Random Post While Reading Apps. by Chris LaBounty

I’m sitting at my desk in my robe right now.

I’m on my 5th cup of coffee.

I ate some Count Chocula. Nice visual.

For those not familiar with the life of the Admissions Counselor at MIT, here it is: We get applications, we get a lot of applications. We then need to read those applications – and since we have so many to read, we often find it more efficient to do it at home. That’s why I’m here.

So, I’m taking a break because I need to post something. The blogs have been dormant for a few days – but for good reason. Have you read Lydia’s post? Get on it here. I hope when you’re done, you realize, that whatever you’ve prioritized in your life, none of that is more important than your health. I also hope you realize that if you need help, there are good people out there who are willing to help – no strings attached.
What else is going on around here? Let’s see. I have four windows open:

1.) One has an EA application I’m reading. (He’s an interesting guy – big into Chess.)

2.) Another is TextWrangler – which I use to take notes about prospective students I’m reading. (And write this.)

3.) The third is Chrome, where I’m now searching around for a new text editor that supports my retina display resolution. (recs?)

4.) The fourth is also Chrome – where I’m doing some research about my India trip. I’m going next week. Nice little trip to Mumbai for 4 days, Delhi for 2 days, and Gujarat for about a week. (GF’s family background.) You might ask why I’m going to India for such a short amount of time? Well, the answer is that taking vacation in the peak of application reading season is about the silliest thing an Admissions Counselor can do. Its a long story.

Ok, I need to get back to reading. I have a lot of apps to read – so do me a favor. Be yourself. I don’t want to read your grandma’s essay that sounds like it should be entered in a fiction contest.

“The horse’s shimmering mane glistened with sea spray as we galloped along the edge of the pink sand – the concerns of the world blowing through my hair, never to be reacquired.” (This isn’t real, I just totally made this up, but you get the point.)

What’s wrong with, “I love horses. We have one named Ted. Ted and I get along great because we both like the beach”?

I guess this is just a question of style. If the first example is more your speed then by all means go for it. I meant it when I said I wanted you to be yourself.

See you later,

Labs