25
Colleges
3
Q&As
8
AP/IBs
54
Essays
0
Awards
0
Activities
Comp. Lit. Pre-Med @ Princeton
After being deferred during Early Action, I applied to 29 schools. It was a lot of effort, but it worked in my favor. I hope you are able to use my essays to your advantage.
P
Comp. Lit. Pre-Med @ Princeton
25
Colleges
3
Q&As
8
AP/IBs
54
Essays
0
Awards
0
Activities
P
Race
White
Gender
Male
School Type
Private
Legacy
No
Low income
No
First generation
No
International
No
Recruited Athlete
No
GPA (W)
4.5
GPA (UW)
3.95
GPA Scale
4
SAT
1570
ACT
36
# AP/IB Exams
8
Personal Statement
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
The capital of Burkina Faso is Ouagadougou, one of three capitals in the world that begin with the letter O. I never knew Burkina Faso existed, let alone the rarity of its capital’s initial, until my
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P
As a research institution that also prides itself on its liberal arts curriculum, Princeton allows students to explore areas across the humanities and the arts, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. What academic areas most pique your curiosity, and how do the programs offered at Princeton suit your particular interests? (Please respond in about 250 words)
I became passionate about Classical studies and linguistics when I was a junior translating Vergil’s Aeneid. Vergil’s writing helped me realize how much I enjoyed learning about ancient civilization t
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Briefly elaborate on an activity, organization, work experience, or hobby that has been particularly meaningful to you. (Please respond in about 150 words)
Working on my school’s newspaper, The Panel, has been one of my favorite experiences. I joined the club because I loved writing, starting as an article writer and assistant arts section editor. As I f
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At Princeton, we value diverse perspectives and the ability to have respectful dialogue about difficult issues. Share a time when you had a conversation with a person or a group of people about a difficult topic. What insight did you gain, and how would you incorporate that knowledge into your thinking in the future? (250)
For most of my childhood, I was surrounded by people similar to me. I attended an Armenian elementary school where all my friends had similar backgrounds and experiences. I was familiar with persecuti
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Princeton has a longstanding commitment to service and civic engagement. Tell us how your story intersects (or will intersect) with these ideals. (250)
Because of my older brother, I have been connected to the special needs community from birth. My role as my brother’s leader began the moment I became self-aware—a role that extends to other members o
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Yale University
Why do these areas appeal to you? (up to approximately 125 words).
I became passionate about Classical studies when I was a junior translating Vergil’s Aeneid. I love how reading Latin, especially Latin poetry, feels like a puzzle. Its word order constantly varies, a
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What is it about Yale that has led you to apply? (125 words or fewer)
Yale’s extensive research opportunities would greatly help me broaden my Classical knowledge. I am particularly intrigued by the Yale Papyrus Collection as I have done work with the Vindolanda tablets
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Yale’s extensive course offerings and vibrant conversations beyond the classroom encourage students to follow their developing intellectual interests wherever they lead. Tell us about your engagement with a topic or idea that excites you. Why are you drawn to it? (250 words or fewer)
My passion for the Classics extends beyond translating Latin prose and poetry; I am also interested in art history and ancient Greek. I was introduced to Roman art my sophomore year. My teacher’s wife
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Reflect on a community to which you feel connected. Why is it meaningful to you? You may define community however you like. (250)
My Armenian heritage is integral to my identity. However, during my transition from elementary to middle school, I lost a connection to it—a loss that emphasized the importance of family, preserving m
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University of Pennsylvania
Considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected, how will you explore your academic and intellectual interests at the University of Pennsylvania? (300-450 words)
Through Penn’s extensive research and study abroad opportunities, I hope to broaden my Classical knowledge. By traveling to Athens or Rome, I would be able to delve more deeply into the cultures and h
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At Penn, learning and growth happen outside of the classrooms, too. How will you explore the community at Penn? Consider how this community will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape this community. (150-200 words)
My Armenian heritage is integral to my identity. However, as I transitioned into middle school, I lost a connection to it. The experience emphasized the importance of my family and the preservation of
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Johns Hopkins University
Use this space to share something you’d like the admissions committee to know about you (your interests, your background, your identity, or your community), and how it has shaped what you want to get out of your college experience at Hopkins. (300-400 words)
My Armenian heritage is integral to my identity. However, during my transition into a new school, I lost a connection to it. As a young child, my culture permeated my life. I attended [School Redacted
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Swarthmore College
We are inspired by students who are flexible in their approach to learning, who are comfortable with experimentation, and who are willing to take intellectual risks that move them out of their comfort zone. Reflect on a time that you were intellectually challenged, inspired, or took an intellectual risk—inside or outside of the classroom. How has that experience shaped you, and what questions still linger? (max 250)
Scio nae exesse coris… cix et tacis excessi habeo. Translation: “I truly know to consume seeds… and I consider 109 of you having been withdrawn.” My work had resulted in absolute gibberish, and I had
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Duke University
• Books, music and works of art have a way of changing how we view the world around us. Tell us about a book, piece of music or work of art that unsettled or challenged you. How did you respond and in what ways has it made a tangible impact on your life and world view? (Limit response to no more than 600 words) (Robertson Scholars Program)
Vergil’s Aeneid has drastically affected the way I perceive myself and the world around me. The Aeneid reforged my critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities through its unfamiliar, initially
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“Yesterday I was clever. So I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise. So I am changing myself.” How does this resonate with you and your experiences? Reflect upon changes you have made and the effect those changes have had on your leadership and impact. (Limit your response to 600 words or less.)
As a young child, I was oblivious to the difficulties presented by autism and other disabilities. My weak relationship with my brother further hindered my understanding of the adversities he and other
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Please share with us why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something in particular about Duke’s academic or other offerings that attracts you? (200 word limit)
Duke’s extensive research and study abroad opportunities would greatly help me broaden my Classical knowledge. Through trips to the Mediterranean, I would be able to delve more deeply into the culture
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OPTIONAL: Duke University seeks a talented, engaged student body that embodies the wide range of human experience; we believe that the diversity of our students makes our community stronger. If you'd like to share a perspective you bring or experiences you've had that would help us understand you better, perhaps a community you belong to or your family or cultural background, we encourage you to do so here. Real people are reading your application, and we want to do our best to understand and appreciate the real people applying to Duke. (250 word limit)
My Armenian heritage is integral to my identity. However, during my transition from elementary to middle school, I lost a connection to it—a loss that emphasized the importance of family, preserving m
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Describe an aspect of your identity (for example, your religion, culture, race, sexual or gender identity, affinity group, etc.). How has this aspect of your identity shaped your life experiences thus far? (min 200, max 250 words)
My Armenian heritage is integral to my identity. However, during my transition into a new school, I lost a connection to it. As a young child, my culture permeated my life. I attended [School Redacted
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Former UNC-Chapel Hill employee, community service member, and civil rights activist Esphur Foster once said “We are nothing without our history.” Her words are memorialized on the Northside Neighborhood Freedom Fighters monument (https://www.chapelhillarts.org/arts-experiences/public-art/). How does history shape who you are? (max 250 words
The Armenian genocide remains a significant part of my homeland’s history. The events of 1915 are forever ingrained in the minds of all Armenians, and the attempted ethnic cleansing of my people is im
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Please submit a short essay (250 words or fewer) that describes your academic interests and the ways you believe Honors Carolina can help you pursue them. (Honors Carolina)
I am highly interested in Classics and linguistics, which are academic passions I developed throughout high school. Through Honors Carolina, I will be able to broaden the scope of my knowledge within
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University of Southern California
USC believes that one learns best when interacting with people of different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Tell us about a time you were exposed to a new idea or when your beliefs were challenged by another point of view. Please discuss the significance of the experience and its effect on you. (max 250 words)
As a young child, I was oblivious to the difficulties presented by autism and other disabilities. My weak relationship with my brother further hindered my understanding of the adversities he and other
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Brown University
Some schools offer students the opportunity to take national exams in areas such as math and language. These exams include, but are not limited to, AIME, AMC 10, Le Grand Concours, National Spanish Exam, National Latin Exams. If you have taken any of these exams (or any other subject-based national or international examinations), please inform us of the exams and scores you find most meaningful. (Max 250)
I have taken the National Latin Exam five times, the National Greek Exam twice, and the National Spanish exam once. I earned the Gold/Outstanding Achievement award on my Introductory Latin exam and th
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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 use the Open Curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar. (min 200, max 250 words)
Brown’s extensive research and study abroad opportunities would greatly help me broaden my Classical knowledge. Through trips to Athens or Rome, I would be able to delve more deeply into the cultures
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• Brown’s culture fosters a community in which students challenge the ideas of others and have their ideas challenged in return, promoting a deeper and clearer understanding of the complex issues confronting society. This active engagement in dialogue is as present outside the classroom as it is in academic spaces. Tell us about a time you were challenged by a perspective that differed from your own. How did you respond? (max 250)
I waited inattentively in the back row of my homeroom, anticipating a mundane announcement about new COVID protocols or lunch schedules. However, when I directed my attention towards the Promethean bo
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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. (max 250)
Art has always been a significant part of my life. Of all its forms, music tends to bring me the most joy. My love for music began during my childhood. My mother always said I sang before I spoke, and
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University of Virginia
College of Arts and Sciences (max 300) - What work of art, music, science, mathematics, literature, or other media has surprised, unsettled, or inspired you, and in what way?
Vergil’s Aeneid, specifically the Latin version, inspires me and directly influences my writing. His understanding of rhythm contributes to the mellifluence of his passages, and his ability to play wi
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If you created a flash seminar, what idea would you explore and why? (max 250 words)
Music has always been important to me. I can vividly remember pestering my parents to turn on the radio as a young child. Songs, specifically their production, fascinated me; for some time, I could no
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Boston University
What about being a student at Boston University most excites you? (max 250 words)
Boston University’s extensive research and study abroad opportunities would greatly help me broaden my Classical knowledge. Through trips to Greece or Rome, I would be able to delve more deeply into t
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Describe a time when you felt out of your comfort zone or marginalized in a situation. How did you respond to that moment and how has it informed your actions moving forward? (max 600 words) (Trustee Scholarship)
As a young child, I was oblivious to the difficulties presented by autism and other disabilities. My weak relationship with my brother further hindered my understanding of the adversities he and other
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Dartmouth College
While arguing a Dartmouth-related case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1818, Daniel Webster, Class of 1801, delivered this memorable line: “It is, sir,…a small college, and yet there are those who love it!” As you seek admission to the Class of 2026, what aspects of the College’s program, community, or campus environment attract your interest? (100 words)
At Dartmouth, I would easily be able to further my education in the fields of Classics and linguistics. Through the extensive study abroad and research opportunities, specifically the new Classics For
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The Hawaiian word mo’olelo is often translated as “story” but it can also refer to history, legend, genealogy, and tradition. Use one of these translations to introduce yourself. (250-300 words)
Self-etymology A summer’s day, intense and warm. Rays of sunlight streak brilliantly Everywhere across rocky earth, Conquering shadows, chasing away dark night. Soldiers line city walls. Audacious
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Boston College
Socrates stated that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” Discuss a time when reflection, prayer, or introspection led to clarity or understanding of an issue that is important to you. (max 400 words)
As a young child, I was oblivious to the difficulties presented by autism and other disabilities. My weak relationship with my brother further hindered my understanding of the adversities he and other
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Brandeis University
The Brandeis community is a diverse group of critical thinkers defined by their ability to dive deeper into their learning by questioning, analyzing, evaluating, creating, critiquing and seeking other perspectives. Share an example of how you have used your own critical thinking skills on a specific subject, project, idea or interest. (250 words max.)
Scio nae exesse coris… cix et tacis excessi habeo. “I truly know to consume seeds… and I consider 109 of you having been withdrawn.” My first transliteration had resulted in absolute gibberish, and I
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Columbia University
A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and live in a community with a wide range of perspectives. How do you or would you learn from and contribute to diverse, collaborative communities? (200 words or fewer)
My Armenian heritage permeates nearly every aspect of my life. However, when the Armenian school I attended closed down, I had to assimilate into an Americanized community. For the first time, my clas
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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. (200 words or fewer)
Columbia’s extensive research and study abroad opportunities would greatly help me broaden my Classical knowledge. Through trips to Greece or Rome, I would be able to delve more deeply into the cultur
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For applicants to Columbia College, please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you previously noted in the application. (200 words or fewer)
I became passionate about Classical studies when I was a junior translating Vergil’s Aeneid. I had taken courses in Latin before, having been intrigued by the language’s puzzle-like nature, but I deve
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Cornell University (New York)
Students in Arts and Sciences embrace the opportunity to delve into multifaceted academic interests, embodying in 21st-century terms Ezra Cornell’s “any person…any study” founding vision. Tell us about the areas of study you are excited to explore, and specifically why you wish to pursue them in our College (650).
At Cornell, I would love to continue my education in the fields of Classics and linguistics, both of which I became passionate about when I was a junior translating Vergil’s Aeneid. Vergil’s writing h
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University of Chicago
How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to UChicago. (There is no strict word count, but your response should be approximately 250 words.)
The University of Chicago’s extensive research and study abroad opportunities would greatly help me broaden my Classical knowledge. Through trips to Athens or Rome, I would be able to delve more deepl
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Vanderbilt University
Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (200-400 words)
As a young child, I was oblivious to the difficulties presented by autism and other disabilities. My weak relationship with my brother further hindered my understanding of the adversities he and other
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Rice University
Please explain why you wish to study in the academic areas you selected above (150)
I became passionate about Classical studies when I was a junior translating Vergil’s Aeneid. I had taken Latin courses before, having been intrigued by the language’s puzzle-like nature, but I develop
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Based upon your exploration of Rice University, what elements of the Rice experience appeal to you? (150)
Rice’s research opportunities, specifically the study abroad programs in Athens and Rome, will allow me to further develop my passion for the Classics and help satiate my academic ambitions. Rice’s af
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Rice is lauded for creating a collaborative atmosphere that enhances the quality of life for all members of our campus community. The Residential College System and undergraduate life are heavily influenced by the unique life experiences and cultural tradition each student brings. What life perspectives would you contribute to the Rice community? (500)
My Armenian heritage is integral to my identity. However, during my transition from elementary to middle school, I lost a connection to it—a loss that emphasized the importance of family and the prese
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University of Notre Dame
The founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, Blessed Basil Moreau, wrote, “We shall always place education side by side with instruction; the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.” How do you hope a Notre Dame education and experience will transform your mind and heart? (200)
Notre Dame’s extensive research and study abroad opportunities would greatly help me broaden my Classical knowledge. Through trips to Greece or Rome, I would be able to delve more deeply into the cult
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There is a story or meaning behind every name or nickname—both those we’re given and those that we choose. What is meaningful to you about your name? (200)
Armenian names, but Armenian names can tell stories themselves. Almost all Armenian last names end in “ian” or “yan,” which roughly translates to “the family of.” Whatever comes before can signify the
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Please tell us more about your cultural background and identity in the space below. (max 150 words)
My Armenian heritage is integral to my identity. However, during my transition into middle school, I lost a connection to it. As a young child, I attended [School Redacted] and studied my people’s his
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• Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations? (max 250 words)
My love of science began when I was in elementary school. My kindergarten teacher would arrive to class each day with a new experiment, and I still remember the first time she made a volcano explode w
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Tell us more about why this field of study at MIT appeals to you (max 100 words).
Through MIT’s linguistics program, I hope to further develop my passion for linguistics. As a bilingual, language acquisition has always interested me, and I began researching it as a junior. I am cur
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OPTIONAL: If you think that additional information about your family will give us a more thorough impression of your background, please include it here. (max 250 words)
My brother was diagnosed with autism at the age of four, just around the time I was born. From the moment I became self-aware, my role as his leader began. As a young child, I longed for an older brot
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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 (max 250 words).
Art has always been a significant part of my life. Of all its forms, music tends to bring me the most joy. My love for music began during my childhood. My mother always said I sang before I spoke, and
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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. (max 250 words)
Because of my older brother, I have been connected to the special needs community from birth. I began volunteering as a preteen, and through working at various Special Olympics games and other events,
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Tell us about a significant challenge you've faced or something that didn't go according to plan that you feel comfortable sharing. How did you manage the situation?* (max 250 words)
I grew increasingly anxious as my teacher made his way around the classroom, handing back our most recent tests. He arrived at my desk with a solemn countenance and extended his arm towards me, urging
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Harvard University
An intellectual experience (course, project, book, discussion, paper, poetry, or research topic in engineering, mathematics, science or other modes of inquiry) that has meant the most to you. (no word limit)
Scio nae exesse coris… cix et tacis excessi habeo. Translation: “I truly know to consume seeds… and I consider 109 of you having been withdrawn.” My first transliteration had resulted in absolute gibb
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Your intellectual life may extend beyond the academic requirements of your particular school. Please use the space below to list additional intellectual activities that you have not mentioned or detailed elsewhere in your application. These could include, but are not limited to, supervised or self-directed projects not done as school work, training experiences, online courses not run by your school, or summer academic or research programs not described elsewhere. (max 150 words)
My work as an intern with Professor Flynn extends past simply analyzing second language acquisition. My experiment specifically targets the translation of English articles into Armenian subject partic
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Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (max 150 words)
I started the [Redacted Content] club after my school loosened COVID restrictions. As the club’s leader, I work with [Organization Redacted], an athletic and recreational program for individuals with
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How did you choose your recommenders?
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Do you recommend using private counseling and/or essay editing services?
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How long did you spend on each essay?
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Maureen O'Donnell Scholarship for Academic Excellence