This week has been an emotional rollercoaster. I was denied by my top three universities, which was—to say the least—devastating. I think it’s the first time I actually followed the Kübler-Ross model of dealing with grief and tragedy, but perhaps with some stages swapped around. Initially I was in a state of disbelief, my mind went absolutely blank. I guess the truth hurt so much that I just felt desolate and empty. There was just this immense emotional void.
I went skimming through the letters, and if they didn’t say something like “Congratulations” or “We’re glad to inform you,” I’d just skip it and move on. I noticed in the first couple of letters that they all practically said the same thing: increased applications and most competitive year ever. Most denials didn’t surprise me, but being denied by Brown, Columbia and especially Yale was extremely painful. I shed a tear for all those shards of hope I had held onto so tightly for the past year. For about two hours I just saw the darker side of life and kept blaming myself for not trying harder. Fortunately, by the next day, I was okay with the outcome. I’m just not the type of person who goes around all gloomy with a dark, rainy cloud above my head all day.
Because I was denied by those universities, I undervalued my acceptances to both Georgetown and Wesleyan. I was surprised by my acceptance into Georgetown because I’ve heard the School of Foreign Service is extremely difficult to get into. Right now I’m more inclined to attend Georgetown because everyone in Chile is familiar with it. I’d have strong alumni connections, which would really help me if I need an internship or a job.
In about a week from now I am going to go visit Oberlin, Georgetown and Wesleyan. All three institutions have their ‘special visiting days’ at the same time, so I’m going to be moving around a lot.
Nicole
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It’s difficult to believe that next week we will know where we’re admitted or—sadly—denied. Up to now, I haven’t been rejected by any university that I have heard from, so receiving denials will evoke some new feelings. My college counselor told me that I was probably going to be denied by all the reach schools I applied to, so I’m expecting numerous denials. From what I have read, they recommend applying to only two or three reach universities/colleges. However, since I want to leave my country for a much better education, the majority of the places I applied to are either good-fit or reach.
Last week I was accepted into University of Miami. All I have to say is: I LOVE MIAMI! One of my best friends applied there as well and I’m hoping she is also admitted :). On Sunday, April 6th, they are hosting an open house for accepted students. It would be really nice to visit then, but I doubt I will be able to attend. I will probably be able to visit the universities and/or colleges that accepted me around mid-April. It would be a good idea to stay for a couple days to experience an ordinary day in each university/college. I’m a little concerned that I’ll favor University of Miami just because I am so infatuated with the city. Not only is Miami amazing because of its climate and social scene, but I love the fact that you can start a conversation in English and end it in Spanish.
My Georgetown interview was stellar! My interviewer and I really hit it off because I applied to the School of Foreign Service and he received a graduate degree in international affairs. As we talked, we also discovered that his sister-in-law is my yoga teacher, his niece is one of my cousin’s classmates, he knows two of my parents’ good friends and he interviewed my brother’s best friend’s brother some years ago. The random coincidences were amusing as they kept surfacing throughout the interview.
My interview took an unexpected turn as my interviewer tried to convince me to stay in Chile for undergrad. He has been working on the Chilean educational system for the past thirty years and, from what he gathered, Chilean universities need students like me. The interview ended on a positive, slightly ironic note, leaving me very confused. Do I really want to leave my country? The truth is: I am not sure.
Most of the decisions come out this Monday or Tuesday. Since I have a Tri-M spoof-off on Tuesday night, I am not going to check decisions until after the recital. I really can’t afford any distractions on that day because I like giving my best, particularly if it involves a performance and/or teamwork. And I definitely won’t be able to give it my all if I’m sad. I think it’s a little “tragicómico” that most of the letters come out on April Fools’ Day.
Well, the waiting game is almost over. There is nothing we can do except hope for the best. Even though I managed to push the thought of college decisions aside for the past couple of months, the impending denials are starting to affect me. For the moment I am just holding on to my lucky charms and college tokens, praying for divine intervention and that all the celestial bodies align in my favor : ).
Nicole
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A lot has happened this past month, but due to time constraints I won't be able to elaborate that much on each event.
Towards the end of February, I found out that I was accepted to Oberlin College, Lewis & Clark, American University and George Mason University in that respective order. It came as a surprise because their websites said that they would send out decisions during late March or early April. Oberlin's letter was very personal and friendly; it quoted my application essay and referred to my interests. I'm also really happy because each acceptance came with a hefty financial aid package. Even though these are all great schools, I won't make my final decision until I hear from all my other colleges/universities. I'm still relaxed when it comes to the looming decision letters. Two weeks will pass by in the blink of an eye, and fate will take its course.
The trip to New York City was extremely fun. The first day we were there we ate at a typical deli, visited the Empire State Building, 5th Avenue and Times Square. Then we had to go to a welcome dinner at the United Nations International School (Manhattan campus) to meet up with our hosts. My hosts were awesome! The kids were in middle school, which is odd because housing is usually with the same age group, but they were really nice and the parents gave me the freedom I’m used to. Since I love walking around and being in new places, I explored all of SoHo and NoHo Thursday afternoon. Prince and Spring Streets had awesome stores and cafes; they were good places to witness New York City’s bustling nature. Walking around the neighborhood I heard so many different languages and distinct accents, it was fascinating. On one occasion a group of Nicaraguans asked me where to find Chinatown, and fortunately I had been walking around enough to know it was past Canal Street.
The UNIS-UN Conference was intellectually stimulating; I learned a lot about alternative energy. The first day we heard both Dr. Niek Lopes Cardozo (Professor of Fusion and Plasma Physics) and Dr. Carlos Alejaldre (Deputy Director General of ITER) talk about nuclear fusion. It’s much more efficient than nuclear fission, but we will only see it widespread in approximately fifty years. The second day of the conference we listened to the lectures by Mark Crandall (Co-Founder of Postscriptum Ventures) and Lucas McConnell (President of Renewergy Corporation). Mark Crandall focused on the use of biomass as an effective source of energy, whereas Lucas McConnell spoke about extracting oil from algae. All the lectures exposed the pros and cons of each source of energy, and showed a glimpse of how to be proactive in advancing the world’s energy sources. I thought it was very interesting that Mr. Crandall believed someone would eventually come up with a synthetic substitute for oil. The problem with oil is that its demand is pretty inelastic, thus firms can raise prices substantially and still be able to sell. However, at one point or another, oil will become too expensive for the average consumer and a feasible alternative will be developed.
After the conference on Friday, I walked across the United Nations to pay a visit to the Institute of International Education. I found out that I am currently the only Chilean applying through them to universities. We are trying to see if we can establish a permanent program here in Chile. I highly recommend using IIE to apply to universities if you are an international student that needs financial aid (check out www.iie.org if you’re interested). Even though there were no representatives in Chile, I was able to pull it off via email. Thanks to this program, I have already been granted admission to four universities/colleges. In the end we didn’t talk that much about the actual applications, but more about New York City and random topics. The only part of our conversation that surprised me was that both IIE reps I spoke with thought I had a good chance of getting accepted into Brown, Columbia, Duke and Yale. I hope that is true, but when only ten percent of the applicants are accepted, it’s hard to know.
On Saturday morning, a friend and I went to see Columbia University. I visited Columbia about a year ago, but I didn’t get to see the campus in its entirety. Even on a chilly, rainy Saturday morning the school was alive and students were out and about. Unfortunately, the $4 umbrella I had purchased off the street the previous night rendered itself useless as it flipped inside out and the metal wires cut the fabric :(. Unlike New York University, Columbia has an actual campus. I smiled every time I saw a purple NYU flag as I walked throughout Manhattan, because it is so different from the typical college experience. NYU plunges you into NYC because its campus is literally sprinkled across the city.
Well, once again, I am completely relaxed about decisions. Right now I am concerned with completing all of my IB internal assessments and prepping for the exams (which are about a month and a half from now >:X). Next week is pretty cool because not only is it Easter weekend (yay, a couple days off!), but it’s also my best friend’s birthday and Saint Patrick’s day!
Nicole
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I’m writing this entry a week early because I’m going to be busy. I have a phone interview for Princeton University. I have never had a phone interview before, so this is definitely going to be interesting. The email I received didn’t say much, only that on Saturday, February 23rd, at precisely 2:00 pm, I was going to get a call that would last approximately twenty minutes. Everyone else applying from my school got the same email. It’s odd that we are involved in this kind of interview because there are two Princeton alumni in Chile that have held interviews in previous years. I’m actually happy that it’s a phone interview. Here in Chile one usually greets others with a kiss on the cheek, but in interviews one is not sure how formal one should be: a kiss on the cheek, a handshake or just a simple hello? It’s difficult because while one interviewer may find a kiss on the cheek appropriate, another may think it’s informal. On the other hand, a handshake may be too rigid and a “Hi!” may seem casual and detached. My interviewer for Duke University was young and seemed cool so I gave him a kiss on the cheek, but that was a bold move. The first couple of minutes of an interview are crucial because they set up the mood that will prevail throughout the interview.
After two months of vacation we’re in school again. Usually the first week of school is relaxed and the first two days are spent sharing interesting summer anecdotes, but I have a feeling this time it’s going to be different. Not only did I have tons of IB homework, but I have a test this coming Wednesday. My friend from Israel/Chile/New York arrived a couple days ago and is currently staying at my house. I’d really like to go to Israel with a couple of friends once we graduate from high school. I have never been there and I’d really like to visit the places I have studied about. Jerusalem must be a historical and cultural gem. I don’t know why, whenever I’m in a museum or visiting a historical landmark that we covered in my history class, I just get flooded with this feeling of fulfillment. It happened to me when I went to el Museo Nacional de Antropología de México, and when my dad and I visited the Museo de Oro del Perú. I guess seeing it physically before you validates what we learn in class and makes it more real.
In two weeks we’re flying to New York City for the Model United Nations Conference held at the United Nations International School. For the moment we have absolutely no idea what we’re supposed to do there; we only know that the title is Pursuit of Energy: A Catalyst for Conflict. I am looking forward to the trip not only because the city is amazing, but it is my first conference outside Latin America. The mix of students there and the assortment of visiting schools will offer numerous perspectives concerning this issue. Chile right now is having major energy issues.
I can’t believe my last semester of school is about to commence. I still remember my first day of school and now it is all coming to an end. I will enjoy these final months, and hopefully be able to successfully fend off senioritis.
Nicole
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College is nowhere in my mind right now. The Brazilian Carnival is SO MUCH FUN, its crazy. It is a four-day-long party, and one of the best ones. If you want to have the best time of your life, COME TO CARNAVAL. The only pre-requisite is to loosen up and be open to new experiences. Most of the music played is Axé and Samba. Luckily I knew how to dance Axé because back in 2002 Chileans were obsessed with it. However, I could never learn how to Sambar in Chile. I'm so happy because I finally learned. It took a couple of songs but I got a hold of it.
I love traveling because it opens you up to the world. Wherever I go, I always try to take advantage of the resources around me and of the new opportunities available. Brazil is especially fun: everyone knows how to have a good time. Right now I'm in Analândia—my best friend's mother's hometown—though tomorrow we go back to São Paulo. The countryside is beautiful. Everything is lush and green and all of the flowers are radiant and full of eclectic colors.
Yesterday I was talking to this guy because he wanted to practice speaking English, and it was beyond interesting. He happened to be an economics major from the best university in Brazil. Our conversation quickly drifted off to the effects of Brazil's taxation policy and the lack of a strong middle class. Income inequality continues to grow, while poverty runs rampant. I'm so grateful of the fact that I have gotten a great education so far, because it helps me understand the issues affecting our world.
Okay my rant is over. Until next time!
Nicole
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I just got back from the DHL office, where I finished mailing out all of my financial aid forms. A feeling of relief has taken hold of me for the moment. It’s hard to believe that I am finally done with the college application process. It is a chapter of my life that is close to ending, and hopefully concludes with an acceptance or two. Instead of getting all jittery about the decisions, I have become completely resigned towards the whole situation. I know that if I am not accepted in any university in the United States it is not the end of the world, I'll just tread down a different path. Of course, I really, REALLY, REALLY want to be accepted; I'd be ecstatic if by some miracle I'd be given admission. Regardless, I am keeping low expectations because I'd prefer to be pleasantly surprised than upset.
My counselor implied that I was probably going to be denied by 90% of the colleges and universities to which I am applying. That is slightly discouraging, but then again, one never knows what the outcome will be until it has arrived.
On Wednesday I'm flying to Brazil to visit one of my best friends. She left Chile six months ago, so I'm really looking forward to spending time with her. This is the blessing and curse of attending an international school: You meet amazing individuals, but at one point or another, they will move to another country.
Diversity is one of the main reasons why I am applying to the United States. I love the fact my closest friends are from Brazil, Canada, Honduras, Israel, Korea, South Africa and Taiwan, and that is a privilege I don't want to give up just yet. Meeting people from different backgrounds is always an interesting experience that makes one more cultured and worldly.
By now I have gotten emails and letters giving me the ID for the status check accounts. All my documents have arrived (teacher recommendations, mid-year report, etc...) and most of my universities have received my SAT score report and my TOEFL score. Many students were nervous about the TOEFL, but if you go to a school that has at least three classes in English you should be fine. The only problem I had was that when I was in the listening part, the person next to me had to speak, so I could barely listen to my own lecture. You can take your time since you get about half an hour per section.
Well, overall I am pretty relaxed regarding my applications. I'm confident of who I am and what I have accomplished, so if I'm not accepted it just wasn't meant to be.
Nicole
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Now that my applications are in, I finally feel as if I'm on vacation. The essays turned out to be much more difficult than I expected. Now that I think of it, I should've adopted the mentality that I was writing a speech because those project your voice way better. So now I only have to fill out financial aid papers and take another SAT and I'm done with the college application process!
Next week I'm going to Lima with my dad. When I was six years old we almost moved over there, but the company my father worked for decided to delay their investment in the country. I keep wondering how different life would have been if we moved there. I would still attend an international school, but I probably would have never met any of the people I knew past first grade. This is going to be the third time I go to Perú in the span of a year. Every trip has been for different reasons, but each visit has been an interesting experience. Perú is such a rich country in so many ways, especially culturally. Last time I was there our group went to the Amazon and did a set of activities concerning environmental awareness. It will probably come in handy in the Model United Nations Conference in New York City since the theme falls on conservation and energy.
Horseback riding, yoga and dance have taken over my life. I love summer, the days are longer and the nights more entertaining. Being occupied definitely helps calm built up college application tensions. Some of my friends say it is impossible for me not to get in anywhere, but I'm not sure, financial aid is a big problem with universities that aren’t need-blind. And a couple of years ago there was a student from my school that applied to absolutely every Ivy League school and he got denied from each one. I wish I could just fast forward to April 1st and just know what I am going to do with my life for the next couple of years. Well, that is it for now. I hope everyone started the new year on the right track.
Nicole
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At the beginning of the school year, I was positive that my future lay in the field of economics. However, as time progressed, it became evident that biology and ecology are my true passion. Although my IB biology HL II class is very demanding, a lot of what the work consists of—such as inventing your own labs and implementing them—is genuinely interesting and fun. I guess right now I'm just noticing something that was subconsciously inscribed in me all along. The innate love I feel for animals, the refreshing feeling that invades me whenever I'm in contact with nature and why I have participated in environmental programs confirm this. In retrospect, I made my preference for biology over economics a year ago, when I had to choose my extended essay topic, and opted for bio.
This revelation has influenced my college application process substantially. Initially, my top-choice major was economics, whereas now it appears to be environmental biology. I've decided to apply to universities that are great at teaching both biology and economics, yet there are only a handful of these. Apart from these majors, I've developed a strong appreciation for international relations due to my participation in MUN. Since Georgetown University has a very strong international relations program, I'm definitely applying there.
My final exams start next week, so for the moment my applications are on hold. My counselor read one of my essays and thought it was great, so I'm happy. In addition to the essay, I gave him a list of my extracurricular activities and my achievements within each activity. Due to my commitment and involvement in many activities, he was very impressed so that also made me happy. Some people say that its better to be active in three or four activities, but I frequently participate in many activities. I honestly feel better with myself when I dedicate my time and energy to something constructive and helpful. I guess my only concern is that the universities I'm applying to will think I'm making myself sound better than I really am. However, that's not true: what they see (or….actually read) is what they get. It would be very unfair if an applicant lied about something they did, because it places him or her at an unfair advantage to those who are honest about who they are and what they've done.
I can't believe the semester is coming to an end. These past four months have passed by so quickly that I barely feel as if I'm a senior. Before we know it, we're going to be dressed in gowns and holding high school diplomas. Since the next entry is due January 11th, I hope that everyone has a happy holiday and a happy new year.
Nicole
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I completed my IIE application, my biology teacher turned in the recommendation last minute, but she got it in so everything is fine :). In the end, I asked for recommendation letters from my English, economics, and biology teachers. Hmm, why the seemingly random selection you may ask? Well, I wanted a recommendation letter from every subject that truly interested me. Most universities encourage international applicants to send an English teacher's recommendation to prove that the international student speaks the language well. Then, I asked my econ teacher because I've had her as a teacher for the past three years (US history, theory of knowledge and economics). Additionally, she is the MUN director so she knows me pretty well and has seen me in a variety of settings. Thirdly, I asked my biology teacher for a recommendation because she is by far the teacher that knows me the best. Even though I have only had her as a teacher this year, she has known me since elementary school. We share many interests and she is my extended essay advisor, so she is familiar with me as a person and the quality of my work.
I'll be in Peru for a while learning about Amazonian flora and fauna. We're traveling to a camp site about three hours away from Iquitos (close to the border with Brazil). The Amazon rainforest is the number one oxygen producer in the world, so I honestly believe that learning about the different species that make up that large ecosystem, and how to save them is crucial for the overall environment of the world. To think that right now Brazil is burning hectares of rainforest in order to exploit mines and make farmlands :(. Of course, Brazil is not the only country eliminating parts of the rainforest, but it is by far the country with fewest environmental regulations. Apart from learning about the flora and fauna firsthand, I'll have the opportunity to talk to Amazonian tribe members regarding the disintegration of their culture. Issues, such as the loss of the rainforest and the disappearance of certain cultures are very important and should be dealt with.
Nicole
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Life is very hectic lately, but that is partly my fault. A couple of days ago we (the MUN travel team) arrived in Santiago after spending a week in Panama for PANAMUN. I was really satisfied with the results because all of the members in the traveling team, excluding myself, had never traveled before to attend a MUN conference. That conference is intimidating because it follows the same format as THIMUN and many of the students there are experienced delegates. I feel very proud because out of the six delegates that participated in the conference, five received honorable mentions (yay!). Next semester, we might go to a conference in Mexico City, Monterey, or New York City. If it takes place in NYC, I can try and visit Columbia's campus, even though that would happen after the application process is completed.
This weekend I take three SAT subject tests *runs around in a frazzled manner*. I think I'm going to take biology (ecological), literature, and math (I'm not sure if 1 or 2). I've had the bad luck that every time I’ve taken the SATs, I’d been traveling the previous week. This probably affects my scores because I always return to Chile exhausted. Even though I'm not particularly scared of flying on airplanes, turbulence tends to keep me awake.
In the end, I didn't apply early to any university. With Yale's early action applications skyrocketing, I wasn't sure if applying early would work to my advantage. Two weeks ago the Director of International Admissions at Yale paid a visit to our school. For the sake of privacy, I won't mention her name (she might not want her name posted on internet), but overall she seemed like such a sweet person. For some reason—that I still can't grasp—she reminded me of my aunt. Although I spent four days on Yale's campus and got to see different places in New Haven, hearing the director talk about Yale with such passion just confirmed how great of a university it is.
Some people automatically assume that I'm interested in Yale solely because my brother is there. Although my brother attending and having fun there has influenced me, there are other factors that piqued my interest. When I visited him for his birthday, within the first ten minutes we had run into Mexican and Peruvian students. Being in an international school my whole life, diversity is something I value and need. Throughout my high school career my best friends have been from Taiwan, Honduras, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and South Africa and I can't imagine life without having friends from different countries.
Okay, I got sidetracked. Over a year ago, another Yale representative visited our school as part of a college fair. I remember that the representative's name was Rebecca, she was tall and had red curly hair and a very strong British accent. I remember that I just walked into a hallway at the same time she did, so I started talking to her, but since I had had my Spanish class previously I was thinking in Spanish and therefore couldn't talk well in English....I hope she doesn't remember me for that.
In two weeks I have my first "college" deadline. For those of you who do not know the IIE (Institute of International Education), they provide services for international students. I have to fill out an actual application and financial aid papers and send it to them as if they were a university. Then they will discuss my profile and see where I'd most likely be accepted and where I'd fit in the best. Although I can decide to some extent where they send my applications, they make the final decision. My English teacher showed me her recommendation letter. I was in awe after reading it, I didn't know she thought that highly of me and I couldn't have been happier.
Well, I hope everyone is cruising through the application process without major problems.
Nicole
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It feels as if we took the SATs yesterday, and it’s just a mere two weeks till the next ones. I’m going to take three SAT subject tests: biology (molecular), literature, and math (either I or II, I’m not sure). I have been thinking about my college essays, and I have to be done with at least one by November 10th. As I look through the different options so many different ideas arise. The first option is “evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you”. My first idea regarding this option was the time when in PANAMUN 2006 we watched the movie Invisible Children. It was the first time a movie had genuinely motivated me to act. I guess the reason why it impacted me so greatly was due to the fact that the movie was related to a topic of debate in my committee (Human Rights Committee), about taking measures in reinserting child soldiers into society. The movie not only made our resolutions seem applicable, but it exposed the raw reality of the kids we were striving to save through our UN simulation. After returning to Chile from Panama, I was determined to dedicate my energy to saving Africa, and that feeling was kept alive within me for several months. However, when I told my parents about my intentions to volunteer for NGOs in Africa they nearly had a heart-attack.
Next week I’m traveling to Panama for my second PANAMUN conference. While I’m there I’m going to finish my November application, but I’m wondering whether the special speaker they have will cause the same effect as last year. As for the other essays, I’m going to decide exactly what I’m going to write about, but will probably wait a little longer to actually put it into words. I’ve realized that we progress and evolve as individuals throughout time, even if it’s just a couple months. Therefore, I’ll write those essays from a more mature perspective if I write them two months from now. Right now school-work has been exhausting, all the IB world literature essays are due next week and as soon as I get back from Panama there are the SATs. For all of you who are stressed I recommend the following: prepare a warm bubble bath with scented candles and play some Jack Johnson or Dave Matthews… it is truly relaxing.
Nicole
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Not much has happened since my last entry, with the exception of the SAT. I’ve realized everyone has their own pre-SAT “ritual”. This Friday (day before the SAT) I practiced one section of each subject, worked out, ate the biggest burger I could find at Mr. Jack’s and slept a nice eight hours. Although we normally wake up at 6:30 a.m. to be able to get to school on time, Ana Maria—friend who is living with me for senior year—and I woke up earlier to have a hardcore Pilates session. One may wonder why we did this and the answer is quite simple: The first time I took the SAT I was nervous, thereby preventing me from thinking clearly and doing my best. Therefore, this time I avoided that by doing exercise and eating a great, protein-rich breakfast before the test. What you eat before a test, believe it or not, may affect your mood, energy levels, and even scores dramatically. One may think that a carbohydrate-rich meal may be the best option. However, carbs give you “quick energy” which will only last for a couple hours. For this reason, it is probably better to consume foods that have high levels of protein and/or lipids (fats). Our body takes longer to break down proteins and lipids, therefore eating a certain amount of proteins and/or lipids will provide you more “long-term” energy. For my first SAT, I ate a bowl of cereal (high in carbohydrates) and I was exhausted by the eighth section of the test, whereas for my second SAT, I ate a hot dog and didn’t feel tired throughout the entire test.
Individuals can approach the SAT in which ever way they wish to, but one factor is fundamental for your success: a positive attitude. Being optimistic will influence your test-taking skills; while a positive attitude will ‘open doors’, or in this case increase the chances of obtaining a correct answer, a negative attitude will just make you frustrated and will probably hinder your score. Being relaxed, yet focused, is essential as well. One must understand that if you have taken geometry, algebra II, and rigorous English/language arts classes you should be prepared for the SAT. However, if a person starts thinking “if I don’t get a good score I’m not going to get a accepted at a good university” or “OMG I DON’T KNOW WHAT CANTANKEROUS MEANS I’M GOING TO GET THIS QUESTION WRONG!”, then he or she will probably be too nervous to make the right choice. One should also ignore their surroundings. Sometimes the people around you will do something that can distract you, such as tapping their foot, which could ultimately throw you off balance. As my parents would say, one must remain “calm, cool, and collected” when facing challenges of this sort.
Apart from the SATs, not much has happened regarding the application process. This week we receive our report cards, which might influence my decision on whether I should apply early somewhere. My first application deadline is November 15th, so I should be done with most of my essays by that time. In two weeks I’m going to Panama for a Model United Nations conference, and upon my return we have the National Honor Society and Tri-M induction, so I should have my application mostly done by that time. =D
Nicole
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As scary as it is, October is just around the corner and with that the SATs and early action deadlines. I am still hesitant on whether I should apply early action to a college or university because there is always the possibility that I will get higher SAT scores in December. On the bright side, I have finished all the “formal” parts of the common application. For the past two years I have heard students complain about the application process, but I actually had fun filling in the supplements. It is true, admission officers can discover a lot about you through your essays, but they can find out more about your tastes by knowing what your favorite books, movies, magazines, etc are. I guess the most entertaining supplement is the Stanford supplement because it asks odd questions such as: How do you rejuvenate yourself? My only doubt about the supplement is if we are supposed to type in a list of activities or supply an actual explanation. Given that we only have 150 characters it renders only three to four sentences as a maximum.
My biggest issue right now is writing the essays. It is really important that an essay comes from the heart, given that admission officers want to see your spark. Therefore, you have to write about something that motivates you, a topic that whenever you think about it, it brings a smile to your face. That is where my problem comes in. There are so many activities that I am committed to, that I genuinely love and enjoy, that it is hard for me to choose which one is the best to write about. Then I thought, well maybe you don’t have to write about an activity, but something else that plays an important role in your life. That is when I thought: FOOD. If there is something that is necessary for me to live, and something that I definitely enjoy, it is food. So I started jotting down ideas based on my favorite types of dishes: Chinese, Mexican and Italian. I was inspired and the writing flowed, but I had completely forgotten about the 500 word limit XP. Therefore, I need to edit, yet doing so without eliminating that special part of me that is reflected within it.
Nicole
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My parents have always taught me that character is crucial in order to cruise through life’s challenges. Yet how do you build character? The answer to that is simply: be yourself. It is difficult to perfectly portray who I am because my interests vary greatly. As an infant I was a nightmare for my parents because I was this hyperactive ball with legs that did not hesitate to explore the world. As soon as something caught my attention I would run to see it, and if my parents lost sight of me I would be “creating a mess”. As I grew older, this curiosity and energy was placed into more productive endeavors, ranging from academic organizations to the arts. My fascination for different activities has allowed me to become a well-rounded person. By following what truly motivates me, I have developed a unique character that has been enhanced by my optimistic nature.
So why have I decided to participate in the Eye On Apply 2008 experience?
As an international applicant, I have not been as exposed to the college application process as much as individuals living in the USA. Fortunately my school has a college counselor that informs us of our different options. However, not all international applicants have this privilege. For this reason I have chosen to narrate my experience regarding the application process, to help the international applicants who have similar concerns or obstacles. One of the biggest concerns is the decision to leave one’s home country. I have always lived with the imperious Andes Mountains looming over Santiago, with the cold Pacific Ocean caressing the coasts of Chile, the arid and spacious desert in the north and the template and lush forests of the South. As much as I love my country, I feel comfortable with the diversity my international education has rendered, a level of diversity that is unattainable at any university in Chile. I have attended the International School Nido de Águilas since I was three years old, and now as a senior I am moments away from taking the biggest leap of my life. Even though I just turned seventeen and am currently the youngest senior of my graduating class, I am ready to face the future that lies before me.
Nicole
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