Hello, I am a political science major attending Colorado State University, and I hope to attend one of the following schools; Boston University, Georgetown, Northeastern, William and Mary or Yale and I am curious of my chances.
GPA: 3.81
status: sophomore
Awards: Deans list Fall and spring 2018, Key Civic student of the year award (similar to an honor society), nominated for freshman of the year award.
Activities:
Hall Council President
During my freshman year, I presided as the hall council president of the largest dorm on campus. Through my role, I worked to better my community both within and beyond the residence halls. My council focused on community services, which included collecting a total of one ton of canned food for those in need through fundraising activities and donations. At the end of the year, my council nominated me for the Freshman of the Year award.
Global Café
While participating in a four-month study abroad program known as Semester at Sea, I led a club called Global Café. As a facilitator, I led productive conversations on issues such as wealth distribution, human rights, and foreign interventions. Individuals in attendance included professors, keynote speakers, foreign diplomats, and fellow students from all corners of the globe.
Semester at Sea
Semester at Sea is a four-month-long study abroad program through which I traveled to nine foreign countries throughout Asia and Africa. Through it, I gained an in-depth understanding of foreign cultures in our increasingly globalized world. Along with college course work, I gained knowledge of how to navigate the world independently and facilitate cross-cultural conversations.
Vicarious Voyage
While participating in Semester at Sea, I partnered with the second- and seventh-grade classes of Saint Apollinaris School to share my adventures. Along with writing letters about my travels, I focused on educating these classes on the similarities and differences of other countries and cultures. As I hope to be an elementary school teacher upon retirement, I believe this opportunity granted me great insight into that profession.
Key Communities
During my freshman year, I was a member of the Colorado State University’s Key Civic Engagement Community. This experience granted me great insight into the functions of local government and ways to civically engage as a responsible citizen. At the end of the year, I received the Key Student of the Year Award.
TEDx
During my freshman year, I applied and was selected to represent the undergraduate population of my university as the only undergraduate speaker during Colorado State University’s TEDx Conference. As part of this journey, I honed my research skills and presented my idea in front of a 500-person audience. I have attached a link to my speech below.
UK and US Comparative Government Program
This semester, I am participating in a selective college program that studies the comparative politics and institutions of the United States and the United Kingdom. Through this program, I will gain first-hand insights by visiting UK institutions including Parliament, the Supreme Court, and other governmental agencies this March. While visiting, I will attend lectures by experts on these UK institutions. This visit will occur during the scheduled departure of Britain from the European Union.
Center for Public Deliberation
As a junior associate for one of the nation’s first University Centers for Public Deliberation, it is my task to assist local schools, local government, and community organizations in problem-solving, promoting, and facilitating constructive dialogue. Issues addressed in the past forums include immigration, the opioid epidemic, and school safety.
Presidential Leadership Program
As a Hall Council President, I participated in an eight-week program, the Presidential Leadership Program. This program helped me hone my leadership and delegation skills.
American University Washington Semester
This summer I will be participating in American University’s Washington Semester Internship Program. Through this program, I will be participating in a full-time internship based in D.C. In addition, I will be taking a three-credit colloquium in nonprofit careers and a one-credit colloquium on Professional Development in D.C.
Think-Tank Thursday
During my freshman year of college, I founded a club known as Think-Tank Thursday. During club meetings, members were encouraged to pursue research questions and provide constructive criticisms. Notable ideas developed during club meetings included my research on how to improve the conditions faced by homeless individuals and a prototype of a self-sustaining greenhouse.
I am also curious if I should include my high school activities on my application.