High School Performance
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SportsSwimming/Diving
Extracurriculars
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Experience & Awards
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