College Essay #31 - Between Living and Dreaming

139) Spanish poet Antonio Machado wrote, “Between living and dreaming there is a third thing. Guess it.” Give us your guess. (U of Chicago)

I believe that there is higher world in between living and dreaming. This higher world is known as spirituality. Some people only achieve it and they do this by connecting themselves with God and sense the power that God showers on them. For example in Catholicism there is a world not like heaven or hell but is a place where the dead wait unconsciously for the decision to go to heaven or hell is made.

I believe that this people who neither live nor dream are actually being punished for their sins. They are living in a world that is like jail where you get consequences for what you have done in you whole life. The main body of Christians has always believed in the existence of a place between Heaven and Hell where souls go to be punished for lesser sins and to repay the debt of temporal punishment for sins, which have been forgiven.

Do you believe in the third world? I guess not, well it is hard to believe because no one can see it or feel it or even sense it. Only people who either achieve attainment can feel the third world power. The third world is not a bad place, not a place where one is only punished for their sins but instead it is a place where priest or monks can actually relate to the spiritual power. For example Siddhartha Gautama also known as Buddha to his followers and the world went through self-immolation however the fire by itself extinguished and during this he connected with the third world. There are many such examples, where people have experienced the third world, hope I experience it too.

College Essay #30 - Find X

135) Find X (U of Chicago)

X is something that cannot be found. It lingers in the atmosphere. People have tried to discover this suspicious power behind this letter ‘X.’ X has the qualities of God. X cannot be felt nor touched but it surely can be sensed. The aura of X surrounds every human. People try really hard to come across this unusual sensation that bothers them inside their hearts. X is a curious letter. Some people pray and hold gatherings in order to praise this letter, just to find out what is so special about X. X holds something unique in itself. X is invisible and can move at the speed of light. If a person takes seven hours to reach from India to Bangkok, X covers it within seconds. Aren’t you curious to know more about X. Well it’s been few years now that I have been on this search to find out who this annoying X is. When I ask people why is X so unusual they reply by saying “X isn’t, unusual, it is something that gives all human power to live longer. It creates a new human within a human. It gives human powers that are beyond human imagination.”

If there is so much mystery about this letter, why not figure it out before we die. Newton discovered Gravity, Alexander Graham discovered the use of telephones similarly I, Srishti Golechha has a dream to discover the factor X before I die. People say that if anyone finds X then that person will never die.  I have a dream that I will carve my name down in history and leave with a BANG! X, X, X is all I hear everyday. I see people frantically looking around for this missing piece of happiness. I never want to die therefore I would want to complete this mission successfully.

College Essay #29 - Good parent

183) Do you think that you have the qualifications of a good parent? Discuss.


My mother always believed that through nurture one can teach their child more values rather than using violence. Since I was nurtured throughout my life I also feel the same way when I look at other children although I am not a mother. Children should be treated in such a way that their level of understanding should be taken into consideration. Every child needs to be taught many lessons in their life, in order for them to grow into a responsible being.
A responsible being is conscious about time management. Time is precious and we cannot rewind time. I am responsible and use my time wisely when needed. This is one lesson I would like to teach my children since I would want them to be like me. A good parent needs to have some qualifications and I think that they should have:

·       Give their children the best

·       Provide them with best education

·       Invest money for their children’s benefit

·       From an early age teach them the basic etiquettes , the good and bad values and how to live independently

These are just a few of the qualities that were given to me by my parents, I would like to entrust the same values to my children. I know I am capable of teaching all these to my children. I would make sure that they are given the best education and no matter how much their education costs I would pay for it as my parents inspired me when they paid for my education. My father did not get the best education therefore he wanted his children to achieve the highest level of education possible.   My mother on the other hand taught me the basic etiquettes and morals since I was young. Therefore I believe that I have the qualifications of being a good parent to my kids.

College Essay #28 - Human Rights

177) "Human rights" is a term frequently used but seldom defined. What rights should belong to every human being? Discuss.

A right to equality is important to each and every individual in this world. Being brought up in India the idea of caste system in villages still exists also; beggars who are begging on the road are treated inhumanely. For example if a beggar has money and if he wants to enter a shop then the shopkeeper kicks him out just because he or she doesn’t look sophisticated. I think that this is unacceptable by the society because everyone should have the rights to buy or do what they want. He like everyone else also would like to pay for his family and buy the daily grocery. It’s not only the elite group who can eat and go shopping and have fun. By this I also believe that people should choose their own government because the government in India is becoming extremely corrupt and they end up promising the people to give the best they can but it never happens. The poor people are therefore tricked their whole life into believing some false promises by corrupt people.

I believe that right to choose your own government will eventually bring equality amongst citizens because the government that the society chooses will be fair in all aspects. Therefore chief ministers like Mayawati should be thrown out of power. In one of the states in India she built statues of herself worth a lot of money, which she promised to use for the dalits who are the poor people of India.  So I would like to conclude by saying that if government keeps tricking people then eventually will lose faith in the government, and there will be turmoil in the country. Poor people will rise up to fight for their rights and so in order for all this not to happen we the people should be given the right of equality and the right to choose our own government.

College Essay #27 - Academic Records ....

 164) Do you believe that your academic record accurately reflects your abilities?

An academic record doesn’t tell a persons ability. Firstly, you might not be could at studies however, you might other talents such as sports, music, theater etc. In my case, my academic record definitely does not express my ability. I think I am a hardworking student and I give in my best to all my pieces of work. When I submit assignments I know I have nothing to regret, as I feel that I have shown my best potential.

Basketball tells it all. From past two years I have made it in the senior basketball team. It’s a great achievement and I feel that I could demonstrate my ability through this. Everyone in the team makes a contribution; my contribution was my ability to make good shots.

My sister and me argue over the importance of academic records. To her academics is everything. However, when I describe myself to people I never get into the lines of talking about academics, instead, I talk about other things that matter in life. I am more capable of socializing with people as compared to my sister. I can talk and hold conversation with new people from different cultures. I think that through socializing one can experience the world rather than stuffing your face inside a book.

Books can be a man’s best friend but to me it’s just something not important. After all, academic records are important to get into college however; the college actually wants to see the ability that one possesses other than their academics. My teacher once told me that academics are just a small part of getting into college and showing your ability. Instead, the extracurricular activities and ones leadership skills matter the most.

Thus I believe in concentrating more on extra- curricular and demonstrating my true ability to excel through those activities.

College Essay #26 - Confusion about Life

165) what confuses you most in life, and why? (University of Virgina)

There are so many unanswered big questions floating in the minds of people. Few years ago in my religious education class, there was one big question that was the topic of discussion. The question was: Who are we?

Till date it is hard for many others, and me to know who we are and the reason is because we have masked ourselves with different peoples identity. Everyone is losing himself or herself while they walk the journey of life. We see people adapt to surroundings since we all know that it is impossible for the surrounding to adapt to us. So after all this, how exactly do you find yourself in the midst of this crowd and identify your true being?

This is the ‘Big Question’ that is bothering me since ages. I try hard to get the correct answer to this question but the answer never approaches me.

I feel that this question is extremely important, as I would want to know who I am truly.  One year ago, I went to a religious education retreat where Christian missionaries from Hawaii came to my school and helped us to find out the answer for my ‘Big Question.’ They told us to make blueprint of our life on a piece of paper. I realized that there were so many things that I had not discovered or thought about. My blueprint was very unique as compared to the rest of the group. I actually wanted to discover the adventurous journey of my life and find out where I lost myself.

If this question was answered to me earlier then I would not need to go on the adventurous journey as I would have already known the pros and cons about my life. Everyone says that they know themselves the best, till a certain extent it might be true however, I think that no one completely knows themselves as they lose themselves somewhere in this journey.  

College Essay #25 - Expense Paid Trip

182) If you were awarded an expense-paid trip to any one place in the world, where would you go? Why?

Bangkok is one place that I don’t think I will ever get sick of. Firstly, when I ask people where do you think I should go for an holiday, they always say to me “Duh, go to Bangkok, it’s the most happening place.” Well its true that Bangkok is a happening place. There is so much to do there.  You can go shopping; there are a lot of water parks and the new means of transportation, which is the sky train. It is the fastest way to reach from one place to another and while you can get the most amazing view of Bangkok.

As I am heading in the real world to become a successful fashion merchandiser, I think Bangkok is a good place to start knowing about the products of the fashion world. Bangkok is a place to go with friends and have fun. I don’t think I would want to go to Bangkok with my family, as they are not used to the current generations trends. 

I would want to go and hang out with friends around the beach in Bangkok. Looking back at my childhood life and getting some of those memories back together I would want to build sand castles and collect shells around the beach. Friends are needed because being alone is not as much fun as it would be with them, as they are the ones who can cheer and entertain me.

Thai cuisine has been one of my favorite cuisines since childhood. Dishes such as Baikrapao and Pad Thai Noodles are one of the delicacies of Thailand, along with, their staple dish ‘rice.’ Through food one creates memories and therefore the expense paid trip would allow me to eat anything and everything I want. This trip would give me a chance to try new dishes.

Hope this expense trip actually happens in reality.

Sawadeeka

College Essay #24 - Best advice

3) What is the best advice you ever received? Why? And did you follow it? (University of Pennsylvania) 

When I first came to Woodstock, I have to admit, the amount of work that I got in sixth grade was a bit too much for me. I was never used to doing homework back home. Although I studied in an India school it wasn't one of the strict schools that most people think of when they hear ‘Indian school’ rather it was a well-reputed school. 

I remember the time when I was given a science presentation that I had to prepare within two days. It was really hard for me to complete and then practice how to say the entire presentation. At first, I gave up, I said to myself ‘I don't care anymore, this is too much work’ but then I had to talk to somebody and take out my frustrations. I made my way to my homeroom teacher’s office. She was drinking a cup of coffee and reading a magazine, I was glad that I went to her at the right time when she wasn't doing anything important.

The conversation that I had with my homeroom teacher made me learn a new lesson. She told me “Never give up in times of trouble, instead keep your head held up high all the time.” This small message plays importance in my life as I gain confidence when I think of the conversation that I had with my homeroom teacher.

Now when I am in trouble or even when I am just frustrated with my work I never tend to give up instead, I try harder each time. I learnt that giving up wont lead anyone too far in life and that it just shows the weakness of the person.

High school life is hard. The workload is too much to handle. However, it is always good to give it a try and see where you end up. There is no harm in trying anything, you might fail or succeed but you cannot say what will happen until you give it a shot.

My message to all of you is that never give up, and do not be afraid to give a try at anything in life.

College Essay #23 - Physical Eduacation courses

179) Should college students be required to take physical education courses? Why or why not?

I love sports but I don’t think college students should be required to take physical education course. Shifting from a high school to universities is a huge jump. Firstly, the workload increases. It’s really hard to get used to finishing work by the due dates. First year is like hell to most students in universities. The thought of completing a physical education course is a headache to a lot of students.  Students should instead play the sports that they like during their free time, It shouldn’t necessary be a requirement. There is a difference between requirement and willingness. When a person is in the mood to play sports they are more than welcome to go and shoot some hoops. Requirement is just a bad thought to few students because its causes to much tension. 

In Woodstock School there are a few requirements in order for one to graduate. One of the major requirements is to have sixty hours of outdoor education credit.

My friends and I are having trouble getting to 15 hours of outdoor education in our first semester of junior year I wonder how much torture I would, rather students would go through if they had to do a physical education course. 

I like to play sports when I am in the mood. If it a mandatory requirement, it would put me down and make me want to hate sports just for the heck of it. 

College life is really important for students therefore they cannot enjoy life like they used to in school, college students are more independent and busy. They cannot seem to take of hours from their busy schedules to play sports to complete their requirement.

People might say:  How will college students be fit if they didn’t have a physical education course?  Well, let me tell you, as I mentioned that college students are independent they would know when they need to exercise and they would know what a good diet is like.  That way there shouldn’t be any problem of getting fat or unhealthy.

 

College Essay #22 - Chewing Gum

158) What do you think people who know you would be surprised to learn about you? Limit your response to one page.(Rice University)

I simply love chewing gum. Without chewing gum I would not be able to live.  Chewing gum is something that was always part of my life since I was little.  When my parents traveled abroad without me, I remember asking them to bring me all the different flavored chewing gums.  

As I was looking ahead to my future, deciding which colleges I should apply for, something struck to me. I came to know that chewing gum in Singapore is banned for XYZ reasons. I didn’t bother looking up what the reasons may be, but just knowing the fact that I wanted to get into Singapore Management University annoyed me.  My hopes of going to that college went down the drain. Now I don’t bother giving a closer look to universities in Singapore, as I know that I wouldn’t be able to survive there.

My friends in school know that, if they require gum the best person to look for is, ‘Srishti Golechha.’ I always seem to carry gum with me where ever I go. It’s a habit that will never fade. For some reason I always need chewing gum after every meal. My entire family at first seemed to be in a shock as they came to know that I need gum in order to survive but however, they got used to it fairly quickly. At times when my dad sees me chewing gum he gets a little annoyed and asks me to spit it out especially, when guests are home. He believes that chewing gum in public is very shabby therefore he doesn’t like it when I chew gum.

By chewing gum I seem to take off all the frustrations that is in my mind.

College Essay #21 - Jogging

186) Jogging has become extremely popular. Explain why you jog or why you don't.

Any day I would prefer jogging to running. Firstly, you need stamina to run, which I don’t have but jogging is less tiring as it does not require too much stamina. When I go home for holidays, I make sure that I go to the neighborhood park to jog. In the evenings I jog 2.5km which is two laps of the park. I do this regularly at home because, the delicious home made food makes me fat really fast. I love to eat as long as I can maintain my figure.

Jogging is generally good for a person as it keeps your heart running at a constant pace. I love jogging because it is a time for my own. When I jog in the green park near my house I can have a time to reflect about my life problems. There are a lot of things that revolve inside my head. While jogging I can take out all my tensions and all the issues that I am facing in an optimistic manner. I love jogging because it’s not like running, I can take my time and jog according to a pace which suits me. If I jog everyday I don’t feel very conscious about my weight. I eat more when I jog. As long as I jog I have no problem eating whatsoever.

As long as I continue this good habit that has been with me for years, I have no problem with anything. I will have a positive side with me. I know that I will be fit and that I will have fewer health problems later in life. Just imagine a person being a couch potato in front of the TV, he or she will regret not exercising in the early age.

I believe that if I jog everyday I will be able to build stamina fairly quickly, which will then lead to, me becoming a good runner.

College Essay #20 - Single Adjective

8) What single adjective do you think would be most frequently used to describe you by those who know you best? Briefly explain. (Stanford)

The best adjective I think that would be most frequently used to describe me is ‘happy.’

I love bright things around me. Bright things make me happy. As my new house is in the process of being built, my mom is on a hunt for new furniture to design the interior of the house.

When she had asked me how I wanted my room to look, I told her that I wanted a room filled with dazzling colors. She wasn’t surprised that I wanted a room filled with bright colors as she knew that these colors made me feel more energetic. I was very particular about the color of the curtains and the carpets. From the very beginning I told her the theme of my room; it was ‘animation.’ Things like cartoons, bright colors and stuffed toys always put a smile on my face. People imagine me as a person who brings light and joy inside a room filled with nothing.

Similarly my family describes me as an extremely fun loving person. Without me the family gatherings are boring, because I am the one with the music and games. Everyone in my family says that when I am not there the gathering is dull. When I hear these words it makes me feel even happier than before as it tells me that I am a fun filled person to be around.   

When I am going through tough times, even then I do not like to show that something is poking me so hard that I cannot bear it. Instead, I like to be optimistic about the obstacles that are coming my way. A smile can make everything better and it is the best remedy to a bad day. When you see a person smile at you in times of need it gives you hope to move on with a good attitude towards it. In the same way I want to be that person who brings smiles on peoples faces when they are in times of need.

College Essay #19 - Conversation

33) If you could hold a conversation with someone (living or deceased) you consider significant, whom would you talk to and what would you talk about? Describe your conversation. (University of Oregon)

I wish I had one opportunity, where I could sit down patiently and explain to my grandmother the cons of early marriages in my generation.

Since she was old, she didn’t know much about my generation and the new traditions that we follow. I would start the conversation by briefing her about my generation and what trends are being followed. Surely, early marriages are now not a very common trend. It is only in the villages of India where they strictly follow the old traditions.

Secondly, I would like to convey the message to her; that early marriage won’t lead a very successful life to a young lady. There are a lot of things waiting ahead in the future before I get married. I believe that the plans for my life lie in my hand therefore I should think twice before making such important decisions. Before marriage, comes education and finding a job, I believe that I need to settle myself and live an independent life before I have a spouse.

Marriage is definitely an important part of a person’s life and people need to settle fast. I would not disagree with my grandmother if she made that point because I understand her background and her lifestyle. However, overtime the meaning of marriage is not the same. Once you get married believe it or not you are stuck with the same person for the rest of your life (unless you want a divorceJ). Imagine living a teenage life as a caged person bounded with the rules of the man’s family. This does not define me as a person, I believe I am free and independent and I should be able to make my own choices.

I would end the conversation and prove my points, which satisfies her to believe me that early marriage is not preferred. I would end by telling her about my future life plans.

College Essay #18 - Looking Outside the Window

134) Imagine looking through a window at any environment that is particularly significant to you. Reflect on the scene, paying close attention to the relation between what you are seeing and why it is meaningful to you. (Williams)

While I am drinking a cup of hot chocolate and gazing outside the window trying to start a conversation with nature; I see the crying clouds. Standing alone using all my senses to seriously understand the message that the rain is trying to convey was tough. Thinking back to my play school life, I remember a teacher telling me, “When you see pouring rain God is crying from above.”  This sentence struck to me very deep. All that it left me with was a canopy of darkness. Nothing seemed right.

After a while….

I saw the Sun gradually coming up through the valley. The scenario was beautiful. After the intense storming, the atmosphere seemed calmer. In the clear sky I saw the colorful spectrum of the rainbow. I thought of each color and what it symbolized within me. ‘Red’, which symbolized the love that bloomed in my heart for the one I like. ‘Orange’, symbolizes the courage that I have to face challenges. ‘Yellow’, symbolizes the happiness and the smile that is always shown on my face. ‘Green’ will always symbolize enthusiasm that is in me. ‘Blue’, symbolizes the inner strength that I have. ‘Indigo’ is an encouraging color. When I see the color Indigo I feel bold and confident about what I am doing. Since Indigo is a very dark color it somehow shines brightly when light is shone on it. Similarly I have my good times which outshine my personality and show the true beauty inside me. Last but not the least ‘Violet’, is a very powerful color which brings out my optimistic personality. When all these colors are joined together, that’s what shapes my personality and shows the true colors of my personality. After the rainbow started to fade away I could only see the birds which were flying back home. It started to get darker. Things started to settle down. Everything around was getting softer. It seemed like the perfect moment. This moment was perfect yet special because there was peace and calmness in the surrounding and I could figure out who I truly am.

College Essay #17 - Favorite Quotaion

104) What is your favorite quotation and why? (Princeton)

As Mohandas K. Gandhi once said “where there is love there is life.”

Imagine living in a society where people judged others for who they were and what they believed in. People have to go through the worst challenges to get to the best. Anyone can give up; it’s the easiest thing to do. Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it’s right.

According to this quote, ‘Love’ doesn’t necessary have to refer to a couple who are in love. Love can just mean happiness. It doesn’t take too much effort or too much of anyone’s time to put a smile on somebody’s face. If you show simple random act of kindness in you daily life it can benefit the society. Everyone is special and has some sort of talent in them. To let the people know that they are special you can simply make use of the magic words that some people were taught when they were young: Thank You, Welcome, Please, Great are just a few of them. When you make use of these magic words it tells people that you appreciate them for who they are. It shows the token of appreciation.

I personally can’t think of myself living without friends. Friends are an important part of my social life. I wonder how life would be without them. They are my moral support for almost everything I do. When life pulls me down a step they help me get back up. When things aren’t going my way, they help me realize that life will throw a lot more opportunities at me later, which I can grab and make use of.

Studying in a boarding school for more than five years, I have truly understood that where there is love there is life. The more you give, the more you get.

College Essay #16 - Books

Share with us a few of your favorite books, poems, authors, films, plays, pieces of music, musicians, performers, paintings, artists, blogs, magazines, or newspapers. Feel free to touch on one, some, or all of the categories listed, or add a category of your own. (U of Chicago)

After reading Utopia by Thomas Moore and Animal farm by George Orwell, I came to know that the idea of communism and living in a peaceful society will never be true.

“Dreams of a Utopia will always fail”. This goes contrary to the book. In Thomas Moore’s Utopia, he inscribed the idea of a perfect island where there is no harm and destruction, but everything is peaceful and tranquil just like paradise.  There is such an incredible similarity between Utopia and Animal Farm. The two books have the same idea about a perfect society; in Animal Farm, Old major the oldest and wisest pig recites a speech that mentions “All animals are comrades” (Orwell 6). The animals on the farm get inspired by his speech and after his death they revolt against the owner of the farm, Jones. They called major’s teachings animalism. They come up with seven commandments that the animals are expected to follow. The seven commandments were fair when it was first proclaimed but the irony started as the book was indicating the change of commandments.  Old major always wanted animal farm to be a place where all animals were treated equally.  Each state has its own issues that have to be dealt with.

As it was mentioned all nations have some kind of weaknesses similarly even animal farm did. It was a small community that was facing terrible issues. In the farm the most domineering animals were the pigs who ruled over other animals. Only the pigs got to decide the ideas as the contributions from other animals were not allowed. The seven commandments were followed for a short time period but, since the pigs were the leaders they eventually started changing the commandments slightly to their own satisfaction.

A perfect society is hard to obtain and as with the provided examples above one can say that there is no such place as paradise and thus it cannot be formed on earth. If people remove their emotions of greed and desire then with least possibility can there be a perfect nation. As it happened in the farm human nature always overrules priorities of leadership. A Utopia can only be successful for a short term and that is if people are willing to show a positive change. In other words it is obvious that not everybody will be willing to give their best at all times which again goes with the statement that dreams of utopia will always fail.  

College Essay #15 - Outrage

124) What outrages you? (Wake Forest)

·        India’s poverty line: There are countless number of slum areas in India. More than half of India’s population is under the poverty line.

·        Uttar Pradesh having a corrupt government: Mayawati, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh had built statues of herself all over Lucknow. Through this she spent excessive amount of cash which she promised to use for the Dalits (Lower Class).

·        Name change for my hometown: Hyderabad which is the capital city Andhra Pradesh situated in South India, has been going through turmoil as the government is fighting over the change of the state’s name. They want Andhra Pradesh to now be known as Telangana. It has been over few months of continuous and riots however; the government has still not come to a conclusion.

·        Studying in Woodstock I have noticed that while walking to Buzaar (market place) during weekends, there are a lot of poor people living in plastic tents. Seeing them, living such a hard life outrages me. I wonder how they survive during winters since I myself am cuddled up in two fat and cozy quilts yet still feeling extremely cold.

·        The excessive amount of pollution caused by people, cars, and factories in India and the world. In china there is pollution everywhere. I had a conversation with a person who had just visited China, and he said, “In the morning while I was driving to work, I thought that there was a lot of fog in the air but later found out that it was the cars in front of me that let out pollution in the atmosphere giving a misty look outside.” In India people on the scooters are now required to cover their nose and mouth due to the massive amount of pollution.

These are just a few things that outrage me. There are some personal issues that get me agitated as well. However, these are the ones that click to my mind.

College Essay #14 - Community Service

75) Community service can be a valuable part of the college experience. If you were to devote one year of service to a volunteer project, what would it be, and what would you hope to accomplish? (Goucher)

If I was ever given a chance to initiate a community service project, I would look back at my high school days and come up with one of the extracurricular activity that I took part in. After collecting my thoughts, one that sticks out to me is CARE. Care which stands for Community Service and Restoration of the Environment was one of the highlights of my school life.

In CARE, we did things like: working with blind children, orphans, and unprivileged people. We also de-wormed dogs, planted seeds on neighboring hillside and every now and then we picked up trash which Woodstocker’s usually threw around campus. This has shown me the importance of the community and the world around us. Therefore I would like to continue this project which is highly beneficial for the environment. The college students would get a break from their busy schedules and help the society that they are living in.

CARE has not only brought smiles on peoples faces but also has given opportunities to the less fortunate. Once in Woodstock, I had the opportunity to go to Sharp Blind Memorial School, where I got to spend my day with blind children all the way from 6 years to 14 years. I taught them to mould clay into different shapes and sang a few different nursery rhymes, not to forget ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.’ It was an unforgettable experience.

Since CARE became such an integral part of my life I always and will always be devoted to it. CARE showed me how tough life can get for those who are rejected by society, so since then my goal is to go out and lend a helping hand. I want to make a true difference and let the society know that judging people by their standards of living is not acceptable.

College Essay #13 - Gift of Telepathy

21) If you had the gift of telepathy, the ability to read other people’s minds, would you use this gift or not? Explain. (Middle East Technical University/93)

People might ask ‘how do you read other peoples mind?’ well like, in the game of poker, everyone has “tells.” Getting to know a person and their ‘tells’ is the key. You must know the mannerism of your subject to know what they are thinking. 

If I had the ability to reads people’s mind I would be like Professor Xavier from X-Men. Professor Xavier was the best telepathic person who could control anyone’s mind and play with their thoughts. Similarly I would like to enter peoples brain and be able to see what’s going on inside. Everyone is always very curious to know the thoughts of another person.

If I had the ability to read people’s mind then I wouldn’t have to make informed guesses based on their life experiences and also wouldn’t have to pay attention to details: such as eye contact, gestures, body language and modulation of voice, instead you would know it all.

Sitting in an exam hall for two hours, not knowing answers to half the question is a good time to ask for the this gift of telepathy.  Looking back at my past i remember sitting for a math test not knowing a thing, i just wished i could read my math teachers mind and come to know all the answers. Only in times of trouble do people really wish that they could be someone else or think like another person who is much more sensible. 

I think the gift of telepathy is not something you can just do. You have to develop it naturally. Sorry, we all want that ability but unfortunately there are only a handful of people that claim they can do it  there is not definate number that actually have the gift of telepathy.

College Essay #12 - Food and Atmosphere

52). The subject of food is never far from our minds here in College Admissions. It is a topic of serious conversation this year on campus, too, with the publication of a book called The Hungry Soul: Eating and the Perfecting of our Nature, by Leon Kass, M.D., a Chicago faculty member who teaches in the College. The book takes a philosophical look at what food, eating, and table manners have to tell us about our human estate. Compose an essay about a memorable meal you have eaten. We are especially interested in the details: the occasion, your company at this meal, its physical setting, the kinds of foods you ate, or their preparation.

Food, everyone loves it. Through food people hold conversations and through food people confess their love. I am a big fan of food and dining. I choose to go to a place where the ambiance is good, where people behave properly, and I choose a restaurant with high reputation and good rating. However, most people have this one dish which is so good that it is hard to forget. I had a dish like that too. It was in Delhi and I had an extremely tiring day. I had not eaten anything the whole day. My mother, when she saw me so exhausted, she knew my remedy. I was in desperate need of good food, so she took to me to La Piazza. It is a top notch restaurant in Hyatt, a five star hotel in Delhi.  It is an extremely good reputed restaurant. The atmosphere of the restaurant has an Italian feel to it. There are fresh oven baked Pizza’s kept in-front of you. The overall feel of La Piazza is created by the white stippled walls, wooden tables, stone floor and white ceiling. So we went to that restaurant and had to wait for fifteen minutes. After a long wait, we were approached by a waiter who took us into La Piazza. I could smell the pizzas that were coming out of the oven; my mouth had started to water. I felt amazing; I knew that this place had something special. We sat down and placed our order. The first dish we ordered was Minestrone alla Genovese. It was a fresh vegetable soup with a slight hint of basil and pesto. This soup was accompanied by freshly baked bread. The second dish we ordered was Cappellotti al porcini, spinaci all’aglio, burro nocciola, it was a ravioli with porcini mushrooms, spinach, garlic and brown butter sauce. It was exotic; it melted in my mouth as soon as I took the first bite. It was probably the most delicious meal I had ever had. It was mind blowing and a meal I will never forget. My mother was extremely thrilled and she was so content and satisfied with the meal too. I had never seen her so satisfied with anything. It was amazing and a memory that was created in La Piazza, which I will never forget.

College Essay #11 - Academic Interests

122) What would you like to study? Describe your academic interests.

I dreamt of becoming a finance expert, studying in a Swiss university surrounded by a beautiful atmosphere. I wanted to study in the mountain just like the Himalayas. I knew that once I got used to a surrounding that it would be hard for me to adapt to a new environment. However, as years passed my dreams changed and now when I look at my academic interests I notice that I am not really in favor of the subjects I am taking. The only subjects that interest me in my schedule are English and Microeconomics, so therefore I would like to move to another field of study known as fashion merchandising/marketing.


Fashion is one thing that can always cheer me up. On Sunday mornings when I have nothing to do my friends and I dress up and click photos. As Woodstock doesn't have uniforms, it's hard for me to choose my clothes which is very time consuming. However, I love choosing my clothes, accessories, shoes and make-up which brightens the rest of my day.


Since I am not an artistic person I wouldn't want to do fashion designing but instead my dream is to get into the business of fashion and pay closer attention to this interest. Fashion merchandising or accounting is very much related to economics, a subject which is in my schedule. A field in fashion management is being able to host model shows and other fashion events. Another skill in fashion management is being able to network with different kinds of people. Public relations and communications skills are required for this course, personally looking at my life and my personality I feel as though this course describes who I am. 


I believe that schools should promote Public relations and communication skills since it is required in every field, even in life one needs to be able to network with people in order to improve their business and social life. This is the reason I want to study fashion management.

College Essay #10 - An invention which the world is better without.

18. What invention would the world be better off without, and why? (Kalamazoo)

FACEBOOK! My life revolves around Facebook. It's hard for me to log out once I signed in. There is always so much to do on Facebook, not to forget stalking people’s profiles, chatting with friends back home and playing fun games. Not one day passes without me logging on Facebook. It's hard for me to not use Facebook.

 At this point in my life, if Facebook wasn't invented I would do more in life rather than always sitting in front of a screen chatting. Living a teenage life without Facebook to me sounds scary. If Facebook wasn't invented I would end up studying more. The amount of time that I give on Facebook everyday can be spent more wisely on something else which is much more productive.

People tend to use social networking sites as a replacement for real human interaction. I believe that the more you talk to someone on Facebook, the less likely you are to hang out with them in real life. Since the day I started using Facebook I have realized that I literally live inside my laptop.

There are information field on Facebook that could potentially make it easier for people to stalk you if you aren’t careful. These fields include your email, phone number, and address. You can hide these from certain users or not enter them at all, but many people probably enter that info without thinking, making available to anyone on their friends list. Earlier this year a stranger hacked into my account and changed my privacy and account settings. Facebook can be very revealing about you.

Overall, I think that the world would be better without Facebook. Facebook can be really big distraction, especially when students like me who are loaded with essays and other projects. However, I wouldn’t be able to imagine myself without Facebook— I would probably end up being a nerd.

College Essay #9 - Autobiography

13) You’ve just written a 300-page autobiography. Send us page 217. (University of Pennsylvania)


but however I believe that everybody changes overtime.




One might believe that a person retains their habits from childhood. I think, as one grows they encounter experiences which creates a big impact on their life, changing them and developing a new person within them. One experience that turned my life was when I joined Woodstock. Firstly joining an international boarding school was a complete change from my previous school. When I came to this school I came across a diverse student body. This helped me adapt to different cultures and learn about different traditions. Before I came to Woodstock I studied in an Indian school, where I never really got to experience a life filled with diversity.


When I got my acceptance letter for Woodstock, the thought that dawned upon me was 'How would I manage an independent life.' I had always been dependent on my parents; they seemed to be a shield for me whenever I was in times of trouble. However, I knew that now I had to face many challenges by myself and learn to live life the harder way. Having been studying in Woodstock for more than five years, it has been a great experience and I have changed completely since when I first joined. I have now become more independent than before. I learned how to face challenges and obstacles that come my way with an optimistic mindset. When I look back at the 'Old Golu'  I see the development that Woodstock has showered upon me. Some people believe that change is bad but looking back at my past, I think of change as being a great help for my future. This change made me independent and I believe that it is extremely important for a person to learn how to be independent. One day or the other, you will be the one in the outside world facing challenges that come your way. You will make the decisions and select

College Essay #8 - Important Issue

36) Select any issue that is of importance to you and discuss your views. (New College of University of South Florida)

Global climate change is the single greatest issue and we all are responsible for generating this. The changes are apparent: weather, melting glaciers, receding ice caps etc. Weather changes can lead to droughts or it can raise ocean levels. Animals are being affected- they can't adapt/protect themselves from the changing environment as humans can - to a limit.


Something has to be done but those in power, insist it should be done by someone else. Time has run out. It is now necessary for individuals to make change to the running world. It’s time for people to realize that Global climate change is a big issue, and that with their minor help, the world can change for the better for them and for the society.


It bothers me to stay in a place where it’s either too cold or too hot. My hometown is situated in the south of India, where the weather can get too hot however, while I am in my boarding school which is in Mussoorie, (hill station situated in north India) where the weather drops down to 0 degree Celsius. The difference in the climate change is big; this is where we humans come in control. We individuals should definitely take initiative of doing small things which can help control Global Climate change.


The age of limitless consumption and waste, is come to an end. We are entering an era of scarcity, something most people simply done understand. I believe that: Many hands make light work—same way as a community people should do the simple things, nothing is impossible. If one has their goals set high and is determined to achieve their goal, I am sure that they will strive to get to that particular point.


Lets all aim high and make a difference in this world.

College Essay #7 - Generation Gap

87. Do you believe there's a generation gap? Describe the differences between your generation and others. (Denison University)

Times past fast and as time passes development happens, people grow, technology grows and everything starts to expand. Everyone from our generation will say that the coming generation and our generation have a gap. Not only that but even our parent’s generation and our generation have a huge gap. My parent’s generation had television with black and white screen. They had cameras with black and white screen. Everything was black or white during that time. They used to roam around the city in motor bikes and autos. India at that point had probably just completed ten to twenty years of independence. Every state was recovering itself since it was devastated after the British left them. My parents lived during the period of time when India did not have a good economy and it was in a very poor state. They had to set up their own business, not many people could afford the United States and they had to live with limited resources. Today if I see my generation, we have a lifestyle much better than them. We have computers, colored television, iPhone, iPad etc. Most of my generation is spendthrift. They spend money, drink booze, party and basically are just pampered to the very limit. People are on computers 24/7, and everything is available on the internet. When I ask my dad, “How was it like without technology?” He replies, “I am so happy that there was no technology because I interacted more, enjoyed more and most of all I was more physically active.” I had to agree with him, people in the modern world are increasingly facing obesity, dyslexia, heart problems. All these diseases have seemed to increase in my generation. However I feel as though as the generations are coming along, people are becoming less active as they either on their laptops or watching television. There is technology haunting us everywhere. Small children like my brother are getting spectacles. Even though the world is advancing, the people are no more advancing with it.  

College Essay #6 - Personal Habit

57. Describe a personal habit that helps to define you as a person.


What makes something a habit? Most people say it take 3 to 4 weeks to make an action a habit but I personally think that something does not become a habit without effort. Habits can be really useful and also can reveal something about your personality. A lot of my close friends know that when I am down and I am not feeling up to the mark, I usually write or scribble something on a piece of paper. Writing or just scribbling something on a piece of paper helps me express my emotions and relieves the stress.


Since sixth grade I have always kept a journal. Sometimes when I feel there is no one there who would listen to my problems, I just write down everything. Writing journals can make you remember the great experiences that you had made once upon a time. Looking back to journals that I have written few years back, I feel a great deal of satisfaction and I realize all the great times that I have encountered.

My friends know that if I have any writing utensil in my hand I will scribble or do graffiti somewhere or the other. I start writing names of people who are close to me or just draw some random pictures which later makes sense, and I can actually reflect upon the pictures. I think, throwing out something that you would want to save as a memory on a piece of paper can tell a lot about a human being.

So habits can be really useful. We grow familiar with them. We use them regularly. They become a part of us. We keep using them because of the affects they have and the uses we put them to. They become part of our life and a part of us. Use them well and they will serve you well and really contribute something to your life.

College Essay #5 - Wednesday

123. How do you feel about Wednesday? (U of Chicago)

Wednesday is a day I look forward to because I get all geared up for the weekend which waits for me. Monday is the start of a week and students my age dislike this day as it marks the start of a new academic week. Tuesday, is a day when I am concentrating on finishing all my work, as I am already engrossed in my texts.

Finally Wednesday, is a day which is in the middle of a week, I tend to get stressed as there is too much homework however, not to forget the thought of the weekend coming closer, gets me motivated to finish my work so I can have a relaxing yet a fun weekend.

December 25^th is a day I am always excited for, because I look forward to attending the joyous Christmas carnivals which are scattered all over my hometown. When I was six years old, Christmas happened to be on a Wednesday. That morning as I started to feel uncomfortable on my bed I woke up with a startling jerk. Suddenly, I noticed bright and shiny colors which struck my eyes. I took a closer look at it and I realized that I was surrounded by gifts. Ever since that day I feel as though Wednesday has been a special day for me and I believe that Wednesday might hold something special for me in the near future.

Wednesday for me is also an auspicious day since I am born a Hindu. It is a day that is dedicated to Lord Krishna, one of the God’s that is liked the most by children. In some places Lord Vishnu is worshipped on Wednesday and many Hindu holy songs are sung in order to praise the God on Wednesday. Therefore, Wednesday also holds an auspicious value in my heart.

College Essay #4 - Are We Alone

126. Are we alone? (Tufts)

Are people alone because they want to be or does a situation separate them from the norm? Can a person ever not be lonely or come out of their shell?

Sometimes people go through harsh periods in their life. It is when they want to come out of the bustling society into the quiet shade. The shade allows them to reflect on their life. This reflection can either brighten their life or break them down. Some people on the other hand just want to be alone for grabbing attention. For people who are genuinely sad, they should believe that they are never alone through achievements or rough times. Alone, is a small word but has a deep meaning. When I was small, my mother always told me, “Baby, don’t worry I have got your back.” When I went through peer pressure during my life in middle school, my mother always told me, “Don’t worry, I’m there. You’ll be fine” Sometimes I would feel like I had no one but yet there was always someone looking out for me. In the same way, when a person moves out from the social life of the society to be in isolation, they feel that no one is there for them. However they are never alone because someone is looking out for them, caring for them, worrying if they are all right. Some people might believe and some might not, but what I believe is that no matter where one is, God is always looking at them. Christians, Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs are four religions dominating the world. All four religions have different teachings but there is one common teaching which states, “God is everywhere.” In the Bhagwad Gita, the holy book of the Hindus, it states, “ O Arjuna, Everywhere are Gods hands and feet, their eyes, heads and faces and he has ears everywhere.” Similarly In the Bible, it states, “, "And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world" (Matthew 28:18). Through these scriptures, one can see that God is within every human and is with them when they take big or small steps in their life. People should keep faith in their friends, family or religion and if they don’t have faith then they should build faith in someone they are close to. No matter where one is one is never alone for the world is looking out for them.