Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Personal Statement (856 words)
I come from a close family in Taiwan and have one younger brother. My parents are both business people in the electronics industry and have encouraged me to follow the path that benefits my future. My parents value education very highly as the only key to real success. They have supported my studies both in Taiwan and now at high school in the United States, and I feel that I have achieved what I have in my life due to their solid care and support. I now wish to go further with my studies in the US as an undergraduate in Engineering at your school. I have always been at the very top of my class academically and attended the No.1 ranked junior high school in Taipei where I was involved for one year in the elite Advanced Math Club for the top math students. I received a 3rd level standing in the Tournament of Towns Math Competition in Taiwan and began to participate in the American Math Competition (AMC), a worldwide examination for top achievers in mathematics. I also took this exam in 2002 and 2003 and won the Award of Excellence in 2000 and 2001 on the Olympics Math Competition Exam in Taiwan. I balanced my heavy academic focus in junior high school by participating in the Tae Kwon Do Club and qualified as a second-degree black belt. I also took piano lessons and was the Captain of my Boy Scout troupe, as well as the Vice President and spokesperson for the association of student body. My duties in this position included dealing with student affairs and drawing up school policie43s in concert with the school administration. This experience gave me a chance to begin developing my leadership skills and sense of responsibility. In 2001, I wrote the Taiwan National High School Entrance Examination and scored in the 97th percentile. This made me eligible to enroll in the top high school in Taipei, but I instead chose to study in the United States as an international student to find greater opportunities. I already had some experience abroad as in the summer of 1999, I was chosen to attend a one-month mathematics and English program at the University of Alberta in Canada. This experience changed my life because it gave me the confidence to discuss mathematics in English for the first time. The open learning environment allowed me to quickly expand my understanding of mathematics and apply my knowledge in practical new ways. This summer experience directly led to my decision to study high school in the US as an international student in 2001 and prepare for entry to a US university. In the fall of 2001, I started high school at the Cambridge School of Weston near Boston. I began by taking ESL classes but was transferred quickly to mainstream courses as it became evident that I could handle classes in English. My advisors and counselors pushed me very hard to study at a level beyond which most students would regard as a burdensome task but I am now grateful for this. Inspired by their encouragement, my TOEFL and SAT verbal scores improved dramatically and I am now fully adjusted to studying in an English language environment. I have performed consistently at the top of my math and science classes and have achieved scores in SAT II Math IIC of 790 and SAT Math of 800. I am now well prepared to continue achieving at this level in my senior year and into university. In addition to excelling academically in my high school, I have been active as a leader in the school community and also participated in junior varsity sports. In my sophomore year I was selected by the school to speak at a Chinese New Year school assembly as the student representative for Taiwan. From this experience, I learned to speak in front of a large group of people without feeling awkward. During my junior year summer vacation, I improved on this skill by returning to Taiwan to take a one- month Dale Carnegie program that focused on developing my leadership and communication skills as well as building my self-confidence. I also play on the junior varsity basketball team at school and practice with my teammates for 2 hours everyday./ Through sports, I have learned the value of teamwork and enjoy the diversion from my heavy academic workload and the balance that this brings to my life. Now in my final year of high school, I am focused on choosing a path for university that will ensure that I have access to the best possible education and opportunities for success. As I am intrigued by the increasingly rapid changes in technology, I will definitely choose science courses in physics, electronics, or computer science. My goal is to enter your Engineering program to further my studies in these areas. After undergraduate school, I will pursue a PhD and work to contribute my knowledge back to society. With my past academic achievements and clear focus on future success in mind, I do hope that you will consider my application favorably.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
1. At Michigan, we believe the key to effective leadership is the ability to transform theoretical concepts and ideas into action that can change the world. Given this perspective, please describe your most significant leadership accomplishment. Address how you transformed a theory or idea into action, the challenges you faced, and the impact your leadership had on your team or the organization.
At IonBond, I have been leading a project for Corning Inc. involving coating
removal on tools for ceramic processing. While Corning had high business
potential, some inadequate resources and outdated technology at IonBond
contributed to late deliveries. IonBond was on the verge of losing Corning's
business. In four months, I turned the situation around while demonstrating good
leadership skills.
While scientists were tied up on other projects, I took the initiative.
Theoretically, I was aware of the fact that if the solution flow in the tank
were
increased, the lead-time would be reduced. I put on my engineering hat and spent
a month with a process engineer, putting together a detailed technical database.
This database confirmed the correlation between coating removal rates and
solution flow. I persuaded management to invest in the project by pinpointing
the
bottlenecks (less solution flow) and by demonstrating lucrative returns. In less
than a week, I hired an intern from Michigan to continue technical development
while I managed the customer interface.
I trained and mentored the intern who was faced with a daunting task. I taught
her what I had learnt in the past month, so she did not have to waste time in
reinventing the wheel. I let her know her work was useful with words like, 'That
report you sent me was wonderful!' and 'You are doing a great job!' Her spirits
remained high. I motivated her to do their best.
I kept the scientists involved by routinely asking them for advice and by
inviting them to weekly meetings. I also helped bridge the gap between Corning
and IonBond. I patiently listened to the Corning's issues, made a list of them
and updated Corning weekly on progress resolving them. Over rounds of golf, I
developed strong relationships with the customer.
Happy with their progress, the scientists soon took over the technical
development. By physically agitating the parts in the tank, solution flow was
increased tremendously, resulting in a reduction of the lead-time from four
weeks
to one week! By the end of summer, we had a process that exceeded Corning's
expectations.
A major deal between IonBond and Corning is now in the works. IonBond's CEO
called me to his office to congratulate me. I showed up with the intern, the
process engineer and the chief scientist, insisting that he commend the team for
the achievement. Doing so further motivated the team and we continue to work
more
closely on other projects. I earned credibility and integrity with my team
members and supervisor. The results obtained from this project could be applied
to other customers as well, thereby increasing business potential for IonBond in
the long term.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Major essay question - 2 parts - total 800 words. 2. a. Describe how you achieved professional growth over the past two years. (300 words) b. What career goals have you set and what objectives will you establish for your Michigan MBA experience? How will you utilize the opportunities at Michigan to achieve your objectives and create an MBA experience that is right for you? How will you and your approach benefit other members of our community? (500 words)
a)I have applied my problem-solving skills to generate value for a variety of industries spanning numerous countries by resolving business process issues across the entire supply chain. The breadth of industries and the depth of the functional areas in which I have gained experience are keys to the dramatic professional growth I have achieved over the past two years. In 200x, I was selected by company X for an assignment in country Z for a major software initiative in the Y industry. Arriving in country Z, I overcame the natural resistance of new colleagues towards 'the guy from corporate,' quickly adapted to a new culture, and expanded the boundaries within which the team had worked. Lacking 'official' authority, I nonetheless, played a key role in functions such as gathering requirements and conflict resolution, and helped to define processes in those areas. Cultivating a more robust approach to cross-functional teamwork, I gained a truly global perspective. When I determined that the project would benefit from shifting operations back to US, I overcame all objections to gain full endorsement for my proposal. Chosen as the technical lead in US, I built a cross-functional team of employees from US and country Z, as well as contractors and clients. I was both empathetic and inspiring to motivate this diverse collection of experts. Today, 'my team' remains committed, productive and successful. I faced and overcame challenges crossing the boundaries of my responsibilities. I had to step up to perform product management duties, including deciding the product direction. Then, when the project manager quit unexpectedly I learnt project management principles on-the-job in order to track risks and timelines. I gained functional insights into product marketing through my close work with that department. I was actively involved with all functions in the creation of this software. With these multidisciplinary successes as a foundation, I am poised to continue to excel at Michigan, and well beyond. b. In 201x,I lead the Asia operations of a multinational organization that manufactures alternative fuel vehicles. The company, with revenues of $750 million, is generating value for shareholders and its 1,000+ employees through responsible management strategies, and for the world by investing in R&D for more energy-efficient. Each day, I leverage my management expertise, vision, leadership abilities and relationships to pursue unlimited possibilities for success. I am committed to making this long-term goal a reality, but understand that passion alone won't get me there. I must cross the divide that separates ambition from achievement! Specifically, I intend to expand my management knowledge, enhance my perspectives, and extend my network of relationships. A Michigan MBA education uniquely encompasses all three elements. The UMBS program by allowing me to customize my educational experience provides expansive knowledge in all areas of business and the tools to apply it, efficiently and innovatively. The rigorous 'Core' and the various electives offered by Michigan's research institutes will enhance my analytical skills. Michigan's general management emphasis and focus on a broad-based foundation will be a cornerstone of my success. The array of courses will bolster my managerial outlook and provide a holistic view of enterprise and market dynamics. IMAP and the interdisciplinary TMI project will offer me the opportunity to solve real-world issues while providing significant insights on leading a company in Asia. In Michigan's collaborative, action-based learning environment, I will reinforce my ability to work in diverse teams. I intend to hone my management skills through the LDP, LeadershipAdvantage and the opportunities to take leadership roles in clubs like Asian Business Conference. Of course, the professional and personal ties cemented at Michigan will be invaluable. I eagerly await the opportunity to interact with dynamic people at Davidson Hall, and at clubs like Global Citizenship. I will forge valuable partnerships with the illustrious faculty like Prof. X. In 2006, I will enthusiastically contribute to and leverage Michigan's strong, global alumni network. It is in my nature to set intellectual, professional and personal goals to achieve not only my own continuous growth, but also the advancement of those around me. I am a team player who places the greater good over individual achievement and inspires teammates to realize their fullest potential. A rigorous field of study has sharpened my reasoning skills - as an innovative thinker, I will consistently bring new insights to the advantage of my classmates. The cross-cultural experiences I have gained from living and working in three countries will expand the perspectives of my classmates. Having faced and solved multidisciplinary business problems, I will draw on these cross-functional professional experiences. I bring the passion to maximize my educational experience and elevate it for my classmates. With a solid foundation and a clear vision in place, I am committed to immersing myself in the very best business education in the world - at Michigan.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Major Essay: Describe a setback or ethical dilemma that you have faced. How did you resolve it? How did the outcome affect you? If something similar happened in the future, how would you react?
Junior year of high school was more than a handful of APs and collegeboard exams. It was a year of growing up for me, because my parents were never home for much of that year. My father was diagnosed with stomach cancer the summer before I started 11th grade. It is the most common cancer among Koreans and it has a high mortality rate. My father is an anesthesiologist, and as ironic as it sounds, doctors often make the worst patients. It was a while before my father decided to go to the hospital to get himself checked and when he finally did, he returned home with bad news. My father is the sole provider for my family of six. Since my mother did not work, she spent almost every day at the hospital attending to my father. The term 'visiting hours' did not seem to apply to her and she took advantage of it. Before my father got sick, my mother was the consummate home manager. She cooked, cleaned and drove me everywhere so that I would not have to take the bus as most kids do in New York City. I had offered to do chores before, but she told me that it was her job and that it was a waste of time for me to learn how to do dishes or laundry. Hence, I had a lot to learn in my junior year when both my parents were rarely home. The Q16 is the bus that I take home from school, and I took it for the first time that year. I fell asleep several times and ended up at the Whitestone Bridge. I also did laundry for the first time, shrinking clothes that were not supposed to go in the dryer. Although I never learned how to cook anything from scratch, I used the microwave for the first time which resulted in spaghetti sauce splattered everywhere. I learned how to do things that year that most kids learned how to do much earlier in life. I realized how easy my life had been before my father got sick and also realized how much growing up I had to do. Despite the mounting stress, I knew that I had to learn how to get things done. I sat all the way in the back of the bus where it was loudest and most uncomfortable. That way, I never fell asleep. I asked my mom for laundry tips and I learned that cotton shrinks which made me wonder why sheep don't shrink in the rain. I also learned that jeans go in cold water because they become stiff in warm water. Cooking is still something that eludes me, but I do know that spaghetti sauce has to be covered. Needless to say, I was very stressed out junior year, but I knew that I could do nothing but take care of myself and my younger sister. That is what I did. My father's cancer is now in remission and he works part time. Cancer can come back as much as two years later, and my family still has another year to wait. However, rather than worry every single day until next August, I choose to hope. It is hope that made my father resilient while he was sick and it is hope that motivated me to learn.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Life brings many disappointments as well as satisfactions. Tell us about a time in your life when you experienced disappointment, or faced difficult or trying circumstances. How did you react?
The Iguacu Falls are on the border between Brazil and which other country? I know the Falls are on the southern border of Brazil. Okay, which countries border Brazil to the south? Bolivia? Cant be Bolivia -- too mountainous. Maybe Argentina. Wait, does Argentina even border Brazil? Uruguay? But thats too close to the ocean to have a major waterfall. It must be Paraguay. It is relatively central and the Parana River runs along the border. Okay, Paraguay. Cmon, please be right, PLEASE! The answer is Argentina. Oh, no. Hope I have another chance. Contestant #1 responded Paraguay. Contestant #4, Argentina. Contestant #4 wins the tiebreaker. I lost. Years of hard work, and it ends like this: second place. Ladies and gentlemen - the champion and runner-up of the 2001 Michigan State Geographic Bee. Oh well, I did my best. There was nothing more that I could have done. As a child, I positively devoured maps and geographic information. My favorite game during car rides was geography quiz. My favorite television show and computer game were Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? I signed up for my schools geography bee in fourth grade. Through middle school, I won every year, qualifying for the State Bee. I made fourth place at my first State Bee. This was eighth grade and my last shot. I prepared intensely, and made it to the championship round at the State Bee. We went neck and neck for six questions until my 'Paraguay' response lost out. Many people would be happy with a second place finish, but I was devastated. I had my eyes set on the National Bee in Washington D.C. It just did not seem fair. I had prepared like a machine for three years, committing to memory maps, mountains, and phenomena. I had virtually memorized three books of questions from cover to cover and knew the most obscure facts about faraway places. What more could I have done? I brooded over the events for a few days, feeling quite disappointed. It was then that I realized there was really nothing more that I could have done. Sometimes things just do not work out. Maybe its bad luck, maybe your opponent is just too good. In spite of giving it all I could, I had stumbled and fallen. But, life demands that we move on and try something new. So, I could not lie there, nursing my wounds. I argued there is no point in feeling bad over a situation if I had done my best. I really couldn't win them all. All I could do was pick up the pieces and forge ahead in a new direction. And so I did. Today, I harbor no disappointment. However, I am sure I would be regretful today if I had not done my best - that maybe I could have won if I had tried harder feeling would be rankling me. This incident taught me to give my best without worrying about the outcome. I may win or lose, but in the long run, it is another victory in my bag of experiences that equips me to face new challenges. Today, as I look back, the event is no longer a massive boulder, but a mere pebble in a receding landscape. However, its lesson is very real and will stand me in good stead in lifes many encounters with success and failure.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Where do you imagine your chosen field of study will be in 10 years, and how do you fit into that picture?
I come from a family of doctors and engineers. My mother's side of the family is laden with physicians while my father's side has the engineers. Of course, I am faced with both factions trying to persuade me to adopt their flagship professions. My predicament was that both were appealing to me! After much contemplation, I finally decided that I would pursue biomedical engineering. It would be an excellent compromise, without really being a compromise. I can delve into the realm of biology and medicine while exploring the analytical and problem-solving world of engineering. Biomedical engineering is one of the fastest growing fields in engineering today. Multi-disciplinary in nature, it embodies the magic of melding two distinct bodies of knowledge into one. The field of medicine is adapting to take advantage of the remarkable advances of modern technology. What interests me most is the use of nano-technology in treating disease. Someday, instead of swallowing a few tablets of Matrex and Hexalen as part of a chemotherapy regime, one would ingest a solution containing tiny machines that are designed to kill cancerous cells and stop the growth of a tumor. Attaining such technology is wholly unrealistic in the next ten, fifteen, or even twenty years. However, the first steps must be taken now, and progress must be made along this path. I see myself working on projects to get us closer to this goal, helping to design micro-machines that could perhaps just perform simple tasks like moving and reacting to an external stimulus. Honestly, I do not see where my chosen field will be ten or fifteen years from now, when I am getting married. However, I see where it will be by the time my children are tying the knot - nanotechnology will have become a mainstream therapy, reopening clogged arteries, killing cancerous tissue, and even reconnecting neurons to counter the effects of Alzheimer's disease.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
At the University of Michigan, we are committed to building a superb educational community with students of diverse talents, experiences, opinions and cultural backgrounds. What would you as an individual bring to our campus community?
I bleed Maize n' Blue. This is an irrefutable fact. For me, Michigan is not a university - it is a way of life. At age two, I started my education at U of M's Pound House Preschool Center. When my father went to school on North Campus, I lived in Northwood and played by the pond behind the music school. Ever since then, I have been a part of the University of Michigan community. As a high school student, I volunteer at UM C.S. Motts Hospital, working with infants and cardiac patients. I have had the good fortune of enhancing my musical abilities with the superb youth programs at the UM School of Music, both as an All-State camper at Interlochen, and as a member of the Michigan Youth Ensembles. Although I have lived in Ann Arbor for seventeen years, I have journeyed overseas numerous times to my native India, and to far-away locales like Spain, China, and Australia. Globetrotting is a family of mine, and during my travels, I have absorbed traditions and ideals form a myriad of different cultures. I reflect this tapestry of experiences, which serves to enrich the world around me. Born in India, but raised in the States, I have taken the best of both worlds and embody a mix of two rich cultures. I bring an immigrant's drive and determination to fight and succeed, and a native Ann Arborite's pride in the city and the University of Michigan. Forever a Wolverine, I bring a love for the Maize 'n Blue and the college of my dreams.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Discuss an issue of local, national, or international concern. Why is this issue important to you? How would you resolve it? What impact would its resolution have on others?
Speaking the Language of Pride and Prejudice Today, languages fascinate me. However, in middle school, it took my mother four hours of debate before I finally agreed to take Spanish. 'But, mom, I already know another language! Our family is Chinese!' I whined. 'Take the class. One day, you'll understand,' she said sagely. And so I grudgingly went to my first Spanish class. However, once I had mastered the basics of the language, I spent hours amusing myself with rrrrolling my r's. I've been told that some things just can't be translated without losing meaning.The subtle nuances of Spanish grammar intrigued me. For example, to express whether or not one thinks it will rain, two verb forms can be used. With a single syllabic change, the speaker can convey her certainty or doubt. From having to cluck like a chicken the first day (while desperately racking my brain for a word, any Spanish word), to gradually conversing spontaneously, I found myself making friends with many non-English-speaking Hispanics. I realized that had it not been for Spanish, the door to communicating with millions of people in theworld would be bolted shut. As a Chinese-American, I feel the frustration of those who struggle with a new language and culture when in a new country. When my family first came to America, people in our neighborhood would periodically puncture our car tires simply because its owners were Chinese. Too confused to turn to the police, there was nothing we could really do. Fortunately, we moved away from that neighborhood, and I grew up speaking English without any accent. I was rarely teased in school. I thought things had changed. America appears to have integrated and accepted different ethnicities. But the day after 9-11, a Muslim student in my school was the target of a fight. I couldn't help thinking that he had done nothing wrong to deserve such treatment, just as my family had done nothing wrong to have our car vandalized. How could the aggressor think for a moment that attacking a human who merely shared the same religion with the terrorists would resolve anything? It would only escalate local tensions. Most Muslims were just as grief-stricken and terrified and shocked at the tragedy as all Americans were. I was revolted that such an attack had occurred. Fear, anger, and resentment weren't adequate justification for victimizing an innocent human being. I found myself frustrated by those who shunned others based on superficial differences instead of working to foster a relationship. Patriotism and pride in identifying one's background is good, but when manifested hatefully, it degenerates into disrespect for humanity. Those who have seen the consequences of war seem to agree. Robin Wright, the chief diplomatic correspondent for The Los Angeles Times, came to my high school to give a speech. She had seen her friends blown to pieces in Iraq and advocated something with which I completely agree - everyone in the world should learn at least two foreign languages. In this era of globalization, communication is of paramount importance so that misunderstandings can be quelled before escalating into needless violence. Last week, my mother came home from work smiling. She works for a German company. That day there was a party. Trying to be social, she had joined a light conversation about the German language and everyone had fun mispronouncing 'Ich spreche kein Deutsch (I don't speak German)'. All of a sudden, a whisper brushed past her ear. 'Why don't you learn better English before starting German?' She whipped around. The secretary smirked at her. I felt shocked, immensely hurt for my mother, and astonished that she was smiling. When I asked how she could possibly look happy, she replied, 'I speak English and can talk to her when I want to. She doesn't speak Chinese and never wants to learn. Shouldn't I be glad to have a greater power of communication and an open mind towards the world?' Prejudice is a bruise that cannot be easily comforted away. A lot has changed since our family arrived in America a decade ago, but a lot has remained the same. The pain of racial discrimination pierces my life, but I am grateful. In a way, it enlightens me. It helps me empathize with others who have been hurt by discrimination. In a larger sense, it helps me understand our diverse world. For this last reason, I have continued my studies in Spanish at a local universityafter having taken AP my junior year, even if it is just for an inner chuckle such as, 'Hah hah, Graciela and I are planning your secret wedding shower rightin front of you, but you don't realize it' at the University of Michigan Physiology Lab where I worked this summer. Languages are tools that overcome cultural misconceptions to peacefully unite different peoples. My mother was right after all about taking Spanish.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Describe a setback or ethical dilemma that you have faced. How did you resolve it? How did the outcome affect you? If something similar happened in the future, how would you react? (personal statement)
I can say with certainty that one of the events that had the most impact on my life was when, after spending the majority of my life in the States, I had to move to Korea. To understand my situation more fully, you'll have to know something about the kind of person I was in the US. I had always been at the top of my class and also somewhat of a leader. I had served as class representative three years in a row, was voted 'Most Likely to Succeed' in junior high, and participated in all of the gifted and talented programs available to me. So the fall from an outstanding student to a mediocre one was particularly hard when I was inserted into an entirely different vein of culture, academics, and society. In the Korean middle school, I started to get Cs and Ds, something that would have been unthinkable before, and teachers started to have long talks with me about my grades, which are much more emphasized in Korea. I was no longer considered a genius, and my pride was severely wounded. The hopelessness I felt when I lost the recognition I had gotten from my teachers in the US was inexpressible. The only subject I could count on to get an A in was English, and none of the teachers were surprised that I did. After all, I had lived for over ten years in the US; of course I would be better in English than the other students. Even then, my English ability was grossly underestimated since the only method used to evaluate it was through the tests given to all the other students as well, and middle school English in Korea is roughly comparable to elementary school English in the States. My grades in math and science, which I had been quite good at in the States, also suffered since the curriculum in Korea was so different from that of the US. In science, I had to learn the terminology all over again, and the math was at a much more advanced level than the math I had been learning in America. What was more agonizing was the fact that I knew I could do better if I could only catch up on what I had missed out on because of the ten years I spent in the US. I yearned for an opportunity to prove myself and to reclaim the esteem I had received back in the American school system. The turning point came after I realized I could turn what seemed to be my disadvantage into an advantage. All that time I had been thinking that having lived in the US for most of my life was a handicap that I would never be able to overcome. I found I could use what I had been taught in the US to contribute things to the class my fellow classmates could not. I gained the long sought-after recognition from my teachers, and my confidence recovered. From then on, my grades improved dramatically, and I got As in Korean for the last three semesters of middle school. I went on to become admitted to (arguably) the most selective high school in the nation, where I got second place in the school Korean poetry composition contest. I went through the extremely rigorous process of completing the requirements for early graduation, and now I look forward to challenging myself again at U-M. I expect it to be difficult, but I believe that I can overcome whatever obstacle placed before me.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Some writers suggest that by tradition science is concerned with truth while art is concerned with beauty. How might these two endeavors be the same? How might they be irreconcilably different?
This suggestion that science is concerned with truth while art is concerned with beauty is a common stereotype in modern society. Science is the search for the beauty within truth behind the universe's workings. Art is the search for the truth in the beauty of human expression. The approaches of science and art to the nature of the world may be different, but their aims are intertwined. Exceptions will always exist, and their aims might be polarized in their orientation. Science is the method that humanity uses to learn more about its surroundings. Physics, a science that has existed since Newton's time, is mainly concerned with determining how the universe operates. Newton's first experiments in gravity were the beginning of science's endeavor to quantify the mechanics of the universe into mathematical equations. Currently, the search is for a set of equations that will describe the whole universe in one fell swoop. In this search for truth, one must find not only a working equation, but also a beautiful equation. It has been a trend in science that the best solutions to a problem are also the most elegant ones. Therefore it is a main goal of science to find not only a truthful solution, but also a beautiful one. Science has sometimes only been concerned with truth. Theories can be incorrect or inaccurate, so experimental analysis is used instead. The simplest way to determine constants or equations is to set up an experiment. Experimental analysis has been present ever since Newton, the developer of the Scientific Method, and conducted his experiments with gravity and inclined planes. Art is the product of expression through a certain medium, be it a painting, on paper in the form of writing, a dance, or anything else. In order for art to be accepted, it should appeal to the audience by displaying both beauty and truth in its message. An art form that has truth intertwined in its beauty is photography. The pictures that are captured are the total truth and portray what is seen, although they might be visually distorted by a lens. Photography searches for the beauty and artistic value within the real world and captures that moment on film. Abstract art and modern art are far less traditional forms of art, and may have no truth whatsoever and be pure and uninfluenced in their pursuit for beauty. Art and science may be very different in what they are and what they do, but they can be similar idealistically in their endeavors. Certain areas of art and science can be combined in their concern with both beauty and truth, yet other areas of art and science can be solely focused on either beauty or truth.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
What led you to choose the area(s) of academic interest that you have listed in your application to the University of Michigan? If you are undecided, what areas are you most interested in, and why?
I was led to physics and mathematics as areas of academic interest mainly because of the fact that they come naturally to me and that I can pick up new concepts quickly. I have been good at math and science since elementary school. Naturally, I was interested in the subjects that I excelled in. As my study of math and science became more advanced, I was able to appreciate the applications of the things that I was learning. I became interested in physics after a first year course that I took two years ago. Physics interests me so much because of its ability to explain how the universe works. At the start of my physics education, I learned about simple accelerated motion and Newton's Laws, which only explain the movement of objects. Now, still at the beginning of my physics education, I am learning about electromagnetism and Maxwell's Equations, which explain the interactions of electric and magnetic fields. My main goal is to get a Ph.D. in physics. Mathematics is an area of academic interest because of the applications that it has in physics. Learning more advanced mathematics allows me to understand physics better and lets me advance further in the field. Since I intend to get a Ph.D. degree in physics, a solid mathematics education is essential.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
At the University of Michigan, we are committed to building a superb educational community with students of diverse talents, experiences, opinions and cultural backgrounds. What would you as an individual bring to our campus community?
As an individual, I would bring a set of very diverse interests. My interests can be categorized into three main categories: academic interests, musical interests, and my hobbies. My current academic interests include physics and mathematics. Even though these interests may be very common, I do not know many people who get excited at the prospect of studying Maxwell's Equations or non-Euclidean Geometry. I also have a wide variety of musical interests. I have studied the piano for eleven years. I have since expanded into cello and I have studied it for eight years. This is my fourth year in the school's Symphonic Orchestra. I have also played in the pit orchestra for the musical productions of Anything Goes, Fiddler on the Roof, and this year, Les Miserables. I have been able to explore a wide range of hobbies and interests because of the amount of information that is available on the internet. I am interested in computer hardware and assembly, and I assembled my first computer when I was 12 years old. My other more exotic hobbies include poi, whip making, and whip cracking. Poi is of Maorian origin and is a dance where lighted implements or weights on strings are swung around the body. With the correct equipment, this results in an impressive visual display. A couple friends and I have performed poi at my school's talent show for the past two years. Recently, I have begun to explore the hobbies of whip making and whip cracking. In a place like suburban Maryland, as one can imagine, not many people can crack a whip, let alone make one. These academic, musical, and exotic interests are what I would bring to the University of Michigan as an individual.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Personal Statement
As I entered the nursing home, the smell of medicine and illness choked me. Just a minute ago I was outside feeling the warm sun against my skin and hearing the familiar sounds of the ocean waves. Now I found myself in a cold corridor, surrounded by white walls, and the only audible sounds were muffled conversations as I passed each room. I was warned before arriving at the nursing home that my grandfather looked different, that he had his leg amputated and that he had lost much weight. I was also warned that his Alzheimer's had gotten so bad that he was barely able to recognize the people that he saw on a daily basis. I was told not to feel hurt if he didn't remember who I was. My grandfather lay in his traditional button down shirt with his eyes tightly closed. I looked away when I noticed the tubes inserted into his arm. I was shocked to see that my grandfather's once tanned skin was now pallid and dry. My aunt who has seen him everyday in this same position gave him a little shove and told him that my mother and I were there to see him. As a child, my trips to Puerto Rico were marvelous. My grandmother had 11 children, so I found myself surrounded by aunts, uncles and cousins all day. Our vacations are filled with endless days on the beach, barbecues, shopping trips and lots and lots of sightseeing. My grandfather was always forgetful, and when I was younger I really enjoyed this part about him. I would walk to the local bodega and on my way there my grandfather would ask me if I had enough money to get candy. I always responded yes, however I knew that he would give me an extra 50 cents or even a dollar to get bonus treats. On the way back he would stop me again and say he was sorry for not seeing me on the way there and would give me an extra quarter or 50 cents for my next trip. Sometimes hed even get me a small bag of candy after dinner and excuse himself for not being able to buy me sweets throughout the entire day. This continued day after day until I had accumulated massive amounts of candy in my suitcase. My grandfather had diabetes, but my grandmother had a sweet tooth and I always made sure to share these goodies with her. My candy supply became so massive that I would always have to give everything away before coming back home. When my grandfather awoke, his bright blue eyes comforted me and reminded me that he was still the same person I remembered. We spoke with him for a while about how he was feeling and the weather. He asked 'Who are you?' when he saw my mother and aunt. They reminded him but only several minutes later, he would ask the same question. He didn't seem to notice me in the room until I said 'What about me?' I didn't expect him to remember, I only wised that perhaps something would spark his mind. He looked at me with those deep eyes and said 'Nenie,' his nickname for me when I was younger. It had been years since I heard that word and it gave me great joy that he had remembered who I was. My grandfather went on to tell me how beautiful I had grown and that he had high expectations for me in the future. He reminded me that I will face tremendous challenges in my years ahead, and repeated over and over again that school was the foundation of all my successes to come. He reminded me that with determination and a good heart, anything can be achieved. This speech was no different than the ones he had always given me before; however, I had a feeling that it would be the last. As I assured him that I was doing well in school and was determined to continue studying, he seemed to get stronger. Our talk was cut short an announcement reminding us that visiting hours were coming to an end, and that we may be able to return tomorrow. As we walked out of his room, he told me that he will always watch over me and that he loved me very much. He still could not understand who these two women were next to me, and why they insisted that they knew him. My grandfather passed away only two months after this visit. I am extremely grateful that I was able to share these moments with him before he passed away. In school and at work, I am constantly reminded of him when someone performs a generous act, and I tell myself that is exactly what my grandfather would have done. I believe that he lives inside me and guides me everyday. My grandfather has always inspired me to help others. His loving nature and big heart are remembered by all who knew him. As I deliberate about my plans to study medicine and go into the field of biomedical engineering, my grandfather's words constantly run through my mind. My grandfather's moving speeches will forever be inscribed in my heart and his desire to help others is a trait that I will carry inside of me forever.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Personal Statement
My personal battle against knee injuries was my first major encounter with the field of biomedical engineering. I constantly questioned my doctors about everything from how the MRI worked to the mode of action of drugs I was given. I also discovered that one could be a physician and still be involved in the areas of engineering and biological research. The interest I developed in the field of bioengineering has continued to grow since then, but it was not until I took neurobiology at Harvard University summer school that my plan to pursue a degree in medicine was confirmed. I not only learned the basics of the nervous system, but also the practical applications of this knowledge and how scientists are using the nervous system's extraordinary power to solve medical mysteries and fight disease. The most interesting aspect of the course was the section about neurotransmitters and how modification of the release, absorption, and re-uptake of neurotransmitters can produce such widespread and drastic results in the body. The opportunity to immerse myself in solving problems found in the complex world of the nervous system by utilizing engineering and design techniques would be ideal for me. Problems associated with the knee joint still interest me as well and I would love to have the opportunity to facilitate improvements in the treatment of those who have had to endure the pain of knee injuries. A career as a physician along with training in bioengineering would give me the opportunity to help others to overcome painful injuries and return to an active life.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Extra Adversity
I learned a lot in tenth grade but the most important lessons were not taught in my classes. The knowledge I gained was an understanding of my ability to overcome the challenges found in life. My classes were interesting and challenging and I looked forward to a great year of academics and sports now that I had recovered from two knee operations. Unfortunately, my life took a sudden and distressing turn when financial problems struck our family. My father lost his job due to the bankruptcy of his employer. My parents warned me that we might need to move to another state where my father could find work. It was difficult to concentrate on school when I was worried about moving and future college tuition. I worried about my father who was concerned about providing for us. He felt depressed over the loss of his job. This was only the second time that I had seen my father cry; the first was when my older brother drowned. As the oldest surviving child, I gladly took the responsibility for helping to care for my disabled younger sister and my asthmatic younger brother as their medical conditions required the presence of a responsible party. As the emotional burden I carried took its toll, I thought about my parents and their resiliency even after the death of their first child. They persevered despite their pain. They did not neglect their other children. I realized that it was my responsibility to overcome my distress and get back on track with school. I knew that I was strong enough to take back control of my life. With a positive attitude and a conviction that I could succeed, I found that my grades began to rise. My time management skills improved as I sought to study, play sports, help my family as much as possible and continue to volunteer in the community. I even found that my positive attitude and belief that I would succeed helped my father renew his faith in his own ability. This translated into a more optimistic approach to his job search. The adverse circumstances I experienced may have threatened to ruin my dreams, but I did not allow them to take control permanently. Despite the stress of my family situation, I learned to take responsibility for my own success and I mastered the art of multitasking and effective time management. My lessons were well learned. This past summer I was told by one of my university professors that I demonstrated an obvious capacity for organization, self-management, and discipline. My junior year grades also reflected my resolve to overcome my distress and succeed academically. It is my hope that the future will be relatively uneventful for my family so that I may focus my energies on my academics. Even if that is not the case, I am confident that I can overcome any obstacles that I encounter. I am a stronger person now and the lessons I have learned will guide me through the events that I may encounter in the future.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
What has been your most significant professional achievement? What has been your toughest professional challenge and how did you address it?
Three years ago, I came to the United States along with two of my colleagues to set up our Chinese company's U.S. branch office. At the time, we gave our new company the name 'Kaito' which means 'Reclamation' in Chinese. After three years, our company has 'reclaimed' a new market. Today, that small office of only three people has grown into a company of twenty-two employees. Under my direction, the marketing department has perfected traditional marketing techniques, and taken advantage of new technology to initiate online sales service. As a result, we currently make annual sales revenue of about 10 million dollars, an increase of 120% compared to the previous two years. Our clients can be found in more than fifteen states. During this time, we also established another branch office in New York. In many ways, my marketing team is like a family: we often work overtime together, we encourage one another in hard times, and we cheer up one another when struggling to reach a goal. The turnover rate has been extremely low within the three years. I feel that a leader's greatest success is nothing more than his people's beautiful work and his team's cohesive spirit. Therefore, creating this united team has been my most significant professional achievement. Looking at our current accomplishments, I cannot help but recall the past hard times we experienced. Because I was the one who originally suggested opening a branch office in the United States, on the first day of business I made up my mind to never let my company be disappointed. However, there is a Chinese saying: 'Everything is hard in the beginning.' My toughest professional challenge occurred during the first six months of operations. First, I had to find an office location. It had to be close to a warehouse, affordable, and in a commercial area. After comparing many sites, we made our decision. But the toughest challenge was when I started selling in the American market. After browsing the Yellow Pages, searching the Internet, and calling potential clients to arrange a visit, I always got the same answer: they would not accept the offer because they never heard of our company, their biggest concern being the quality of our products. After several months, we still had no single large order. This period was very challenging for me because I had never faced such a tough selling situation before. After summarizing the lessons I learned from talking to potential clients, I realized that it would be no use continuing the same strategy. I saw that American vendors often give customers a trial period, and wondered why we couldn't give our prospective clients a certain trial period that was long enough for them to test the quality of our products. When I applied this idea to practice, I immediately received a very satisfactory outcome. After using our products for a trial period, clients began to place orders with us. Our products gradually received wider recognition and our company also expanded its reputation.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Personal Statement
Sitting in my office, fully-equipped with the latest communication technology, I work diligently with my colleagues and technical support staff on projects to design integrated system combining people, machines, and material resources to improve quality and productivity. Working with new, untested tools and technology are a daily challenge in my research activities. Satisfied with my rewarding and lucrative career, I realize how profoundly I love this creative and challenging profession. Once again, I feel so grateful that I have chosen the path to pursue a degree in Industrial Engineering at one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. I have made a brilliant decision. Furthermore, in order to obtain practical experience while in university, I allow myself to be involved in labs, research projects, summer jobs and internships. I also take extra efforts to mix engineering classes with some writing, public speaking and business classes. Thus, I feel truly happy and contented as I have fully utilized my years in the university. Well, true enough these are just my imaginations for the time being. However, they are not merely my dreams or imaginations. Instead, they are my future goals. With some hard work and determination, I am confident that I will achieve what I intend to do. Now, with myself getting a scholarship to study Industrial Engineering in the United States, I stand a good chance of fulfilling my goals. Undoubtedly, I consider my family an extremely significant part of my life. Throughout my childhood, my parents have always fostered and encouraged me in all my endeavors. That was how I started to develop great interest in reading storybooks and playing the piano. In addition, I will never forget my parents' patient attempts to seek satisfactory answers to all my questions when I was a child. Where does the sound of the television come from? How does a computer work? Why do golf balls have dimples on them? How do lightning and thunder occur? There are just some of the questions I used to ask. With my curiosity and questioning nature, I began to develop a strong interest in the applications of science and technology in daily life. During my junior year (1999) in high school, I was selected to lead my class in the state level English Choral Speaking Competition. As a matter of face, few pupils and teachers in my school harbored hope of us winning the competition. I would often hear, 'Be realistic! You know our school had never defeated those English-medium schools.' And I would often respond, 'What a pity! Then let's break the tradition this year!' Luckily, my teammates gave their full support and cooperation. Throughout all the practices, I learnt how to manage people, to make important decisions, and to solve problems creatively. Many times, we videotaped our practices just to compare different ideas of presenting a particular sentence or expression. As the team leader, I came to understand the role of a 'big picture thinker' - to integrate every single gesture, pronunciation, and sound effect of every member in the team to create a harmonious and perfect performance. Besides good strategic planning, the continuous drive for improvement was the key to our success. To improve our performance, I had asked several teachers, seniors, and even the principal to give their comments. Eventually, amidst the deafening cheers of triumph and the spirited singing of the school song, I received the champion trophy from the State Education Chief Officer. Above all, I feel that the skills and qualities I learnt speak more to me than the medals and awards. Last year, I began coaching my juniors. By teaching others, I can foresee an actual improvement in my own technique as a result of critiquing and observing others' errors. After graduation from secondary school, I had been positive I wanted to study engineering. I like Mathematics and Science in which I always fare well and I love tinkering with things. The only problem is which field of engineering do I want to study. So, I started to do research on engineering courses and universities. While browsing through the website, I came across Industrial Engineering. I was fascinated. Yes, this is what I am looking for! It provides the opportunity to work in a variety of businesses and a mix of creativity and scientific approaches. Moreover, it also provides a strong background for rapid professional advancement in engineering and management or for additional graduate study. My mind was made up. With great enthusiasm and eagerness, I feel confident that I am well prepared in experiencing a new challenging life in the United States. The excellent programs, outstanding facilities and research institutes, impressive array of resources and facilities are what I have always longed for. I also look forward to the opportunity of knowing friends from different countries and their cultures. In my mind, I could hear the discussions of students sitting under trees and could feel the friendly atmosphere among students and lectures. With that, I harbor my hope of pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering in the United States.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
We believe the key to effective leadership is the ability to transform theoretical concepts and ideas into action that can change the world. Given this perspective, please describe your most significant professional leadership accomplishment. In doing so, please describe how you transformed an idea into action, the challenges you faced, and the impact your leadership had on your team or the organization. (500-word maximum)
Napoleon Bonaparte once said, "The moral is to the physical as three to one." My experience at Ford Motor Company has convinced me of the wisdom of his words. When I started employment with Ford, I was managing thirty vehicle programs single-handedly. I spent many late nights updating, forecasting and tracking; however, I could not help but feel that much of the work I did could have been automated, enabling me to pursue other projects to better serve my department. I researched myriad applications and techniques used across Ford and in other competing automotive corporations, but found nothing that wholly satisfied my needs. I surveyed end users and created focus groups to determine what was needed. My investigation planted the seeds for what would become my greatest leadership achievement to date: The Executive Planning Dashboard (EPD). This package optimized and standardized reporting throughout the organization. One month after the inception of EPD, I had a clear vision of all its capabilities. I presented the idea to my supervisor who saw the value of it, and encouraged me to pursue it. I did not have the resources to complete this project alone and was bent on recruiting a team of programmers to develop EPD. After countless refusals due to the grand scope and perceived difficulty of the project, I was finally able to get a commitment from one person: Allen. He and I shared the same vision of the potential of EPD. We were both inexperienced programmers, yet we began the arduous task of developing a complex tool together. Following my motto of leading by example, I taught myself Visual Basic, and spent every waking moment engrossed in my brainchild. I was excited about EPD and eager to get Allen excited about it too. Initially he was reluctant to devote more than a few hours a week to the project. I realized that he needed to be more personally involved in the project in order to devote the time and emotive passion I desired him to, so I designated to him ownership of sections of EPD. Soon, we were hooked with our enthusiasm and commitment to the project readily apparent. Other people with various backgrounds began volunteering to assist in the development of EPD. Where our weeks of solicitation could not draw one volunteer, the amount we had accomplished, and the apparent reality of it drew half a dozen individuals. EPD was completed shortly thereafter. EPD is now in the process of being rolled out to other departments within the powertrain organization at Ford. It will provide a consistent reporting tool for all project management analysts, and will save countless hours of labor. Because of EPD, I now have the time to pursue numerous special projects for my department. While EPD spawned from my imagination, it belongs to the team of programmers who toiled to bring it to the mainstream in such a short time. The program has since been renamed, but will always be EPD to me.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
What career goals have you set and what objectives will you establish for your Michigan MBA experience? How will you utilize the opportunities at Michigan to achieve them, and how will you and your approach benefit other members of our community
My career goal is to become a strategic business developer. An MBA from the Ross School of Business will equip me with the broad-based managerial skills, effective leadership ability, and substantive professional relationships required to successfully shift my career focus from developing human capital strategies that align rewards with performance to developing business strategies that align capabilities with market opportunities. Ross's multidisciplinary approach and emphasis on leadership fit well with my career goals. I plan to take full advantage of Ross' flexible curriculum, hands-on programs, small size, and diverse student body to construct an enriching educational experience. Although the Ross School of Business is known globally for its strength in general management I am not pursuing an MBA with an emphasis on operations. I am more interested in gaining a well rounded understanding of major functional areas and then focusing on several areas essential to strategic business development. After thoroughly researching and analyzing other programs, I am convinced Ross' broad-based core curriculum and corporate focused Multidisciplinary Action Project (MAP) would give me a superior practical understanding of managerial fundamentals. Reading the testimonial of a second-year student's MAP experience in corporate strategy assured me that the MAP program would best prepare me for a successful internship and career. I will use the flexibility of the second-year curriculum to concentrate on corporate strategy, marketing, and financial modeling to ensure depth in key business development disciplines. When admitted, I would seek to supplement my managerial development by becoming an active member in several clubs and organizations; the Consulting Club, Emerging Markets Club, and the Black Business Students Association are a few I would be interested in joining. Ross' commitment to producing responsible leaders appeals to me both personally and professionally. It has been my experience that having the courage and integrity to be accountable for your actions differentiates the extraordinary from the ordinary, especially in a team environment. I was inspired listening to a first-year student speak passionately about how the 'Global Citizenship' portion of the Leadership Development Program helped construct a framework for responsible leadership within which she could absorb her first-year content. A small and diverse program is most important to me. Although Ross is a small diverse program the intimacy of the Ross program is conducive to building meaningful relationships with a diverse group of peers. At the University of Maryland the larger class sizes made it difficult to interact with diverse groups of people. I look forward to building relationships and sharing different perspectives with other diverse student colleagues. I envision my Ross experience to be a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and perspectives. My compensation background provides me a unique perspective of how rewards and their measures drive organizational behaviors and my experience working across several functional areas will allow me to clearly relate to students with experiences in multiple disciplines. The Ross School of Business offers a dynamic MBA experience that will stretch my abilities and empower me with the tools to have a successful career. I look forward to the challenge.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Tell us about who you are. Personal Statement
EARLY ACTION Essay One. Korean-Spanish, that was how my American friends identified me. Unlike Korean, my birth identity, or Spanish, my cultural identity, I did not know what to make of my new identification. Korean-Spanish reflected my past and it seemed that this new identification was my only possible one in America. Somehow my American friends were fascinated by a 16-year-old Korean boy who came from Spain and spoke four languages fluently. Maybe Korean-Spanish was how I really identified myself. Or maybe I had already guessed that my new friends would hyphenate my identification, just like African-American, or Japanese-American. (Pardon me if I am wrong, but to me, it seems as though most of the American identifications include hyphens.) In America, everyone seemed categorized and hyphenated. I read a number of passages in the Critical Reading sections of the SAT I that began by citing articles or books written by different hyphen-identified people. One introductory paragraph said: 'This passage is from a book written by a Chinese-American woman about Chinese-American women writers.' Another stated: 'This passage is from a book by an African-American woman who is a law professor.' I was confused: 'So, is the author of the book African or American?' Hyphenation of identities was perplexing and ambiguous to me. Why cant everyone with an American passport be just American? America has always been an eclectic society where much diversity in ethnicity and race existed. In that sense, America is more than just a country; it is a smaller representation of the world. However, Spain and Korea have always been, and still are, countries mostly populated by people of single ethnicities. Spain and Korea both want to maintain the country among their people and limit opportunities for foreigners. They have to change. I was blessed to be able to live in three different countries, on two different continents. My intercontinental life has given me the ability to perceive the world from a different point of view. Before I realized, the American culture found its place in me and naturally became part of me. I no longer am just Korean-Spanish, but Korean-Spanish-American. As I assimilated the diverse cultures each continent represented, my international experiences helped me to understand that underneath, people were very much the same regardless of their ethnic backgrounds. Maybe that was why I felt that learning many languages English, Spanish, and French was essential. I believe that foreign people and cultures can only be truly understood through their own languages. Yet, I hold onto my native language, Korean, for I know how important my roots are. Ironically, even though the world is being globalized, ethnicity, race and religion still cause friction among people. I hope, with my international experience, I can help make the world change into one in which ethnicity and race are of little consequence. I am convinced that through understanding, tolerance, and acceptance, we can make a difference in this world. It is time to begin a journey towards the shaping of a truly globalized world, where I hope to act as an unbreakable bond among different countries.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
What invention had the greatest impact in your life?
If somebody were to ask me, 'What invention had the greatest impact in your life?' I would not hesitate to say 'jigsaw puzzles.' The jigsaw puzzles had the biggest impact on my life. Since the age of four I became the creator of many things; from Mickey Mouse to Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao, Spain. As I matured, the number of pieces needed for creation increased. When I was five, the number of pieces were already exceeding one hundred. While I was struggling with a thousand identical pre-created puzzle pieces, I learned many things, more than just the names of my creations. The puzzles taught me perseverance. Jigsaw puzzles require much concentration and persistence. Beginning with the edges of the puzzle, piece by piece, I created my own Mona Lisa and Bayr Alphen of Germany. I endeavored until the last piece was in its right place for one misplaced piece could ruin the entire creation. When it seemed that I had come to a dead end, I endured until I found the piece that would lead me to the correct path again. I thank jigsaw puzzles for teaching me endurance. The puzzles also gave me motivation and inspiration. As the number of pieces in a puzzle grew, I felt more and more inspired to conquer them. As I created many works of art, I gained confidence, not only in the field of jigsaw puzzles, but also in other activities. I came to believe that there was a solution to every problem and did not hesitate to find an answer when struck by a difficult question. The jigsaw puzzles, in many ways, shaped me into who I am today. I am now creating the most difficult and sophisticated jigsaw puzzle ever, the puzzle of my life. I am molding my own life and building my own shape. I am just about to place another piece in my puzzle of life, applying to the college where I will be spending the next four years of my life. I look forward to finding many interesting pieces I could place in my puzzle of life during the next four years. I would like to think that the yet-to-be completed puzzle will become a whole, made up of the colors and shapes of my heritage, my efforts, my accomplishments and my dreams.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
What is the most significant academic honors you have received?
While I was in Spain, I applied for the Spanish perfection course at "La Escola Oficial d'idiomas" during ninth grade summer vacation. The course offered at "La Escola Oficial d'idiomas," a national language school, requires even the native Spanish speakers to take a qualifying exam. I was qualified and was accepted. The course began at nine o'clock in the morning and ended at half past one in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. At the end of the course, students had to take and pass a rigorous exam in order to graduate and receive a diploma. Fortunately, I passed the exam and graduated from the Spanish perfection course at 'La Escola Oficial d'idiomas' with the prestigious diploma and certificate.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
What was your most meaningful activity?
When I was in Spain I volunteered to teach Korean and English to underprivileged Korean-Spanish children every Sunday at church. It was a small church with about 30 children who could not speak, write or read any Korean or English. Spanish-Korean children, as a result of an absence of Korean language education, had forgotten their native language, maybe even their roots. Their parents, who were too busy to learn Spanish, couldn't even ask the children about their school lives. Thus, I offered to stay two hours after the service to teach these children both Korean and English. I communicated with them in Spanish and encouraged them to learn Korean and English. When I began teaching them, I was surprised at their eagerness, their thirst for knowledge. They wished to learn their native language and were proud to display their knowledge in front of their parents. I helped them to find their own identity, to absorb their own language. I read Korean books about Korean myths to the children. The first time I read a story for them, I had to read each page two or three times until they fully understood. But after a year they could, though very slowly, read Korean and English books by themselves. It was gratifying to see that I could be a bridge between people of different cultural backgrounds through my language skills. It was pleasing to see that my language skills were not used to only express my thoughts, but those of others too. Even though they still talked in Spanish with their peers, they tried to talk to their parents in Korean. It was an experience that I will never forget.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Please describe a person of great influence in your life and explain how the person influenced you.
A person of great influence She was immobile. She stood up. She took a step. She runs. She, the definition of perseverance and triumph. It was in March 1999 when I first met her. I had newly moved to Castelldefels, a suburban seaside town fifteen kilometres away from Barcelona. It was a nice house where you could see the Mediterranean Sea and the beach once you opened the windows in the living room. About a week later, I went out to the beach at six oclock in the morning to jog on the beach before school. Smelling the freshness of the morning breeze, I began jogging towards the southern end of 'La Playafels'. I saw a distant figure ahead of me. As I got closer to the figure, I realised that the figure I had seen was a middle-aged woman trying to force herself stand up from the wheelchair. As I approached her, she stopped and stared at my legs. I stopped. I said 'Buenos dmas!' and asked if I could be of any help. No reply, just the stare. So I continued my routine and when I looked back, I saw her still endeavouring to stand up. I pitied her for trying to achieve what seemed impossible but at the same time, admired her courage to reach what seemed unreachable. Every morning she tried to stand up, to be free. Our continuous 6 o'clock rendezvous at the southern end of 'La Playafels' was repetitious and unchanging. She, trying to lift herself up from the wheelchair and I, stopping to greet her. Every night I prayed. I prayed for a miracle. Every morning I put my trainers on, wishing that there was a change in the way we met; that it was the day she bore fruits of her efforts and faith. It was on a Tuesday in October. I silently went out. The sun was just about to rise. I began running as usual and could see her at a distance. First, it seemed that she was with someone because there was a figure behind her wheelchair. But as I approached her, I realised that the figure I had seen was actually her, standing up against her wheelchair. Her emaciated legs were trembling. She took a step forward and sighed. She let her hands release the handles of the wheelchair and took another step. She could not balance well and fell. I quickly went over to her and lifted her. She looked at me. She smiled. She had done it. Her legs gradually gained the strength she needed to walk. By the end of February 2000, she was able to jog lightly. As Henry Ford said, 'Whether you think you can or think you can't, you are right.' Her perseverance and her strong will brought her the glory she had always dreamed of. She was triumphant in the battle against herself. She was right in thinking that one day she could, as everybody around her did, stand up and freely move around on the beach early in the morning. Once she stood up and ran, there was nothing that could stop her. From my house I could see her running on the beach, through bright sunshine, through rain, and through fog. Sometimes we ran side by side towards the southern end of 'La Playafels,' in silence. In March of that miraculous year, my family and I decided to move to Pedralbes, where my school was located. Castelldefels was a beautiful town to live in but it was difficult to commute to school and work everyday. Though I knew I was going to miss her, I was happy to leave the town after seeing her achieve her goal. The morning I was going to leave Castelldefels, I went out to the beach at six oclock. As I walked to the place where I had first met her, I could see her running. She was coming towards me and once she recognised me, she waved. I said 'Buenos Dmas' as usual and she pointed the southern end of 'La Playafels,' meaning, 'let's run.' I told her that I could not run because I was leaving the town and that I admired her. I told her that I would never forget her, and that I learned much from her. Whether she understood that or not, she began to run towards the southern end of 'La Playafels' alone. She did not look back nor waved at me. This is what I believe: with perseverance, courage, and faith, there is nothing a human cannot do. She was the curer of my weak mentality, mentor of my life. When I first met her, I had felt sorry for her 'vain' efforts to walk, but as I saw her undaunted will, I came to firmly believe that one day she would be able to run just like me. If God gave people something special that other organisms did not receive, it is the ability to make impossible things feasible. I never met her since then, and a year after, I came to the States. I cannot physically run with her but she will always be in me, running with me, motivating me, eradicating my fears, freeing me from all the wheelchairs in my life.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Please explain why you have chosen to apply to this school.
I was lucky to live on two different continents, in three countries. As a
result, I gained an international experience and learned to quickly assimilate
the cultures different people represented. The cultural diversity that exists at
Duke is what attracts me to Duke. I believe that I could perform well, both in
academics and extracurricular activities, by joining the huge pool of diversity
at Duke.
Also, during my 11th grade February break, I visited Duke University and stayed
on the campus for four days with a close friend of mine who was currently a
senior majoring in English. During my stay, I visited many places to get to know
Duke thoroughly; I read books on campus, I dined with Duke University students,
and I attended many classes. While doing so, I felt a strong affection towards
Duke: I imagined myself living on the campus, studying and interacting with
different people. I met many friends of my host and they helped me gather
extremely appealing facts about Duke. I hope I could become a successful member
of the Duke student body.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
If you were given ten dollars, where and how would you spend it?
Before I realized, I was on a white, feeble horse walking by a man on a mule. I was wearing a heavy armor with a lance in my hand. We were riding towards the horizon of endless fields where there were many windmills turning slowly. I asked the man next to me, 'excuse me sir, where are we now?' The man said, 'We are still in La Mancha, don Quixote, but I am getting a little hungry now. Would you like a potato too mi amo?' A potato? La Mancha? Why is he calling me don Quixote? The man gave me a potato and kept on calling me either don Quixote or 'mi amo,' meaning 'my master' in Spanish. I must be in a play, acting as don Quixote, I told myself and decided to act well. A while later we saw a massive windmill in front of us. I remembered that I was supposed to destroy this windmill, thinking that it is a giant trying to hinder my path. So I lifted the heavy lance up and courageously charged against it. 'Princess Dulciane, this is for you!' I screamed and pierced the windmill. The result was that I got utterly destroyed and was defeated by the 'giant.' When I woke up, I was lying on a bed made of straw. The armor, fortunately, was taken off from me. I stood up and looked outside the window, where clouds of smoke were rising. I saw my father dressed up as a priest, my mother as a maid, and my sister as don Quixote's niece. They were, as planned, burning most of my books or giving them out to others. While they were busy doing that, I had to sneak out, wear that heavy armor again, get on my horse and go to Sancho Panza to depart again for the unfinished adventure. The priest, the maid and Quixote's niece was going to deliberately ignore me while I snuck out. But no, they began ruining the whole play by obstructing my path, and hiding my armor and lance. What were they doing? They laid me down on the straw bed again and my sister, Quixotes niece guarded me. I was lost. I did not know what to do next. I was not prepared to act impromptu. So I stayed there and waited, pretending I was asleep. Well& I really did fall into a deep sleep. I opened my eyes. Quixote's niece was gone! I looked at the clock across the room. It was four o'clock in the afternoon. I must have slept a bit too long. It was time to leave again. I looked around the room to see if the armor was there. The room had changed since the last time I looked around. In the place of piles of hay, there was a computer. In the place of farm tools, there was a DVD player. In disbelief I got up from what was no longer a straw bed, but a comfortable bed. As I got up something fell on my feet. It was a book. I picked it up and looked at it: Don Quixote de Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, $10.00.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
Please describe a book you have read in the past and explain how it influenced you.
'La Isla Soqada is all about an adventure I would have wanted to live' - says Fernando Martmnez Gil, the author of La Isla Soqada (The Dreamed Island). In fact, that is what everybody who reads the book would think. I received La Isla Soqada as a gift from one of my friends in Spain when I was leaving Spain to come to the United States. This book addressed a meaningful question in me because at first I could not decide whether I agree to the author's criticism about certain people's lives. The book is about the adventures Juan, the protagonist, has during his journey to find a nonexistent island (or rather, an island in his dreams) that he believes it to be 'the Heaven of the Earth.' Gil praises the courage and eagerness of Juan, who embarks on a journey full of unknown and obscurity. Gil commends Juan's zealous pursuit of his dreams but at the same time, criticizes Juan for disregarding the reality and living in his dreams. While reading this in the airplane heading to the United States, I applied Juans journey to mine. When I was nine I embarked on a dreamlike journey to Europe without any knowledge about how Europe would be like. After eight years of life in Spain, I decided that Spain was not the destination of my dreams and left for the United States. It seems that Gil would reprimand my traveling to so many different places in pursuit of my dreams. I, however, hesitated to agree to Gil. I could not decide whether Gil's criticism was a valid one of the lives of people with dreams. Gil seemed to censure their lives for impracticality but I have always believed that going on an adventure to seek one's dreams was worth a try. There was so much to learn, so much to experience during the pursuit of the dreams. I know that my departing from South Korea to go to Europe was not a futile choice for I learned so much in Europe, even the things I could not have in Korea. I came to the United States for the same reason: to learn more. In the end, after arguing about Gil's criticism with myself, I was convinced that the people with dreams do not live a vain life in pursuit. They accomplish their dreams while pursuing them. La Isla Soqada is a book that anybody with dreams should read because it is never too late to embark on a journey of dreams.
Essay Category:
Essay Question:
What was your biggest challenge in life and what did you learn from it?
A Day in the Life 'Go to the door! All right, are you ready to jump?' 'Sir, yes, SIR!' 'Speak up! Are you sure?' Psychologists say that of all heights, people most fear falling from 11.3 meters above the ground - about the height of a four-story building. The Korean army exploits this fact in its 11.3-meter tall Mak training towers, reasoning that if a soldier can conquer his or her fear of jumping from that height, he or she can jump from any. That my own memories of the Mak tower persist so intensely stands in stark contrast to my recollections of the other trials of life in the 701 Regiment of the Special Assault Commando Unit. Despite its foreboding moniker, the 701 Regiment was less a training ground for elite special forces than it was an army-operated camp for over-stimulated adolescent boys. This is not to say 'military life' was devoid of challenges - indeed, survival in the 701 Regiment involved precisely the kind of tribulations I as a twelve-year-old boy was ill prepared to contend with. The food was tasteless and underdone, and access to television and junk food was strictly prohibited. The instructors kept us under constant surveillance, filling our days with drills and exercises. Today, I feel gratitude for the discipline the instructors labored to instill in us, and a bemused nostalgia for the twelve-year-old boy whose most profound grief arose from losing two Saturdays' worth of soccer with his friends. But the emotions stirred by these recollections remain dulled, muted by the hazy expanse of time. Not so with the Mak tower. Early the morning of our second day, we assembled at the base of the tall mountain overlooking the camp, our first exercise of the day. The ascent was steep and our only relief was the cooling breeze blowing down from the summit. Twenty minutes into the hike, we came to a rocky plateau dug into the side of the mountain where the instructors ordered us to halt. There, we saw a half-dozen soldiers poised on top of a tall wooden tower. A cry rang out from the tower, and without a moment's deliberation, the men leapt from their perches, restrained from certain death by only four impossibly-thin ropes attached to a cable. I was terrified. Our instructors turned to their silent regiment. 'No one has to do it. If you don't want to do it, you can leave.' Several of my fellows immediately fell out of the group and headed back to camp. My fear, bolstered by reason, urged me to go with them, but a peculiar resolve compelled me to stay. Even now, I struggle to account for this alien resolve that carried me up the four flights of wooden stairs and steadied my hands as I fastened the safety gear around me. I do not think it was bravery, for I was very much afraid, and had I perceived a choice in the matter, I may not have been able to do it. Rather, I think it was a sense of purpose that guided me. Five years have passed since the afternoon I stood atop the Mak tower, but to this day I can feel the echoes of the adrenaline that coursed through my veins as I stepped to the edge of the precipice, and the mere recall of the ground 11.3 meters and some unfathomable distance below still shoots an icy jangliness through my shoulders and into the back of my skull. The wind blew fiercely as I readied myself, drowning out the barking of the drill instructor, pressing me back into the security of the tower's bulwarks. A ripple of indecision rolled through me and then in an instant, was gone, carried away in the slipstream. With my eyes wide and fixed on the horizon, I pushed off. The beginnings of change for me occurred that afternoon on the mountain. Though my friends watching from below would later insist that I passed only through open air, moments after I leapt, I felt myself crossing a threshold. Hurtling toward the earth, strapped into a confining safety vest, I tasted a kind of freedom previously unknown to me, the freedom of a world unbounded by ones fears. The process of disentangling myself from them has been gradual. Five years later, I am still all too often distanced from life by a wall of my anxieties. But the freedom I came to know just a little that afternoon provided me a glimpse of the riches that lie behind it.
