Amherst College

Write on a topic of your choice. From Negative to Positive (Or Positive to Negative?) The lurid confessions of a member of Teeny-Bopper AnonymousWow. Wasn’t I cool? Since this picture was taken, everything outside of myself – my appearance, my surroundings, even my superficial attitudes about life – has undergone a complete revolution. Contrasting me … Read moreFrom Negative to Positive (Or Positive to Negative?) The Lurid Confessions of a Member of Teeny Bopper Anonymous

Topic: Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. She was the toughest; she was the best. She was also the most influential teacher I have ever had. Ms. William, my sixth grade teacher, was never one to settle for second-best. As a demanding teacher, she hadn’t always … Read moreMost Influential Teacher

”Stereotyped beliefs have the power to become self-fulfilling prophesies for behavior.”Elizabeth Aries, Professor of Psychology, Amherst CollegeFrom her book Men and Women in Interaction, Reconsidering the Differences Shouting, tantrums, chiding, infuriation; I scuttled back into my room and slammed the door to defy my parents exhortations and advice. What followed was the sulking and tears, … Read moreUnderstanding Myself, Just a Little Better

Describe a situation in your life that you considered to have been a life-changing experience. Include any negative or positive variables that were associated with this event. Essay must not exceed two pages in length. “Wow,” I whispered to myself as I walked into the main doorway of my new high school. I walked through … Read moreIt Doesn’t Matter If You’re Black Or White,

2. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you. The colors through the window become inconsequential, only the forms and their faces significant. Through the window of my hometown Kolkata, India I see a half naked child running around on the street. His face depicts childish levity and … Read moreDisparity Through My Windows

“Stereotyped beliefs have the power to become self-fulfilling prophesies for behavior.” I stir fried the noodles, steamed the broccoli, pulled pie out of the oven, and set the table. My younger brother Roy put down the forks. We both sat down, and Roy took the first bite. He chewed for a few seconds, looked up … Read moreFilling the Gap

Choose one of the provided quotes and reflect on it. I chose the following quote: ”Art is man’s constant effort to create for himself a different order of reality from that which is given to him.” –Attributed to Chinua Achebe, Nigerian novelist and poet ”Art is man’s constant effort to create for himself a different … Read moreAn Imaginary Garden With Real Toads

Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations? The stage lights burst open, blinding and white. I trembled. I was at the citywide poetry slam, Verselandia, about to perform in front of hundreds. Earlier in the month, I … Read moreRedefining My Purpose Through Slam Poetry

A topic of your choice. I learned to write essays like prefabricated housing and sensible shoes—standardized, impeccable, identical. No flight of fancy dared disturb the military precision of my supporting arguments as they marched in brigades of four to five sentences, intent upon storming the fortress and seizing the A-plus as a trophy of war. … Read moreThe Storyteller

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. When I was ten months old, I grabbed onto the coffee table and hauled myself up, arms shaking, fists clenched, knees wobbling; ten … Read moreWhat I Learned from Synchronized Swimming