Today Was Pretty Good, I Got Most Of My Calc 3 Homework Done, And Still Found Time To Catch Up On Most

Conquering the Why School? Essay

From a student who got into MIT & the Ivy League

I’ve read many Why School? essays. These often come across as generic, with no real indication of interest. I’m here to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes in your essays.

-Look up their course catalog. Don’t simply write, “I’m interested in your stellar economics program.” Great, so are hundreds of other applicants. Name-drop a couple of classes and explain why those specific courses appeal to you. It’ll show you’ve done your homework.

-Discuss a few clubs. Colleges want students who will contribute to their campus outside of the classroom. Are you interested in journalism? Talk about joining the school newspaper. Are you a violin virtuoso? Indicate your interest in the orchestra. Or are you into something that isn’t yet available? Say you’ll start a new group!

-Latch onto research opportunities. Schools love students who can contribute to their published papers. Look up ongoing research projects in whatever department you’re interested in (and no, research isn’t only for STEM fields!) and talk about how you’ll get involved.

-Talk about what makes a school unique. Columbia has a Core Curriculum; Princeton has a yearlong bridge program in Bolivia. Why do you want to attend this specific school?

-Touch upon your long-term goals. How will this university help you achieve your goals of becoming a lawyer? How do you want to make the world a better place? Colleges are looking for people who will contribute meaningfully to society.

-Don’t mention rankings or prestige. Harvard already knows it’s world-renowned, it doesn’t need you to stroke its ego. You should be choosing the best school for you, not the best school according to US World & News Report. 

Good luck! I’ll also be happy to read your college app essays, feel free to message me :)

dark academia on a budget

(because not only rich people can be dark academics)

-thrifting with friends for old sweaters that someone’s grandfather must have worn

-getting second (or third or fourth) hand books and reading the notes that other people left in them

-making sure everything is tidy and clean, no matter what

-adopting a minimalist aesthetic

-or making your own decorations (which then makes you better at lettering and art)

-sitting in a local cafe and buying the cheapest thing so that you can study there (and making sure that you tip as much as you can)

-reading poetry online, printing your favorites, and posting them on your walls

-taking as much of your family’s clothing that they’ll let you have

-rotating the same few shirts, pants, and shoes without anyone noticing

-a lack of jewelry (because there are more important things)

-sitting outside at a park to read or write

-looking outside windows on public transport while listening to somber music

Chill notes

With a pen that’s as old as I am (I really need new stationary :-| )

🎧 Oldschool Rap - Lofi Mix #1 by VoidGalaxy

One of my favorites (and there are a few pictures)

there’s something about crisp notes that genuinely bring me peace.

{ 02-04-18 } 91/100 days of productivity

29 days until the start of my exams … i am trembling …

The infinite shades of gray.

12 March (Calc 3 Pain)

I normally try not to post in color, but today I feel that it’s warranted. I just finished my last lecture with my calc 3 professor and I couldn’t help but be a bit sad.

We all have that teacher whom we don’t expect to make a difference in our lives, but upon getting to know them you come to find that they are a giant breath of fresh air.

With the toxicity of school leeching itself into every orifice, nook, and cranny it was nice having that one class I could count on to be invigorating.

This one is for you Mr. Lewis. I can’t begin to repay you for your teaching service, but the least I can do is show my genuine appreciation for you.

7 March (Linear Algebra notes and HW)

It was bright and sunny today, and while I didn’t get much studying done, I was still able to be productive.

I also want to note that being productive is more than taking notes and studying. If you’ve been studying like crazy, but neglecting your personal life, have you really gotten anything done? If you have, then as what expense?

Take time to enjoy yourself

Love y’all

a bunch of scribbles