The End to a Seemingly Never-Ending College Application Season (+ my supplementals!)

The process is hellish, that is entirely true, but that first breath of relief you take once you hit “Submit” on your last application is just so gratifying. I can’t wait to find out what the future has in store for me; even having the thought that there is more beyond this little town is nerve-wracking yet exciting all at the same time.

With that, if you’re a current senior, more specifically Class of 2021: hello! I hope you’ve found some solitude in completing your applications as well and I wish you all the best.

And if you’re preparing for an upcoming season of college applications: hello to you too! In this busy time, make sure to prioritize yourself! That means eating all the proper meals, staying hydrated, and paying close attention to both your physical and mental health (they’re extremely important). Below are all of my supplementals as some of you may need a little inspiration when writing your pieces. Keep in mind that colleges want to know about you, not your parents nor a sob story. I hope these are of some help, so happy reading and best of luck!

New York University: ‎‎‎‎We would like to know more about your interest in NYU.‎‎‎‎ What motivated you to apply to NYU? Why have you applied or expressed interest in a particular campus, school, college, program, and or area of study? If you have applied to more than one, please also tell us why you are interested in these additional areas of study or campuses. We want to understand — Why NYU? (400 word limit)

From deeply personal tales to those crafted in worlds foreign to ours, there are endless possibilities for storytellers. At NYU, I know I can further explore this medium, one that started as a hobby and gradually transformed into a passion of mine.

Attending the university has been my dream for quite some time, its location drawing me to it most when I was younger. However, growing up, honing my abilities, and further exploring my desire to write and produce films allowed me to discover Tisch and its Kanbar Institute of Film and Television. Working through high school production courses provided the opportunity to discover my style and experiment with the type of stories I’d like to tell, yet my pursuit to be a well-rounded filmmaker has only just begun.

During my search for a school to continue my education at the college level, NYU’s film institute and reputation emerged frequently, increasing my fascination with the school. Reading about professors like Christopher Chan Roberson and Mary Lambert makes me eager to enroll in their classes so I can absorb all of the knowledge they’ve gathered from years of experience in the industry. Courses such as Storytelling Strategies will grant me the ability to analyze and piece together the components of my screenplays while Performance Studies will help me better understand and conduct my actors’ performances. Within such lectures, I’ll be able to expand my scope of knowledge regarding technique, adopt new skills, and refine older ones.

Much like using one’s personal insight and experience to shape storylines, NYU encourages students to contribute their own identities to the community, cultivating a uniquely diverse campus environment. Growing up in a town with a large Hispanic population, I welcomed the opportunity to learn about my peers and the nuances of their culture which differed greatly from mine. With this, I became aware of the importance behind cultural diversity, and at NYU, immersing myself in a similar communal experience is guaranteed. Likewise, taking advantage of the numerous study away options offered will further familiarize me with the world beyond our campus.

I hope to one day be a filmmaker who will craft impactful stories, those which will resonate with varying audiences and inspire the masses. NYU encompasses the capability to sculpt well rounded and like-minded students, fostering an environment of growth and acceptance, an environment I desire to both draw from and contribute to.

Fordham University: At Fordham, we expect students to care for and engage with their communities. Please share a specific instance in which you challenged yourself or stepped out of your comfort zone in order to impact your community (for example, your family, friend group, high school, or town). Or, share a way you hope to do so at Fordham. (150 word limit)

Growing up with a former football player, coach, and avid fan, it was inevitable for me to be involved with the sport. Though I wasn’t built to play on my high school’s team, I chose my second best option, team manager. Initially, I was intimidated considering I was surrounded by people at least twice my size. I was present with them through everything though; I shared in their good moments, bad moments, wins, and losses. I contributed by keeping statistics and assisting the coaches. Eventually, I realized I was accepted as a vital member of the team regardless of my gender and lack of presence on the field. I intend to do the same at Fordham. I look forward to immersing myself in a new, diverse community. One that is committed to the pursuit of knowledge and a better understanding of the world we live in.

Syracuse University: Why are you interested in Syracuse University and how do you see yourself contributing to a diverse, inclusive and respectful campus community? (250 word limit)

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Parasite, two films amongst many on my list of favorites. Though they differ in concept, storyline, and setting, a key commonality exists — both films are directed by males. While movies directed by women are currently fewer in number, I value all perspectives in filmmaking. Learning through four years of high school production courses provided my initial experience of collaborating, allowing my peers and I to establish an environment where we could creatively express ourselves despite our differences. Those lessons and experiences will serve as a guide to foster a campus environment of acceptance where all perspectives are welcomed without judgement or prejudice. This positive mindset lends itself to creating a better collegiate experience for myself and fellow students.

What excites me about being part of Syracuse University is that here, diversity and inclusivity is not only the main priority in my chosen discipline, but an integral component of the entire community. Newhouse School professors, including Fulbright Scholars, combine industry leading technical expertise with grounded real-world experience dedicated to increasing the university’s global reach while fostering the positive evolution of communication.

While women currently occupy some essential roles in the film and television medium, there is much room to increase their influence. As a professional, my goal is to be at the forefront of increasing that influence as well as creating industry advancements. It is my desire to serve as a beacon locally and globally, setting an example for others to follow.

Boston University: What about being a student at Boston University most excites you? (250 word limit)

I often find myself not fitting in with one crowd. It’s as if I have to conform to their standards and conforming feels like storing away every unique quality I have into a box just to forget about its existence in the back of my closet. Researching college after college made me feel this way too, until I found Boston University. Their commitment to crafting well-rounded individuals and maintaining a diverse, tight-knit community already makes me feel included — it’s a space where I know I can truly express myself as a filmmaker. I long for more knowledge, more experience, and to indulge in my passion through several different mediums at BU. Minoring in cinema studies will both refine the pertinent skills of my major and allow me to better appreciate how film has shaped the way we view the world and the way we view one another. The butv10 network will creatively connect me with my peers, giving me the experience I desire and diversifying how I approach working within units. I intend to dedicate my time to the plethora of clubs BU offers as well, along with utilizing my qualities as a leader within student government and taking part in community service to give back to an institution that has so much to offer. At BU, there is no expectation to conform, rather each individual fits into the larger picture no matter their differences — and I too want to be a part of that picture.

Emerson (q1): As you know, the academic programs at Emerson College are focused on communication and the arts. Please tell us what influenced you to select your major. Please be brief. (100–200 word limit)

Choosing to pursue film as my major stems from years of dedication to telling unique and captivating stories, those capable to move varying audiences. What once started as a hobby transfigured itself into my passion, taking me further than the iPad screen I often edited on when I was younger. Growing up allowed me to hone my abilities and explore the importance behind crafting a story that experiments with my own personal flair while managing to respect the visions of those I’m collaborating with.

At Emerson College, I know I can further channel this creativity in an equally diverse and supportive community. Within it, I can further my film knowledge and skills while practicing and sharpening my leadership abilities through countless projects. The opportunities to become a well-rounded filmmaker are endless at Emerson, and here I truly believe that all of my aspirations are guaranteed to be fulfilled.

Emerson (q2): Much of the work that students do at Emerson College is a form of storytelling. If you were to write the story of your life until now, what would you title it and why? Please be brief. (100–200 word limit)

The Strengths of My (Short)comings

Whether I was stuck at the bottom row of the class picture or granted a position notably for the vertically challenged on my school’s lacrosse team, I came to believe that I had to stand out amongst my taller peers in order to combat my short stature. Navigating through life with that mindset molded me into somewhat of a perfectionist, especially in crafting my films. I’ve always prided myself in my creativity and making work that was not only meaningful, but something I was able to enjoy too. Unlike my height, which has now plateaued, my skills as an emerging filmmaker are ever growing.

Like most artists though, I am my own worst critic. When screening my work, I take note of things I wish to change, even cringing at some of my artistic choices. However, there is always room for growth — not physically unfortunately, but as an individual and in my craft. My desire to expand my perspective of the world through filmmaking can be developed and improved by collaborating with those around me rather than working against them. The prospect of such is certain to enable me to stand tall despite my shortcomings.

Note: The schools I applied to that are not included here are Rutgers University, Drexel University, DePaul University, and Temple University.

Update: Hi all! It is now April 11th, 2021, just a week out from the conclusion of my decision announcements. I’ll list out my status for all of them below that way you could take inspiration from my essays and find places in which you can improve upon them. :]

Summary: Accepted to 6, Rejected from 2, Waitlisted at 1.

• Boston University: Rejected
• DePaul University: Accepted
• Drexel University: Accepted
• Emerson College: Accepted
• Fordham University: Accepted
• New York University: Rejected
• Syracuse University: Waitlisted
• Temple University: Accepted
• Rutgers University: Accepted