Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story

Late at night, with my room pitch black, and my noise-canceling headphones on, I scrolled through Spotify, not expecting much. It wasn’t until I played the first song under my “discover weekly,” Ivy -

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UC Activities/Awards List

1.Extracurricular activity Robotics club Co-founder/ and technology lead for Robotics Club. (20+ ppl) Club focused on engineering robots to compete in the Vex Robotics Competition against other teams

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UC PROMPT 2: Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem-solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistic, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. (250)

Late at night, with my room pitch black and noise-canceling headphones on, I scrolled through Spotify, not expecting much. It wasn’t until I played the first song under my “discover weekly,” Ivy - Fra

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UC PROMPT 4: Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced. (250)

I sat in the engineering lab at Anderson 237, among several college students waiting for the first Solar Car Club meeting to start. Knowing that our school was unable to offer workshops and engineerin

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UC PROMPT 3: What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? (250)

Clock in I am a master of time, an anti-procrastinator as one might call it. Being the eldest child of two refugees whose lives are filled with long work hours for low pay, I understand how precious

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UC PROMPT 5: Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement? (250)

Teacher: “Jason your timer starts now. “ Me: “D-d-David o-o-once ro-ro-rode a bike.” Upon receiving a paper that listed my words per minute reading speed as “at risk” I was discouraged by not only m

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OPTIONAL Some Caltech applicants engage in STEM competitions locally, nationally, and internationally (such as AIME, Science Olympiad, International Science Olympiads.) If you have received any STEM honors or awards, list them here (and scores, if applicable) (200 max)

H2O Hackathon (1st Place, $1500 prize) - Designed an educational app that encourages students to save water within their high school. 1st Place Quizbowl (1st place medal + school trophy) - Competed i

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Why did you choose that area of interest? (200 words; Electrical Engineering and Environmental Engineering)

In a galaxy far, far away, I was captivated by the futuristic technology and robots depicted in the Star Wars universe. From the sleek and agile X-wings to the versatile and resourceful droids, I was

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STEM experience/activity #1

As a member of the electrical engineering team in the Solar Car Club at the University of the Pacific, I was exposed to the application of electrical engineering in the design and construction of a so

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STEM experience/activity #2*

I co-founded the robotics club at my school with the goal of providing students with the opportunity to learn about and compete in robotics, even though we did not have access to engineering or worksh

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The creativity, inventiveness, and innovation of Caltech’s students, faculty, and researchers have won Nobel Prizes and put rovers on Mars, but Techers also imagine smaller scale innovations every day, from new ways to design solar cells to 3D printing dorm decor. How have you been an innovator in your own life? (250 words)

"Save Blue, Live Green" was the slogan that solidified our victory at the H2O Hackathon. As a team, we were committed to creating an app that would not only be practical and educational but also visua

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The process of discovery is best advanced when people from diverse backgrounds come together to solve the greatest challenges in their fields. How do your past experiences and present-day perspectives inform who you have become and how you navigate the world? (250 words)

Growing up in a poorer and less well-funded school, as well as being the child of immigrant parents who never had the resources, time, or money to go to school in Vietnam, has fueled my drive to succe

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If there are aspects of your identity that you feel are not captured elsewhere in this application, please provide that information below. (150 words optional)

Poetry has always been a way To satisfy my curious mind To explore the world and its mysteries And leave no question left behind Through verse and rhyme, I find my voice A voice that speaks with hone

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When not surveying the stars, peering through microscopes, or running through marathons of coding, Caltech students pursue an eclectic array of interests that range from speedcubing to participating in varsity athletics to reading romance novels. What is a favorite interest or hobby and why does it bring you joy? (100 optional)

Pacing allows me to escape the mundane and tap into my creativity in a way that nothing else can. I love how pacing has its own rhythm and flow, like a symphony, that can take me on a journey of the m

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Did you have a hard time narrowing it down to just one interest or hobby? We understand – Caltech students like to stay busy, too – tell us about another hobby or interest! (50 optional)

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Describe how you plan to pursue your academic interests and why you want to explore them at USC specifically. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (Approximately 250 words)*

As an aspiring electrical engineer with a passion for renewable energy and sustainability, I am excited to bring my unique skills and experiences to the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. I am particu

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Your Unique Contributions to USC Viterbi The student body at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering is a diverse group of unique engineers and computer scientists who work together to engineer a better world for all humanity. Describe how your contributions to the USC Viterbi student body may be distinct from others. Please feel free to touch on any part of your background, traits, skills, experiences, challenges, and/or personality in helping us better understand you.* (250)

Imagine a world where the power of the sun fuels our homes, our cars, and even our trips to outer space. As a future electrical engineer with a focus on renewable energy and environmentalism, I am det

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The Engineering Grand Challenges The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and their 14 Grand Challenges go hand-in-hand with our vision to engineer a better world for all humanity. Engineers and computer scientists are challenged to solve these problems in order to improve life on the planet. Learn more about the NAE Grand Challenges at http://engineeringchallenges.org and tell us which challenge is most important to you, and why. (250)

As a water warrior who has fought against drought on the frontlines, the Grand Challenge to provide access to clean water is my top priority. Growing up in drought-stricken San Joaquin County, I’ve se

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Personality Questions:

Describe yourself in three words. First Word: Electrifying Second Word: Eco-Friendly Third Word: Energizing What is your favorite snack? I really enjoy chocolate covered almonds (HAS TO BE DARK CHOCO

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Vanderbilt offers a community where students find balance between their academic and social experiences. Please briefly elaborate on how one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences has influenced you.

Nicknames are substitute titles given to a person for the convenience of others. However, my nickname JT is a crucial part of my identity that runs beyond a moniker. When I joined my first cultural

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