GEORGETOWN, D.C. Today, The Georgetown Heckler sits down with Philippa “Pippa” Rothbilt (COL ‘24) to discuss the common app essay that got her into 29 institutions of higher learning and 5 of lower learning.

INTERVIEWER: Pippa, where’d the inspiration for your Common App come from?

PIPPA: Well, I’ve always been someone who struggles with identity, so it only seemed natural that my college essays would revolve around that, you know, conflict. My entire life people have told me “brunettes aren’t funny” and “‘5’6” is a weird height.” I used to let it get to me, but after doing some charity work in Africa, the kids made me realize that my funny, 5’6’’ brunette self is worthy of love. Self-love is seriously so important you guys. Anyways, to be honest, when I first went to Zimbabwe I thought I would change the kids, but really they changed me.” 

INTERVIEWER: Got it, so

PIPPA: Let me add something real quick. Make sure to include a “lightswitch moment” in your essay. Like, the whole thing I just said about the kids changing me or whatever? Something like that. So maybe you thought you should play varsity squash, like your father, but ended up making JV and having way more fun. Now that’s a lightswitch moment.

INTERVIEWER: Interesting, can you tell me more about

PIPPA: Look, I’ve got to get to my Art History class, but let me leave you with this. Just because I’m “white” and “wealthy” and “pretty even when I’m not trying” doesn’t mean I haven’t experienced adversity. For one thing, I was scouted to be a model when I was fourteen, but then I didn’t grow taller than 5’6, and so now I can only do catalog, rather than catwalk. Ugh, sorry, I’m getting emotional. Ok, bye now. Is this on the record? Yes? Can you add me saying “Free Britney”?