The Robinson Scholarship is comprehensive, as you know. It's a free ride. And free rides...

[Ben talks to Professor Gilpin about getting the Robinson Scholarship] Bob Phillips: The Robinson Scholarship is comprehensive, as you know. It's a free ride. And free rides don't come easy. Ben Campbell: Absolutely. Bob Phillips: We have 76 applicants, this year. Only one of them will get the Scholarship. And most of whom have resumes just as impressive as you. Ben Campbell: Right. Uh, Professor Phillips? Some kids grow up wanting to play for the Red Sox. You know, some grow up wanting to be, I don't know, a fireman. I grew up... Well, really, I just wanted to come here to Harvard Med. And now that I've gotten accepted, it seems to only come down to the money. Which I don't really have. So, what I'm trying to say is that I really, really need this scholarship. Bob Phillips: Did you rehearse that? Ben Campbell: Yeah. Like, 14 times in front of the mirror. Bob Phillips: Unfortunately, desire doesn't figure into this much. The Robinson is going to go to someone who... Dazzles. Somebody who just jumps off the page.

Thank you. The Robinson Scholarship is comprehensive, as you know. It's a free ride. And free rides don't come easy. Absolutely. We have 76 applicants this year, only one of whom will get the scholarship and most of whom have résumés just as impressive as yours. Right. Professor Phillips? Some kids grow up wanting to play for the Red Sox. You know, some grow up wanting to be, I don't know, a fireman. I grew up... Well, really, I just wanted to come here to Harvard Med. And now that I've gotten accepted, it seems to only come down to the money. Which I don't really have. So, what I'm trying to say is that I really, really need this scholarship. Did you rehearse that? Yeah. Like, 14 times in front of the mirror. Unfortunately, desire doesn't figure into this much. The Robinson is going to go to someone who dazzles. Somebody who just jumps off the page. Oh, well, then, I'm also involved in a science competition. We're building a robotic wheel that can navigate itself using a proprietary GPS system. Well, I'm designing the system. So... Right. Ben, last year, the Robinson went to Hyum Jae Wook, a Korean immigrant who has only one leg. Well, I have both my legs. Well, have you considered cutting one of them off? That was a joke. Ben, it's all about the essay. You need to really explain to us what makes you special. What life experience separates you from all the rest. Life experience. What can you tell me, Ben, that's going to dazzle me?