Brown: Tell us about the academic areas which interest you most and your reasons for applying to Brown. 284-word version: Frankly, when I was in middle school, I thought I had a gift in mathematics. I attained many medals from mathematics Olympiads and received special mathematics education in..

"I’m not a machine. I feel and believe. I have opinions. Some of them are interesting. I could, if you’d let me, talk and talk…" From Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace, Amherst Class of 1985, Roy Edward Disney Professor in Creative Writing, Pomona College 5..

Johns Hopkins: By this point in your academic career you have taken a variety of courses, each with its own distinguishing characteristics. Which one has had the most influence on your interests and goals for the future and why? 373-word version: Mathematics-oriented – Johns Hopkins I in..

Carnegie Mellon: Please submit a one-page essay that explains why you have chosen your major, department or program. This essay should include the reasons why you've chosen the major, any goals or relevant work plans and any other information you would like us to know. If you are applying to m..

What work of art, music, science, mathematics or literature has surprised or unsettled or challenged you, and in what way? Please limit your response to half a page, or approximately 250 words. 289-word version: ...In the middle of my room was the piano which I have not touched for five years sin..

What is your favorite word, and why? (approximately 250 words) 238-word version: ...I was also frustrated for my score did not increase as I thought it would. However, I decided to look on the bright side when I came to read Plato’s quotation in the text book for philosophy class; “T..