“Dictionaries define confidence as self-assuredness. I define it as a constant, bright smile. This summer, I spread confidence to children in Taiwan. Their smiles brightened alongside mine as I taught them English. I hope to continue spreading confidence throughout my life by helping those in need. Coming to you from Kennett Square, PA, the mushroom capital of the world, I am Annabelle Schmitt, a girl with that smile.” My legs shook and my entire body begged to escape the blinding...

I stand in a room furnished with two mattresses, a desk, chair, and fan. Eight feet away, my mother and sisters stand before an equally empty room. We have one computer and no wifi. The bathroom is no better than the rooms--but for the cockroaches, it is perfect. 歡迎來到花蓮學田國小。Welcome to Hualien Elementary School. My sisters and I start up right away: “Mommy, this is gross! I thought you said Taiwan was nice. Do we really have to stay for an...

I didn't work hard enough on these. Big tip is to simply start early and edit edit edit! Don't be afraid to scrap essays and start over. When you find a topic that you write and write and write about, that may be the one! But it may very well be a story that every other applicant could write. Make sure it's unique to you and really reflects how you can be a great student for a school, whether through...

I'd apply to more targets! I knew getting into...

This didn't end up helping me very much, but sending in a letter to reiterate...

I stuck with my school guidance counselor, and he was VERY helpful. It's all about being...

Sociable- People at Penn State love to party and love to have fun. Students are always out and about doing *some*thing! Intelligent- Getting into the Main Campus isn't...

~Gym memberships aren't free! Granted it's not much money but it's...