The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

The one thing I remember is pain--- leaning my head towards the sky, choking from the hot blood burning my throat. Moments earlier, I was on a bench at school, watching the tree leaves overlapping eac

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Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

“...and Moses parted the Red Sea, and led his people back to Israel.” I stared at her. “Pastor Claire...are the stories in the Bible actually true?” She stared back. “Let’s, uh...let’s talk about th

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Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

I clung to my mom while I watched the officer leave. It was late. I was nine and my mom had brought me to her lab. While she worked, I was occupied counting cells under a microscope, until the sound o

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We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do for the pleasure of it. (*)(100 words or fewer)

I play with my eight-year-old brother by choice. Surprising, right? When I have free time, I love sparring with him using foam swords. My childhood dream was to be a pirate. Because of that, I always

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At MIT, we bring people together to better the lives of others. MIT students work to improve their communities in different ways, from tackling the world's biggest challenges to being a good friend. Describe one way in which you have contributed to your community, whether in your family, the classroom, your neighborhood, etc. (*) (200-250 words)

Giving back is like compensation. It’s a sign of appreciation for the opportunities that I’ve been given, and a way to share them with others. Unfortunately, as a student, the extent of what’s possibl

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Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?(*) (200-250 words)

“Hey, where’d Jesus get his Y-chromosome from?” Ouch. That wasn’t the right question to ask. In hindsight, it makes sense why I was kicked out of two separate churches as a eight-year-old. As a chi

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Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?(*) (200-250 words)

I remember the pain––– leaning my head towards the sky, choking from the hot blood burning my throat. Kids were staring. Long story short, I was clocked in the head by a rubber disk. Not an isolated

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Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why? (*) (100 words or fewer)

My first instinct was MIT’s Department of Physics. I grew to love physics after a sophomore class full of the teacher’s own passion. I spent many afternoons in his classroom, conversing about topics r

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Scientific exploration clearly excites you. Beyond our 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio and our intense focus on research opportunities, how do you believe Caltech will best fuel your intellectual curiosity and help you meet your goals? (500 word max)

Part of the top layer was peeling, revealing “for us all” next to “Potholes”. “Oh, that’s really funny. We should figure that out.” I glanced at Dr. O’Brien, driving the shuttle, shocked that he eve

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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)

I’ve never realized how much cheating bothered me until I began watching this girl. I understand why students feel pressured to cheat, especially under high pressure, but she, who was so obviously gla

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Caltech students have long been known for their quirky sense of humor, whether it be through planning creative pranks, building elaborate party sets, or even the year-long preparation that goes into our annual Ditch Day. Please describe an unusual way in which you have fun. (200 word max)

There are so many ways to enjoy free time, and I constantly flip between several activities that I really love. However, my most enjoyable activity is sword fighting with my brother, [Name Redacted].

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In an increasingly global and interdependent society, there is a need for diversity in thought, background, and experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity of Caltech's community? (200 word max)

On the surface, I’m nothing special. As a very reserved person, I’m closed off from peers until comfortable enough to share my passions. Unfortunately, it gives the illusion of disinterest, but I’m ac

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What three experiences or activities have helped you explore your desire to study and possibly pursue a career in STEM? (200 words max)

I’ve asked myself many times: “Why do I like STEM?”. Ultimately, the answer begins with my banishment from two separate churches, centers around ClueFinders, and ends with my school experiences. My

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