Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. (between 250 and 650 words)

I haven't always been able to visualize myself dressed in a lab coat, with goggles over my eyes and my gloved hands gripping a test tube whose contents are bounded only by my imagination. For the long

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Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time. (350 words)

Last year, I was seen as the member of our Academic Decathlon team who said nonsensical things in order to draw amused chuckles or confused sighs out of other members. If you'd propped me up next to o

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Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side. (350 words)

Creativity is a very abstract concept that can be expressed with a myriad of different activities, hobbies, or skills. Now, I wouldn't say that I'm a traditionalist in this regard: sheet music resembl

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Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California? (350 words)

Wow, summarizing a commanding trait within your family and how it has been inherited and used to enable success in under 350 words is certainly no easy feat. If I were to define this trait in only one

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

Since its inception, Yale has been a university where individuals of the highest caliber have gone to demonstrate that they have a burning passion-an unwavering desire-for the acquisition of more know

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Reflect on your engagement with a community to which you belong. How do you feel you have contributed to this community? (250 words or less)

This year as Academic Decathlon captain, one of my first assignments given to me by my school's assistant principal was to research potential field trip locations related to what we are studying for t

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What do you most enjoy learning? (250 words or less)

If I were to answer this question with one subject, it would be relatively simple--chemistry. However, that is an answer that is not entirely true, because it doesn't venture into the core of what dri

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What inspires you? (short supplemental)

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Yale’s residential colleges regularly host intimate conversations with guests representing a wide range of experiences and accomplishments. What person, past or present, would you invite to speak? What question would you ask? (short supplemental)

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You are teaching a Yale course. What is it called? (short supplemental)

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Most first year Yale students live in suites of four to six students. What would you contribute to the dynamic of your suite? (short supplemental)

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In addition to the essay you have written for the Common Application, please write an essay of about 500 words (no more than 650 words and no fewer than 250 words). Using one of the themes below as a starting point, write about a person, event, or experience that helped you define one of your values or in some way changed how you approach the world. Please do not repeat, in full or in part, the essay you wrote for the Common Application. Selected Theme: “One of the great challenges of our time is that the disparities we face today have more complex causes and point less straightforwardly to solutions.” Omar Wasow, assistant professor of politics, Princeton University. This quote is taken from Professor Wasow’s January 2014 speech at the Martin Luther King Day celebration at Princeton University.

Eyes tracing the linear "Stream of Life" towards the bluffs which overlook beaches that would make even Brian Wilson swoon, hair blowing in the gusts of wind that paradoxically blew strong, yet harmon

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Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences that was particularly meaningful to you. (About 150 words)

I've worn many shoes to make the walk through high school more enjoyable, but the pair I am proudest to wear would certainly have to be those of a member, and later captain, of Academic Decathlon. It

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Please tell us how you have spent the last two summers (or vacations between school years), including any jobs you have held. (About 150 words)

Nearly every summer, I journey to my grandfather's house in Bakersfield to spend time swimming and barbecuing in his vast yard. However, two summers ago I was fortunate enough to have been able to tra

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Describe two or three of your current intellectual interests and why they are exciting to you. Why will Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences be the right environment in which to pursue your interests? (Please limit your response to 650 words.)

Even though my primary interests and career aspirations lie with the sciences, I would feel as if I was withholding some critical piece of information were I to not mention my love for history. I find

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