¶ … scouring the web and printed resources for universities I would be applying for, I felt like I was shopping for clothes at a giant outlet mall. I didn't know exactly what I was looking for, and felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Also, I was used to family, friends, and mentors helping me to make important decisions that it felt strange making such a big decision on my own.

I noticed that some schools felt restrictive like a too-tight turtleneck, like and I instinctively knew I wouldn't be able to breathe while there. I quickly wrote those schools off my list of potential candidates.

Others, when I read about their campus life, seemed outlandish, garish, and loud like a pink tuxedo with an orange bowtie or a Dennis Rodman outfit. It might work for some, I thought, but not for me.

And so the search for the right fit continued. The more schools I filtered out, the more started to shine and stand out from the rest. The ones that were large enough to attract a diverse student body and offer a rich and interesting curriculum especially attracted my eye. Knowing that I wanted to study law, public policy, and the interface between economics and politics also helped me hone my decisions to schools that had esteemed faculty in those areas and the library resources to boot. And I won't lie: the price tag did ultimately have a bearing on where I would apply. Like a bargain-hunter searching for a sale, I sought out schools that would offer attractive financial aid packages and opportunities for work-study.

Gradually I started to know what I was looking for. I learned that some schools not only had rich academic resources but also lively campus life, something that means a lot to be considering my diverse background, my travel experience, and my interest in interacting with people from around the world. I also realized that the geographic location of the school would have a bearing on my future academic and career opportunities, and took locale into account as well.

I look forward to contributing my energy, enthusiasm, and experiences to college academic and social life while on campus. An inherently affable and outgoing person, I will contribute to lively intellectual debate, participate in clubs and groups, and further my studies to the best of my ability. Thank you for your consideration.