My grandma’s dying wish was to save the environment–a torch I now carry forward–so I want to make her proud by achieving industrial decarbonization through the lens of public policy.

I love learning math because I love nature, and out in the Pacific Northwest, I’m no stranger to hiking. Last summer I took a trip with my family and friends to Mount Rainier National Park, a luscious green wonderland with gorgeous scenery. On my favorite day of the trip, we set out to hike to Eagle’s Peak, a 13-mile round-trip trail with over 5,000 feet in elevation. I woke up to the chirping of an array of birds, each contributing to the symphony of nature’s melodies. As we began our ascent, I couldn’t help but notice the fascinating mathematical patterns that unfolded before my eyes. One of the first things that caught my attention was the trail itself. The carefully engineered switchbacks, zigzags, and well-planned steps not only ensured a safer and more manageable climb but also demonstrated the application of mathematical principles in designing efficient paths. The gradient of the trail, the angles of the turns, and the spacing of steps all seemed to harmonize with the natural contours of the landscape. As we continued our hike, I marveled at the breathtaking scenery around me. Towering trees adorned the mountainsides, their heights seemingly reaching the heavens. I recalled learning about the concept of scaling and proportions in mathematics, and it amazed me how the towering giants followed similar geometric patterns to their smaller counterparts. The branches seemed to form fractal-like shapes, repeating patterns no matter how closely or distantly I observed them. The natural beauty of Mount Rainier National Park extended to the flora and fauna as well. My fascination with Fibonacci numbers came to life when I noticed the exquisite symmetry of the flower petals and the spirals of pinecones. The Golden Ratio seemed to be nature's own aesthetic preference, a guiding principle in creating exquisite forms. As we gained altitude, the temperature dropped, and I observed firsthand the relationship between elevation and temperature. I recalled my studies of mathematical functions and how variables like altitude could be represented using equations. The cold, crisp air reminded me that the laws of mathematics govern our physical world in ways both grand and subtle. Beyond the enchanting visuals, mathematics revealed itself through the intricate interconnections within the ecosystem. The delicate balance of predator-prey relationships, the energy flow through food chains, and the cyclic patterns of seasons and migration all spoke to the fundamental principles of mathematics at work in ecological systems. As I reached the summit of Eagle's Peak, I felt a profound sense of achievement and wonder. Mathematics had guided me through the trail, deepening my appreciation for the precision and order of nature. My love for math and nature had merged into a beautiful symbiosis—a harmonious dance of patterns and equations underlying the world's splendor. Through these kinds of encounters with math in nature, I’ve come to cherish the elegance and logic it brings to our world. Mathematics allows us to comprehend and appreciate the wonders that surround us, unveiling the hidden connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena. It is through this lens that I approach my academic pursuits in mathematics, eager to unravel its mysteries and make my own contributions to the realm of knowledge. As I continue my journey through life, I know that my love for math and nature will always be intertwined, guiding me on trails of discovery, leading me to new summits of understanding, and enriching my perception of the extraordinary symphony that is our natural world.

Mathematics has shaped every facet of my life, from the trigonometry needed to fly me from Chicago to Los Angeles to the harmonic ratios between pitches that make up a Katy Perry song. But a particularly fascinating way through which mathematics affects our world is through our political and social systems. I am Andrew Joseph, a rising senior at Mercer Island High School looking to pursue a bachelor's degree in Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences at Northwestern University. Whether it's analyzing geographic data to understand voting patterns, identifying gerrymandering through spatial analysis, or visualizing complex political networks, the principles of mathematics and statistics play an integral role in uncovering meaningful insights from political data. My passion for political data science stems from my commitment to promoting effective altruism and meaningful change in the world. From my involvement on the board of a statewide political organization to volunteer work as a student teacher for my synagogue’s Hebrew school, and counselor for the Jewish special-needs charity organization Friendship Circle, I am extremely dedicated to giving back to my own community. Yet as I venture out into college, I want to pursue change on a broader scale. By delving into the intricacies of political data analysis, I aim to contribute to evidence-based policy-making that addresses much of society’s most pressing issues: poverty, nuclear security, animal welfare, climate change, and human rights. Above all, through my passion for mathematics and data science, I aspire to foster a more compassionate, just, and inclusive world for everyone. Utilizing my mathematics degree will enable me to excel in the field of political data science, where data-driven decision-making is pivotal for shaping policies and creating positive impacts on a global scale. Through a comprehensive understanding of math, I can better appreciate the underlying structures of data and contribute to a more informed and equitable political landscape. Northwestern’s Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences major is the perfect opportunity for me to hone in the skills required to enact significant change on the political sphere through a STEM-related lens. In this undergraduate program, students receive the training needed to build and analyze mathematical models. My commitment to math in high school, shown by taking AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, and AP Statistics, and residing on the board of my school's math club, will enable me to flourish in accelerated mathematics classes in which I will grapple with topics in linear algebra, multivariable differential calculus, and multivariable integral calculus. I am particularly interested in taking the course entitled “Foundations of Math Social Science,” which will give me tools ranging from models of individual decision-making to theories of collective action, including Individual Decision Making, Choice Under Uncertainty, and Social Choice and Welfare. As I step into the world of higher education, I am fueled by the belief that my pursuit of mathematical knowledge and my dedication to social change will converge to create a lasting impact. I am ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead, knowing that through the lens of mathematics, I have the power to shape policies and influence positive change that reverberates beyond borders and generations. Armed with the analytical prowess of mathematics, the insights of political data analysis, and a heart dedicated to compassion and justice, I look forward to making a meaningful mark on society and leaving a lasting legacy of transformation and progress.