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?

It all started with a Mickey Mouse sliding puzzle when I was 6 years old. At least it's one of the first puzzles I remember. The first day I got it, I just slid around the pieces to have the correct i

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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. (Max: 650 words)

“Haley, why do you have a bruise on the back of your neck?” The question paralyzed me, and for a brief moment, I considered my options. I didn’t know whether to let the tears fall, let the earth swall

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Life experiences / contribute to Harvard

From semester to semester, the number of girls in my math classes has dwindled from seven to four to one. I realize I’m the only girl left in a room full of white men. A harsh reminder of the obstac

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Intellectual experience

As part of a Girls Who Code project, I analyzed data involving child brides from Sierra Leone; the results were staggering and heartbreaking. After my investigation, I realized the infinite potentia

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EC/employment/travel/family experiences

From Daisy to Ambassador, the colors of my Girl Scout vest evolved from bright, child-like hues to muted tones. Each is designed to represent a new level of growth and confidence as a leader.  Wit

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Education plans

I often wonder what my life would be like if my father’s military service hadn't moved us around. I’ve struggled to find a place where I belong. I plan to finally find my place of harmony and solace

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Roommate intro

Hey Roomie, I can’t wait to meet you and live it up at school. I just wanted to tell you a little about myself so you’re not caught off-guard when we finally meet. I have a huge affinity for trave

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List a selection of texts, resources and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses, including but not limited to books, journals, websites, podcasts, essays, plays, presentations, videos, museums and other content that you enjoy. Common Application

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Humble Pi,                                          Integrated

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to Make and do                                   My Dark  In the Fourth                                       Vanessa, Dimension,                                         Nardwuar

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Isolation,                                             Serviette,

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American Psycho, Fahrenheit 451, Flowers for Algernon,

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The Tipping Point, Gossip Girl, Hamilton, Black Swan, The Broad, SCAD Museum of Art, NASCAR Hall of Fame,

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of LA County,

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Answer in                                                                Progress,

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The Life of                                                                Pablo, Late

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Really Good

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NFR Podcast A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia’s diverse and collaborative community.

I’ve been deprived of a fundamental aspect of my Hispanic culture—the language. My parents speak Spanish fluently, yet, they failed me. Growing up, whenever my Spanish-speaking relatives asked me a

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In college, students are often challenged in ways that they could not predict or anticipate. It is important to us, therefore, to understand an applicant's ability to navigate through adversity. Please describe a barrier or obstacle you have faced and discuss the personal qualities, skills or insights you have developed as a result.

Each semester, the number of girls in my math classes dwindled from seven to four to one. I’m the only girl left in a classroom full of white men. A harsh reminder of the obstacles I’ll face pursuing

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Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia.

I often wonder what my life would be like if my father’s military service hadn't moved us around. I was born in New York, and I’ve never been there since.  3 Aside from an exemplary education at C

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What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia Engineering?

As part of a Girls Who Code project, I analyzed data involving child brides from Sierra Leone; the results were staggering and heartbreaking. After my investigation, I realized the infinite potentia

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Have you completed research with a faculty member or mentor in an academic discipline such as science, engineering or other academic interests (e.g., humanities, social sciences or languages)? No

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Please enter your first essay.

Geoffrey L. Cohen wrote Belonging. I read this book in reflection on themes I found in Malcolm Gladwell’s works concerning interpersonal connections across societies. As a military kid, I have a

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Please enter your second essay.

In my 2022 Spotify Wrapped, I found that I am within the 96th percentile of Spotify music listeners–racking 74,982 minutes of music. To connect my passions for music and computer science, I hope to

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Academic Interest

Met with frustration, I was about to give up on my first problem set. I kept reading over and over the equation for the Linearity of an Expected Value. The goal was to finish the proof for it by makin

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Describe yourself in three words. First Word: Hilarious Second Word: and Third Word: Happy (My initials-HAH) What is your favorite snack? My mom’s homemade Colombian Arepas Best movie of all time: Once I rewatched When Harry Met Sally two times in the same night. I love rom-coms. Dream job: A Data Scientist for Google’s Research team. I really want a Noogler (new Googler) Propellor Hat. If your life had a theme song, what would it be? November. “What if I lose myself in college?” and “What if I chase

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Dream trip: New Bern, NC > Gatlinburg, TN (horse-riding) > Los Alamos, NM

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What TV show will you binge watch next? The Sopranos. The opening credits feature my parents’ hometown, Elizabeth, NJ. Which well-known person or fictional character would be your ideal roommate? Ash Ketchum the Pokémon Trainer. The best person to go with on a

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Favorite book: Humble Pi. I learned if soldiers marched in-sync, they could make a bridge swing. If you could teach a class on any topic, what would it be? The Languages of Humans and Computers–discuss similarities

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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.

17 I’ve been deprived of a fundamental aspect of my Hispanic culture—the language. My parents speak Spanish fluently, yet, they failed me. Growing up, whenever my Spanish-speaking relatives asked me

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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.

The knot in my throat starts to form as I timidly raise my hand.  From semester to semester, the number of girls in my math classes has dwindled from seven to four to one. As I look around my colleg

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Sometimes students' academic record and extracurricular activities are impacted by family responsibilities or other circumstances. Colleges want to better understand these responsibilities and circumstances. You may repeat some information you already provided in the Common App Activities section. Which of these do you spend significant time doing? Please select each activity on which you spend 4 or more hours per week.

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Background and Impact

The knot in my throat starts to form as I timidly raise my hand.  From semester to semester, the number of girls in my math classes has dwindled from seven to four to one. As I look around my classr

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HSA Class

I’ve been deprived of the most important aspect of my Hispanic culture: the language. My parents speak Spanish fluently, yet, they failed me. Growing up, I couldn’t communicate with my Spanish- speaki

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Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 word maximum)

Left, right, up, up.  The frustration mounted.  No, it’s down, up, right, left. I worked on sliding puzzles endlessly. At three years old, I wasn’t deterred by the complexity of this chain react

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Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 word maximum)

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Application

1 speak Spanish fluently, yet, they failed me. Growing up, whenever my Spanish-speaking relatives asked me a question, I would reply “No sabo”, a poorly conjugated version of I don’t know. A complet

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Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 word maximum)

Before my mother could ask why my teacher was emailing me, I began: “Good Afternoon Haley, I fully understand the difficulties of being successful in this remote learning environment and commend y

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Social and Community Question Topic 1 Social or Community Question Response

The knot in my throat starts to form as I timidly raise my hand.  From semester to semester, the number of girls in my math classes has dwindled from seven to four to one. As I look around my clas

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Explain why you selected the academic program(s) above and why you are interested in studying these at NC State. (250 words) [Engineering First Year - Computer Science Intent and English - Linguistics]

I fall under the 96th percentile of Spotify music listeners, listening to 74,982 minutes of music. Spotify is objectively the best music-listening app. They make a personalized experience with curated

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Critical and creative thinking are valuable skills in problem-solving. Tell us about a time in which you used one or both of these skills to address a problem or a need, in or out of the classroom.

As a military kid, I’ve always had to make myself fit in new environments whether it be at school, softball, or Girl Scouts. Before I ever get the chance to fit in though, I’m left out. Usually, when

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Most significant challenge society faces

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Last two summers

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Historical moment or event you'd like to witness

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Extracurricular activity, job, or family responsibility

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Five things that are important to you

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Idea or experience that makes you excited about learning

Met with frustration, I was about to give up on my first problem set. I kept reading over and over the equation for the Linearity of an Expected Value. The goal was to finish the proof for it by m

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Note to future roommate

Hey Roomie, I can’t wait to meet you and live it up at school. I just wanted to tell you a little about myself so you’re not caught off-guard when we finally meet. I have a huge affinity for trave

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Life experiences, interests and character that would help you make a distinctive contribution to Stanford

The knot in my throat starts to form as I timidly raise my hand.  From semester to semester, the number of girls in my math classes has dwindled from seven to four to one. As I look around my coll

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Unknown

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at Princeton? Your choice is not binding in any way: B.S.E. Please describe why you are interested in studying engineering at Princeton. Include any of your experiences in, or exposure to engineering, and how you think the programs offered at the University suit your particular interests. (Please respond in 250 words or fewer)

The knot in my throat starts to form as I timidly raise my hand.  From semester to semester, the number of girls in my math classes has dwindled from seven to four to one. As I look around my clas

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In which program of study do you think you would like to major at Princeton? Your choice is not binding in any way: Computer Science (B.S.E.) In addition to the major you noted above, please indicate which minor or certificate program might interest you: Linguistics In which second program of study do you think you would like to major at Princeton? Your choice is not binding in any way: Mathematics

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indicate which second choice minor or certificate program might interest you: Latino Studies Princeton allows students to apply for admission with or without SAT or ACT scores. Students who do not submit standardized test scores will not be at a disadvantage in the admission process. I have submitted or will submit ACT or SAT scores, and would like them

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Your Voice Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. As a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. What lessons have you learned in life thus far? What will your classmates learn from you? In short, how has your lived experience shaped you? (500 words or fewer)

Before my mother could ask why my World History Honors teacher was emailing me, I began: “Good Afternoon Haley, I fully understand the difficulties of being successful in this remote learning envi

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Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. How does your own story intersect with these ideals? (250 words or fewer)

As I stare at the kaleidoscope of colors embodied in the frailty of its wings, I am reminded of a butterfly effect. The idea that small ripples are capable of causing impactful changes around us.

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What brings you joy?

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What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment?

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Why Duke?

In my 2022 Spotify Wrapped, I found that I am within the 96th percentile of Spotify music listeners–culminating 74,982 minutes of music. To connect my passions for music and computer science, I hope

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Application

1 find these transformative opportunities. As a Girl Board Member for my region’s Girl Scouts, I help to make a difference. In our board meetings, I make sure to give input as someone from a rural

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Being Different optional essay response

As a military kid, I have always been the “new student.” I have collected eight schools as I have progressed from K-12. I have always worked to fit into new environments whether it be at school, s

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Identity question

I’ve been deprived of a fundamental aspect of my Hispanic culture—the language. My parents speak Spanish fluently, yet, they failed me. Growing up, whenever my Spanish-speaking relatives asked me a

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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 speed-cubing to participating in varsity athletics to reading romance novels. What is a favorite interest or hobby, and why does it bring you joy? This question can be answered as a written response (up to 100 words).

Humble Pi , T he Simpsons and their Mathematical Secrets , and Blink. From each of these books, I dived into a different and more scientific and inquisitive world. I start asking myself, “How many

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Short Answer #2

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