Student profile
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
Running up to me with his arms flailing in the air, [friend] exclaimed between his intermittent panting, "[name of applicant]! I was just running around the playground... and my friends kept chasing me...and....and" words would not stop gushing out of [friend]'s zestful five-year-old mouth.
[Friend] reminded me of my younger self who embodied a similar, boundless energy. Like [friend], I had trouble concentrating in many of my classes; however, I discovered chess at the age of six, and the more I played, the more I learned to slow my thinking down. I compelled myself to sit still long enough to evaluate a problem at hand before reacting. I learned to apply this skill to my school work. As I started to pace myself better by taking time to solve problems, math and other subjects became more enjoyable to me.
Chess has helped me learn to consider the consequences of every move I make, on and off of the board. So when I met [friend], I wanted to help him, knowing every action, no matter how small, would make a positive difference.
He had fallen behind in math, so I started tutoring him. Seeing the progress he made, I started teaching more children like him as part of the program, [name of program], that I founded in 2015, to help kids struggling with math - using chess as a platform to improve their focus.
When I founded [name of program], I started with only five kids. Rather than being discouraged that more students hadn't signed up, I appreciated each of the students that took the time to attend. Like a chess game where my position is unideal, I focused on finding the best strategies to expand the number of students going forward, instead of giving up. I asked for assistance from the library staff to purchase supplies, advertise the program, and recruit students.
My vision of being a mentor for younger kids continued to guide me even when I was challenged by a low turnout. Word spread among excited program participants, and in four years with the help of over 80 student volunteers, 2000+ kids have benefited from [name of program]. My community-centered program is a direct result of my devotion to math. Working with the library staff to manage the logistics of teaching, administering the program, and training volunteers, has helped me cultivate partnerships with local neighborhoods.
My caring and extroverted personality has helped me connect with others despite differences in background, learning styles or experiences. Each student teaches me more about myself and to value diversity. Growing up within the learning environment of a private school education, I was rarely exposed to situations where I did not have the support and resources to further my education. I want to do my best to ensure that all students have access to the support they need. When a student jumps out of their seat as they understand a new concept, that moment of pure delight has shown me the true power education holds. Education is a fundamental building block for pushing our society forward, and I firmly believe that when children are encouraged and empowered, they have the ability to change their lives and the world around them.
[is now nine, and he is taking advanced math; he beams with confidence when I see him at the library where we originally learned together. Seeing his progress has helped me realize the impact [name of program] has on the young minds. The satisfaction that stems from solving problems and helping others along the way - using my strengths and successes - is something I will forever treasure. With an inquisitive and open mind towards learning, the limits to what I can accomplish start to shatter. As I prepare myself for the next four years and beyond, I will embody the same energy, determination, and love for learning that I see in Franklin's eyes.
Most students choose their intended major or area of study based on a passion or inspiration that’s developed over time – what passion or inspiration led you to choose this area of study? (300 word maximum)
I had just finished my Intro to Molecular Biology course, and was looking at the various organisms in the petri dishes around me. As I peered into one of the glass dishes, I saw five tiny worms, called planaria. In one corner of the first dish, I saw the planaria barely moving, but in the second dish the planaria moved from corner to corner at a fast pace.
Questions, spurred by these differences in planaria motility, whirled around in my head: What causes these spasms? Can I manipulate planaria behavior using drugs intended for humans? I researched more about these organisms, learning about their functions and the connection between planaria and humans.
My work with planaria extended into a year long research project, in which I experimented on planaria as a model organism for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I tested and analyzed the behavioral and structural differences between planaria with MS and without MS. I fed them various anecdotal cures: ginger oil, green tea, crushed vitamin D tablets, and turmeric oil; green tea proved most effective to restore normal movement in planaria with MS.
Working in a lab, dissecting organisms, and immersing myself in a new field of biology and neuroscience inspires me like nothing else. I lose track of time and am thoroughly engrossed with the task at hand.
As I put my white lab coat, and goggles on, I feel like a different, more creative and disciplined version of myself. Being able to apply my research to real life, inspires me to continue in the path of discovery. By pursuing this academic path, I hope to deepen my knowledge and apply what I learn to find solutions to pressing healthcare issues. I am excited about the opportunities that Washington University has to offer to a budding scientist like me.
Many students pursue college for a specific degree, career opportunity or personal goal. Whichever it may be, learning will be critical to achieve your ultimate goal. As you think ahead to the process of learning during your college years, how will you define a successful college experience? (300 word maximum)
As an extremely energetic six year old, my interests revolved around playing on the playground, making a mess and eating candy, so when my parents had signed me up for Chinmaya Mission, a spiritual class, I was not enthused. For eleven years, every Sunday morning I attended this class, where I learn more about Hinduism, my faith, and myself.
Although I initially felt forced to attend, over time it has become a guiding compass for me through my daily actions. As I entered high school, the new environment came with many obstacles. I found myself losing sight of my values and struggling to find my identity as a young Indian-American. The shared sense of cultural connection with the other fifteen students provided me with a sense of belonging and helped ground my identity.
I have connected the lessons we have learned from scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita to my own life, developing better habits and a stronger, more positive mindset. As I learned, the Bhagavad Gita promotes an open-minded world view that includes everyone no matter how diverse their paths may be. This reminds me to celebrate diversity and immerse myself in new cultural experiences and traditions that are different from my own. I define a successful college experience as one that will allow me to grow into a young woman with a diverse view on the world and a desire to use the skills I develop to make change in the community around me.
I envision myself joining groups such as the Society of Women Engineers, and the Asian Students Association - both of which speak to my growing interests. I am excited to bring my energy, compassion, and love for learning to the CMU community and look forward to developing new connections with many different kinds of people.
Consider your application as a whole. What do you personally want to emphasize about your application for the admission committee’s consideration? Highlight something that’s important to you or something you haven’t had a chance to share. Tell us, don’t show us (no websites please). (300 word maximum)
The one element that differentiates me from other applicants is when I take hold of a problem, I am unable to rest until I uncover a solution.
From the time I learned about my mother’s diagnosis of MS, I felt compelled to learn as much as possible about the disease and come up with solutions to make her life more manageable.
Initially, my father and grandmother had to take care of me and my mother. It was only later in my life that I was able to process what my mother had been going through. As I learned more about this condition and reflected on my parents’ struggles, I realized that there were many families facing similar challenges.
Driven by my mother’s desire to remain independent despite her MS diagnosis, I successfully designed a self-navigating wheelchair. The wheelchair operates using a Bluetooth low-energy network and is programmed to navigate from location A to location B. My prototype helps patients feel a new sense of independence and freedom.
Building on my prototype, I developed an app that helps physically challenged people to shop efficiently in retail stores. It allows users to select the store they are entering and then type in a list of items they need. It then outputs the fastest method to attain all the items without aimlessly wandering around the aisles.
The process of developing an idea and bringing it to life excites and motivates me. The excitement I have towards creating is seen best when I am in a lab immersed in my task at hand. As a young woman with a growing passion for STEM, I intend to take advantage of the many opportunities Carnegie Mellon provides to bring my innovative ideas to fruition.