#2 - 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? (max 650 words)

Can you imagine what it’s like to fail to “quell” a compulsion and proceed to be tormented by excruciating scenarios of a terrible death befalling your entire family? What about having to constantly r

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Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it? (200 words or fewer)

It was 6pm. A Tuesday. The three 10ft-wide, floor-to-ceiling whiteboards at the back of my school’s library were filled to the brim with an intricate mélange of differential delay systems, derivations

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Why Yale? What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)

In a world where engineering’s construct falters, Flawed, it often forsakes altruistic altars. Profits prevail, overshadowing a mindful creed, Yet, I, on a different path, choose to proceed. To build

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What inspires you? *200 characters (approximately 35 words or fewer)

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If you could teach any college course, write a book, or create an original piece of art of any kind, what would it be? *200 characters (approximately 35 words or fewer)

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Other than a family member, who is someone who has had a significant influence on you? What has been the impact of their influence? *200 characters (approximately 35 words or fewer)

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What is something about you that is not included anywhere else in your application? *200 characters (approximately 35 words or fewer)

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Reflect on an element of your personal experience that you feel will enrich your college. How has it shaped you? (400 words or fewer)

#3: "Dai! Dépêche-toi! You're late, vamos!" "¡Voy!", I yell back, gasping for air as I throw on the first pair of shoes I can find, hurrying downstairs. This is an all-too-common occurrence in the Fo

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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. (100 words or fewer)

Moral Tribes; Sapiens; Homo Deus; Crime and Punishment; 1984; Animal Farm; Oh! The Public; TED-Ed YouTube; Veritasium YouTube; Kurzgesagt YouTube; Not Overthinking Podcast; Energy and Civilization: A

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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. (150 words or fewer)

"Dai! Dépêche-toi! You're late, vamos!" "¡Voy!", I yell back, gasping for air as I throw on the first pair of shoes in sight, hurrying downstairs. This is an all-too-common occurrence in the Fonseca h

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In college/university, 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. (150 words or fewer)

I was at the school library at 6pm on a Tuesday. Before you question my sanity, I’d just been assigned the dreaded Internal-Assessment for my IB Higher-Level-Mathematics course. Twenty-pages and infam

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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. (150 words or fewer)

In the heart of New York, where towers touch the sky, Columbia calls; a true beacon of knowledge high. With the Core Curriculum, my education, refined: Linguistics, cognitive science, engineering; all

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What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)

Having never met my grandfather, I’ve always wondered what it must’ve felt like to be recruited by NASA’s Apollo program. Sheer passion palpable in tales from the journal entries I’ve read, he never f

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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 (approx. 250 words, 400 max).

Dear UpDrop, It all began during lockdown, remember? A profound realization had disrupted the cherished tranquilness of my sacred Sunday afternoon pizza cheat meal, instilling a deep sense of angst w

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Brown's Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might pursue them at Brown. (200-250 words)

I’m of the unwavering opinion that engineering as a societal construct is, largely, inherently flawed. Yes, yes, I know. Controversial. Bear with me! This industry often sets aside an altruistic min

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Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community. (200-250 words)

"Dai! On se dépêche! You're late again, vamos!" "¡Voy!", I yell back, gasping for air as I throw on the first pair of shoes I can find, hurrying downstairs. This is an all-too-common occurrence in th

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Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words)

It was 6pm. A Tuesday. Everyone had gone home. The three 10ft-wide, floor-to-ceiling whiteboards at the back of my school’s library were filled to the brim with an intricate mélange of differential de

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What three words best describe you? (3 words max)

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What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)

I was left deeply unsatisfied when I discovered on-demand delivery’s environmental repercussions and the effect exorbitant fee markups (imposed by apps) have on already struggling small businesses and

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If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 words)

Balancing training for the 2024 San Jose marathon with the IB/extracurriculars, I find myself running late into the night most school days. Coach won’t have it any other way; and, honestly, neither wo

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In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)

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Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected above. (150 max)

I was left deeply unsatisfied when I discovered on-demand delivery’s immense environmental repercussions. Thus, for the 2021 season of the World Robot Olympiad (2nd-largest robotics competition global

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Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you? (150 max)

In Houston’s vibrant embrace, Rice’s story is told; A place of wonder, a tale of the bold. The campus’ beauty, a diverse delight, Under Texan skies, dreams truly do take flight. At my residential col

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The Residential College System is at the heart of Rice student life and is heavily influenced by the particular cultural traditions and unique life experiences each student brings. What life experiences and/or unique perspectives are you looking forward to sharing with fellow Owls in the residential college system? (500 max)

"Dai! On se dépêche! You're late, vamos!" "¡Voy!", I yell back, gasping for air as I throw on the first pair of shoes in sight, hurrying downstairs. This is an all-too-common occurrence in the Fonseca

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Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. How will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard? (200 max)

"Dai, su! On se dépêche! You're going to be late." "Voy!", I yell back. What you just read is an all-too-common occurrence at the Fonseca household. In some instances, it may concern lighthearted ba

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Briefly describe an intellectual experience that was important to you. (200 max)

How is it a feasible reality that I can go from witnessing powerful political figures arguing on Twitter one moment to being at the grocery store purchasing pasta imported from Italy and avocados from

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Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you. (200 max)

I never miss a Warriors basketball game. Ever. You’ll often find me fervently screaming at my laptop whenever Draymond Green gets ejected after an ill-advised insult at the referee. Again. He just nev

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How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future? (200 max)

I am of the unwavering opinion that, largely, engineering as a construct within society is inherently flawed. Collectively as an industry, the all-too-relevant human aspect I believe must govern all d

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Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are. (200 max)

Having never met my grandfather, I’ve often wondered what it must have felt like to be recruited by NASA to work on the Apollo program. Sheer passion palpable in tales from the journal entries I’ve re

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Tell us about an aspect of your identity (e.g. race, gender, sexuality, religion, community, etc.) or a life experience that has shaped you as an individual and how that influenced what you’d like to pursue in college at Hopkins. (This can be a future goal or experience that is either academic, extracurricular, or social). 350 word limit.

"Dai! Dépêche-toi! You're late, vamos!" "¡Voy!", I yell back, gasping for air as I throw on the first pair of shoes in sight, hurrying downstairs. This is an all-too-common occurrence in the Fonseca h

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What is your sense of Duke as a university and a community, and why do you consider it a good match for you? If there's something in particular about our offerings that attracts you, feel free to share that as well. (250 word limit)

I’m of the unwavering opinion that engineering as a societal construct is, largely, inherently flawed. Yes, controversial. Bear with me! This industry often sets aside an altruistic mindset for prof

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We believe a wide range of personal perspectives, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to making Duke a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community. (250 words max)

"Dai! On se dépêche! You're late again, vamos!" "¡Voy!", I yell back, gasping for air as I throw on the first pair of shoes I can find, hurrying downstairs. This is an all-too-common occurrence in th

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Tell us about an intellectual experience in the past two years that you found absolutely fascinating. (250 words max)

It was 6pm. A Tuesday. Everyone had gone home. The three 10ft-wide, floor-to-ceiling whiteboards at the back of my school’s library were filled to the brim with an intricate mélange of differential de

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Tell us more about why this field of study at MIT appeals to you. *100 words or fewer

I never met my grandfather. Years of hearing my mother brag about his prolific mechanical-engineering career have made me wonder what it must have felt like to be recruited by NASA’s Apollo program. S

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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 simply for the pleasure of it. *150 words or fewer

In lines of code, my canvas is laid, A digital realm where dreams are made. Oh, dear reader! Hear this tale; Of learning’s humming, a passion set to sail. Like my dog’s curiosity, in bits and bites I

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How has the world you come from—including your opportunities, experiences, and challenges—shaped your dreams and aspirations?* 225 words or fewer

"Dai! On se dépêche! You're late, vamos!" "¡Voy!", I yell back, gasping for air as I throw on the first pair of shoes I can find, hurrying downstairs. This is an all-too-common occurrence in the Fons

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MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds together to collaborate, from tackling the world’s biggest challenges to lending a helping hand. Describe one way you have collaborated with others to learn from them, with them, or contribute to your community together.* 225 words or fewer

It was 6pm. A Tuesday. Everyone except Andrés and I had gone home. The three 10ft-wide, floor-to-ceiling whiteboards at the back of my school’s library were filled to the brim with an intricate mélang

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How did you manage a situation or challenge that you didn’t expect? What did you learn from it?* 225 words or fewer

Can you imagine what it’s like to fail to “quell” an impulse and proceed to be tormented by excruciating scenarios of a terrible death befalling your family? What about having to walk precisely betwee

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What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 max)

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How did you spend your last two summers? (50 max)

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What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 max)

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Briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities, a job you hold, or responsibilities you have for your family. (50 max)

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List five things that are important to you. (50 max)

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The Stanford community is deeply curious and driven to learn in and out of the classroom. Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning. (250 max)

It was 6pm. A Tuesday. Everyone had gone home. The three 10-foot-wide, floor-to-ceiling whiteboards at the back of my school’s library were filled to the brim with an intricate mélange of differential

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Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate – and us – get to know you better. (250 max)

“NO FOUL!!”. I never miss a Warriors game. Ever. You’ll often find me ardently screaming at my laptop whenever Draymond Green fouls or gets ejected after an ill-advised insult. Again. He just never l

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Please describe what aspects of your life experiences, interests and character would help you make a distinctive contribution as an undergraduate to Stanford University. (250 max)

"Dai! On se dépêche! You're late again, vamos!" "¡Voy!", I yell back, gasping for air as I throw on the first pair of shoes I can find, hurrying downstairs. This is an all-too-common occurrence in the

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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)

I’m of the unwavering opinion that engineering as a societal construct is, largely, inherently flawed. Yes. Controversial. Bear with me! This industry often sets aside an altruistic mindset for profi

Unlock profile to read full content

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)

"Dai! On se dépêche! You're late, vamos!" "¡Voy!", I yell back, gasping for air as I throw on the first pair of shoes in sight, hurrying downstairs. This is an all-too-common occurrence in the Fonseca

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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)

Dear UpDrop, It all began during lockdown, remember? Every time the delivery-person buzzed away on his emissions-spewing scooter, I couldn’t help but reflect on the immense environmental impact of

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What is a new skill you would like to learn in college? (50 words max)

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What brings you joy? (50 words max)

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What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment? (50 words max)

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We want to be sure we’re considering your application in the context of your personal experiences: What aspects of your background, your identity, or your school, community, and/or household settings have most shaped how you see yourself engaging in Northwestern’s community, be it academically, extracurricularly, culturally, politically, socially, or otherwise? (fewer than 300 words)

It was 6pm. A Tuesday. Everyone had gone home. The three newly-installed, floor-to-ceiling whiteboards were filled to the brim with an intricate mélange of differential delay systems, derivations, and

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1) Painting “The Rock” is a tradition at Northwestern that invites all forms of expression—students promote campus events or extracurricular groups, support social or activist causes, show their Wildcat spirit (what we call “Purple Pride”), celebrate their culture, and more. What would you paint on The Rock, and why? (200 max)

Within the vibrant hues of Purple Pride, On The Rock, a canvas lies so wide. I’d paint a quasar; a galactic nucleus, a cosmic fire, A beacon of light that’ll never tire. Its sheer luminosity, a meta

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5) Northwestern is a place where people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world can study, live, and talk with one another. This range of experiences and viewpoints immeasurably enriches learning. How might your individual background contribute to this diversity of perspectives in Northwestern’s classrooms and around our campus? (200 max)

"Dai! On se dépêche! You're late again, vamos!" "¡Voy!", I yell back, gasping for air as I throw on the first pair of shoes in sight, hurrying downstairs. This is an all-too-common occurrence in the

Unlock profile to read full content