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College Essays Booklet

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Table of Contents

1. Common Application Essays____________________________________________________3

2. MIT________________________________________________________________________________15

3. Harvard, Yale, Princeton_________________________________________________________26

4. Cornell University_______________________________________________________________36

5. University of Pennsylvania______________________________________________________41

6. Williams College_________________________________________________________________44

7. UC Berkeley______________________________________________________________________46

8. Caltech____________________________________________________________________________50

9. Duke University _________________________________________________________________53

10. Johns Hopkins University______________________________________________________56

11. University of Michigan at Ann Arbour________________________________________59

12. University of Virginia___________________________________________________________64

13. Virginia Tech____________________________________________________________________67

14. Rice University__________________________________________________________________69

15. Boston University_______________________________________________________________71

16. Georgia Tech____________________________________________________________________75

17. Wellesley College________________________________________________________________78

*Names, dates, and places in this document have been changed to the best of the editor’s ability to preserve the anonymity of its authors while preserving the quality of the writing and integrity of its messages.

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Accepted: UC Berkeley, Johns Hopkins, Carnegie Mellon, Purdue, UIUC, Duke University SAT1: 2290 SAT2: 780 Maths 2, 800 Physics, 760 Chemistry GPA: 4.0

Life is an uphill race; slow down and you fall behind, stop and you’re trampled. The only way through is to keep struggling and competing till the end. It’s only after you reach the top that you realize it’s cold and lonely up there, for in the quest of excellence you’ve compromised your essence and lost a part of yourself. I, too, was racing for the top, yet I paused to look at what I had left behind.

It was during summer this year, when, out of the blue, a friend said to me, “Let’s start working in an NGO.” Surprised, I asked why? His reply was: “Because we need the certificates to show to universities we’re compassionate and responsible citizens…” The logic was darkly twisted. I asked myself, “Do I need a certificate to prove I’m a responsible citizen? Am I not a compassionate person otherwise? It was a moment of realization.

College Prefect, Writer, Reciter: I had depended upon labels to define me. True, I am a leader, proficient orator and published writer; but these labels can only advertise me, they alone cannot express who I am, nor encompass the spirit of life that I harbor. It is easy to lose yourself amidst ruthless competition and I, too, fell prey to that elusive ‘formula’ which ensures admission to college. Like a magpie consumed in its search for shiny objects, I had kept surrounding myself with certificates and accolades, and somewhere in this frenzy, I lost track of who I was, and what I wanted to be.

“There comes a time when awards do not matter. To know that nature deemed you worthy enough to share one of its secrets is reward enough.” - Douglas Osheroff, Asian Science Camp, 2011. After all, aren’t our lives a peek into the Truth? A string of experiences, emotions, and thoughts, casual or deliberate, which add up to the one great secret we call Life? It takes courage to slow down and take your eyes off the finish line. To look around, appreciate, admire and understand. To let the shimmer of dewdrops in the morning sun leave you awestruck, wondering at the beauty of nature. To let the vastness of the night sky bring you the realization that you are nothing but a speck in The Grand Design of the Universe. Aren’t these moments little secrets which nature shares with us? Insights into who we are? I no longer depend on labels to define me; in these ineffable, intangible moments, I have found what I had lost. It’s strange how we commit our present to a future which may never materialize. We constrain ourselves to a circular existence, where yesterday is lived for today and today for tomorrow. Before we know it, our time is up. I’m thankful I realized in time that life is more than just running a rat race. I’ve learnt to look for a greater meaning and to live every moment with an acute sense of my existence. I’ve salvaged a part of me which could have been, but was never given a chance. So, it’s time to resume the Conquest of Happiness, to once again ride the Dragons of Eden, to crack the nutshell of the universe, or to simply go on a solitary walk with the wistful verses of Faiz to accompany me. It’s time to live each day fully, with a clearer sense of who I am.

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Applied through Questbridge Accepted: MIT, Princeton, Yale, Brown, UPenn, Dartmouth, Swarthmore, Wiliams, Amherst, UVA, Wesleyan, Tulane SAT1: 2010 SAT2: Chemistry 770, World History 750, Math-1 770 GPA: 4.0 I cannot tell which accent I speak! Jordan congregates several accents of Arabic. My accent is a combination of that congregation. At Prince’s Academy I had the “Bedouin” thick accent. At Aqaba, my home town, I had the “Ammani” flimsy accent. At home, I lacked the essential Palestinian accent, the “peasantry” accent, although I spoke it in my subconscious. I was born and raised in Jordan. I have never lived in Palestine, the birthplace of my parents, though I have visited frequently. In elementary school I was the Palestinian kid, the one who cheers for Wihdat, the soccer team made up of Jordanians of Palestinian origin, while the rest cheered for Faisali, the real Jordanian team. Nonetheless, I was the one who recited the Jordanian national anthem every morning in school assembly, while all others, real Jordanians, repeated after me. I was a living contradiction. I did not grasp the intensity of the paradox I was living until I came to Prince’s Academy. In fact, more and more contradictions struck me that I had to abandon the denial I had embraced for years. At Prince’s, I felt that I was the poor kid who did not belong to that particular social class. In contrast, I became the spoiled kid who goes to a fancy school back where I live. At Prince’s I was this ignorant boy who did not know how to pronounce most English words. Back at Aqaba, I was the Orientalist who lost his Arabic in pursuit of a foreign language. My life suddenly did not make sense to me, and so instead of trying to make sense of it, I resisted. I worked so hard to master English that I was one of four students who were not placed in language and composition their sophomore year. I also resisted losing my Arabic by concentrating more and more on classical Arabic. For the first time in my life, I finished an Arabic novel. The following year I was announced the Arabic declamation champion of the whole school. But as I matured, I realized that life itself is a contradiction that it ends with death. I had to simply accept what I am. I am no contradiction! I am simply me. I fully grasped the intensity of this realization during this past summer when I went to Mas-ha, the Palestinian village that my parents lived in, to help run the Bard’s Palestinian Youth Initiative (BPYI) with my cousin. There I realized that I was in reality a Palestinian. During discussion sessions with American college students I expressed my views so effortlessly that many doubted that I was only sixteen. To the Israeli soldier, I was not different from any other Palestinian. I had to withstand the humiliation of passing the Qalandiya checkpoint just like other Palestinians. I felt the Palestinian suffering, and I understood the breeze of Jerusalem. Indeed, Palestine is a holy place, and I don’t blame the Israelis for seeking it. I became more aware of who I am, and I understood the beauty of the blend I am. All humans are different. Yes, everyone is unique. I'm not simply Palestinian, nor am I solely Jordanian. I'm not both, and I'm not neither. I'm the result of confusion, but an order out of chaos. I'm simply Mohamed Abdullah. I have the broken heart of a Palestinian, the strong fist and pride of a Jordanian, the judgment of prophets in my decisions, and the passion of the saints of Jerusalem in the work I do. I am not a contradiction. I am who I am.

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Applied through Quest Bridge Accepted: MIT, Princeton, Yale, Brown, UPenn, Dartmouth, Swarthmore, Wiliams, Amherst, UVA, Wesleyan, Tulane SAT1: 2010 SAT2: Chemistry 770, World History 750, Math-1 770 GPA: 4.0 What attribute of your personality are you most proud of, and how has it impacted your life so far? Every new experience, be it tasting a different cuisine or drink, or trying out a new activity like debating or just taking a walk down a new road, is exhilarating for me. As far as ideologies go, be they political, religious or otherwise, I am receptive to what people around me have to say. I try to understand their views to the best of my ability, even when, upon careful analysis, I find that they do not agree with mine. Personally, I think this quality, this openness, has allowed me to enjoy life to the fullest. Free from self-imposed limitations, I have discovered not only tantalising flavours of food, but rich ideas that I would have remained oblivious to otherwise. It has given me more opportunities to learn, to correct myself when I am wrong and to grow as a person. The act of allowing myself to be affected by every author, political figure or historical hero I come across, stimulates me to think. It does not stifle my own creativity as I initially feared, but quite the opposite. When I listen what others have to say, it allows me to see what trivialities social divisions are based on... I have befriended people outside my community, like the foreign interns that I met during my internship in the World Bank this summer. Open-mindedness, I realise, does not compromise one's identity. In fact, it is by looking at the world from different perspectives that will help me find my true identity. Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations? In the picturesque city, which is in bloom throughout the year, lies my home. At a ten-minute walk from my home is a 'katchi abaadi' (dwelling of homeless people) At a ten-minute drive is a shelter, run by the welfare organisation whose founder, Mr. Mohamed Abdullah, is my greatest inspiration. Living in comfort with signs of income disparity and inequity all around, what I really desire is to help those of my people who do not get opportunities to flourish. At home, Razia 'baji,' our cook acts as a daily reminder to me of my duty to others like her in my community. While I live comfortably, she struggles to make a living. My parents have moulded my desires into goals. Abu is my beacon: he has instilled in me the values of compassion, integrity and responsibility... Ami, who just completed her doctorate, is my inspiration to never abandon the pursuit of knowledge! A part of me wishes to someday win a Nobel Prize for the nation, as Abdus Salam did years ago. But, more so, I aspire to be a social-worker. An integral part of who I am, my hyperactive siblings add colour to my life, and brighten up my day, everyday, with their quirky sense of humour. Taking a walk outside my home reveals amicable people everywhere, from the neighbours in the park to the local street vendor. Some are better off than others, but once one gets to know them, warm they all are.

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Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation? Having passed the National Mathematics Talent Contest, I was among the 50 students, out of 2000, chosen for the first training camp for the International Mathematics Olympiad. A 'mathematics fanatic,' I had been eagerly awaiting it to begin, but once there, I felt out of place. For six hours a day, we were taught what seemed to me like doctorate-level material. Only to gather the gist of the lectures, I had to concentrate every ounce of energy on the board; even then I was lost half the time. While I fumbled with new notations, my colleagues appeared to me, to be at a much higher level of intellect than me. The alarmingly small number of girls in class and my inability to keep up in class disheartened me, and I spent two days in paralysing panic and self-pity. But soon, another kind of panic began to take hold. Fear of being kicked out of the programme and an encouraging phone-call from my parents changed my attitude. I resolved to work harder than I ever had before; I was certainly not going to waste such a unique, learning opportunity, no matter how difficult it got. For the remaining four days, I spent most of my evenings and nights, bent over my books, solving problems and going over previous lectures. I struggled, researched and studied from different sources. My confidence was shaken, but I was determined to persevere. In the end, thankfully, my perseverance bore fruit, when I passed the final test.

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Accepted: Cornell, Johns Hopkins University, Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Virginia SAT1: 2190 SAT2: Math-2 770, Physics 740, US History 730, World History 720 GPA: 4.3/4 “A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community, or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.” I was ten years old when my 4th grade teacher asked, “Mohamed, can you explain to the class why Muslims terrorize America and wreak havoc upon western society?” Sixty 4th grade eyes bored into my skull as she went on to ask me why I thought cowardly Muslims went about killing innocent people including brave American troops. It was November 2001. Only two months after two planes had crashed into the World Trade Center, my family and I had moved to Los Angeles, California from Norway, and I felt as if my new teacher was holding me personally responsible for the tragedy of 9/11. Because it was the month of Ramadan and I was fasting, the only defense of Islam that my tired and hungry 4th grade brain could muster was stunned silence. I soon learned that actions hurt far worse than any words. After Ramadan, and for the rest of 4th grade, I ate lunch by myself. I was never picked for recess games and jokes persisted about my family’s non-existent connection to Al-Qaeda. While both of my parents worked day and night jobs, my siblings and I felt like outsiders both at school and at home where we lived with an aunt we hardly knew. All I had for that time was the solace and comfort provided by my studies. Through elementary and middle school, I was far quieter about my faith and even began to question my religion and myself. If my teacher had thought that all Muslims were bad people, did that mean that I was a bad person? That my parents were bad people? These uncertainties made me try to hide my faith, hide who I truly was. I let someone’s opinion hold me back from expressing my sense of self. Although my high school was inarguably a diverse school when I arrived in 9th grade, I was still one of only a few Muslim students. However, now I had a group to identify with and through that identity, I could find my voice. I finally realized that I myself could clarify people’s outlook on Islam, that I was the solution to the problem. I recognized that I am the best advocate for my faith and that hate and ignorance could not eat me up or turn me into an introvert. My school has helped me attain a powerful respect for people’s beliefs and on a wider scale of heritage, race, and all categories of diversity. Given my opportunity, I made a difference in bridging the gap between people’s perceptions and the realities of Islam. Rather than the less than 1% of extremists who terrorize the world, I showed people what the religion is all about to moderate Muslims. During my freshman year, I helped a Muslim teacher expand her classroom of ten kids in her basement to create a Sunday school in my high school, which educates over a hundred children in the community. No other place would allow us to use their facilities, but I persuaded the administration after presenting them all the benefits so many students gained from the school. Most significantly, however, I managed to bring together disparate groups by improving the relations between Muslims and my high school community. This past year, with the help of some friends and the administration, I managed to set up and lead a Friday prayer in the library during our lunch period that even some non-Muslims attend to learn about Islam. Through the Muslim Student Association, I have devoted many hours to community

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service projects that show people that Muslims are willing to contribute as valuable citizens and members of society. I turned around the negative ostracism into something of greater understanding. Though I struggled greatly to obtain approval for the Sunday school and prayer, they have now brought about a new level of diversity to my school, which represents an ideal I would like to bring to the college community. Yet more fundamental than these specific actions, I demonstrate my commitment to religion and diversity in the way that I live my life on a daily basis. I focus on leading a morally righteous life, treating others with respect, and practicing my religion through the Five Pillars of Islam: prayer, belief in God, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage. I choose to speak up against intolerance and promote an open dialogue for discussion rather than hate-speech or violence. If a few individuals thousands of miles away can make people think that all Muslims are terrorists, then why can’t the actions of a few people like me also change their perceptions? In fact, I met one of my friends from that very 4th grade class who re-joined our class during my junior year. He told me that the change in my character was evident as I became more outspoken yet open-minded about cultures and faiths. He also said that he mentions my actions in order to discredit the myopic stereotypes he hears about Muslims. It was shocking to see that I had a positive influence and changed the ignorant notions that radicals and extremists have created about Islam. I am certain that my experiences in post-9/11 America have helped me come to the reality of what it is to be a true Muslim and valuable member of the greater community. Instead of letting other people’s hate breed within myself, I am trying to better myself as a Muslim. I am making every effort to become a better advocate for my faith by showing people that Islam is a religion of peace. Indeed, my experience in 4th grade has shaped me into a proponent of cultural and religious understanding, but it is the skills and lessons that I learned at my high school that I can take on to college. There I can continue to better myself as a promoter of diversity and tolerance through dialogue, openness, and acceptance.

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Applied through Quest Bridge Accepted: MIT, Princeton, Yale, Brown, UPenn, Dartmouth, Swarthmore, Wiliams, Amherst, UVA, Wesleyan, Tulane SAT1: 2010 SAT2: Chemistry 770, World History 750, Math-1 770 GPA: 4.0 Describe an experience that you have had or a concept you have learned about that intellectually excites you. When answering this question, you may want to consider some of the following questions: Why does this topic excite you? How does it impact the way you or others experience the world? What questions do you continue to ponder about it? We live our lives with many unanswered questions. We accept that we are not omniscient and move on. Nobody knows the truth behind our existence, our being, or our future. Faith becomes the answer, or a way of yielding to not knowing. Yet we all sense that there is this grand reason behind our existence, a grand purpose. We feel that we are great beings; that we are in a way or another God’s greatest creatures. Two years ago I was sitting in my world religions class, and we were discussing Hinduism. Dr. Mariam brought up the concept of Brahman, “not to be confused with Brahma or Brahmin” as she said. Brahman is the universal truth, the combination of all spirits. All souls want to combine with Brahman, for they were in essence part of it. My brain started wondering after that class. Brahman was somewhat like the Holy Spirit in Christianity, or the soul itself in Islam. I was fascinated by that concept. What it suggests is that we are part of god, yet we are lost and unable to go back, like Plato’s view of the soul. I started seeing that concept coming to reality around me. I started sensing the souls of others in their good actions. One student, for instance, who I didn’t know well, helped me with the tray when I was a waiter for no particular reason. He just saw that I needed help, and without thinking rationally about it, he just came up to me and helped me out with a smile on his face. When I recalled this event later on, I realized that this action was initiated by his soul rather than his mind; his Atman, the soul that is dying to reunite with Brahman. In a way the concept of Brahman explains everything. As a Muslim, I started thinking of Brahman as the one and only God. We are all part of it, and that is why we feel special. God exists within us, through us, and without us. My view of God started making sense to me. I started developing a higher respect for Islam, out of knowledge rather than nurture. The world became much simpler. Our bodies belong to earth, but our souls don’t. Death is but the transition. I accept other people from different ethnicities, for I realized that we are all eventually the same breath of God. I have been able to make friends from India, Australia, South Africa, Kenya, and even Israel. I realize that people are in essence good, and that it is easy to find connections with others. No god exists but Allah. However Allah is so great that he is everywhere, and in everyone. He is the essence of music, water, and silence. He is in everything. And humans are great creatures, because he is in them.

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Applied through Quest Bridge Accepted: MIT, Princeton, Yale, Brown, UPenn, Dartmouth, Swarthmore, Wiliams, Amherst, UVA, Wesleyan, Tulane SAT1: 2010 SAT2: Chemistry 770, World History 750, Math-1 770 GPA: 4.0 Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. (500 word limit) Water knows no borders! Rivers flow and know no states, no countries, no cities, nothing. With that in mind I decided to take part of rehabilitating the Jordan River. After attending a conference on the Jordan, and having become one of the Jordan River Champions, I had to act. Friends-of-the-Earth-Middle-East (FoEME) laid out the way for me. I got involved in creating a movie to raise awareness about the water lack-age in the region. The movie was to be the cooperative work of King’s, Tarasanta, a Palestinian School, and Geon Hayarden, an Israeli school. What that suggested is that I had to work with Israelis in order for this movie to be accomplished. We met over four different weekends, twice in Jordan, once in Palestine, and once in Israel. I decided to take the risk! By working with Israelis I’ll become a traitor to other Palestinians. By getting the Israeli stamp over my passport, I recognize Israel as a country, and therefore I reject the Palestinian refugees’ right of return. And yet I choose to do it, for water knows no borders. Water is wiser than men. Not only does it not recognize countries, it does not recognize passports. I took the risk of becoming a traitor in the eyes of others. I took the risk of becoming a traitor in my own eyes for a while, and I did that project. Through these four different weekends I got closer to the Israelis that we became friends. They were not the Israelis anymore; they became Amir, Yael, and Amit, they became individuals in my eyes rather than a group. Yet the meetings were also sometimes frustrating. What struck me the most was that most of the Israeli students were ignorant about the conflict although they were part of it. I also realized that the project as a whole was pointless. We created a movie, but no one other than us saw it! Instead of helping the Jordan, we ended up wasting water in a scene of teeth-brushing! However I have never regretted taking part of that project. In fact, I have become a good friend of the students from Geon Hayarden although I did not agree with their political views. And that was in reality what was rewarding about this project. Politics did not matter. Politics is not going to solve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict; water is, for it knows no boarders. Earth wants peace, olive trees want stability in order for their roots to thrive; it is not our choice! I went back to Jordan after the fourth and last meeting with an Israeli stamp on my passport. However, I was no traitor. Water does not know that stamp, so I did not have to care. It meant nothing. I went back with memories of friends in heart. My heart sang Ibn Arabi’s poem on the way back. “I believe in the religion of love, whatever direction its caravans may take. For love is my religion and my faith.”

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Applied through Quest Bridge Accepted: MIT, Princeton, Yale, Brown, UPenn, Dartmouth, Swarthmore, Wiliams, Amherst, UVA, Wesleyan, Tulane SAT1: 2010 SAT2: Chemistry 770, World History 750, Math-1 770 GPA: 4.0 Is there any other relevant information you think we should know? (300 word limit) It was 4:27 am. We were all tired, exhausted, unable to move a limp. It was Ahmed’s turn. He went outside the bus and started running- limping would be more appropriate of describing what he was doing. The bus’s speed was not even a km/hour. Suddenly, the bus sped up. Everyone woke up and our eyes shifted to Ahmed. He was sprinting! After 12 hours of running, he was still able to sprint. Why was he running? A dog was following him! Suddenly everyone lit up. I was next. I decided to sprint too. At six o’clock we were in Aqaba. Dead2Red was coming to an end! It was my first time to participate in the 242 km race. It took our team 16 hours 43 minutes to reach the finish line. The race was a memorable event in my life. Not only was it a race of speed, but also one of endurance. I was able to stay awake for two consecutive days. But what I enjoyed the most about this race, the thing that would make me remember it forever, was the team’s spirit. We were positive and optimistic throughout the 17 hours! We supported each other. We took turns running alone in the dark, with the unnerving dog barks, while the bus stayed with those making a pit stop. I shall never forget the feather-light breeze softly brushing my hair. And what a sight is it to see my funky hair moving freely with the wind. I was limping for a week after the race. I was not able to sit on a chair for a while, but I never regretted doing Dead2Red. The Jordan I saw at that night and the deep satisfaction I felt within me are never regrettable.

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Accepted: MIT SAT1: 2200 SAT2: Biology M 760, Math level 2 770, French w/ listening, 630 GPA: 4.0 “How can God use the frailties in you? How are you exactly the way God meant for you to be? And how does he want you to change for the greater good? It’s the question Ricky leaves all of us with today, but God is cheering us on,” says Suzanne Supplee in her novel Somebody Everybody Listens To. Never a more positive, optimistic quote have I found by which to live. For it is a universal truth that all humans have weaknesses. And indeed, these are the questions that many of us ask ourselves every day: how will we use our frailties for the greater good, how will we use them to humble ourselves and change for the better, and once we have changed, how will we use our new self to help those around us? In fact, the “Ricky” mentioned in the preceding paragraph is only a minor character in Supplee’s novel, but he serves as an inspiration to us all. His story is that of an alcoholic who wakes up one day after experiencing a heart attack and decides to reform. He took his ailment and used it for the better good. He humbled himself by understanding that his weaknesses and our weaknesses are no reason to despair, for these weaknesses are what make us human. These weaknesses are what make us equal. And, although it is not easy to let go of bad habits and to reform, it is possible, and not only will God cheer us on, but also those countless good souls in the world. For me, it was a shock moving from the security of middle school to high school, where everything was bigger, where what we did counted more than ever, where the differences between us as individuals and as groups were that much clearer. I began to compare myself to the others and discovered many weaknesses within myself and I lamented the fact that I was not like so and so, who could speak without reserve or like those others who had fantastic athletic abilities. It became a struggle for me to see the strengths within me, but also, because I was so self-absorbed, to recognize the tribulations of some of my classmates and to realize that no one was truly perfect. That is how it was for me for a while. But as I entered my sophomore year of high school, the matter came to a head. Out of necessity, I was forced to contribute to classroom discussions. The truth is, those teachers who had vexed me that year because they required their students to actually vocalize their views, rather than just paying attention, did me a world of good. I realized that many of us feared being judged for their views. Even some of my closest friends, struggled with finding this courage to speak out. And I comprehended more than those others, for whom speaking comes easily, how huge of an obstacle it really was. So, as a group, my classmates and I began to look to each other for that encouragement to express ourselves more that we were comfortable with doing, and eventually, to look to ourselves. It is still difficult for me to speak without reserve. But, this “weakness” has turned out to be one of my greatest strengths, for without it, I would have never seen the beauty that our imperfections lend to our lives. I would have never seen that our “frailties” are what bind us together, are what make up the human family and that this universal bond of humanity gives us more strength than we can ever attain individually, and that God never throws these trials at us to hinder us, but that He is always nearby, standing with our human family, cheering us on.

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Accepted: Wellesley College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Agnes Scott College

ACT: 34

GPA: 4.0

Please write an essay (250-500 words) on a topic of your choice or on one of the options listed below. This personal essay helps us to become acquainted with you as a person and student, apart from courses, grades, test scores, and other objective data. It will also demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself. Midway through fifth grade, I moved schools. In anticipation of my arrival, my new teacher decided to play a game; she told my future classmates that the new student was a girl whose name started with an “H”, then let the kids guess the name. They went through all the names they could think of – Hannah, Hailey, Helen, Heather, Hope – but of course, none were right. When they gave up, the teacher told them the name: Hadiyya. They were baffled that it was a name they had never heard before. I had caught their attention even before walking in the classroom. When I did walk in, my hijab (Muslim headscarf) proudly wrapped around my head, I was greeted with an onslaught of questions, from the mundane – “‘Where were you born?’ ‘Indianapolis?’ ‘No way – me too!’”– to the bizarre but hilarious – “Do you wear that thing in the shower?” – to the simply inquisitive. I was amused that what was everyday to me was so strange to everyone around me, but I gladly continued to answer any question posed to me. I quickly found it to be one of the enriching experiences of my life: the questions were a window into understanding another way of looking at the world, as well as a way to better understand my own. The questions revealed interesting similarities between our worldviews, as well as differences, although we learned that the differences often made relationships deeper, rather than weakening them. I discovered a passion for asking and answering questions, no longer settling for a superficial understanding of things, but instead delving deep into a subject and seeking and enjoying every nuance, detail, and subtlety I can find. That spirit has given me an appreciation for quirkiness and has taught me to take joy in being myself; yes, I was the odd one out, but I took the opportunity to define who I am for myself, and to set my own boundaries then proceed to challenge them. I also love passing on the questioning spirit to others – I enjoy the perplexed looks when someone who thought of Muslim women as oppressed and uneducated meet one who is intelligent, independent, and proudly defends her beliefs, or the debates about Eastern and Western cultures that result when, on the morning of the American Mathematics Competition, some try to compare the number of Asians and Caucasians present, but nobody can agree which category I fit in best (legally, Arabs are Semitic, and thus White/Caucasian, but as a minority and daughter of immigrants, many declare me more Asian than White. My answer: Yay for gray area!). It has also sparked in me a passion for interfaith work, often shocking people with my enthusiasm and countless hours spent trying to, for example, appropriately address curiosity about the effect of Osama bin Laden’s death on Muslims and encouraging reluctant fellow Muslims to contribute their opinions. I have worked on committees bringing interfaith programs to the local high school community, and I have introduced a new program to the Greenville Muslim Student Association that I hope will increase involvement and dialogue. All of this is my effort to leave my mark on those around me, to be a ‘gift’ to society. Or, in Arabic, a “hadiyya”.

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Massachusetts

Institute of Technology

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Accepted: MIT SAT1: 2290 SAT2: 780 Maths 2, 800 Physics, 760 Chemistry GPA: 4.0 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. (*)(100 words or fewer) Amidst a competitive and rigorous academic life, I find my reprieve in soccer. For me, there is nothing better than physical exertion to vent the day’s frustration and gear up for the next day. We even have a soccer club of our own, UET United, which in the beginning was just a childish attempt at a clique, but has now grown into a 21-member squad. At UET United, everyone’s the coach and everyone’s the captain. There is no pressure of winning or keeping your place in the team because we all play to simply enjoy the game. Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why? (*) (100 words or fewer) I have always looked for a deeper meaning in life. The very basic questions of existence intrigue me: “Who am I?”, “Where do I stand in the grand design of the universe?”, “Is our existence a stroke of probability or is there really a creator?” I know my answers lie only in the progress of science, and I want to be a part of it. My fascination for Physics aside, I see it as the only subject where I can both make an impact and in the process come closer to knowing the answer to these questions. Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation? (*) (200-250 words) At Aitchison College we all strive for excellence. Some choose athletics as their niche, others debating or journalism. I chose academics. During my year at Klondike Middle School, West Lafayette, IN, I was introduced to Technology and French, subjects we didn’t have in Pakistan. Consequently, I returned to Aitchison with a renewed thirst for knowledge, and decided to take 15 subjects in O-Levels, nearly double the usual 8. Five subjects weren’t even offered at my school and I had to study them independently. Private tuitions were out of question because Aitchison’s fee was already a financial strain. Over three years, I sacrificed much in pursuit of my goal, making it all the more precious. I completed my O-Levels with 13 A*s and 2 As, highest in my college. At last it was my moment; but when the school announced its result, I wasn’t even in its top 3. I’d been side-lined on the pretext that I took five exams ‘privately’ and not through the school. While students with lesser grades enjoyed fame and scholarships, I received no recognition. It was truly heart breaking. Despite the bitter memories, I learnt from this experience. I realized in time that life is not always fair and things may not work out as expected, yet hard work doesn’t go unrewarded. I found confidence in my ability to study independently. I realized that I’m my own competition and I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. I just have to live to my fullest potential.

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What attribute of your personality are you most proud of, and how has it impacted your life

so far? This could be your creativity, effective leadership, sense of humour, integrity, or

anything else you'd like to tell us about. (*) (200-250 words)

When both your parents are teachers, academic integrity runs in your genes. I‘ve never cheated in

an exam, despite having the opportunity. This is nothing to brag about, considering I’ve only done

what every student should. However, when you are among the handful that holds on to the quixotic

principles of integrity, it does take courage to resist temptation. Where class rankings are decided by

the difference of a point or two, I‘ve often had to pay dearly, but I’ve stood by my principles with

the hope that things would someday become even, sooner or later.

Friends are supposed to ‘help’ each other out in tests, so I often come out as the crummy friend. On

exam day whoever ends up sitting beside me is by default “unlucky”. Arrogant, unhelpful,

conceited (ouch!): these are a few of the titles I’ve earned in the process. While I certainly have

made a bad reputation, quite a few of my friends have come to appreciate my stance, and have been

inspired to emulate.

In perspective, the competition at Aitchison is ruthless. When competitors are equals, the first one to

hit below the belt is often the winner. Lobbying, backbiting, leg-pulling: these are pre-requisites to

success. As much as all this is preparation for the real world, it often comes at the expense of

integrity. To make it through, without compromising on principles, and becoming a College Prefect

as well, it says as much about my integrity as my quality.

Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city,

or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations? (*) (200-250 words)

From a village, to the metropolitan of Lahore, to a yearlong stay at West Lafayette, I‘ve experienced

many worlds. I’ve played marbles and flown kites on congested rooftops of inner Lahore. I’ve read

Iqbal and Bertrand Russell alike, and mused on the universe with Stephen Hawking. Every day I

handle three languages: Punjabi on the streets, Urdu at home, and English at school. My uniform

describes me best; a turquoise turban over a shirt and trousers: an amalgam of east and west.

I’m a fanatic Cricket fan (my neighbors’ broken windows will testify to that). I’ll travel in a

cramped qing-qi rickshaw, wear shalwar-kameez with pride and eat Gol Gappay from a street

vendor. Despite studying at the most elite school of Pakistan, I’ve managed to retain the ‘common

touch’.

My home is suffused with a literary air. A day doesn’t go by without my father quoting a verse from

Iqbal, Ghalib or Faiz. These poets represent not merely poetry but a culture, a heritage, an idea of

life that is so close to us. Nevertheless, I’m as likely to be found at a classical ghazal program, as an

adaptation of Moulin Rouge. That’s who I am: strongly aware of my roots yet open to a variety of

ideas.

This is my world. A colourful mixture of east, west, classical, modern, plebeian and patrician. It has

made me aware of the possibilities and true level of competition, and given me the will to make the

best out of every opportunity.

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Accepted: MIT GPA: 4.26/5.0 SAT I: 1840 SAT II: Chemistry – 780 Math Level 2 – 670 Physics – 720 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. (*)(100 words or fewer) Whilst leading a busy life filled with activities and work, I like to indulge myself in capturing the world ahead of me, its beauty, glamor and sheer simplicity. I would love to learn and develop in the field of photography, but a busy life seldom allows for such a long term investment. As cliché as it may sound, I strive to capture the beauty and distinctive nature of ordinary objects. At the end of a hectic day of work, assignments and chores, it is always refreshing to look at the world through a different lens. Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why? (*) (100 words or fewer) . Visiting Sudan every summer made me realize that there was a huge contrast in the provision of electricity between third world countries and developed countries, namely, the US and UAE. Every time there would be a power failure (and there are many), my frustration led me to ponder on the reasons behind these limitations. At once, I became fascinated by the concept of electricity, and would always end up at the electricity corner during physics lab sessions. I realize that even though a broad field such as Electrical Engineering demands time, diligence and patience, my passion for this major exceeds that. What attribute of your personality are you most proud of, and how has it impacted your life so far? This could be your creativity, effective leadership, sense of humor, integrity, or anything else you'd like to tell us about. (*) (200-250 words) I consider perseverance to be my most valuable asset. Whether I am opening the jar of jam or attempting to solve a challenging physics problem, I am always determined to exert any effort required to yield the perfect results. My perseverance is reflected in my grades, as no difficulty level or magnitude of concepts can stop me from achieving high scores; I overlook these aspects, and instead focus on perfecting that task. For instance, I always took it upon myself to teach my younger sibling, Ali, subjects such as physics, chemistry and math. His lack of interest in the explanation had me furious, but nothing was more gratifying than seeing his high scores on the report card. Moreover, my dedication to the job ahead of me is greatly portrayed in my photography. I would take at least ten pictures of the same ordinary object, and capture it from several different angles to notice its unique quality each time. Choosing the best out of these pictures makes me proud of effectively allocating my effort. This has taught me to look at things from more than one perspective before judging a certain situation. Furthermore, this very quality of mine fosters other traits such as my good listening skills, intelligence, humor, concern for others and ambition, for I must admit that my true aim in life is to aim high and succeed in achieving my goals. By always giving a 110% every time, I ensure that I never regret not doing my best.

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Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?(*) (200-250 words)

Whether it is my family or school, my environment has led me to where I am now. Firstly, as a

child, I was first introduced to the field of engineering by my two uncles in Sudan. Visiting Sudan every summer made me realize many of my affinities. I was always eager to listen to stories of

how my uncles built towers and look at their beautifully crafted blueprints. Moreover, the issue of

the recurring power failures in Sudan led me to research the difference in the resources used between countries such as Sudan and others such as USA. I wish to contribute to this world by studying the major I love and implementing those skills to solve the problem of insufficient electricity, and what better place to start with than my own hometown?

Furthermore, I owe, to a great extent, my love of this specific major to my school; my school provides several academic programs. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program was the most influential of all; the Physics course unraveled many new aspects of electricity, attracting me further towards my major. In addition, the IB program also urged me to think outside of the box and became both a creative and critical thinker, and as a result, my aims grew higher. In conclusion, I consider my environment to have significantly impacted my life, particularly my choice of major. My family, community, school, and hometown helped form the ladder I shall use to arrive at my destination in life. Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?(*) (200-250 words) Back in the summer of 2010, after I finished my IGCSE O-Levels, I had the opportunity to go to university in Sudan. Words could not describe my enthusiasm; I had everything planned and was so certain that I would study in Ahfad University for Women, perhaps too certain. I hadn't known which major I wanted but I was willing to choose anything they had offered just for a seat there. I imagined living in Sudan, with my friends and family around. Some of my cousins had gone and/or were still going to that university, so my excitement amplified and my impatience grew stronger. This subject was all I had been blabbering about for weeks. Little did I realize that this flawless scenario in my head would not get the approval of my parents. I was lectured about how I wasn't ready yet and how I wouldn't adapt to life in Sudan. All my hopes were crushed. I was devastated and did not understand my parents' reason, but I accepted the reality. Instead, I continued to eleventh grade and joined the International Baccalaureate. One year later, during summer, I volunteered at Ahfad University, and realized that it wasn't the place for me. My parents were right: I would have made the biggest mistake going to university before I was ready, settling for any major, and missing out on many learning opportunities. I was so blessed that my parents made that decision for me; else I would have regretted making it.

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Accepted: MIT SAT1: 2190 SAT2: Math 770, Physics 740, US History 730, World History 720 GPA: 4.3/4 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. (*)(100 words or fewer) I derive the most pleasure from all activities related to my computer. Most days when I get home from school, I customize and build PC’s from scratch and read about current events online. Every day I tinker with these machines and discover new and challenging things like overclocking, overheating, and overflow processing. So many people have asked me to build them a PC that someday soon I hope to translate my fascination into a marketable business. Meanwhile, I constantly sift through CNET for revolutionary tech gadgets and Scientific American articles for advancements in health sciences. It is through this digital realm that I enjoy reconnecting with my friends and indulging in my passion for technology. Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why? (*) (100 words or fewer) I am most interested in majoring in Course 20 and concentrating in either Biomedical Engineering or Nano-medicine. I like that both integrate several scientific disciplines and show great promise for future scientific research. Since Biological Engineering is a newer department, I would love to play an immediate role in its development and success. To me, improving just one medical device would mean improving many people’s lives. Given my fervent interest and previous achievements in medicine and engineering, I feel I could be successful in this department and would certainly seek UROP in the field. What attribute of your personality are you most proud of, and how has it impacted your life so far? This could be your creativity, effective leadership, sense of humour, integrity, or anything else you’d like to tell us about. (*) (200-250 words) I am most proud of my ability to work well with others, whether it is fifty teammates or a single partner. I recognize that the best work results usually come from combined individual efforts, not the sole work of one person. Though I admit that I have had many spirited disputes with my Science Fair and Robotics partners, these debates were nothing in intensity compared to the debates I had with my Model UN partners, officers, and other delegates. Have you ever tried to solve either the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or the complexities of US-Iranian relations? How could I get a hundred delegates to agree on anything if I could not even agree with my own partner? As VP of our fifty-member Model UN squad, I spent many hours after-school with the officers and sponsors trying to compromise on which US conferences to attend based on our limited budget. After much lively discussion, I persuaded our club to attend larger college conferences such as those held at UVA, UPenn, and BU. I found that the key to success lay in clearly communicating specific pros and cons while still giving everyone a chance to voice their own opinions. Ultimately, I was able to win the backing of the club so that the officers and sponsors went along with majority.

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To be an effective debater or leader it is important to adapt quickly but thoughtfully to the changing environment. It helps to have a charismatic personality in order to foster those relationships within our group to create a more cohesive unit. Along with an ability to listen and respect the ideas of others, I was able to formulate balanced resolutions that the majority could agree on. MIT’s emphasis on collaborative learning is the primary reason I feel I would be happy and successful there, applying the skills I honed while in Model UN. Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations? (*) (200-250 words) I am the product of three different countries, eight different schools, and two diametrically opposed cultures. My parents emigrated from India to my birthplace in Switzerland. We moved to London when I was six, and finally settled in Greenville when I was eleven. The UK afforded my poor family few opportunities, but my parents recognized the value of their children’s education and taught me that success in life comes from both hard work and education. I was one of fifteen non-Caucasian students in my private school of hundreds where we learned through traditional repetition and discipline. My family’s early life in America paralleled our struggles in England. While both of my parents worked day and night jobs, my siblings and I felt like outsiders both at school and at home where we lived with an aunt we hardly knew. Luckily, the Gifted & Talented Institution gave me the freedom to pursue academia from an intellectually unique and creative approach. This made me appreciative of my learning environment and prone to absorb every opportunity provided to me. Without it, I doubt I would be applying to a school as competitive as MIT. Most times, it was easy to lose myself in my studies, but because we moved so frequently, I have come to value the importance of adaptability. Starting over so many times has taught me how to make friends easier and how to communicate with people of different backgrounds. I desire success not just for my own benefit, but also for my family. I want to make the world a better place and make it easier for others in the world that only know struggle. I have been lucky that the only “want” I suffer is finding the right college to suit my potential and desire to change the world. Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?(*) (200-250 words) I could not believe it. Our fifty-member Robotics team was disqualified. One frustrated teammate’s penalty for un-sportsman-like-conduct cost us all the National Championship. We were crushed. Our team finished second to Greenville’s team for the second year in a row. Last year we lost by 5 points. This year we lost by one, single point: 80-79. After Nationals, our team was ready to fall apart. What was the point in trying and failing every year? Not only were we discouraged and disheartened, but we made things worse by sitting around blaming each other. As one of the senior members, I could not take it anymore. I took it upon myself to setup meetings to get the other members to move on. We had lost. Period. But if we had lost as a team, that meant we could also still win as a team. We needed to shake off our negativity and use the lessons from this defeat to come back stronger next season. I reminded everyone that we had beaten one of the best science and technology schools in the nation by a significant margin, that we had won more gold and silver medals than any other team, and that each one of us had competed with honesty and integrity. To get my teammates working together I

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organized study sessions for several events, even ones that I knew nothing about. I also formed Design Reviews for engineering events and took the initiative in obtaining a corporate sponsor for our team. Our passion is already evident this year as the flow of fresh ideas has reached a new peak. Though losing broke our hearts, it is with a renewed strength and motivation that we aim to go to Nationals this year. I rejuvenated our distraught team and upheld what I felt was a responsibility and obligation to my friends and myself. (Optional) No admission application can meet the needs of every individual. If you think additional information or material will give us a more thorough impression of you, please respond below. For years, I have read articles about cutting-edge research projects at MIT and eagerly desired to be a part of them. MIT’s belief in an unbarred access to knowledge and education is an aspect that I tremendously admire about this institution. They have provided a level of study and understanding through OpenCourseWare that I would have never achieved otherwise. However, what solidified my desire to matriculate was my visit via the Overnight and Shadow a Student Programs in September. There I met students with the same love for learning that I possess and with whom I felt truly comfortable. One of the most exciting parts was learning first-hand about my host’s project in one of the Stata Center labs and meeting his entire iGEM team. Even staying up until 3AM with students “tooling” on P-sets was entertaining. What a quirky way for East Campus students to release their frustrations and maintain sanity! The thrills of “Chairing” -- accelerating ones roller chair off ramps in the basement – and the legendary tradition of MIT hacks quickly grew on me. Whether it was wandering down the Infinite, breakdancing in Lobby 13, or sitting in on a lecture by Eric Lander, every aspect of my visit reaffirmed my certainty that I would want to spend my next 4 years there.

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Accepted: MIT SAT1: 2110 SAT2: 740 Biology, 750 Math 2 GPA: 99.97/100 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. (*)(100 words or fewer)

Commonly taken for granted, sidewalks are my favorite part of Philadelphia. Coming from [hometown], a place where everyone drives to everywhere, the idea of fueling my feet (and consequently, my human experience) instead of my car is fascinating. On my leisurely strolls, the beauty of the public captures my eye, and the sense of discovery is a thrill like no other. The serendipity of attending a public wedding in the middle of the street, meeting an Arabic language professor, and encountering a street performer who can play R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” brilliantly -all in one day- is something very few other hobbies can afford. Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why? (*) (100 words or fewer) Throughout my life, I’ve enjoyed all kinds of puzzles. As my educational background developed, I identified engineering as a framework for solving conundrums. Being passionate about biology, bioengineering seems to be an ideal hybrid of my interests, and an outlet for my interest in gene therapy. By studying bioengineering at MIT, I believe I can channel that enthusiasm towards serving the world through an education that distinctly emphasizes the practical application of intellectual vitality. With its amalgam of peerless academic excellence and collaborative sense of us all “being in this together”, MIT feels an ideal fit to further my scientific and personal growth. What attribute of your personality are you most proud of, and how has it impacted your life so far? Whether it’s camping on the beach when I couldn’t find a hotel, coping with my parents living apart for three years, or learning to live alone, my adaptability has played a major role in my life, allowing me to succeed where others may fail. To me, the shock of an unmet expectation or floundering plan is ephemeral, and viewed as an invitation to do something differently. Preparing to move to the US for college, I heard about the “honeymoon phase” and “culture shocks” common among new international students. Considering my experience in the US, I expected to be impervious to these symptoms; however, textbook psychology prevailed. The unfamiliarity of [US City] struck me hard, and I longed for the familiar. Adaptability lead me to make [US City] my home, rather than stay suspended in the longing that some of my peers had fallen into. Community service, chatting with people at the library, and helping set up the weekly Farmer’s Market gradually set me into a rhythm of belonging. On my pillow one night, my thoughts drifted from “tomorrow’s breakfast” to “how far I had come since moving to the US.” While taking mental notes of my time in [US City , déjà vu swept over me. Recalling my move to [hometown], I considered how my adaptability had served me then. In retrospect, had I not possessed the ability to make the best of my situations, I wouldn’t have seized many of the opportunities that Saudi Arabia had to offer—the most important being the chance to pursue my passion abroad through the [opportunity], which is where I am today

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Accepted: MIT ACT: 34

GPA: 4.0

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. (*)(100 words or fewer) In fourth grade, I discovered Nancy Drew novels, and within a few months, I had managed to read every Nancy Drew novel the library owned. Putting together the pieces and solving the mystery, like solving a challenging math problem, always thrilled me. So when I discovered Science Olympiad included a Forensics event, I quickly became hooked. Using science in this unique practical application has always fascinated me. The ability to pursue forensics outside of a classroom environment and with other Science Olympiad members is the icing on the cake. Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why? (*) (100 words or fewer) In seventh grade, I joined the Science Quiz Bowl team and found myself more engrossed in science than ever before. The parts I remember: studying, poking fun at, and doing crazy problems and experiments with the laws and discoveries of Newton, Kepler, Brahe, Hooke, Copernicus, and Galileo, among others. Five years later, I still lose myself in physics, often jerking back to reality when the bell rings at the end of class. Outside of class, I love using and applying physics in Astronomy and Optics (Science Olympiad), and robotics. What attribute of your personality are you most proud of, and how has it impacted your life so far? This could be your creativity, effective leadership, sense of humor, integrity, or anything else you'd like to tell us about. (*) (200-250 words) My friends call it geekiness. I call it the determination to take an idea and run with it, undaunted by challenges or obstacles. It is the zeal that led me, as an eleven-year-old girl thrilled by math class, to put together a collection of advanced math problems, taken from archives of every mathematics competition I could find, and constantly work away at them, on my own and with any parent or math teacher or high school student I could convince to help me. It was the joy that my friends and I put into seventh-grade Science Quiz Bowl, even though our barely-large-enough-to qualify team of four would compete against teams larger than thirty members. It is the quiet confidence that helped me convince my freshman-year counselor why I deserved to take American Literature even though it was typically reserved for students in the TAG (Talented, Advanced, and Gifted) program, and wasn t normally open to students who were new to the district. It has given me a streak of unabashed quirkiness that has allowed me to thrive despite moving constantly (as often as 4 times in 18 months), attending 10 different schools, and finding myself as the only Muslim child of immigrants in a school lacking in ethnic diversity or as a lone girl in male-dominated environments.

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Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?(*) (200-250 words) Midway through third grade, I moved schools. In anticipation of my arrival, my new teacher decided to play a game; she told my future classmates that the new student was a girl whose name started with an 'H', then let the kids guess the name. They went through all the names they could think of - Hannah, Hailey, Helen, Heather, Hope - but of course, none were right. When they gave up, the teacher told them the name: Hiba. They were baffled that it was a name they had never heard before. I had caught their attention even before walking in the classroom. When I did walk in, with my hijab (Muslim headscarf) proudly wrapped around my head, I was greeted with an onslaught of questions, from the mundane - ''Where were you born? Indianapolis? No way - me too!" - to the downright bizarre - "Do you wear that thing in the shower?" - to the simply inquisitive. I was amused that what was everyday to me was so strange to everyone around me, but I relished the opportunity to let my classmates know what was important to me and what my life was like, and in turn, learn more about them. Since then, I've grown into my role in society as an American Muslim. I'm proud to continue spreading my worldview, challenging the stereotypes of Muslims presented in the media, and urging those who know me to think about the world a little differently. Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?(*) (200-250 words) When I watched the finals of the National Spelling Bee in 2006, I fell in love with the words and the competition, and decided I wanted to go there. I started putting together study materials and reading everything I could find on spelling and spelling bees. When I realized my county didn't have a sponsor for the Bee, I researched and made phone calls and explained my story until I secured a sponsor for the county. Next was my school: I put together information packets and secured initial support from ten teachers, then sought to bring the idea to the school administration. Accustomed to hearing from parents and teachers, but not students themselves, the administration had trouble meeting with me, but I eventually got an interview with the principal and vice principal. They refused to accommodate the Bee. I was devastated. Months of work seemed to vanish in those few minutes. I could find no way to work around the refusal, so I continued studying spelling on my own, and resolved to try again next year. Next year found me in different circumstances: I had started homeschooling, and was finally successful in setting up a homeschool bee through the local library. Eventually, I misspelled ‘belligerent’, so I never made it to the National Spelling Bee, but somehow, it didn't matter. My spelling bee experience was uniquely mine, and it was complete.

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Yale Harvard Princeton

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Waitlisted: Princeton Rejected: Harvard, Yale SAT1: 2290 SAT2: 780 Maths 2, 800 Physics, 760 Chemistry GPA: 4.0 “All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost

The old that is strong does not wither

Deep roots are not reached by the frost” --- J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

I live at the crossroads of East and West. It is not an entirely cordial meeting. Hence, I face these awkward little moments every day, which question my identity and constantly remind me that we suffer from cultural cringe [1]. “What to wear today? Shalwar Kameez [2]? Hmm, too dull and baggy; not classy at all… frayed jeans and a T-shirt would do better.” “How about nihari and hot naans [3] for dinner?” “Oh, c’mon! Burger King just opened up in Lahore!” Ostrasizing isn’t it? “Wait, you misspelled ostracizing up there.” “Oh. I did. Try judging me for that. English isn’t my first language.” I fight a battle against conformity: they poke fun at me for my ‘strange’ tastes, and I hold on to my ‘eccentricities’. They expect me to play along and give in to their notions. They would engulf my identity and merge it into their own collage. Yet I resist and hold on to my individuality. “All that is gold does not glitter” I am a 21st-century Pakistani. We judge people by how well they speak English and whether they are

foreign-qualified or not. We aren’t considered part of the ‘in’ crowd unless we’re Hollywood

aficionados or listen to Shakira and Spears. We feel ashamed wearing Shalwar Kameez. We eat even

finger food with a fork, because we don’t want to look ‘eastern’ and coarse. We’ll buy ‘made in

China/U.S.A/Germany’ but not ‘made in Pakistan’. And that’s not merely because there is no ‘made in

Pakistan’; but because, true to our complex, we don’t buy it even when it outclasses the ‘imported’.

When it comes to literature and philosophy, our intelligentsia will spout forth about Emerson, and

Nietzsche and Tolstoy. But they won’t quote Iqbal, Ghalib or Ibn-e-Insha -almost as if they aren’t good

enough. We’ll speak English and learn French, yes, but we think Punjabi is boorish, and other local

languages are just a waste of time. Our beauty ideals have morphed into colored eyes, blonde hair and

fair skin; we have forgotten that, living in a sunny land, our complexion is dark for a reason.

We live tormented by cultural cringe. For, what else can lead a shirt made in Pakistan to be labeled

‘Made in China’? We try to be ‘liberal’ and ‘progressive’, but in the process, we forget who we are. We

dismiss our own culture as obsolete and unfashionable. Yet we forget that if something doesn’t glitter,

it doesn’t mean it isn’t gold. Sometimes true worth is hidden.

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“Not all those who wander are lost”

From a village, to the metropolitan of Lahore, to a yearlong stay at West Lafayette, I have wandered many worlds. I have seen both East and West, yet I have not been blown away by either. I have embraced aspects of both, but kept a fine balance. I recite Urdu poetry and watch vintage dramas. I practice Urdu calligraphy and I am as likely to be found at a classical ghazal [4] program as an adaptation of Moulin Rouge. Although I’ve read Dickens and Austen, and Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde, unlike others, I don’t make an issue out of it. I’m not overwhelmed by Bertrand Russell, because I’ve read Iqbal and Rumi too. I have wandered many cultures but I haven’t lost my way. “The old that is strong does not wither” I am not bitter, fixated, or regressive for the matter. I neither needlessly glorify the old, nor censure the new. I am just protective. I see a magnificent culture dying before me, swept away by an onslaught of western customs. I see heartfelt cultural greetings being replaced by a meaningless, awfully detached “What’s up?” Every day, I observe pieces of culture falling down, abandoned for an expedient but cultureless lifestyle. I pick these pieces up and hold on to them; saving them, cherishing them, treasuring them for the generations to come. “Deep roots are not reached by the frost.” It may seem ironic that despite all my ‘eastern sensitivity’ I take my inspiration from a western source,

but that just shows who I am: strongly aware of my roots but open for all that is good, wherever it may

come from. It’s easy to lose yourself in this ever-changing world. Yet I have a deep sense of identity. My

culture is an integral part of who I am and it gives my life perspective. No matter how wild be the

winds of change, this part will remain immutable.

[1] An internalized inferiority complex which causes people in a country to dismiss their own culture as inferior to the cultures of other countries. [2] Local Pakistani dress. [3] Nihari and Naan: a traditional delicacy. [4] An eastern musical genre.

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Accepted: Princeton SAT1: 2340 SAT2: GPA: 97.68/100 I have heard it said that “if a man [or woman] does not keep pace with his [or her] companions, perhaps it is because he [or she] hears a different drummer”. This statement summarizes the essence of Elizabeth Blackwell, a woman whose achievements helped shape me to become the person I am. To become the first female doctor in the United States, Elizabeth Blackwell was forced to study at Geneva College, and in the prejudiced environment of the nineteenth century, to receive the education necessary to achieve her ultimate goal. The struggle was worth it, because not only did she get what she aimed for, but she also proved to the world what she, and women in general, are capable of. This paved the pathway for the young females of today. There are several ways in which I have worthily followed in Ms. Blackwell’s footsteps, beginning my story of hard work and dedication. I have been endowed with a myriad of opportunities that were not available to many girls my age. I realized the importance of this fact and took to heart my responsibility to utilize the tools that have been given to me. With these, I asked the questions that others were afraid to. In the process, I learned, skipped grades, and I advanced through the academic ranks everywhere I went, surprising my teachers, my friends, and even, at times, myself. To my peers, I was an anomaly. Besides being the youngest person in my class, I was also the only girl who wore headscarves, or hijabs, everyday. As Blackwell faced comments for being the sole bonnet-wearer in her school, question after question was asked of me regarding my hijab, which I started wearing in middle school. I was happy to answer the inquiries of my classmates, but it did feel tiring at times to repeat the beliefs of Islam in relation to the hijab. Good things come to those who wait, and sure enough, I found my place with those who were just as inquisitive, if not more, than I was this past summer. This group consisted of the eighty-five most gifted students in the state of New Jersey, and I was glad to be one of them. Discouraged by my previous experiences with people’s reactions to my young age, I at first did not let anyone know how old I was. However, the information eventually got out, but instead of judging me based on my age, these of my peers were undisturbed by it and even said that I was surprisingly mature to be younger than they were. Rather than asking me why I wore a headscarf, they asked me how I put it on, what the proper name for it was, and other such questions. Because of these people, I now have more confidence that when I meet others, they can accept me despite my unusualness. So I dance on to the beat of my drum and, like Blackwell, will be met with satisfying success.

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Applied to Harvard: Waitlisted SAT1: 2190 SAT2: GPA: 4.3/4 Discuss an academic experience (course, project, paper, or research topic) that has meant the most to you. Describe what impact the experience had on you, what you contributed, what you learned about yourself, and how it has influenced your plans for the future. An auditorium filled with 200 students gave us their undivided attention as my partner and I, representing Switzerland, set forth our proposition for the issue of child rebel soldiers. As major contributors to the resolution, we were chosen by the ten other sponsoring delegations to present the paper we all toiled over for two consecutive days. It just so happened that a handful of University of Michigan alum and emeritus chose to visit our committee and partake in the fury of questions thrown at us after presenting. Fifteen hours of policy debate, resolution writing, and convincing delegates to support the paper, finally culminated in virtually unanimous approval, even by the alum who wished to congratulate us afterwards. Among the 10 conferences I have attended, none was more rewarding than this. I realized how much Model UN has taught me about effectively cooperating through compromise, respecting other people’s ideas and opinions, and attaining credibility as a supported leader. Possessing the qualities needed to work well with others is most important to me, whether it is 100 delegates, 50 teammates, or a single partner. Just like nations today, we as individuals do not live in isolation. We rely, grow, and prosper with one another. In this sense, Model UN reflects not just the state of nations in the global community, but also the interdependency of all people. I have realized that the best results are from combined individual efforts, not the sole work of one person. Though I admit that I have had many spirited arguments with my Science Bowl teammates and Robotics partners, these debates were nothing in intensity compared to the disputes I had with my Model UN partners, officers, and other delegates. As VP of our fifty-member Model UN squad, I spent many hours after-school with the officers and sponsors compromising on which US conferences to attend based on our limited budget. After much lively discussion, I persuaded our club to compete at larger college conferences such as those held at Berkeley, UPenn, and University of Texas. I found that the key to success lay in clearly communicating specific pros and cons while still giving everyone a chance to voice their own opinions. Despite criticism, I was ultimately able to win the backing of the club. To be an effective debater and leader it is important to adapt quickly but thoughtfully to the changing environment. I learned from watching the successful leaders around me that having a charismatic personality is crucial to foster those relationships within the group that create a more cohesive unit. Along with an ability to listen and respect the ideas of others, I was able to formulate balanced resolutions that the majority could agree on. Model UN has not only influenced my plans for the future to become an influential leader, it has quite literally shaped them since my first conference in 9th grade. Currently I am deciding which career I will pursue, but no matter what it involves, from working abroad on international relations to heading up an engineering company, I know that I want to be a leader in my field. I hope that at Harvard, I will be able to apply and hone the skills of leadership that I began learning with Model UN.

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Rejected: Princeton SAT1: 2190 SAT2: GPA: 4.3/4

Responsibility to a Friend “Yo there’s a crazy party goin’ down, lots of drugs, tons of girls, you in?” Oftentimes a single example does little justice to the gravity of an escalating situation. However, does that make it any less significant, any less real? The feeling you have as you watch your best friend slowly drift away from you day by day. Is that unreal? He was my closest friend, and for years maintained a reputation as the Egyptian pretty boy, the one whose popularity was the result of an unparalleled charisma. He was the jokester with a contagious sense of humour and universal respect for always being himself. “Just stay the hell out of my life!” Entering his last year in high school, his grades quickly plummeted, the detention slips stacked up, and his beloved enthusiasm transformed into enervation. His basketball team no longer held importance, nor was his schoolwork a priority. Turns out, his life had become a nonstop pleasure-seeking rollercoaster, as he joined up with the stoner crew and partied like none other, further distancing himself from me. Locked in the back of my mind was the empathy I should have gathered, caged by the morals and principles that I had followed blindly all my life. “Look, he’s gonna do whatever he wants… there’s nothing you can say that will stop him” My eyes struggled to observe the degradation of his life, just as I am sure it did for many others who were once so close to him. Nevertheless, I could not bear the consensus that we should leave him to decide his own fate. Assured repeatedly that I was powerless to change him, a single question plagued my mind for months: what kind of friend was I to let him make such costly mistakes? “Stop throwing your life away and hanging with careless people!” All of the warnings, the advice, the hopes of lifting him out of the hole he was digging himself into, went unheeded. He made up his mind and perhaps everyone else was right: nothing I could say would stop him. Therefore, I chose to hear him out, saying nothing, and thus condoning his behaviour. That was where I made my mistake. “I messed up bad… really bad this time” He loved his new status – a rebellious badass in endless trouble. Yet I could only imagine what thoughts raced through his mind as he repeatedly sentenced himself to the backseat of the squad car. Eventually the law came crashing down so forcefully that its imprint now marks him forever. “I’ll keep a look out for him… we’ve all got his back”

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I had never seen so much support for a person. Our community united to help him recover, providing much-needed encouragement in his endeavours, keeping him off the drugs, and getting him involved again with clubs, school, and the wrestling squad. Just as he needed a pivotal event to awaken him, so too did his peers to expunge their common apathetic convictions. In a sense, we all benefitted vicariously from his experience. Our school quickly discovered that friendship transcends the limitations of an open ear. Instead, it exists in its truest form as a relationship that will catapult you into action for a comrade in need. “Don’t let anybody tell you you’re not good enough... you have so much potential… you’ve always told me: ‘you’re the one who dictates your own happiness’… listen to your own advice” We finally had our chance to discuss the nature of the previous months. Our conversation made me want to break into tears as we re-examined our lives to see where we went wrong. I learned first-hand how crucial it is never to let friends slip away and the value of their support. What I witnessed as the bonds of a community solidified under a common purpose was truly inspiring. Yet most significantly, I realize now that one needs to muster the courage to act against depravity, not just recognize it. Now my best friend and I are back to the days of doing right: praying at the mosque, eating, studying, and enjoying the safety and opportunity of our lives, together. “I really wanna thank you man. No matter what trouble I got myself into, you were always there

in a heartbeat... When I look back bro, you’re the only one who really cared for my well-being,

not just trynna get the most entertainment outta me… You’re the only true friend who’s been

there for me.”

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If you are interested in pursuing a B.S.E. (Bachelor of Science in Engineering) degree, please write an essay describing why you are interested in studying engineering, any experiences in or exposure to engineering you have had, and how you think the programs in engineering offered at Princeton suit your particular interests. Beyond the classroom, the world of medicine quickly materialized from textbook concepts to real-life practices. I solidified my interest in engineering and medicine by dedicating to Science Fair research, starting the Medical Achiever’s Club, and serving as supervisor at the hospital for 3 years. Though the hospital has provided me with irreplaceable experiences, a cloud of uncertainty marred the atmosphere in recent years. Spending days at school and nights at the hospital at my father’s bedside, most recently from a heart attack he suffered this past month, I earned more than the perfunctory respect typical for his physicians; rather, I gained a powerful admiration for all the people who saved his life. Someday I wish to play a role in as noble of a task. I have come a long way in discerning which passion of mine to dedicate and establish a career. For years, I considered, “Engineering or Medicine? Medicine or Engineering?” weighing the two hand in hand. I finally reasoned, “why not both?” Integrating the two, I came across the fields of Biological and Biomedical Engineering. In particular, Tissue Engineering and Nanomedicine have caught my interest. Soon to be at the forefront of scientific research, I wish to play a role in their development and success with Princeton’s Chemical & Biological Engineering Department and undergraduate research. To me, improving just one medical device would mean improving the lives of many people just like my father. My passion for engineering and medicine expresses itself through the people whose lives I influenced at the hospital and those I aspire to help in the future as a Biomedical Engineer. Given my fervent interest and previous achievements in these areas, I am certain that I will have much to contribute to the success of Princeton’s BE department and will certainly seek undergraduate research. Already I utilize publications by researchers and engineers at Princeton while working on my Science Bowl and Robotics designs. I hope to contribute to significant research under the guidance of Princeton’s distinguished faculty of teacher-scholars and researchers. These projects receive incomparable amounts of grant money giving their engineers opportunities unmatched by other universities. In addition, Princeton encourages its engineering students to explore the world abroad and engage with a completely new level of the scientific community that few others experience. I have firm a belief that science is intrinsically international and this only pushes us to do better, meet new people, and uncover fresh insights to solving the world’s problems. During my visit to Princeton, I witnessed the bridge between classroom knowledge and real-world applications as students worked on multidisciplinary projects. This accent upon not only the highest quality education, but also an education utilized to benefit our world is undoubtedly the most appealing aspect of the institution. Just as the researchers are seamlessly interconnected in collaborative projects, so too are the scientific disciplines. I have always seen the natural world too broad and beautifully complex to narrow its study into closed off subject areas. While at ISEF, I had the opportunity to hear from four Nobel laureates, including Sir Richard Roberts, winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. He encouraged students to be well rounded in their endeavors: “You need to know a lot of science in all realms and a lot of things beyond science to achieve the positive impact you seek”. With this same conviction, I felt an instant connection with Princeton and its emphasis on an interdisciplinary research and study environment when I visited, particularly at PBL and the labs in Bowen Hall. I am certain that Princeton will prepare me well to take on engineering obstacles and overcome the health challenges plaguing our world.

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Accepted: Brown, Harvard, University of Chicago Rejected: Yale SAT1: 2340 GPA: 97.68/100 Battle-scars For as long as I can remember, I have been a tomboy, always interested in playing football, revolting against wearing skirts and dresses, and prone to getting hurt. My unusual ways may be attributed to my three brothers. My twin brothers and I are virtually triplets. Besides my being only sixteen months older, we share the same pick of interests, taste in music, and choice of friends. My adventurous yet stubborn personality inevitably comes with a trait usually associated with males, a trait better known as my daring side. This side of me flared up one afternoon this past May. Some peers and I entertained ourselves by watching the strongest ninth-grader do some tricks with pushups. He leaned upside-down against a wall and did some pushups. Then he demonstrated his skills with some one-handed acts. He topped them all off with some clap-behind-the-back pushups, with which I became entranced. Before I knew it, I was on the floor attempting to do one. I figured it could not be that much harder than the ones I could do while clapping in front of my chest. I soon realized that I was horribly wrong. I pushed off the floor and put my hands behind my back to clap, but my chin hit the floor before I could support myself. I stood up and dusted myself off, thinking that everything was fine, albeit the strong ache in my chin. That was, until Mr. Clap-Behind-The-Back yelled and ran to the boys’ bathroom. I noticed the faint blood smears on the floor right as my role model rushed back with a huge wad of napkins. Needless to say, I was a bit worried when my friend told me that I would need stitches. It proved to be a long night at the hospital, waiting in mild despair for the plastic surgeon to come and stitch me up. Luckily, the procedure did not take long, and with some local anesthetic, all I felt were the slight pricks of the needle going in and out of my skin seventeen times. Although it may seem like there was not much to learn, other than that I would need faster reflexes to succeed in doing amazing pushup tricks, I found out more about myself. I was not only able to deal with splitting my chin but was also able to overcome the fear of getting stitches for the first time. I was additionally reminded that humans were not provided with super-strength as compensation for mortality. I must therefore anticipate, brace myself, and work hard to conquer all challenges that I will face. Being able to gauge my weaknesses and learn from my mistakes is my blessing in disguise as a chin wound. I do not know how to do a pushup while clapping behind my back, but I now have a soft floor beneath me for my novel physical attempts. Best of all, I learned that stitches leave behind a great battle-scar and an interesting tale of audacity.

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Accepted: Caltech, Brown, Cornell, Princeton SAT1: 2340 GPA: 97.68/100 Tetralogy of Fallot, also known as blue baby syndrome, is a congenital heart defect that deprives the blood of needed oxygen and drastically shortens the life of its victims. As an avid science-related books and movies enthusiast, I first learned about this disease after watching the movie Something the Lord Made. Helen Taussig introduced the syndrome to Dr. Alfred Blalock. Vivien Thomas, who had been working under Dr. Blalock, was able to recreate this fatal condition in a dog and successfully correct it. What came to be known as the Blalock-Taussig Shunt started a chain reaction that saved those with various congenital heart defects and revolutionized the study of heart surgery. Thomas thus became my inspiration, and to be a biomedical scientist became my aspiration. The work of Taussig, Blalock, and Thomas has since impacted the lives of many blue babies and their families, and in this way, my own. My youngest brother was born with coarctation of the aorta and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). These defects, which are closely linked with tetralogy of Fallot, caused my brother, who was full of life at birth, to become weak and blue with cyanosis. Surgery was required three days later, on my birthday, and his life was saved. This procedure was the difference between my having a seven-year-old brother named Saleem and my only having twin brothers named Shafeeq and Shareef. For all people, science is a significant tool with which humanity makes the effort to improve society and change lives for the better. Many with heart defects, like my brother, were saved by the shunt. I then realized my passion to help people, whether through medicine as Thomas, Blalock, and Taussig, or through some other means unknown yet to myself. My interest in medicine was further influenced by Dr. Kunar, my Introduction to Medical Physics teacher. In this class, Dr. Kunar challenged us to know not just about the parts of the human body, but also about the mechanics of how they work, as well as of the equipment used in the medical field. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was my favorite topic, as it was amazing to find that the magnetic spin of elements I was learning about in AP Chemistry applied to this technique for hydrogen atoms. We actually visited a hospital at the end of the course to see for ourselves the machines we had been learning about in class. The brain became my specific area of interest. I probed into the amygdala, an emotion-related brain structure, of a rat this past summer. By precisely injecting an excitotoxin into the medial amygdala of the brain, I was able to eradicate anxiety from a laboratory rat. The opportunity, combined with my strength in mathematics and physics, brought me to the disciplines of biomedical engineering and neuroscience, a field in which there is so much to discover. To combine Chemical and Biological Engineering with Neuroscience at Princeton University would be my greatest achievement. The discovery of a cure to tetralogy of Fallot lengthened the life spans of many children, and I hope that my discoveries, whatever they may be, will have such a great effect in the future.

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Cornell University

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Accepted: Cornell University SAT1: 2290 SAT2: 780 Maths 2, 800 Physics, 760 Chemistry GPA: 4.0 Engineers turn ideas (technical, scientific, mathematical) into reality. Tell us about an engineering idea you have or your interest in engineering. Explain how Cornell Engineering can help you further explore this idea or interest. “Life, forever dying to be born afresh, forever young and eager, will presently stand upon this earth as upon a footstool, and stretch out its realm amidst the stars.” -- H. G. Wells, The Outline of History,1920 Stars are perhaps the most clichéd source of inspiration. But then again, their very longevity suggests that clichés are true. As a child I used to wonder, “Why do stars twinkle?” The most appropriate answer was, ‘because they are giant balls of fire’. But I would disagree. Surely that can’t be all. There had to be something more to it. I wanted there to be something more. After all, stars were special.

---Stars are like gods. Omniscient; always above us, always watching down. The motivated look at them for inspiration, the dejected with exasperation. We reach out and try to grasp them, but

only to fail. We relate everything with stars: our fears, hopes, desires; so much that they become a divine entity. Nothing less than a god---

Space colonization is an unsettling thought; almost unbecoming of a human being. We fear the thought because we so desperately cling to Earth, but that’s exactly why it is so important. Space colonization is an intellectual necessity for human beings. It signifies leaving mother Earth’s womb and becoming independent. As a race, we can certainly not realize our true potential, unless we leave the bounds of Earth and become self-sustainable. As quixotic a notion as it may be, space settlement has become an inevitable end.

My penchant for science fiction goes as far back as a 5th grader reading “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”. Back then science fiction was only that, fiction. Space colonization was as real as Betelgeusians and Grebulons. But it was not long before I realized that creating a space settlement may very well be possible. For what is science fiction but a figment of creative imagination. And whatever we can imagine, we can create. It was only when I participated in the International NASA Space Settlement Design Contest, that I came to realize the sense of empowerment that Engineering gives us as human beings. In the process of designing a space settlement, I learned that there are solutions to even the most difficult of problems: it’s just a matter of figuring them out. As director of Operations and Infrastructure, I faced the challenge of using my imagination to create a controlled environment capable of sustaining human life, while remaining within the bounds of science and plausibility. From food production, to atmosphere control, to power management; I encountered diverse issues which led me to explore virtually every field of engineering. When our team won the 2nd prize, I knew that not only had I achieved an accolade, but along with it a vast understanding and passion for engineering. For me, this experience was a transition from a passive observer to an active participant. For the first time I looked at the prospect of a space settlement from the perspective of an engineer instead of a science fiction enthusiast. I realized the technological and economic

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limitations that prevent us from making this dream possible. But instead of putting me off, it has only made me more realistic in my aspirations. --- To see them for what they are: ‘giant balls of fire’ not gods. To do away with a sense of wonder borne of ignorance and to leave only understanding and appreciation. The idea of space colonization is much more than fiction for me; it’s a journey towards empowerment. A journey towards finding my place in the Universe --- Engineers are not meant to just build. They are meant to think, imagine, even philosophize if the need be. I look towards Cornell to provide the intellectual environment where I can not only build as an engineer but excel as a thinker too. Being a part of the New York Space Grant Consortium and with its lasting connection with NASA, Cornell is a natural choice for me. True to institute’s motto, there is a plethora of potential subjects to pursue at Cornell, and with my eclectic interests I look forward to explore unique educational possibilities. In Hermann Oberth’s words, “My goal is to make available for life every space where life is possible. To make inhabitable all worlds as yet un-inhabitable and all life purposeful.” I look towards Cornell to make my life purposeful.

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Accepted: Cornell SAT1: 2190 SAT2: Math 770, Physics 740, US History 730, World History 720 GPA: 4.3/4 Describe your intellectual interests, their evolution, and what makes them exciting to you. Tell us how you will utilize the academic programs in the College of Arts and Sciences to further explore your interests, intended major, or field of study. I held my arm back, second-guessing myself one last time. Could there really be nowhere left to turn? Every pulse of my brain screamed not to go in, but each beat of my heart said it would make every problem disappear. Hesitantly, I opened the mahogany door, took off my shoes, and stepped into the masjid. My only other sanctuary, the house I had lived in for eight years, had failed me. In the few hours that my parents were home from work, I listened to their incessant yelling over the most trivial matters while studying for my final exams. A home where some of the best universities in the nation had accepted its two previous inhabitants was still a home where all that existed for me was insurmountable expectations. But in all this turmoil, I considered: Where was the peace that my religion had promised me? That night, as if never before, I thought about the world for myself. I made my prayers and buried myself in pages of religious texts long into the night that led me to question the morals and practices I abided by so uncritically. Engaged in the virtual opposite of my plan to study, instead, I chose to make my own conjectures based on my life’s experiences, not what a book told me to be true. I experienced the power of thinking beyond the superficial level and carefully considered all the possibilities. I thought about the many family gatherings where our arguments over faith enflamed the passions of my uncles and aunts, all of whom assured me of their certainty. The never-ending battle raged on between one side’s extremism and another’s moderation, just as it does in the greater world. Until I fell asleep on the carpet at 3am, these pressing questions and thoughts that raced through my mind proved to spark my enthusiasm for religious theology. The global, historical, and practical contexts of religion have gripped my fascination from a young age. So much of my life was engrossed in religion that I developed a burning desire to ascertain people’s perceptions of faith, God, worship, history, and modern adaptation. The idea that a great number of us can live our lives abiding by such abstract concepts rationalized alongside strict doctrine is so contradictory to the nature of our society today. We must now possess definitive reasons, authenticated conjectures, and an arsenal of unequivocal evidence to answer our questions. However, in religion we heed attention to the struggle of unanswered questions whilst respecting the beauty of the process of trying to answer them. My curiosity in religion has made me speculative of what I see right before my eyes, yet it has allowed me to view the world in a deeper meaning with a deeper purpose. While visiting Cornell, it was as though these same sentiments echoed in the voices of undergraduates in the religious studies program with whom I sat and conversed over religion. The professor I spoke with not only gave me new insights, but also eagerly wanted to hear my opinion on the subjects. As a student, I hope to contribute to the interfaith community with the Muslim Educational and Cultural Association (MECA) at Cornell, just as my brother and sister did as MECA Presidents at their colleges. Cornell’s open learning environment that fosters respectful dialogue between faculty and students typifies the kind of college experience that I want to have while I pursue a degree in religious studies.

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Engineers turn ideas (technical, scientific, mathematical) into reality. Tell us about an engineering idea you have or your interest in engineering. Explain how Cornell Engineering can help you further explore this idea or interest. Beyond the classroom, the world of medicine quickly materialized from textbook concepts to real-life practices. I solidified my interest in engineering and medicine by dedicating to Science Fair research, starting the Medical Achiever’s Club, and serving as supervisor at the hospital for 3 years. Though the hospital has provided me with irreplaceable experiences, a cloud of uncertainty marred the atmosphere in recent years. Spending days at school and nights at the hospital by my father’s bedside, most recently from a heart attack he suffered this past month, I earned more than the perfunctory respect typical for his physicians; rather, I gained a powerful admiration for all the people who saved his life. Someday, I wish to play a role in as noble of a task. I have come a long way in discerning which passion of mine to dedicate and establish a career. For years, I considered, “Engineering or Medicine? Medicine or Engineering?” weighing the two hand in hand. I finally reasoned, “why not both?” Integrating the two, I came across the field of Biomedical Engineering. In particular, Tissue Engineering and Nanomedicine have caught my interest. Soon to be at the forefront of scientific research, I wish to play a role in their development and success with Cornell’s BME department and undergraduate research. To me, improving just one medical device would mean improving the lives of many people just like my father. My passion for engineering and medicine expresses itself through the people whose lives I influenced at the hospital and those I aspire to help in the future as a Biomedical Engineer. Given my unique outlook on the medical world, I am certain that I will have much to contribute to the success of the BME department and will certainly seek undergraduate research. I already utilize publications by researchers and engineers at Cornell while working on my Science Bowl and Robotics designs and hope to contribute to significant research under the guidance of Cornell’s distinguished faculty of teacher-scholars and researchers. In addition, Cornell encourages its engineering students to explore the world abroad and engage with a completely new level of the scientific community that few others experience. I firmly believe that science is intrinsically international and this pushes us to do better, meet new people, and uncover fresh insights to solving the world’s problems. During my visit to Cornell, I witnessed the bridge between classroom knowledge and real-world applications as students worked on multidisciplinary projects. This accent upon not only the highest quality education, but also an education utilized to benefit our world is undoubtedly the most appealing aspect of the institution. Just as the researchers are seamlessly interconnected in collaborative projects, so too are the scientific disciplines. I have always seen the natural world too broad and beautifully complex to narrow its study into isolated subjects. While at ISEF, I had the opportunity to hear from four Nobel laureates, including Sir Richard Roberts, winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. He encouraged us to be well rounded in our endeavors: “You need to know a lot of science in all realms and a lot of things beyond science to achieve the positive impact you seek”. With this same conviction, I felt an instant connection with Cornell and its emphasis on an interdisciplinary research and study environment, particularly at the NanoScale Facility and Weill Hall. I am certain that Cornell will prepare me well to take on engineering obstacles and overcome the health challenges plaguing our world as a Biomedical Engineer

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University of Pennsylvania

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Accepted: University of Pennsylvania SAT1: 2110 SAT2: 740 Biology, 750 Math 2 TOEFL: 117 GPA: 99.97/100 Considering both the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying and the unique aspects of the University of Pennsylvania, what do you hope to learn from and contribute to the Penn community? (500 words) As a King Abdullah University for Science and Technology Gifted Student Program (KGSP) scholar, I’ve had the privilege of attending the English Language Program (ELP) at Penn for the past year. Throughout this experience, the university has been a welcoming beacon of learning for me, and I’ve come to acknowledge and appreciate the quirks of Penn that make me feel at home as both a member of the community and an aspiring bioengineer.

Although there are shorter routes from Fisher-Bennett Hall to my residence at International House, I occasionally prefer to take the long way through Locust Walk. Whenever I do, the student community never ceases to inspire. Whether it’s a couple of students rallying to boycott Durban III, a makeshift gym erected in front of Van Pelt, or a boombox simply inviting people to dance, the unique breadth of interests in a single community is something I consider a defining factor of Penn’s identity. As a student at Penn, I hope to not only further my personal growth by experiencing this wide range of interests, but to be a part of the cultural “machine” present on campus, too.

In a machine, each cog transfers energy within the system. Having already begun my career as a genetic researcher, I hope to invest the energy from the cogs connected to me in enhancing my perspective as a scientist. By focusing my different experiences into my work, I can optimize my output by producing research that solidifies Penn’s position as a leader within the field of bioengineering. Consequently, my motion as an energy-efficient cog will provide other cogs with the energy, insight, and experience to optimize their own outputs. I believe that, in a knowledge machine like Penn, it’s imperative that, at the end of the day, the machine’s energy output meets or exceeds the input. Driven by a keen interest in gene therapy, my passion allows me to defy the law of physics that states “energy cannot be created”, and add my personal boost of energy to the system of excellence at Penn.

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Accepted: University of Pennsylvania SAT1: 2340 GPA: 97.68/100 Saheela is Arabic for ease, but choosing which path I would like to take at the University of Pennsylvania was not easy for me. I visited the University of Pennsylvania when I was a little girl, but my first mature encounter with the institution was in the January of 2009. I was attending the Ivy League Model United Nations Conference, or ILMUNC, where we were given the opportunity to visit the University of Pennsylvania and get a feel for this Ivy League university. I immediately fell in love with the campus, which brought back pleasant memories of my childhood. I recalled the fantastic pictures, which I still have, of myself and my twin brothers sticking our upper bodies though the famous button statue, and again, of the three of us huddled around the well-known letters of love. Being drawn by this nostalgic view of the university, I visited in the summer of 2010 to attend a formal information session and campus tour. The admissions representative of the University of Pennsylvania did not fail to show me what I would enjoy doing for the four years after graduating from high school. Earlier this year, a representative of the institution visited my school to discuss the benefits of being an undergraduate of the University of Pennsylvania. At the time, I was debating whether to study Cognitive Science or the Applied Science Program in Cognitive Science, which I had learned more about during the summer. To my surprise, the representative happened to be the same person from the information session! I thought that asking more about the differences between the Cognitive Science and the Applied Cognitive Science programs would help me make my decision. Although I have come to love the study of the brain, I still am an enthusiastic lover of mathematics, and according to the representative’s suggestions about the mathematical nature of the Applied Cognitive Science Program, I chose to select this to be my major. My commitment to Applied Cognitive Science does not limit my other possibilities at the University of Pennsylvania. I am interested in learning languages as well, and would like to continue learning Spanish, Latin, and Arabic during my college years. Also, this major allows me to explore more research opportunities, specifically in the cognitive science area. Other activities that I want to pursue are club sports, such as soccer, field hockey, and rugby, tutoring, and volunteering in previously unexplored ways. Nonetheless, the most significant question I asked the representative at my school was not about majors. I wondered what the one general characteristic of the University of Pennsylvania students was that intrigued the world. The representative replied that it is the spirit of service of the institution’s students that grabs attention. She gave several examples of how students use the prime surroundings of the city of Philadelphia to volunteer at schools and hospitals, work in businesses and factories, and learn in a global environment. I am sure that if I attend the University of Pennsylvania, I will be a part of and contribute to this wonderful community atmosphere.

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Williams College

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Accepted: Williams SAT1: 2340 GPA: 97.68/100 The moon is full. I gaze out of the car window, reminiscing about my discovery during today’s swim practice. I am sitting on a bench, slightly daydreaming as our coach explains the subsequent drill. I notice painted waves on the walls reflected off of the swimming pool water. I am the one who sees the world this way, delving into the depths without first looking at the surface layers. Everything is flipped and jumbled, upsidedown. I return to the car, pulling at the fringes of my mind and forcing it back into my body. One can manipulate, but even in an alternate universe the moon is round and pale, with its myriad of awesome craters. It is perfect despite the imperfections. Rather, the moon is perfect because of them. The moon is golden, shining its bright light that was borrowed from the sun. I worry if I, while unlike the inanimate moon, share its quality of thievery, stealing the lights of others and reflecting them as my own. Who is the moon to take without asking? Who am I? I grope around desperately, searching for the answer but not being content with what I come up with. I am the one who thinks the world should sometimes revolve around her, even when it fails to for the moon in all its grandeur. I do not know what I would do without the help of others. Who would I be without my family, my friends, my teachers and peers, and without a nurturing environment? Then, I think of those great minds, of Newton, who said that he saw further by standing on the shoulders of giants, and I ask myself again “who am I”. The answer comes easily now. I am Saheela Ibraheem. I am the one who is the moon.

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University of California Berkeley

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Accepted: UC Berkeley SAT1: 2190 SAT2: GPA: 4.3/4

Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

“Where are you from?” I was stunned, unable to articulate a satisfactory response. My fellow

students appeared shocked by the time and effort that I required to respond to the seemingly simple

question. But how could I? As a US citizen, I could not exempt “American” from my answer, but

nor would the word constitute a complete response.

I am the product of three different countries, eight different schools, and two diametrically opposed

cultures. My parents emigrated from India to my birthplace in Switzerland. We moved to London

when I was six and finally settled in Kentucky when I was eleven. Although the UK afforded my

poor family few opportunities, my parents recognized the value of their children’s education and

taught me that success in life comes from both hard work and education. My parents’ successes and

care for family despite their lack of means have motivated me throughout my life to achieve to the

best of my ability.

My family’s early life in America paralleled our struggles in England. While both of my parents

worked day and night jobs, my siblings and I struggled to fit in at school and at home where we

lived with an uncle we hardly knew. In the UK, I was one of fifteen non-Caucasian students in my

private school of hundreds where we learned through traditional repetition and strict discipline. In

Kentucky, however, the Gifted & Talented Institution gave me the freedom to pursue academia from

an intellectually unique and creative approach. I immersed myself in books, built machines and

gadgets with tools from engineering shops rather than scraps I found lying around the house, and

gained an appreciation for my diverse learning environment, more prone to absorb every

opportunity provided to me.

Oftentimes, it was easy to lose myself in my studies, but by moving so frequently, my family and I

became comfortable adapting to drastically different worlds. Starting over so many times has

taught me how to make friends easier and how to communicate well with people of different

backgrounds. Every unaccustomed circumstance forced my parents to adapt and I helped them

along the way. As such, I have learned how to adjust to dissimilar communities whilst retaining my

own identity. For example, while at ISEF, I was initially uncomfortable with such talented and

capable people that surrounded me from all over the world. However, as time passed, I acclimated

to the challenges and obstacles, developing and learning from people that are now some of my

closest friends. With these experiences under my belt, I look forward to adapting and contributing

to a community across the nation from my home at UC-Berkeley.

I desire success not just for myself, but also for my family that struggled to make great strides for

my benefit. My most committed aspiration, one that I intend to hold for the rest of my life, is to

provide people with opportunities that I so desperately sought. Motivated by the various worlds I

come from, I hope to make the world I now live in a better place and make it easier for those that

only know struggle.

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Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud, and how does it relate to the person you are?

An auditorium filled with 120 students gave us their undivided attention as my partner and I,

representing Switzerland, set forth our proposition for the issue of child rebel soldiers. As major

contributors to the resolution, we were chosen by the ten other sponsoring delegations to present the

paper we all toiled over for two consecutive days. It just so happened that a handful of University

of Michigan alum and emeritus chose to visit our committee and partake in the fury of questions

thrown at us after presenting. Fifteen hours of policy debate, resolution writing, and convincing

delegates to support the paper, finally culminated in virtually unanimous approval, even by the alum

who wished to congratulate us afterwards.

Among the 10 conferences I have attended, none was more rewarding than this. I realized how

much Model UN has taught me about effectively cooperating through compromise, respecting other

people’s ideas and opinions, and attaining credibility as a supported leader. Possessing the qualities

needed to work well with others is most important to me, whether it is 100 delegates, 50 teammates,

or a single partner. Just like nations today, we as individuals do not live in isolation. We rely, grow,

and prosper with one another. In this sense, Model UN reflects not just the state of nations in the

global community, but also the interdependency of all people. I have realized that the best results

are from combined individual efforts, not the sole work of one person.

Though I admit that I have had many spirited arguments with my Science Bowl teammates and

Robotics partners, these debates were nothing in intensity compared to the disputes I had with my

Model UN partners, officers, and other delegates. As VP of our fifty-member Model UN squad, I

spent many hours after-school with the officers and sponsors compromising on which US

conferences to attend based on our limited budget. After much lively discussion, I persuaded our

club to compete at larger college conferences such as those held at Berkeley, UPenn, and UChicago.

I found that the key to success lay in clearly communicating specific pros and cons while still

giving everyone a chance to voice their own opinions. Despite criticism, I was ultimately able to

win the backing of the club.

To be an effective debater and leader it is important to adapt quickly but thoughtfully to the

changing environment. It helps to have a charismatic personality in order to foster those

relationships within the group that create a more cohesive unit. Along with an ability to listen and

respect the ideas of others, I was able to formulate balanced resolutions that the majority could

agree on. Berkeley’s emphasis on community and collaborative learning is the primary reason I feel

I would be happy and successful here, applying the skills I honed while in Model UN.

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Additional Comments (Optional) If you wish, you may use this space to tell us anything else you want us to know about you that you have not had the opportunity to describe elsewhere in the application.

For years, I have read articles about cutting-edge research projects at Berkeley and eagerly desired

to be a part of them. Berkeley’s belief in a unified and multidisciplinary approach to education is an

aspect that I tremendously admire about this institution. However, what solidified my desire to

matriculate was my visit where I felt an instant connection with the campus and its students. There

I met students with the same love for learning that I possess and with whom I felt truly comfortable.

People constantly barrage me with questions and warnings that mostly sound like “why would you

want to go all the way to California?!” Other than the beautiful climate, the inexhaustible research

opportunities, and tireless enthusiasm of its people, California’s enormous Capoeira community is

unmatched by any other part of the US and has drawn me in with immutable excitement.

In my mind, Capoeira is like water. It nourishes you, flows through you, and at times carries you.

It is grace under pressure. My first encounter with this mix of Brazilian martial art, music, and

dance opened an entirely new realm – a roda encircling me in a game of physical strength, intense

speed, elegant balance, and swift creativity.

Capoeira has taught me as much about physical capability as it has about people. Capoeiristas

never fight to prove dominance; rather, we play to have fun with our fellow opponent. The dynamic

nature of the roda as opponents jump in and out parallels the diverse people I have met while

playing Capoeira. Some opponents are serious adversaries, while most have become close friends.

To think someone as lanky as me could jump such heights, throw powerful kicks, and maintain

harmony with the cadence of atabaque drums, seemed impossible at first. Rising from the low

ranks of a captivated student, I quickly achieved the level of aluno graduado (graduated student)

and rights to teach others like my school friends. Together we grow mentally and physically

stronger with every passing day, treasuring each moment.

During my visit, I found Capoeira schools with huge student populations, stores that sold all kinds

of Capoeira gear, and most astonishingly, rodas that spontaneously initiated on the streets. The

seemingly intangible world of Capoeira that I had assumed only a few people to know suddenly

became a thrilling realm of endless possibility to grow and develop as a Capoeirista. Indeed, every

aspect of my visit reaffirmed my conviction that I would want to spend my next 4 years here at

Berkeley.

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California Institute of Technology

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Applied to Caltech: Deferred to Regular Action SAT1: 2190 SAT2: GPA: 4.3/4 1. What are three adjectives your friends would use to describe you? (250 characters) After taking a poll of 25 of my closest friends and several of my teachers, they unanimously agreed: Passionate, Optimistic, Energetic Other 2nd place winners include: Determined, sociable, and inquisitive (229 characters) 2. Please list three books, along with their authors, that have been particularly meaningful to you. You need not confine yourself to math- or science-related texts. (500 characters) The Character of Physical Law – Richard P. Feynman The AP Physics summer assignment that changed my life, sparking my interest in physics and awakening me to learning for the love of learning rather than mere grades. Fundamentals of Physics – Halliday I read every page of this textbook and probably answered 95% of the problems included. Considering that I literally slept with it for a large portion of my junior year, yes indeed, it is very meaningful to me. The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini (499 characters) 3. Members of the Caltech community live, learn, and work within an Honor System with one simple guideline, “No member shall take unfair advantage of any other member of the Caltech community.” While seemingly simple, questions of ethics, honesty, and integrity are sometimes challenging. Share an ethical dilemma that challenged you. What did you do? (1300 characters) A mutual consensus existed that Cosmology was the most challenging events at the Michigan State Science Bowl tournament this past June. Although laptops were permitted, internet usage was strictly prohibited. It was clear that the organizers had no idea the Wifi was easily accessible, and subsequently competitors took full advantage. As time ticked away, my partner, Matt, and I frantically answered questions on this monstrosity of a test, not designed to be finished within the allotted time. I looked up racking my brain to remember the intricacies of Hawking's paper on the information paradox. Simultaneously we both stopped and shot a worried look of disbelief at one another. While everyone else in the room effortlessly scanned Google and Wikipedia for answers, Matt and I felt a crushing pressure to do the same. After all,

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Cosmology was our team's strongest event for the four years I had competed and losing would be catastrophic. Despite our exhaustion from three previous events, we hustled through the pain, fairly tackled the test, and placed third. To say that it was difficult to accept that our team lost the entire tournament by merely a single point, is a gross understatement. However, we were all, Matt and I especially, proud that we had lost with our integrity still intact. (1300 characters) 4. Caltech students have long been known for their quirky sense of humor and creative pranks and for finding unusual ways to have fun. What is something that you find fun or humorous? (1000 characters) Capoeira is like water. It nourishes you, flows through you, and at times carries you. It is grace under pressure. My first encounter with this mix of Brazilian martial art, music, and dance opened an entirely new realm – a roda encircling me in a game of physical strength, intense speed, elegant balance, and creativity. We never fight to prove dominance; rather, we play to have fun with our fellow opponent. The dynamic nature of the roda parallels the people I meet. Some opponents are serious adversaries, while most have become close friends. To think someone as lanky as me could jump such heights, throw powerful kicks, and maintain harmony with the cadence of atabaque drums, seemed impossible at first. Rising from the low ranks of a captivated Governor’s School student, I quickly achieved the level of aluno graduado (graduated student) and rights to teach others like my school friends. Together we grow mentally and physically stronger with every passing day, treasuring each moment. (998 characters)

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Duke University

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Applied to Duke –Pratt School of Engineering: Waitlisted SAT1: 2190 SAT2: GPA: 4.3/4 If you are applying to the Pratt School of Engineering, please discuss why you want to study engineering and why you would like to study at Duke. Beyond the classroom, the world of medicine quickly materialized from textbook concepts to real-life practices. I solidified my interest in engineering and medicine by dedicating to Science Fair research, starting the Medical Achiever’s Club, and serving as supervisor at the hospital for 3 years. Though the hospital has provided me with irreplaceable experiences, a cloud of uncertainty marred the atmosphere in recent years. Spending days at school and nights at the hospital at my father’s bedside, most recently from a heart attack he suffered this past month, I earned more than the perfunctory respect typical for his physicians; rather, I gained a powerful admiration for all the people who saved his life. Someday I wish to play a role in as noble of a task. I have come a long way in discerning which passion of mine to dedicate and establish a career. For years, I considered, “Engineering or Medicine? Medicine or Engineering?” weighing the two hand in hand. I finally reasoned, “why not both?” Integrating the two, I came across the field of Biomedical Engineering. In particular, Tissue Engineering and Nanomedicine have caught my interest. Soon to be at the forefront of scientific research, I wish to play a role in their development and success with Duke’s BME department and undergraduate research. To me, improving just one medical device would mean improving the lives of many people just like my father. My passion for engineering and medicine expresses itself through the people whose lives I influenced at the hospital and those I aspire to help in the future as a Biomedical Engineer. Given my fervent interest and previous achievements in these areas, I am certain that I will have much to contribute to the success of Duke’s BME department and will certainly seek undergraduate research. Already I utilize publications by researchers and engineers at Duke while working on my Science Bowl and Robotics designs. I hope to contribute to research as significant as the Human Genome Project under the guidance of Duke’s distinguished faculty researchers. These projects receive incomparable amounts of grant money giving their engineers opportunities unmatched by other universities. In addition, Duke allows many of its engineering students to explore the world abroad and engage with a completely new level of the scientific community that few others experience. The School of Engineering’s emphasis on connecting classroom knowledge with real-world applications and working on multidisciplinary projects are undoubtedly the most appealing aspects of the institution. Just as the researchers are seamlessly interconnected in collaborative projects, so too are the scientific disciplines. Duke’s emphasis on an interdisciplinary research and study environment, even with specific subjects like those in the FOCUS program, is an aspect of the institution I felt an instant connection with when I visited, particularly at the Fitzpatrick Center. I am certain that the Pratt School of Engineering will prepare me well to take on engineering obstacles and overcome the health challenges plaguing our world.

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Accepted: Duke SAT1: 2110 SAT2: 740 Biology, 750 Math 2 TOEFL: 117 GPA: 99.97/100 If you are applying to the Pratt School of Engineering, please discuss why you want to study engineering and why you would like to study at Duke. (1-3 Paragraphs) As fun as going to the gym is, my favorite part is the tingling sensation that follows. As I mentally pat myself on the back, the soreness of my muscles serves as a stark reminder of just how hard I’ve worked on a given day. For me, puzzles and research have always been the exercise of my mind. As I lift the dumbbells of logic and creativity, I can feel my mind straining to solve whatever conundrum may present itself. Throughout my academic career, I’ve come to identify engineering as a series of complex brainteasers that lead to novel ways of interacting with our environments, and have aspired to solve these puzzles of our natural world. It wasn’t until I discovered my passion for human physiology that I realized that biomedical engineering presented a way for me to “have my cake and eat it, too” by creatively manipulating biological systems. As I bade [name of high school] farewell, the search for a new mental gym began. To a budding weightlifter in the field of gene therapy, Duke stood out as a global leader in mental fitness and development. With its world-class trainers, uniquely talented and diverse members, and cutting-edge facilities, Duke feels like an ideal center for exercising my mind’s capacity alongside the inspiring “Arnold Schwarzeneggers” of my field. Reading more about this gym, it became obvious that the biomedical engineering division specialized in a particularly rigorous form of exercise: research. Having already begun my career as a researcher, programs such as the “Independent Study + You Pick the Faculty” undergraduate research opportunity present a chance to flex the mental muscles that Duke will help develop to creatively solve real-world problems. As essential as heavy lifting is to my mental muscle mass, the complementary exercise of community service is paramount to maintaining my focus and direction. I believe that programs such as Duke’s chapter of Engineers Without Borders, as well as the elective course BME 260 (Devices for People with Disabilities), propel me to to change lives by focusing my curiosity and enthusiasm, and encouraging wide-scale collaboration across a variety of disciplines. In addition, Duke’s chapter of the Biomedical Engineering Society provides a community that I feel can make me at home amongst a network of strongmen in my field, thus granting me exposure to the cutting edge, and familiarity with techniques and thoughts that I can employ in my own work.

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Johns Hopkins University

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Accepted: Johns Hopkins University SAT1: 2190 SAT2: GPA: 4.3/4 Johns Hopkins offers 50 majors across the schools of Arts and Sciences and Engineering. On this application, we ask you to identify one or two that you might like to pursue here. Why did you choose the way you did? If you are undecided, why didn't you choose? (If any past courses or academic experience influenced your decision, you may include them in your essay.) Beyond the classroom, the world of medicine quickly materialized from textbook concepts to real-life practices. I solidified my interest in engineering and medicine by dedicating to Science Fair research, starting the Medical Achiever’s Club, and serving as supervisor at the hospital for 3 years. Though the hospital has provided me with irreplaceable experiences, a cloud of uncertainty marred the atmosphere in recent years. Spending days at school and nights at the hospital at my father’s bedside, most recently from a heart attack he suffered this past month, I earned more than the perfunctory respect typical for his physicians; rather, I gained a powerful admiration for all the people who saved his life. Someday I wish to play a role in as noble of a task. I have come a long way in discerning which passion of mine to dedicate and establish a career. For years, I considered, “Engineering or Medicine? Medicine or Engineering?” weighing the two hand in hand. I finally reasoned, “why not both?” Integrating the two, I came across the field of Biomedical Engineering. In particular, Tissue Engineering and Nanomedicine have caught my interest. Soon to be at the forefront of scientific research, I wish to play a role in their development and success with JHU’s BME department and undergraduate research. To me, improving just one medical device would mean improving the lives of many people just like my father. My passion for engineering and medicine expresses itself through the people whose lives I influenced at the hospital and those I aspire to help in the future as a Biomedical Engineer.

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Accepted: Johns Hopkins University SAT1: 2110 SAT2: 740 Biology, 750 Math 2 TOEFL: 117 GPA: 99.97/100 Johns Hopkins offers 50 majors across the schools of Arts and Sciences and Engineering. On this application, we ask you to identify one or two that you might like to pursue here. Why did you choose the way you did? If you are undecided, why didn't you choose? (If any past courses or academic experiences influenced your decision, you may include them in your essay.) 250 words: “...$15.99, shipping and handling not included.” Although not entirely aware of the value of a dollar at the young age of seven, I was certain that if I had this overpriced, dinosaur-shaped piggy bank, I would learn just how much a “Washington” was worth. With the suave of a salesman, I pitched the deal to my mother, emphasizing how revolutionary it was that this dinosaur actually “ate” money. Despite it seeming too good to pass, my mother refused to buy one and suggested I build my own money-munching dinosaur. Armed with tape, cardboard, toilet paper rolls, and spools of thread, I emerged hours later with my dinosaur. Through a pair of pulleys in its abdomen, it opened its jaws when you pulled its tail. Unaware of the scientific principles behind it at the time, I still made it work through trial and error. Although enthralled with the puzzles that engineering presented, I wasn’t interested in manipulating it solely in terms of mechanics. As I matured and became familiar with biology and the concept of engineering, I realized that I wanted to apply the problem-solving strategies of engineering to biological systems. Digging deeper into the field of bioengineering, I felt that it was the hybrid of fields that I sought. As my browser’s “favorites bar” became crowded with various research journals, and I began to conduct research of my own at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital, the field of bioengineering lived to my expectations, and my work presented a refreshingly enjoyable challenge.

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University of Michigan Ann Arbor

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Accepted: University of Michigan at Ann Arbor SAT1: 2110 SAT2: 740 Biology, 750 Math 2 TOEFL: 117 GPA: 99.97/100 Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (Approximately 250 words): Recent issues of Nature and The Lancet Neurology lay strewn on my nightstand. In a community that strives to improve the human condition, sharing work is of utmost necessity, and these periodicals are the way members of this community connect. A worldwide network of scientists, the scientific research community is arguably one of the most important communities to human development. Members of this community constantly aspire to observe, explain, and apply the principles of our natural world, dedicating their careers to improving the human condition, one discovery at a time. As a fairly new member of this community, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct research under leaders in my field. It was during my second research experience, however, that I genuinely felt like a full-fledged member of the community; it was then that I had the chance to submit my results to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), a global genetic database commonly used as a reference for analysis in the field. Akin to a game of “Double Dutch”, the sharing of knowledge among researchers was a game well underway, and I had jumped and found my place within it as a competent source of information. As I graduated from high school, I felt that being part of the research community wasn’t just something I did during afternoons—it had become an intrinsic part of my identity.Soon after graduation, I was offered the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) scholarship, through which KAUST sponsors students in their undergraduate studies abroad, and grants them the opportunity to pursue their master’s degrees at KAUST later on. Reading about the scholarship, I took confidence in knowing that joining a program at such a research-driven graduate school would be an ideal first step towards making a career out of my passion for research, and allow me to fully utilize my potential to benefit the research community. Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (500 words maximum): Perusing the University of Michigan’s Biomedical Engineering Department’s website, I noticed a theme that seldom other universities displayed: an incredibly focused approach towards addressing actual clinical needs. The University of Michigan’s vision stands out to me as clearly focused and determined, especially with how it emphasizes designing the department to build around the cutting edge of science and technology and allowing its students to pursue specific concentrations within their undergraduate degrees. As a prospective student at the university, I feel that the University of Michigan grants me the focus I seek by offering a specific education in biomechanical and biochemical concentrations, and a focus on nano-scale engineering within its research department, and that the Center For Entrepreneurship

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at the university is a unique guide to applying the aforementioned focuses practically. Reading about the various labs and undergraduate research opportunities available at the University of Michigan, I’ve come to realize that there is an immense amount of technical resources available to me as a potential student. With an education that emphasizes the practical application of intellectual vitality, such as the one I hope to gain from the University of Michigan, I believe that I will be armed with the expertise and firm engineering background needed to efficiently employ these resources to observe, experiment, and analyze. The ability to do so is paramount to my career as a researcher, and I feel that the specific nature of the undergraduate biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan is an ideal way to gain that ability. Inspired by the likes of Dr. Hayat Sindi, co-inventor and co-founder of Diagnostics For All, I believe that biomedical nanotechnology entrepreneurship grants me a robust platform for philanthropy and directing research. By developing cost effective and easy-to-use treatments targeted for use in underdeveloped areas, I believe I can achieve the humanitarian change I aim for, while stimulating the biomedical industry in the Middle East—a wealth of developmental resources just waiting to be tapped. With the knowledge and expertise I hope to gain from the University of Michigan, and the resources available to me as a University of Michigan student and KAUST scholar, all that’s left is to discover.

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Accepted: University of Michigan at Ann Arbor SAT1: 2190 SAT2: GPA: 4.3/4 Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (Approximately 250 words)

British poet John Donne once wrote that “No man is an island unto himself”. This famous line from his book, Meditation XVII, expresses mankind’s interconnectedness and how a sense of community is an important part of life experience. Having a group of people that one can rely on who also share the same outlook on the world, fosters a healthy atmosphere of unity. Although I mix well with numerous groups in my school and community, the one which is closest to my heart and that I stand out as a leader, is the science and engineering community. Early on, skipping to advanced science classes like AP Physics and achieving internationally-recognized work in Science Fair gained me recognition by my school’s science department and my peers. I am a forerunner in every STEM club at my school – Science Bowl team captain and Captain of the Robotics team – and even outside of school as VP of the Medical Achiever’s Club. I even took the initiative to expand the science community by founding and serving as President of the Cosmology Club which even has members from several nearby schools. In these clubs and at competitions I have made literally hundreds of friends that share the same passion for science and technology as I do. Despite how much time I spend with other “science nerds” I realize that I am not the type of cliquey person who prefers to stick with one set of people. Rather I mix well with all groups in my school and greater society. Nonetheless, these people are my closest friends and who I choose to associate myself with. Together, we all study, eat out at Popeyes, stay up late perfecting our designs, travel to conferences and engineering competitions across the US, and love every minute of it.

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (500 words maximum)

Nationally recognized for offering one of the best educations through the College of Engineering, I intend to double major in Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Aerospace Engineering (AERO). Life in Michigan, inarguably the heart of American mechanical engineering, would give me exposure to a world with some of the best and brightest in these fields. State-of-the-art technologies are applied every day in these departments integrating numerous disciplines in the physical sciences, mathematics, and computers. They are increasingly rich careers of productive enterprise with much research yet to be conducted in areas like advanced lasers, robotics, and nanotechnology. From my research, these fields show great promise for the future of scientific research and industry and I would love to play a key role in their development and success. I realized my passion for AERO and ME after interning at Lockheed Martin in the mechanical engineering branch and shadowing several engineers while there. I hope to pursue similar undergraduate research and internships with major companies in the surrounding Michigan area, which I

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know U-M effectively prepares its students for. For example, the CAEN computer labs and the new cutting-edge Nano-mechanical engineering center will provide me with the tools I need to overcome engineering challenges and expand my creativity. Given my fervent interest and previous achievements in these areas, I am certain that I would be successful in this department and would certainly seek UROP’s. Already I frequent publications by researchers and engineers at the University of Michigan while working on my Science Bowl and Robotics designs. I hope to join revolutionary projects such as the Solar Car and MAGIC teams. These teams and several others receive vast amounts of grant money to undertake their projects giving their engineers opportunities unmatched by other universities. Many teams compete on the international level also giving them a chance to explore the world abroad and engage with a whole new level of the scientific community that few others experience. In addition, the EGL Honors Program would give me a diverse selection of international opportunities to study, research, or work abroad in South Asia and create a positive impact in a region of the world where my help is needed the most. The college’s emphasis on applying classroom knowledge to real-world projects and working in multidisciplinary teams are undoubtedly the most appealing aspects of the program. Thanks to my favorite teacher and graduate of U-M, Mr. Smith, and his many tangents from physics lectures about his experiences with the University I have realized that this institution is perfect for me. No matter what field within engineering I chose I am certain I will be well-prepared by the U-M College of Engineering to take on the engineering obstacles and overcome the challenges plaguing our world.

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University of Virginia

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Accepted: University of Virginia

SAT1: 2190

SAT2:

GPA: 4.3/4

If you were given a $10,000 budget and the opportunity to build a small team of talented motivated individuals, what would you propose to accomplish? Solve the energy crisis, of course. Shocking, right? “Not with a couple thousand! You need millions at least!” Why is it so hard to believe? Poor men and women of no status, such as Isaac Newton, solved many of the world’s greatest problems. Thriving companies, comparable to Steve Job’s Apple Inc., formed under the grossly cheap price of $2 stocks. Once confined to my cluttered basement, my robotics team now has a full shop and corporate sponsorship. Ideas and passion. These are true driving forces behind success. Nevertheless, the given situation would finally provide me with the resources necessary to pursue my big idea and desire to advance my science fair engineering project in energy conversion. My proposition is to embed thermal-conductive tubing carrying water in roads and taking the heat generated by the sun on the asphalt surface to heat or boil that water for use in water heaters or Stirling engines. The system effectively utilizes existing infrastructure to produce usable energy and works in reverse in the winter to melt the ice on roads1. Integrating existing technologies would reduce costs and improve the feasibility of this renewable and more productive alternative energy source. Major research institutions and engineering companies are only now beginning to test this concept and with such varying applications, the idea could expand into solving our world’s pressing demand for renewable energy. I see myself as a researcher and engineer lacking funds, but rich in drive and creativity. Although I was unable to test on a larger scale, with $10,000 and a team of professionals, I would continue researching and designing to make my dream project a reality. Describe the world you come from and how that world shaped who you are. “Where do you come from?” I was stunned, unable to articulate a satisfactory response. My fellow students appeared shocked by the time and effort that I required to respond to the seemingly simple question. But how could I? As a US citizen, I could not exempt “American” from my answer, but nor would the word constitute a complete response. I am the product of three different countries, eight different schools, and two diametrically opposed cultures. My parents emigrated from India to my birthplace in Switzerland. We moved to London when I was eight and finally settled in Greenville when I was fourteen. Although the UK afforded my poor family few opportunities, my parents recognized the value of their children’s education and taught me that success in life comes from both hard work and education. My parents’ successes and care for family despite their lack of means have motivated me throughout my life to achieve to the best of my ability. My family’s early life in America paralleled our struggles in England. While both of my parents

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worked day and night jobs, my siblings and I struggled to fit in at school and at home where we lived with an uncle we hardly knew. In the UK, I was one of fifteen non-Caucasian students in my private school of hundreds where we learned through traditional repetition and strict discipline. In Greenville, however, the Gifted & Talented Institution gave me the freedom to pursue academia from an intellectually unique and creative approach. I immersed myself in books, built machines and gadgets with tools from engineering shops rather than scraps I found lying around the house, and gained an appreciation for my diverse learning environment, more prone to absorb every opportunity provided to me. Oftentimes, it was easy to lose myself in my studies, but by moving so frequently, my family and I became comfortable adapting to drastically different worlds. Starting over so many times has taught me how to make friends easier and how to communicate well with people of different backgrounds. Every unaccustomed circumstance forced my parents to adapt and I helped them along the way. As such, I have learned how to adjust to dissimilar communities whilst retaining my own identity. For example, while at ISEF, I was initially uncomfortable with such talented and capable people that surrounded me from all over the world. However, as time passed, I acclimated to the challenges and obstacles, developing and learning from people that are now some of my closest friends. With these experiences under my belt, I look forward to adapting and contributing to the UVA community. I desire success not just for myself, but also for my family that struggled to make great strides for my benefit. My most committed aspiration, one that I intend to hold for the rest of my life, is to provide people with opportunities that I so desperately sought. Motivated by the various worlds I come from, I hope to make the world I now live in a better place and make it easier for those that only know struggle.

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Virginia Tech University

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Accepted: Virginia Tech

What do you consider the greatest benefit(s) of a diverse educational community?

“The most important thing in life is to be able to work well with others despite the distinctions in culture, thought process, and morals.” My father has always stressed to me the importance of a diverse community, particularly in education. He explained to me how diversity helps you overcome the challenges of making friends and getting along with different people, a reality we all will face in life. With a diverse community, we must strive to focus on our likeness, not our differences to cooperate and thrive as a community. I feel this struggle is necessary, as a capacity to work well with others, ability to respect and listen to their ideas, and maintain one’s own opinions and voice, are all vital to success.

My family is from the East African nation of Eritrea and not long after fleeing the war for independence, I was born in Saudi Arabia. As a black Eritrean Muslim, I have been a part of the minority all my life. However, I feel that it has helped me broaden my perspective of the world and my education. When working on school projects, I have noticed how people draw from their different backgrounds to provide fresh ideas that collectively bring about unique and creative results. From these people I have also gathered a deep respect for their individuality as I too have faced the same issue of feeling like the odd one out. Despite this, I am fortunate enough to live in such a diverse community as Fairfax where I can compare the different religions, cultures, and ideals and have gained a unique understanding for the importance of diversity.

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Rice University

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Accepted: Rice SAT1: 2110 SAT2: 740 Biology, 750 Math 2 TOEFL: 117 GPA: 99.97/100 What motivated you to apply to Rice University? (200 words) Soon after my participation in the 2010 Research Science Institute, one of my fellow participants mentioned that she and other American participants had received invitations to an event called “Research Rice”. As a Saudi unfamiliar with most US colleges, I found the name odd and asked her if it was an agricultural summit of some sort, to which she laughingly replied that it was an information session in which Rice University invited students to spend an all-expenses-paid weekend on campus. Intrigued and impressed by this university’s efforts to attract talented students, I began researching the university and became attracted myself. While applying to colleges, I requested an information packet from Rice’s Office of Admission. Poring over the booklet, I realized that while many universities can offer beautiful surroundings, globally diverse student bodies, and enough extracurriculars to send my head spinning, Rice offered all that, in addition to a unique focus on research and experimental learning. Having already begun my career as a researcher, Rice’s BioScience Research Collaborative and Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology seemed like ideal outlets for my scientific enthusiasm, and ideal opportunities to satisfy my specific interest in gene therapy.

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Boston University

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Accepted: Boston University SAT1: 2110 SAT2: 740 Biology, 750 Math 2 TOEFL: 117 GPA: 99.97/100 In a few sentences, please tell us why BU is a good fit for you and what specifically has led you to apply for admission? (750 characters) As a budding researcher, BU’s status as a globally influential research institution attracted me. As I learned about the biomedical engineering department, the optics work of Dr. Irving Bigio interested me, and I acknowledged BU’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities as a way for me to work alongside him and other astounding professors. As I explored the university’s website, BU’s emphasis on diversity satisfied the need I had for a community where I could enhance my cultural experience. Browsing the BU catalog, the phrase “A is for anthropology, B is for biochemistry… A–Z, we’ve got it covered” caught my attention. I felt that, although I intended to study biomedical engineering, BU allowed me to appease my curiosity towards German, too. BU attracts students from more countries than are represented in the United Nations. Our global presence and reputation are important and are reflected in the perspectives, opinions, and experiences of our students. Why is this type of environment important to you? (500 words) Born in Saudi Arabia and raised in the United States, I’ve always had one foot in each culture. Throughout my life, this bicultural identity has enabled me to appreciate the differences between cultures, and aided me in bridging cultural gaps whenever they may arise. At a university as diverse and globally penetrative as BU, I feel that my penchant for cross-cultural communication falls directly in line with the community’s needs. My first experience with an international program came in the summer of 2010, when I participated in the Research Science Institute at MIT. Students from eleven different countries gathered in Boston for six weeks of research and learning. Throughout the program, events like “International Night” made me aware of how essential diversity was to education, as well as the impact of sharing different cultural perspectives. As I donned a Japanese hakama, munched on Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) cookies, and learned a traditional Bulgarian dance, I marveled at how fascinating the differences between our cultures were. It was evident that everyone else felt the same way, seeing as how my traditional Saudi headdress was on nearly every head. Despite our differences, human nature was a common denominator, and the beauty of that fact inspires me to evoke that same harmonious synergy in whichever environment I may be in. As a researcher, I’ve sought to incorporate the aforementioned synergy in my work. Although my research on genetic biomarkers was conducted in Saudi Arabia, the results were submitted to a global database, where I could view different analyses of the same gene from labs all over the world. Analyzing genetic sequences and allele frequencies of populations from every continent, I’ve come to realize that our shared biological framework is what makes the impact of discovery and development global. A research community like BU’s appeals to me because, by acknowledging the importance of this relationship, BU broadens my scientific horizons as a researcher, and enables me to affect change worldwide.

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Throughout my life, my background and international experiences have been an essential part of my education and research. As I approach a new stage of education, I believe that it’s imperative that the college I attend offers a continuation of the diversity that has been a major part of my life thus far—a continuation that BU not only offers, but prioritizes, too. .

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Georgia Tech University

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Accepted: Georgia Tech SAT1: 2110 SAT2: 740 Biology, 750 Math 2 TOEFL: 117 GPA: 99.97/100 Why are you interested in attending Georgia Tech, and what do you hope to contribute to our community? When deciding which colleges to apply to, my most important criterion was how well my aspirations fell in line with those of the college. As I browsed the Georgia Tech website, I found myself intrigued by the diverse student body, and the unique programs the college had to offer, such as a minor in leadership studies. One theme, however, struck me as intrinsic to Georgia Tech’s identity, as well as mine: Dedication to excellence in scientific research. Reading about the bioengineering department at Georgia Tech, Prof. Michelle LaPlaca’s advancements in neural tissue engineering especially interested me. As part of a student body as diverse as Georgia Tech’s, I believe that my identity as a third-culture kid (TCK) grants me the unique ability to bridge cultural differences and the resulting gaps in communication.By encouraging the expression of different cultures, I can contribute to fostering a community in which students can enjoy the differences between them. Recall an occasion when you took a risk that you now know was the right thing to do. “Congratulations, Mohammed! We’re pleased to offer you a seat among the King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences’ Medical College accelerated track. Please sign here. Bear in mind, however, that once you sign this contract, it’s final.” As the pen shook in my quivering hand, I realized the gravity of the decision I was about to make. My request for a two-day period to consider the opportunity was denied, and I was told to either accept immediately or leave. Not allowing the euphoric rush of acceptance to cloud my thoughts, I tactfully evaluated my options and left. As my peers gave me stares of bewilderment, I quietly left the room, informed the admissions council of my decision, and asked the clerk to return my academic file. Slowly walking back to my car, I started analyzing the decision I had just made. Although medicine had always been a main focus of mine, I had recently come to realize that bioengineering better suited my interests and aspirations. However, bioengineering wasn’t available as an undergraduate major in my country, meaning that unless I could secure an opportunity to study abroad, I would most likely end up studying medicine. A month before, I had been informed of my nomination for a prestigious scholarship from the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) to study abroad; it was precisely the opportunity I was hoping for. Although I hadn’t yet received a decision from KAUST at the time of the medical school offer, I was very optimistic about it. However, at that moment, it boiled down to “Do I accept a set-in-stone offer, or do I reject it for the possibility of studying something I’m much more passionate about?”. Passion had ultimately prevailed. As I turned the ignition to hear the familiar roar of my car’s engine, I sat in the driver’s seat staring stoically at the rain trickling down my windshield. Doubt began to creep into my thoughts, and I stared at my phone for a moment. “Have I made a grave mistake? What if I

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don’t get the scholarship? I just turned down one of the top medical programs in the Kingdom”, I thought. Desperately seeking to banish these doubts, I called KAUST’s scholarship supervisor. I stated my situation, took a deep breath, and quietly awaited a response. Finally, I was informed that, although not yet announced, the decision had been made a few days ago, and that I had “nothing to worry about.” Five months later, I am now a student at the English Language Programs (ELP) at the University of Pennsylvania. As I evaluate the opportunities that being here has afforded me and the level of education that I am currently receiving, I believe that I made the right decision. Through this program, I’ve been introduced to a unique group of individuals who share my ambitions, and have gained a sense of independence and responsibility that very few experiences can impart. The education I’ve received at the ELP has further prepared me for success in an English collegiate environment through community service, advanced writing classes, and a truly global cultural experience. Most importantly, however, that decision has allowed me to pursue bioengineering, thus enabling me to form an education and career in the field of my choice.

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Wellesley College

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Accepted: Wellesley College

ACT: 34

GPA: 4.0

When choosing a college, you are choosing an intellectual community and a place where you believe that you can live, learn, and flourish. To this end, the Board of Admission is interested in knowing your reasons for applying to Wellesley College and how Wellesley will help you to realize your personal and academic goals. I get The Look a lot, and have for a long time. In elementary school, I’d get it when I found a challenging math problem, like “i17=?”, and searched for a solution for days and weeks, scouring every resource I could find, including one of the high school students in my Sunday school, who finally taught me how to solve the above problem (four years before the concept appeared in one of my math classes). I got it when my middle school secretary realized that I did indeed wish to talk to the principal myself, not have a teacher or parent speak on my behalf. I got it when I decided to homeschool myself in eighth grade. I’ve gotten it for remaining unfazed as the only Muslim and/or the only girl in a group I’ve joined. I’ve gotten it for my crazy enthusiasm over the National Spelling Bee, Kepler’s Laws, and Quranic studies. Most recently, I’ve gotten it from some who hear my top college choice is Wellesley, accompanied by a confused: “Why would you want to go to a women’s school?” The short answer: I’ve fallen in love with the college and everything about it. A longer answer: I’ve found a place where the quirkiness and passion that often get me The Look will fit right in. It’s a teaching college offering a liberal arts education in which I can explore physics, chemistry, astronomy, middle eastern studies, religion, and linguistics, among other interests, in small classes with professors who care about teaching and fellow students who care about learning. It’s a place where I can pursue research with Wellesley faculty, searching for solutions to more problems, like I did in elementary school. It’s a place where I can look around, and instead of noticing that I’m the only female in my school’s group of high-scorers in a math contest, I’ll be surrounded by intelligent and powerful women in every field. It’s a place that embraces the true meaning of diversity, a place I would be thrilled to continue the interfaith work that I have done in high school (and loved so much that I have missed award ceremonies, club meetings, and hours of sleep in for its sake); I can participate in programs like Flower Sunday and Beyond Tolerance, and I can join the Al-Muslimat and Wellesley Arab Women student groups, among others. It’s a place where everyone is friendly, helpful, follows the Honor Code, and is involved in the Wellesley community. It’s a place where the people, like the architecture (from the right-angle-less Lulu to the varied Science Center), refuse to be put in a box. It’s a community I would love to join and immerse myself in, taking full advantage of its offerings and adding my own perspective, quirks, and passions.