Please Use a Word Processor in Your Responses

Please use a word processor in your responses!

Please rewrite the questions and supply your responses to the questions directly under the question. At the top of the first page, please provide the following information:

Name: Steven HerbstSocial Security Number: 229-49-3860

E-mail:

Home Phone: 703-534-6128

REMEMBER I WILL NOT BE WRITING YOUR REC. In view of that it is particularly important that you do an outstanding job with this packet. I will leave notes for my replacement but this packet gives you the opportunity to have a great deal of input in the counselor recommendation. I would caution you to be sure to be honest, truthful and not embellish. I would also suggest that you need to put modesty aside.

At this point, what schools are on your list?

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Bucknell University
• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute

SELF-ASSESSMENT

1. What three adjectives would your closest friends use to describe you and why?

Curious:

I'm always eager to find out how things work. My interest in computer programming and electronics was sparked by a curiosity about what goes on inside familiar devices. I am still on the intellectual journey that resulted from the seemingly innocent question, "How do computers work?"

In mathematics, I am never satisfied to take a theorem for granted; even if a proof or explanation is not given in class, I locate one. This year, for example, we used a method for analyzing signals in Electronics called the Fourier transform. Even though we were only expected to understand how to interpret the results, the method intrigued me. I found an online college textbook with a chapter on the Fourier transform and read all about it, just to quench my curiosity.

Ambitious:

I set many goals outside of what is expected. Most of my goals are hard, but the challenge is enough to interest me. I set out two years ago to form a web design business. Since then, I have taught myself the necessary programming languages and practiced web page design with several small projects. I am now a paid webmaster of three websites.

Creative:

I'm never content to do a project in the "normal" or "expected" way. When I chose a figure for biographical research in my humanities class, I purposely chose a lesser-known man. Though I had to contact the Smithsonian Institution to get the information I needed, I was ultimately able to piece together a correspondence from the nineteenth century and gain a great deal of historical insight. Even in group projects, I attempt to inject creativity if the group is leaning towards a standard approach. True learning is discovery that comes from new experiences. I also enjoy experimenting with different forms of art, such as oil painting and stained glass. In addition, I have played clarinet for eight years, and I am beginning to reach the point where I can focus on musical expression instead of simply playing the music correctly.

1. If you were to write your own recommendation letter, what would it say in your first paragraph that would prompt your reader to read on? WRITE THE PARAGRAPH.

Steven Herbst is an excellent candidate for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology because his personality and mindset are a perfect match for your university. He has a perfect grade point average and outstanding test scores, but he distinguishes himself from his peers because of his curiosity and initiative. Even if hard work and time are required, he is eager to learn about everything that interests him. It is not enough for him to simply learn about older technology because it is easier to understand. Instead, he wants to master cutting-edge ideas so he can create new technology and make a difference in the world. Steven is also open-minded. He is willing to try any activity or academic subject. He is open to both classical Greek literature and abstract modern art. In other words, he is not afraid of unfamiliarity.

1. What areas have been most challenging to you? How have you dealt with those challenges?

When I signed up for AP Physics, I knew the class had a reputation of being hard. During the first quarter, I had difficulty adjusting to the mathematical problem-solving process. Up to that point, I had been handed formulas or algorithms for solving certain specific types of problems. AP Physics demanded innovation, and I realized that practice was the only way to deal with this challenge. Not only did I devote more time to textbook readings and exercises, but as I completed each problem, I would step back and ask, "How did I do that?" In retracing my steps, I was able to take problem solving to a higher level in which I selected a thought process, rather than an algorithm.

I am generally very comfortable with public speaking, but I have greatly improved my presentation skills through high school. I have learned what works for me and what doesn't. For example, I quickly realized in 9th grade that I couldn't do effective presentations with notecards. Instead, I increased the amount of time that I practiced at home so I could give a smooth, engaging presentation. I have also learned that presentations are often better if they are short and to the point.

1. Describe an incident in which you demonstrated strong character (e.g. integrity, independence, loyalty, self-discipline, kindness, commitment to high ideals, caring for others.

When my grandmother became very sick, my mother held a family meeting and explained that she would have little time left to live. I was greatly saddened by the news, and quietly went up to my room to think of some way that I could help. I decided to make about a dozen cards for my grandmother, each with a personal message and hand-drawn animal. I suggested that every day my mother went to her apartment to visit, she could bring one card. Soon, the cards lined my grandmother's shelf. Each brought the message that we all cared about her and hoped for the best. She died a few weeks later, but she was surrounded by the comfort that we loved her.

5. What are your current career goals? Why?

My primary career goal is to become an electrical and computer engineer. I hope to specialize in the design of processors and storage devices, such as hard drives and flash memory cards, because I think they are exciting fields that will impact the lives of many people. As a computer engineer, I will be a part of the "digital revolution" that allows artwork, thoughts, and memories to be shared with anyone, anywhere. As I am also interested in business and entrepreneurship, I hope to eventually build my own electrical design business from scratch.

1. In what senior tech lab/mentorship will you be involved? What project(s) are you planning? What do you hope to accomplish?

I will be working on a project involving radio frequency identification (RFID) and adaptive antenna arrays in the Microelectronics Research Laboratory. RFID is a system of electronic readers that gather information stored on minuscule tags. I hope to increase the current range of the readers by using multiple antennas. The combined information from this antenna array will allow the reader to adapt to radio interference from other devices while maximizing reception. I will begin work with existing tag technology, but I will build my own reader.

1. What two things would you want a college admissions committee to know about you? Give examples or relate a specific anecdote to explain.

I really enjoy teaching myself, not only because I can move as rapidly as I wish, but also because I can take extra time to explore the topics that interest me in greater depth. By teaching myself, I can take on formidable subjects and master them whenever I'm ready. My personal school is always in session.

In the summer after 9th grade, I became interested in electronics. My experiences in that area from Freshman TEC had inspired me to learn more. When I started to read about electrical theory, however, I found that it was full of strange symbols and confusing mathematics from a subject I knew absolutely nothing about: calculus. As I had just taken Algebra II, and Calculus lay two years down the road, I first dismissed the possibility of learning calculus that summer as impossible. But I realized that my ultimate goal of mastering electrical theory could not be achieved without learning the language of engineering. So I decided to give it a shot. I got out my mom's calculus textbook from college, and began to read it. The material was new to me, but I could understand it! I devoted myself to learning calculus for the rest of the summer, and I enjoyed a great degree of success: I had mastered an entire semester of college calculus! In the fall, I continued my study, and eventually covered most of the material taught in AP Calculus BC.

I also enjoy building things: circuits, model airplanes, pinhole cameras, etc. This hobby is not limited to physical creations, either; I also enjoy computer programming. Many times, I have become interested in a project and begun construction the same day. As an example, I recently came upon a website that explained how to build a trebuchet out of Popsicle sticks. The prospect of building a mighty medieval siege weapon out of Popsicle sticks proved to be too great a temptation. As much as I would have liked to, however, I couldn't spend the whole weekend building my new fascination because there was other work to do. But I stuck to it, drilling, cutting, and gluing for about a week until it was done.

1. What kind of person would you like to become?

I would like to become a person whose work affects more people than just myself. In addition, I would like to develop a unique personality and be unafraid to express my opinions, even if they are different than popular views. At the same time, however, I will avoid conflict. I hope to become an effective compromiser who not only understands my own goals and motivations, but also those of others. I would also like to develop strong verbal communication skills so I can work well on teams.

9. What, if anything, would you do differently if you were to experience high school again?

If I were to experience high school again, I would be more outgoing. As a freshman, I was quite reserved and somewhat shy. I still consider myself to be pretty quiet, but I have worked to become more sociable by participating in more group activities, such as Botball. I have also made more friends and strengthened my verbal communication skills. I still have plenty of room for improvement, however, and I look forward to next year as an opportunity to become more outgoing.

1. In reviewing your transcript, is there anything you’d like to explain to colleges in order for them to put your grades in an appropriate context? If so, what?

N/A

1. Which faculty members at Jefferson know you best? Who might you approach (or have you approached) for letters of recommendation?

Mr. David Bell, director of the Microelectronics Research Laboratory, is among the Jefferson faculty members that I know well. He wrote several letters of recommendation for my summer internship applications, and I plan on asking him to write one for my college application. Ms. Sheri Maeda, my English teacher, has also agreed to write a recommendation next fall. I might ask Mr. Joshua Strong, my Computer Architecture teacher, or Mrs. Jan Vallone, my AP US History teacher, to write a recommendation.

1. Describe any work or volunteer experiences you have had.

During the summer between 10th grade and 11th grade, I worked as a volunteer at the Discovery Room of the National Museum of Natural History. The whole experience was really enjoyable because I was able to spend a few hours a week with young children. In addition to showing children the activity boxes, the microscope, and the fossil collection, I also designed and assembled an activity box of my own. I used resources at the museum to learn about crystal structures, and spoke to museum faculty to decide what type of activity would be appropriate for the Discovery Room.

I am currently employed as the webmaster of SunStuff, Inc., a small business located in Northern Virginia. My duties normally include updating the list of available products and adding new pictures, but I have also redesigned portions of the site to improve usability. From time to time, a small amount of computer programming is required.

1. Describe any travel experiences and their impact on you.

I have traveled a fair amount in the American West, particularly among National Parks. On each trip, I was constantly amazed by the variety of beauty and life in nature. I have witnessed a midnight eruption of Old Faithful, gazed up at gigantic redwood trees, and felt the scorching heat of Death Valley. But I have also traveled to big cities around the country. I have experienced the idea that a city can have a personality through my travel to cities as different as San Antonio and New York City. I have also discovered a certain type of urban beauty similar to the natural beauty of National Parks.

1. Optional personal information: Admission to college and receipt of financial aid often is affected by family circumstances and financial need. I can better advocate for you if I am aware of any extenuating circumstance, which may affect your consideration for admission. This information will be kept confidential.

N/A

ACTIVITIES

1. Please attach a resume of school and community activities or complete the attached Activity Record for grades 9-12.

1. What are your plans for this coming summer?

I will be working at the Naval Research Laboratory (Washington, DC) at the Center for Computational Science. The internship will last eight weeks, from late June to mid-August. In addition, I hope to write a simple operating system on my own because it will give me the opportunity to integrate principles of high-level software design with the concepts of low-level system programming. I also intend to learn more about oil painting. Over the last year, I have become more interested in art as a result of several family trips to DC art galleries.

1. Of all the activities in which you have been involved during high school, which activity has been most important to you and why? (You may choose a school-affiliated program or an independent one.)

There is no single activity that has been most important to me. I think that high school activities are important as a way to have new experiences and try new things. I have participated in team competitions, such as Botball and Odyssey of the Mind. In Botball, I had the opportunity to communicate with a local business as a spokesperson for my team in order to secure sponsorship. My position as an officer of Spanish Honor Society has allowed me to learn about how large organizations are run. Not only have I learned how events are planned, but I have also learned which club activities work well and which don't. In addition, I have pursued an interest in music through participation in several ensembles. This year, I performed at the Kennedy Center twice! To me, a wide variety of experiences in high school is more important than a single area of concentrated devotion.

ACTIVITY RECORD

Please don’t assume that your counselor can identify an activity by its initials or that he/she knows what an activity entails. Be as specific as possible.

Name:Steven Herbst

Grade/Year / School, Community, Summer Activities / Offices Held, Honors Won
Grade 9 / Marching Band (lettered)
Jazz Band
Odyssey of the Mind / Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge Semifinalist
Grade 10 / George Mason University Summer Honor Band
Volunteer at Museum of Natural History
Discovery Room
Senior Computer Team
Varsity Math Team
Volunteer Coach at Intermediate Math Open
“Bio Sib” Tutor
Odyssey of the Mind / Odyssey of the Mind regional winner
Academic Letter
Grade 11 / Volunteer at Discovery Room
Spanish Honor Society (SHS)
National Honor Society (NHS)
Metropolitan Wind Symphony
(selected by audition)
Botball
Naval Research Laboratory Internship at the Center for Computational Science / Co-webmaster
(SHS)
Sons of the American Revolution History Award (given to one junior each year)
4th Place, National Spanish Exam
Qualification for American Invitational Mathematics Examination
Grade 12 / SHS
NHS / Co-webmaster
(SHS)