Memories of exciting battles like these are safely snuggled away in the pages of some of my most beloved books, and in their fantastic, otherworldly settings I have become the confident girl I am today. When I was younger, I seriously struggled with self-acceptance. Watching movies like Mean Girls or The Breakfast Club, I could never pick out people who looked like me. Leading ladies were gorgeous and delicate, not tall and awkward with afros that struck fear into the...

Dearest NYU, I have been in love with you for quite some time now. As a young girl I would admire you from afar, merely a schoolgirl’s crush, staring open-mouthed at your tall, glittering buildings and vibrant violet banners. As I grew older, my puppy love grew to look past the superficial and I fell hard. I saw the diversity of your student body, a melting pot of talent and intellect, and the care with which you taught them....

When I think of Northwestern, I can’t help but smile like a love struck fool. The twitch of facial muscles is involuntary, a natural response when I think of how perfect Northwestern is for all I hope to achieve. I am a bit eclectic as far as academic and extracurricular interests go, and I need a university that will embrace those aspects of me and help them flourish. Under Northwestern’s quarter system, I can immerse myself in both...

Try to write a supplemental essay that seems specific but can be tweaked to insert different details of all the schools you're applying to. I did this by mentioning traditions of each schools or the names of certain groups and clubs I wanted to join. This makes it seem like you really want to go there and have done your research (which is probably true anyway) but you can easily change this info around to make the whole essay writing...

Quality not quantity. I applied to 9 colleges but I honestly was only interested in about 3 or 4. Applications cost money, make sure...

I think a very important part of the college search is finding a student body that will embrace you and help you grow in all the aspects that you're passionate about. What does that mean? Don't go to an Ivy League just because you're accepted for starters. Also, make sure the school's overall vibe is in line with your future plans. I...

My best advice is to calm down a bit and be yourself. I only interviewed with two schools, Penn and Brown, both went very well, one school accepted me and the other did not. They just want to hear what you're passionate about and why exactly you want to go to their school. Be specific and be honest, a lot of these guys have been interviewing for years and can see right past some flimsy lie or textbook interview answer. They want to know what makes you unique so tell them. Also, don't get too nervous.They are normal people...

Choose teachers who have seen you grow and know you well. This could be coaches/directors in activities that you've been involved with for a few years or teachers who have had you in more than one class, especially one that relates to your major. I choose a science teacher I had from...

I'm not a genius or an internationally ranked athlete or a 12th generation legacy. I didn't have any of those special, amazing draws that get colleges interested in you. I was just a normal student who worked really hard. I studied a lot and got really good grades. It wasn't just me alone, it was me having study group sessions with friends and cramming all night for that one physics test. I still failed some tests and assignments but I always picked myself up and pushed myself harder. I joined activities I loved, not because I thought they'd look good...