I updated my ‘About’ page to be more accurate and less numbingly extensive. Including here in post-form because, well, I know by my crazy-intense statistics gathering that not that many people have actually gone to the ‘About‘ page despite its very prominent placement.

Why I have this blog: I started this blog describing it as “an organic derivation of my own college process” which is probably still accurate. I also said that “The reason I have done this painfully extensive research on various college admissions related topics, and the reason I analyze the marketing as thoroughly as I can, is because I am being marketed to and it pays to be savvy.” Plus, it’s a good way for me to hone my writing skills!

Well, my college application process is done, though there may be a little more paperwork here and there. I applied early action to and was accepted at Yale University and will be matriculating there into the class of 2011. I did not apply to any of the other 12 schools I had had on my list. However, there is still much to write about, and I think I will keep blogging once I get to New Haven in the fall. [I will probably be taking a break this spring trimester, however, as I will be interning in Washington, D.C. in John Kerry's office and won't have as much time to blog about college.]

About me: My name is Sam Jackson, and I’m currently a high school senior at Phillips Exeter Academy, a boarding school in Exeter, NH. I don’t go there because my parents don’t love me (they do) but rather because it’s a better educational experience than the one I could get at public school back home. At least, I’m hoping that’s the case; I’m pretty sure after 3 years. “Back Home” means “a bit outside Boston.” If you’d like to stalk me further, you’re going to have to do a little legwork yourself. For the most part I like my time here, though I wish it wasn’t in Exeter. The most important thing Exeter has taught me is: don’t go to a small, rural liberal arts college.

I like to write and read, and the humanities are generally my favorite subjects. Feel free to forward book suggestions; I’m always on the hunt for new material. I value knowledge because my experience has shown that there is inevitably a use for even the most esoteric sorts of information. I’m told that I have a good memory.

I try to keep busy at school with lots of extracurriculars but can’t ever seem to do enough to alleviate the frequent boredom that Exeter’s remoteness induces. I enjoy some humor in my life which is why I count authors like Terry Pratchett among my favorites; Al Franken is a personal hero of mine.

I try to learn important life lessons from my golden retriever, Cozmo. Autumn is my favorite season, because I love the New England foliage and the pleasant weather. Halloween is, of course, the best holiday of the year.

<– How about a picture? These were the envelopes for teacher recommendations for one teacher (the other was in the rainforest and wrote hers last year). Luckily for Ms. Schwartz, only one ever had to be sent!