"While I was reading How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas Foster over the summer, I came across a chapter titled “Marked for Greatness.” It explained that a physical flaw on a character had a deeper meaning, making them extraordinary. This idea resonated with me. As an individual who suffered from a physical limitation, I became curious about the truth of the idea. . . . Although, I didn’t transform into the best walker, I gained a sense of freedom...

For my "Why Columbia," I wrote about my experience attending one of their open houses and being part of the Columbia Science Honors Program. Additionally, since I lived near New York City, I often traveled to Columbia since a lot of cool events take place there so I also mentioned how Columbia's campus was always full of life. For my "Why Yale" and "Why Princeton," these essays came naturally since I used their database and library to advance my research...

Caltech, another school I was accepted into, had a supplemental that asked to describe a weird hobby. It was hard at first because I had no idea what to write, but then I realized it could be anything as long as it was true so I talked about how I play minesweeper occasionally. I remember when I submitted, I thought it was the weakest supplement for that school, but when I got accepted, the admission officer actually wrote me a...

A lot of schools love to ask this, especially with schools trying to diversify (they're not even being subtle anymore). Again, this question caused a lot of discomfort for me because what was meant by diversity? Is being a minority diverse? Is being an engineering student at a liberal arts college diversity? Is having a low SAT score being diversity - I mean I would be one of kind going to a place like Yale with 1600/2400? For me, this question...

Members of the Caltech community live, learn, and work within an Honor System with one simple guideline; 'No member shall take unfair advantage of any other member of the Caltech community.' While seemingly simple, questions of ethics, honesty and integrity are sometimes puzzling. Share a difficult situation that has challenged you. What was your response, and how did you arrive at a solution? (200 word max) As a team captain, I have to put the welfare of the team before...

A good portion of the time, applicants want to know what to do to make a successful college essay. The answer is numerous; there's so much you can do and write about. That's why instead, I would to like to share the things you SHOULD NOT being do if you want to succeed in writing a college essay. I gather all the advice I read, heard, and shared over senior year into to collection below. Pay heed to what is...

There's no hierarchy of extracurricular activities...

I used to think Harvard University was full of stuck-up people which almost...

I'm planning to get a masters in a...

Harvard is the quintessential institution of...