Megan Herman - The applicants

College essays that made a difference - Princeton Review 2010

Megan Herman
The applicants

In high school, Megan participated in many extracurricular activities ranging from student government and varsity softball to marching band and a Christian Youth organization. She was also a member of National Honor Society and Orchard Park Pride, a local honor given to graduating seniors.

Stats

SAT: 1180 (590 Critical Reading, 590 Math)

SAT Subject Test(s): 590 Literature, 570 U.S. History, 520 World History

ACT: 26

High School GPA: 3.68

High School: Orchard Park High School, Orchard Park, NY

Hometown: Orchard Park, NY

Gender: Female

Race: Caucasian

Applied To

Hamilton College (early decision)

Essay

Megan used the following essay in her application to Hamilton College.

Topic of choice.

One of the Giants

My hand waved in the air. I was convinced I could finally answer a math question correctly. My eighth grade math teacher called on me, and when I answered, the class erupted in laughter. I had been asked what an isosceles triangle was. I confidently answered: a triangle with three sides! If I had told anyone then that in four years I would be taking the high school’s hardest math class, no one would have believed me.

I had struggled with math since elementary school, but worked very hard to keep up with the smart math students surrounding me. In eleventh grade, much to my parents’ surprise, I signed up to take pre-calculus BC, the hardest pre-calc class, leading to a senior year with AP calculus BC. That is when I met Mr. Dena and told him I would try my hardest despite my many math shortcomings. He was convinced I could succeed despite what family and friends were saying.

Mr. Dena had an unforgettable quote by Sir Isaac Newton on his chalk board: “If I have been able to see further, it is only because I stand on the shoulders of giants.” He reflected on that quote throughout the year and was determined to teach us more than math, determined to have us make changes in the world knowing more than just calculus.

I once told Mr. Dena I didn’t understand how I could do so poorly on a test when I had studied so hard. He looked right at me and explained it’s not about the grades; it’s about understanding the material. If studying didn’t pay off on a test, it would someday. I knew then that beyond passing or failing tests, this was about hard work and effort. His class made me push myself harder than I ever had, and I learned so much from my classmates.

Mr. Dena occasionally gave partner tests, believing that we could help teach each other and solve hard problems together. Mr. Dena drew names out of a hat to assign partners. Students were praying out loud that he wouldn’t pull my name with theirs. I understood! I wanted to have the best student in the class for my partner! A hush fell over the class as my name was drawn. Although my partner joked with the class about being stuck with me, we surprised everyone with our grade on this test. We worked very well together. Although Mr. Dena only hinted at the fact that he taught us about working with each other, I knew this was really why we had partner tests.

The final exam was Mr. Dena’s final challenge to us. I failed his challenge but was in good company. I knew this would never be looked upon as a failure. I also knew that my overall average in the class showed my success. Mr. Dena taught me the important lessons, and, after all, Sir Isaac Newton didn’t get it the first time or without the help of others. Most subjects had come easily to me, and to be challenged in math really changed the way I saw other challenges in life.

I am continuing AP calculus with Mr. Dena this year. Having made it half-way through the two-year challenge, I wasn’t going to let a grade, a numerical rating, stop me from learning some of the best lessons of my life.

Will I pass the end-of-the-year AP exam? Mr. Dena would want me to be more concerned with the words of Sir Isaac Newton, to be more concerned that I push myself and “… see further …” He is one of the giants that Newton describes. He has helped me see not only more mathematical ideas than I thought possible, but who I can be. The question of whether I pass the AP exam or not is hardly as important as the question: How will Mr. Dena stretch me this year?

See this page to find out where this student got in.