245-word version: International & Legal Studies – All Schools I have always looked up to my grandpa, a lawyer, as my role model, and my admiration for him led me to decide to practice law. As I was growing up (until his death when I was 12), we often discussed substantive issues; while h..

The remarkable citizens and numerous pathbreaking scholars who have been a part of our community—such as abolitionist Frederick Douglass, women`s rights activist Susan B. Anthony, and philanthropist Joseph C. Wilson—lead us to appreciate the importance of bringing together students fro..

Last year, I started running cross country. At the first meet, I was the last runner out of 130 participants. But I was neither disconcerted nor discouraged because I did not anticipate the lessons the sport will instill in me later...

In the 17th century, though anxious about the unknown, a number of adventurous Americans explored the West in anticipation of reaching their goals and realizing their dreams. They ventured into the West, gambling with the properties they had so arduously attained in the East, and rapidly began rec..

What work of art, music, science, mathematics, or literature has surprised, unsettled, or challenged you, and in what way? (roughly 250 words) 200-word version: U of Virginia Although I was a classical pianist in the beginning, after hearing for the first time the music of Duke Ellington, the pr..

989-character version (out of 1000 character limit): U of Rochester Although most of us neglect to notice a single tree when we visit the woods, content only to enjoy the panoramic view, I pondered about the existence of a single tree... 266-word version: U of Virginia Although most of us neglect..