Beams of light materialized from the gloom, transfiguring the clouds into a blanket of dull gold. I gently opened my eyes and rubbed them for several seconds in an attempt to invigorate my senses. A glance through the airline window revealed the source of the heavenly glow, sunrise. I propped myself up on the seat and lined my face with the window, straining for a more suitable view. Varying plots of land that resembled pieces of a quilt had replaced...

Trapped in a stuffy cubicle, the common engineer creates spreadsheets and technical reports. Sounds thrilling, right? I view the common engineer as a bland technocrat, a worker bee of sorts. Why Duke? Duke stresses the significance of interdisciplinary work. The best engineers are not those who take the most technical classes, but dynamic thinkers who are also acquainted with the liberal arts. At Duke, I can conduct nanotechnology research at the Fitzpatrick Center and attend physics lectures at Hudson Hall...

I picked up a wine bottle from the conveyer belt. “May I see your ID, ma'am?” I asked from the cash register. “Do I look like a teenager to you?” she said indignantly. “No ma'am, it's just that I have to verify.” “What is it with this store?” she groaned. After processing the rest of her groceries, the final amount was $79.54. “With what will you be paying today, ma'am?” She handed me a hundred dollar bill. “I'd like four fives...

Trapped in a stuffy cubicle, the stereotypical engineer creates spreadsheets and technical reports. Sounds thrilling, right? Why Penn? Penn doesn't use a predetermined curriculum to churn out stereotypical engineers; Penn stresses the significance of left brain-right brain engineering and interdisciplinary work. In the present day, the best engineers are not those who have taken the most technical classes and can only think analytically, but dynamic thinkers who can apply their creativity to global problems. This is how Penn differs from...

Engineering is all about applying science to benefit mankind, to create a more unified world and a higher standard of living. As an aspiring engineer, I would join Engineering for Africa during a gap year. The program is designed to bridge the gap between engineering and volunteering. Engineering for Africa would allow me to practice basic engineering, travel and work in a different cultural environment, and assist impoverished communities in Africa. As a member of the program, I could choose...

I believe that my essays set me apart from other applicants. Although I had decent extracurriculars and high grades, I do not think these factors distinguished me from other smart students applying to schools like Duke and Penn. In my personal statement, I explored a significant family issue and always made completely honest remarks. It is important to be sincere in your...

In "Why Us" essay topics, most admissions officers are looking at how much of a fit you are for the school. Although it is important to mention majors, minors, and extracurricular activities at the school...

Although college interviews seem like a very serious ordeal, they are not as intimidating as you would imagine. Most college interviews are casual and involve you talking to an alum for about a half hour. The questions are usually standard and revolve around why you applied to the school and what aspects of the school interest you most. During interviews it seems like you are having a conversation with...

Throughout high school, I tried to be involved in as many clubs and volunteer opportunities as possible. After finishing my college applications, I realized that I had been using a flawed approach. Admissions officers are not impressed if you...

Before choosing Duke, I was stuck between Duke and Penn. Both schools are of equal esteem, so I decided to visit them to get a better idea of what I wanted. I ultimately chose Duke because I viewed the school as one giant community. Since Duke is situated in Durham, a somewhat bland city, students are on campus most of the time. This creates an environment where students live together, do homework together, go to classes together, and hang out together. Most of the social events are on campus or at venues within walking distance of campus, rather than at...