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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.
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Essay Question:
Why Psychology? (major)
It was only recently that I became seriously interested in psychology, but ever since I remember I have been fascinated with human relations and what motives and determines human behavior. I have been analyzing my friends and asking what hidden motives could exist in someone to push them to act a certain way. I believe such questions have been important in the development of psychology. I was first turned on to the exploration of the human mind and behavior through philosophy. My parents both have doctorates in philosophy, and made sure to incorporate their knowledge into my education. It was them that first taught me to question what factors stimulate behavior. They lectured me on many topics, with a primary focus on analyzing and understanding people. They took special care to educate me, as we were recent immigrants learning a new language and adapting to a new environment. They wanted to make sure I was psychologically prepared to face a new culture and the challenge of mastering a new language. I enjoy reading books on human relations and particularly those with subtle psychological analysis. The latest book I read of such a nature was Philip Roth's The Human Stain. Other such books I have read recently have been Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, and Camus' The Stranger. I have seen my taste in literature evolve as my interest in psychology grows. I rediscovered my passion while attending a summer Psychology course at Skidmore College in 2003. I had been preparing for the course by talking to my parents, and my uncle who majored in psychology at the University of Sofia. Prior to this course I had participated in other Johns Hopkins Talent Search programs, such as the Existentialism course I had takes the previous year. Yet this was the first time I enjoyed a class so much, both in and outside of school. We studied topics ranging from research methodology, to cognition, to disorders of the mind and body. The textbook we used was great, but focused primarily on the scientific aspects of psychology. I enjoyed my biology class in freshman year, but I was looking for a course that was centered more on humanities. As I have seen from the website, Carnegie Mellon offers a wide range of classes focused on the humanities and social aspects of psychology. Classes such as Social Psychology, Personality and Language and Thought offer exactly what I have been looking for in such a program. I believe the major I would like to pursue would be perfect for me. My second term junior year, I volunteered at an elementary school as an aid to a second grade teacher. I loved the time I spent there teaching the kids math and helping them read chapter books, and I felt a deep understanding and connection with them. I understood what excited them and what pushed them to learn, and their minds and behavior became an open book to me. I felt like I was conducting an experiment or a naturalistic observation. My study was not aimed at proving a hypothesis, but rather it was just a collection of information. Thus I was very excited to learn that students interested in child development have access to the CM Childrens School. I am very happy that I may have a chance to explore this field. I have been interested in psychology for most of my life, although I came to the realization only a few years ago. The more I explore this subject, the more excited I am about having the chance to pursue it further in college. I have looked through many schools, and spoken to representative and students from each one, and I believe Carnegie Mellon is the best place for me. The psychology program offers a perfect blend of exciting courses in fields I want to study, a knowledgeable faculty, and the exact major I want to pursue. All I need is the right institution, and I know I would take full advantage of everything it has to offer. Carnegie Mellon is this institution and I hope a chance to pursue my intellectual interests there.
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Essay Question:
Why CMU? (major)
I first heard about Carnegie Mellon from my college advisor, and I began to research the school on my own. My father works for a publishing company and the project he was in charge of at the time was, gathering surveys from students attending top colleges and universities in the US. I read at least a dozen surveys on Carnegie Mellon and the feedback from every single student was very positive. I read all about the extensive academic opportunities there, and how the community was very close-nit and all the students felt right at home no matter where they had come from. I even got a chance to read a little about some of the psychology majors offered, which was very exciting because I want to major in psychology. I also spoke to friends who were interested in Carnegie Mellon, a few of which had siblings attending the school. The site was of great help as well because I could read up on every aspect of the Carnegie Mellon experience, from courses to the social life. I first visited Carnegie Mellon on a trip with my family a little after I first began to really look into. My only reservation about applying was the location of the school. I have lived in New York for a majority of my life, and although Pittsburgh was certainly no small town, I felt as though I would feel out of place. I was surprised at how quickly I changed my mind after I had some time to explore the campus and the city, and talk to a couple of the student. I can't quite put it into words, but I get a certain feeling when I know a school is right for me. I recently discovered this while visiting several other schools, and I realized that every time I visit a school, I know from the very beginning whether it is the right environment for me. Carnegie Mellon was the first relatively small school, which I felt so confident about and I know I would be very happy there. Although I enjoyed every aspect of the school on my visit, both the campus and the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon did not become my top choice until I had a chance to meet with some of the current undergraduate students. I spoke to several juniors and seniors about their experience at the school, and all of them seemed very sincere when they told me they loved it. I also met with the brother of a close friend of mine who is now in his third year at Carnegie. He had transferred there after spending his first year in a much larger school and he explained to me that Carnegie Mellon was the best place to educate oneself and enjoy college all at once. The students at his previous school had been geared much more toward partying and enjoying everything about their school except for what it had to offer academically. When he came to Carnegie Mellon, he found that students here knew how to enjoy themselves, but also worked hard and had the opportunity to learn from a renowned faculty. My conversation with him solidified my decision to apply and hopefully attend Carnegie Mellon University.
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Personal Statement (Major): Describe an intellectual experience that is important to you.
'Milk does a body good,' or so says the commercial. For me, at least, milk did my body good in an unusual way. Not only did it help my body with good health, but it also gave me a surprising intellectual experience: my ninth grade science fair project on the study of milk protein. This event inspired the direction that will drive the rest of my life. Even though I like science, I was very reluctant to participate in the science fair because my eighth grade science fair project had been a disaster; however, my parents persuaded me to try again. My project involved an experiment to discover whether bacteria could cause a decrease in the protein content of milk. I measured the casein (major milk protein) content in milk at regular intervals, while storing the milk to increase bacterial content for each interval. Nevertheless, I ran into many unanticipated problems. My initial procedure turned out to be impractical. I wanted to quit right there, but I did not want to fail again; therefore I pressed on. To extract the casein, I needed to use a centrifuge; I looked into the catalogs and searched online and found out that centrifuges were extremely expensive. I did not know what to do, but one day I found that I could make the centrifuge at home by using a motor from an old fan. My model did not work properly at first because it was unbalanced. By placing the test tubes equidistant from the center, however, I fixed the problem. Unfortunately, my problems did not end there. Even though my homemade centrifuge worked, I still could not extract the protein. I spent countless hours in the Monroeville Public Library and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh but found no solution. This was so frustrating, and the pressure to finish in time was increasing. I had only two months left, and the project itself would take at least two weeks to complete once my procedure was established. With the deadline approaching, the prospect of failure lingered through my mind causing some sleepless nights. Then one night, it hit me; I should contact a nutritionist. When I did, she suggested contacting Fike's dairy. Although I was now closer to the solution, still, time was running out. With only a month left, the dairy instructed me to speak to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Based on their guidance, I tried to resolve the problem. The centrifuge was not needed now. I tried out the new procedure, yet it still did not work. Afterwards, through systematic investigation, I found that moisture had to be removed from the product. Finally, I was able to extract the protein. My procedure was working successfully, and now I just had enough time to perform the experiment. Though the process was frustrating at times, I learned many valuable skills. This process gave me a firsthand experience of the real process of discovering and solving challenging problems. I actually created and tested a hypothesis, just like real scientists. By designing and working on my own science experiment, I have learned both patience and discipline, two attributes that will be useful for future studies.
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Essay Question:
Describe one person who has influenced your life and how.
When I walked into Honors U.S. History at the beginning of my junior year, I didn't know what to expect. I hadn't heard much about the class or the teacher. But what I learned from that year will affect me for the rest of my life, because of an incredible History teacher named Mr. Brewer. Mr. Brewer is not a conventional teacher. He has been at Harrison High School for many years, and all the while he has been teaching some of the brightest minds ever to go through the school. Because of this, he has had ample time to adjust his teaching style, and the results are phenomenal. His lectures are so captivating that I could hardly wait to go to class everyday. Another thing about Mr. Brewer that makes him very unique is the simulations that he mediates. While in U.S. History, I participated in the Continental Congress, a game in which students were assigned different personas that paralleled the founding fathers and their beliefs, and the Oil Game, in which cutthroat competition between buyers and sellers often culminated to yelling matches and bitter rivalries, while still teaching us about capitalism. Mr. Brewer is incredible in the ways that he finds to weave past accounts into present-day ideas by illustrating the cyclic nature of human culture, and showing how we can learn from those Americans before us. Not only does Mr. Brewer teach History, but he does so neutrally. His classroom is a haven for new ideas and radical beliefs. We are encouraged to speak our mind, formulate and opinion, and then support it. I have developed all of my political beliefs based on that class. The best thing is, I came to the conclusions on my own, without my parents help, and without another person telling me what to think. As good as all of these previous stories seem, the best thing that Mr. Brewer has done is to bring out qualities in me that a good person should have. Characteristics like integrity, honesty, patriotism, and leadership are things that come to mind when I think of Mr. Brewer. Although Mr. Brewer does a good job of staying neutral in his beliefs, one thing that is obviously important to him is integrity, and as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. says, 'Judge not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.' Because of my incredible respect for Mr. Brewer, integrity will always be a quality that I hold myself to. Mr. Brewer is an incredible educator. I have learned more life lessons from him than from all the other teachers I've had put together. He is an amazing instructor and person, and I know that the values he has instilled in me I will carry forever.
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Essay Question:
Personal statement
It was the pivotal third game of my sectional volleyball semi-final match against the Logansport Berries. We had beaten Logansport earlier in the season, but for some reason we were struggling today. Perhaps it was the added pressure that sectionals bring. Lose and your season is over, win and advance a step closer to the state title. We were down by three, 14-17, and the entire team was tight. Our best server sailed her attempt out of bounds, and our most steady passer had shanked several balls into the stands. The team was in a very familiar position. Just one week ago we had played Avon for the conference title, and that night we rode home from the match defeated and disappointed. A million 'what ifs&' led to one depressing conclusion; we were our own worst enemy. When we were confronted with the challenge of a big game, we didnt perform well and somehow found a way to lose. Every Raider wanted to turn this game for the better, but no one seemed able to shake off their nerves and play well. I realized that if we were going to win, somebody would need to step up. For the first time in my volleyball career, that person was me. I couldnt afford to worry about missing a block or hitting a ball into the net, I just needed to perform. Everything else fell away - the crowd, the officials, even my coach - and I was completely focused. Harrison scored the next three points, and I was responsible for the score each time. Best of all, the rest of the team settled down once I regained my composure, and they played up to their potential as well. We beat the Berries that day, and came back to defeat the McCutcheon Mavericks and the Marion Giants, securing the sectional title. Sports have been my life since I was in middle school. Something about competition has always attracted me; I find everything from the raw athleticism to the passion appealing. However, no sport has been more meaningful to me than volleyball. Disappointment had been present in my volleyball seasons throughout high school. Even in my senior year we lost the conference title in a game that was ours to win. However, instead of backing down and giving up, I responded to the loss by taking a risk when I took control of my team. It was not an easy choice. Before me I had the opportunity to be either the hero or the scapegoat. I knew that any disappointment would be twice as bad if I were the one to blame. But I put all that behind me and took the chance, and I now know that it was the right thing to do. By reacting with a positive mindset instead of giving up in the face of adversity, I was able to lead my team to a sectional victory.
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Essay Question:
Relationships play a big role in shaping a student's life. Describe one of your relationships that has influenced who you have become. Personal Statement
When my cousin and I were young, we were very close friends - so close, we seemed like brothers. Even though he was four years older than me and lived hundreds of miles away, during our visits at Grandpa's house Evan and I were inseparable. The atmosphere at Grandpa's house was always relaxing, loving, and carefree. Our favorite activity was performing puppet shows for the family to show off our crude but humorous staging and voicing skills. We prepared all afternoon for an evening show; however the fun did not so much lie in the show itself as it did in the preparations for the show. We picked out the best stuffed animals from Grandpa's vast collection and made props for them to use in the show. It was a chance for me to artistically express myself without having to worry about the quality of the final product. The time I spent with my cousin Evan was very special because he seemed like a big brother to me. He made me feel wanted, valued, and appreciated. He was a real friend, always there to play with me and enjoy carefree, happy times together. He showed me what having a fun, easy-going, and understanding big brother could be like. A few years later, when I became a big brother, I realized how difficult being a good brother can be. Initially, I was mad that I had to share my parents' and everyone else's attention with my little brother, David. However, over time, I learned how to overcome my anger at David and was eventually able to change my attitude into one that would allow David to see in me what I saw in Evan. I tried to be kind and loving, tried to help him whenever needed, teach him from my experiences, and make him feel important. Thirteen years later, I feel the relationship has been mutually beneficial, providing each of us with a close friend and family member to confide in and spend time with. David has learned a lot from me and I have learned a lot from him. My relationships with Evan and David have taught me how to be considerate, kind, caring, thoughtful, fair, and patient. These relationships have helped to shape my lifelong goal of becoming the best person I can be. I want to bring kindness into a world filled with hatred. For me, achieving this goal starts at home by being the best brother possible.
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Essay Question:
Please submit a one-page essay that explains why you have chosen your major, department or program. The essay should include the reasons why you've chosen the major, any goals or relevant work plans and any other information you would like to let us know. If you are applying to more than one college or program, please mention each college or program you are applying to.
According to my application, I plan to major in either electrical and computer engineering or physics. Why did I decide on engineering and physics? Well, it certainly isn't because I have been playing with Legos since I was two or because I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my father the engineer. It certainly isn't that I am dead set on building the fastest computer chip to spur the next digital revolution in Silicon Valley. The only reasonable explanation I can give is that I have so much fun working with my hands and learning high level math and physics that there currently seems no other option for me. Who knows - maybe I will one day turn out to be an award winning writer of fiction. Maybe I will be a politician. I cannot determine my future when I am only 18 years old. The past three times I participated in the University of Maryland Physics Olympics, I spent so many hours and had so much fun building my toothpick bridges, wind-powered cars, and paper shuttle arms that I figured, why not do this for school where it counts and where my results can make a difference in the world. I want to learn about engineering and physics because I am curious. I want to know how things work. I want to build new things. I want to break things, take them apart, fix them, and the put them back together again. I want to feed my curiosity and enjoy learning. As weird as this may sound, I find it so cool when I learn a concept in calculus class and see it applied two periods later in physics class. For instance, when I first learned the derivative in math, I was amazed by its potential power, but wondered how such a convoluted idea could be used in the real world. In physics class two periods later, my teacher demonstrated the picket fence lab to measure the force of gravity on an object. After importing the data into the computer, I was amazed to find that the acceleration function was the derivative of the velocity function. Although this was a simple experiment, it achieved its purpose and clearly answered my question about applications of the derivative that I had been pondering during math class. Picking a major is a big step in college, so I hear. Right now, the wind seems to be blowing towards engineering for me. Ask me again tomorrow and I might tell you I want to major in college admissions. Only my heart knows where I am headed. My body will find out when I get there.
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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.
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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.
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Essay Question:
Please describe which of these activities (extracurricular and personal activities or work experience) has had the most meaning for you, and why.
Of all my activities, playing in Whitman's music ensembles and directing the technical components of Whitman's student-run television news program, Whitman Shorts, have had the most meaning for me. I have learned a tremendous amount about myself and the world from these activities. As a percussionist in the Symphonic Band, Symphonic Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble, I have traveled every spring to perform in competitive national music festivals in Chicago, Montreal, and Orlando. The hundreds of hours of practice and rehearsal necessary to prepare for these competitions taught me to be patient and to constantly look towards my goal of helping the ensemble achieve musical perfection. My most memorable festival performance was my timpani solo during the climax of Robert Jager's Third Suite in Orlando, Florida. I played it flawlessly and my conductor's face radiated pride. As a member of the Whitman Shorts staff, I regularly debate important news issues with my colleagues. This has taught me to constantly analyze and evaluate situations with an open mind. A controversial report that criticized the Whitman student government and spurred tension in the student body taught me good journalistic ethics as well as my rights as a student reporter and a U.S. citizen. The ideas that I debate with the faculty sponsor about freedom of speech, politics, and life in general will serve as a constant reminder to question myself and my world. These two activities have helped me grow and mature, giving great meaning to my life.
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Essay Question:
Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, or risk that you have taken and its impact on you.
Bang! The gunshot exploded as I ate dinner with my parents at a local restaurant in Colombia. As we saw the gunman shoot, my family and I hid under the table while I continued to clutch the hamburger I was eating. I was only ten years old, and violence was already part of my everyday life. This was not a foreign fear but a living reality. Two days later, while in XXX school, a bomb threat reached the classrooms, causing all the students to evacuate to the dense forest surrounding the institution. Fear for my life are the only words that explain my terror. On the other hand, life in our South American nation was also the paradise anyone could dream of. Warm hospitality, strong traditions, and a nurturing community were the customs I grew up with. Weekly family gatherings to celebrate Jewish festivities and eat traditional Spanish foods composed my life. In addition, I had my entire family as well as my childhood friends, all living within close proximity. In this homogeneous society, I felt a strong sense of security in my roots, for the combination of my Jewish roots and the Colombian traditions made me feel extremely comfortable. Then one day my parents sat me down for a serious conversation. My greatest fear now became a reality: 'We are moving to Miami in six months.' I stared at my parents in disbelief. How could I leave my comfort zone? How would I establish my life in another country, with different traditions and customs? But I did not have enough time to answer these questions, for before I knew it, I was on American Airlines flight 241 to Miami. I started seventh grade in a new school where I did not find anyone like myself. The first year was a miserable and lonely one, for I had no friends to call on the weekends and no family members whom I could visit. Slowly, I started to accept the harsh reality: my life would never be like the one I had in Colombia. Family dinners with ajiaco, a traditional Colombian soup, and gefilte fish were now a thing of the past. On the other hand, I no longer had to worry about my safety: now I could wear my gold earrings to the mall, and I did not fear someone pulling them. My new worry was getting accustomed to my life in a society with different values. I also had to find happiness in this new country. Slowly but surely, I discovered the differences between the third world country and Miami and learned to make the most out of them. Instead of longing to interact with people of my culture and background, I learned to appreciate the new cultures which I encountered in my new home. I discovered that other people were interested in the diversity which I brought, for a Jewish Colombian young girl was not the typical combination found in my new environment. Perhaps the most strategic change I faced, and appreciated the most, was going to school with African American kids and those of other nationalities. I soon joined Multicultural Club, and through the organization I attended various events that celebrated cultural diversity. This exposure to other cultures helped shape my character by making me more culturally aware. After living in the United Stated for five years, I now look back on the tragic day I moved to Miami and smile about that moment. Although I took the risk of leaving my comfort zone, I know that it has planted the seeds for my intellectual growth and development. Knowing the future lies ahead I have to strive to preserve my own culture and individuality, and in doing so I contribute to the appreciation of all cultures.
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Essay Question:
Describe a moment that has had an impact on your goals.
I looked at the score board: 14-13. It was the match point of the district volleyball game, and I was at the service line with the ball in my hands. This would be the last time I would ever play for my high school team. The whistle blew. The pressure was all on me. I started to think about my life, my education, and my goals in search of inspiration. I was only nine years old when I joined XXX Clubs girls volleyball team in XXX city. I had never played the sport, and naturally, as any amateur, I was not good at it. When it was time to play, I was so nervous that I could not even bump the ball over the net. I would turn to look at my mom in the stands, clapping and giving me a sense of security, but then I would just miss the underhand serve. It was a harsh reality, but I was not good at all. My determination and my love for the game kept me from quitting, until I had to move to Miami, where there was no XXX Club volleyball team. I was fourteen years old when I decided to try out for Junior Varsity volleyball team at school. Tryouts were intimidating, for the other girls were much better than me, but the coach saw my passion for the game and decided to give me a chance. For the entire season, a warmed the bench for my teammates. Nevertheless, I was determined to improve. The following season, I migrated from the bench to the starting line up. It was a great feeling now that I could get an overhand serve over the net and in the court. Still, that season I could not spike a ball to the floor. Eleventh grade soon arrived, and I was moved to the varsity team, where I was also a starter. I worked on my weaknesses, and strived to improve. The season was great, for I learned a lot from it. The team's record was 16-3 (the best it had been in a long time). Now, as a senior, I had passed the hardest obstacle: spiking. As I thought about my life, I realized how much I had improved on the court. My passion for the game drove my determination. More important, my determination was not limited to the court, but was evident in all my activities, both extracurricular and school related. I had reached my goals in life, and was now ready to set new ones. BEEP! The whistle blew and I contacted the ball for the serve.
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Essay Question:
Why are you interested in studying engineering?
The field of engineering is appealing to me because it deals with problem solving, which offers a practical application of ones knowledge. The field allows one to use the rigorous powers of analysis, which prepares students for future careers in science, industry, research, business, law, or medicine. Engineering requires an individual to use the tools learned in mathematics and science and apply them to real problems. The field trains an individual to understand a concept thoroughly in order to make use of it in a practical manner. I find it particularly attractive that one uses advanced math to solve complex problems, for math is my strongest and favorite subject. Furthermore, engineering allows me to experience hands on learning by conducting experiments in a lab to further develop my skills. I like the fact that engineering combines math and science in a field that allows one to use analytical skills and creativity to come up with the most practical solution to dilemmas. These aspects are appealing to me because I see engineering as a practical science that helps society solve crucial problems in a mathematical and analytical way by developing new processes and methods.
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Essay Question:
Briefly describe any experiences that you have had that are related to engineering or that led you to have an interest in one or another field of engineering.
I became interested in engineering as a result of my A.P calculus and chemistry classes last year, where I saw the practical applications of the materials learned. While finding the derivative of the cost function to find its minimal cost to examining an unknown substance to discover its components, I grew interested in a field that combines both subjects. Furthermore, I attended the Introduction to Engineering Program at Notre Dame last summer, where I reconfirmed my previous interest. At the program, I explored various fields of engineering as well as the curriculum in each of these. I also learned about the work of an engineer today, which was appealing to me.
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Essay Question:
How do you think the programs in engineering offered at Princeton might suit your particular interest?
Unlike many universities, Princeton University offers a wide variety of programs from which to choose. Although I am sure that I want to pursue the field of engineering, I have not yet decided what type of engineering I want to study. Since Princeton offers various types of engineering, I have many options to choose from once I decide what field I want. In addition, I am attracted to the engineering curriculum at Princeton, for students study mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computing during the first two years in addition to seven courses in humanities and social sciences. In this manner, the University shapes its engineering students into well-rounded students that are knowledgeable in an array of areas. Furthermore, the program provides engineers with language and communication skills that are crucial for today's world, which are often areas that other engineering programs neglect. The freshmen seminars offered at Princeton include topics such as the Engineering of Ice Cream or How Cities Work, which are programs that are unique to the University. The program at Princeton is appealing because it is a flexible program where the student can choose from many courses.
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Essay Question:
Think about all the things you hope or expect to gain from your college experiences, and then tell us which two or three you would place at the top of your list.
College is a once in a lifetime opportunity where an individual learns and experiences new things everyday. During the next four years, I am eager to become intellectually mature not only in my field of expertise but in other areas as well. The foundations that I will build in my undergraduate years will mold me into a well-prepared woman for the career world. In addition to engineering, I want to become a well-rounded person who can hold intellectual conversations about a wide variety of topics. In addition to expanding my intellectual limits, I hope to become a mature and independent person. The college experience will be an exciting one for me because I will be living in a college dorm as opposed to my home. This encompasses various new responsibilities, for I will have to be independent. Consequently, I will have to learn to manage my life and my money in a responsible manner. Independence and maturity are crucial tools to achieving future.
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Essay Question:
Discuss something you just wish you understodd better than you now do.
Very often, bad things happen to good people. It seems indeed cruel that honest and caring people have to suffer the consequences of hardships. For this reason, I wish I understood why events such as these occur. For example, I do not understand why innocent children are born with birth defects or cancer. It is also a mystery to me why people are starving throughout the world and why women are being suppressed in Afghanistan. When someone has not done any harm to other humans, why do they have to suffer dire consequences? In instances like these, I wish I understood the role of God and religion. I may never be able to understand this concept, for it is an abstract concept that involves a thorough understanding of religion. Nevertheless, I wish I could comprehend why bad things happen to good people.
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Essay Question:
Chances are that you are going to have one or more roommates at some point in your college years. What sort of person would you consider the ideal roommate? Explain why.
The ideal roommate needs to be a person who has an array of ideas and interests, like myself. The person should want a quiet study time during the weekdays and a social time in the evenings. She should be understanding and compassionate, so that I can share my feelings with her. In addition, she should value her education as highly as I do. Just like myself, she should be a caring, friendly, energetic, and outgoing person who is always eager to explore new ideas. Furthermore, she should be an honest and open-minded person whom I can live with in a harmonious manner. From rapelling to snowboarding to art and to studying, the roommate should be a well rounder person. The ideal roommate should be a respectful person who shares some similarities with me, yet celebrates our cultural and religious differences. My ideal roommate should be an organized, clean person, but not a neat freak. The roommate should be responsible for her personal belongings and have respect for my property as well. Hopefully, my roommate likes a variety of music, ranging from Latin to pop to classical music. My roommate should be a person whom I can trust. I hope my roommate is a person whom I can grow and mature with.
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Essay Question:
What one person, class, book, or experience would you point to as having had a significant effect on the way you think about something? Explain.
My exploratory trip to Israel two summers ago clearly shaped the way I view my own heritage and ancestry. Before the trip, I valued my Jewish roots and history, but I was unaware of the struggles my people have undertaken in order to have a Jewish nation. Furthermore, I did not know the hardships of everyday life faced by Israeli people. During my summer trip, I visited the Holy Land with a group of teenagers. During the six-week trip, I toured Israel from North to South and East to West. While staying in Jerusalem, I learned about the conflicts between Muslim, Jews, and Christians over the sacred city. I also experienced the coexistence of different people within one city. In addition, I learned the history of the Jewish people in the place where it happened. I toured the museums, national cemeteries, mountains, and beaches of my native land. Furthermore, I compared the way of life in Israel with that of XXX, learning the pros and cons of each. The most impacting moment was my weeklong stay at the Israeli army base where I was a soldier. I woke up at 5:30 AM to exercise and then proceeded to courses on military tactics and skills. By shooting an M-16 rifle or having to work in the kitchen that served the five hundred soldiers, I experienced the life of every eighteen year old in the land. I learned how to be thankful for the system in the United States where enlistment is voluntary. Not only did I mature during my trip, but I also learned to appreciate my Jewish culture. By facing the barriers that are present in Israel, I further appreciate my way of life in XXX. The trip changed the way I view life and my culture.
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Essay Question:
Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, or risk that you have taken and its impact on you.
An experience that has had a great affect on me was when I played a major role in a show over the summer. This show was the most enjoyable ever. I had never really received any large roles in high school, but I knew I had talent and ambition, so I took part in a semiprofessional theater. I was absolutely amazed when I heard my name called as the part of the second female lead, in a major show. I was to have a major part in a show that would not dumb down any dances, or compromise any songs because of an incapable cast. When the director wanted to talk to just the leads (three other people and I), I admitted to him that I was absolutely terrified. I had heard of numerous people who had come from this society and had blossomed on Broadway and Hollywood, and I was afraid that I wouldn't measure up to what he was expecting. But, he was very patient, and treated me as though I were a professional. I loved this show also because I felt as though for the first time, a director was giving me a chance. I had always known that I could do well, but no one had ever believed in me. This show boosted my own self image, because I knew that whatever my high school considered of me, there were people on a more professional level that could attest for my ability. By the end of the show, I was still a bit nervous about my performance, and asked my father to videotape a practice so that I could critique my own character. I strived to reach as close to perfection as possible, and was still very critical of my own performance until the director gave me a card, informing me of how he was so proud of me. For the first time, I was with a cast that was entirely serious about the show and creating characters, even extras. It was a very wonderful feeling when the rest of the cast was sweet to me, and treated me like an equal, even though I was one of the youngest players there. In this show, I also made some of my best friends. The whole cast was extremely supportive of one another, and I never heard a harsh word about anyone. This cast was a living example of the stage adage that had been repeated over and over to me, 'put your troubles of today aside, we have a show to put on' (this determination does not belong only to theater, but to everything I do). When others dreaded coming to a very long practice, I was delighted. When others saw it as a grueling practice for nine hours, I saw it as a nine hours that I was flung together with all of my favorite people. The show itself was amazing. At times, I knew that the entire audience was watching only me, even when the rest of the cast was onstage. This knowledge can make one feel only ecstatic. For a few moments, I was the hinge pin of the scene. It sent a thrill through me to know that I could make the audience laugh or cry simply by raising my eyebrows or sniffing my nose. In this vein, analyzing and imitating her character was very interesting and enjoyable. It really came alive though when I was finally surrounded by other people who took real 'acting' seriously. Of course a job well done is always applauded, but not always to the extent we received. A standing ovation in the middle of the second act gave me such a boost of pride and energy when anyone else would have been completely exhausted. Though I may not have noticed it at the time, this show really uncovered in me determination, analyzation, a critical nature, and joy in my surroundings that I never knew had been so pronounced. Of course, they had always been there, but in retrospect, they seem so much greater. This play allowed me to take a good look at myself as I looked at another person's character, and I discovered more than I expected in both.
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Essay Question:
Personal Statement
My grandfather spent his childhood studying the Torah in secret, lost an eye
fighting in a battle where both sides were wrong, and spent his adult life
dreading a knock at the door from a member of the KGB. While the other children
at the nursing home were listening to life stories with bored expressions and
vacant smiles, I was being taught the meaning of courage from a noble man wasting
away from prostate cancer. I have blocked out the painful memories of a
late-night phone call and the hospital bed that my grandfather never left.
Instead, my memories center around how he always gave me chocolates from a
never-ending supply and sat me on his knee to tell me about a world I would never
fully understand.
Religious persecution in the USSR never stopped my devout grandfather from
sneaking out at the age of five to study Torah; at his age I was learning
hopscotch and how to ice-skate. My mother fondly recounts a childhood spent
listening to Jewish songs on the radio and knowing that each knock on the door
could be police officers sent to take her parents to jail. My worst transgression
against the law consisted of shoplifting a pack of gum when I was six. Our worlds
were so different that I am amazed we shared anything as ordinary as a family
bond.
I grew up firm in the belief that I had the right to read and listen to anything
I pleased. Everything my grandfather told me seemed so alien that I doubted it at
first, the way a small child doubts that the detergent under the sink is really
harmful if swallowed. It was not until I was older and read about the subject
that I truly fathomed the circumstances in which my grandfather lived.
All my life I have been striving not to disappoint his memory. I do not feel
that I have succeeded yet, but I hope that someday I will. He was an amazing man
and I must repay the debt that I owe him for teaching me the right way to live,
by the strength of my convictions and no one else's. Right now I can only offer a
small token in remembrance; I put a lighted menorah in the window every Hanukkah,
partly because it looks good there and partly because I can. As I watch the
flames dance to the inaudible beat of the world, I imagine my grandfather in the
room with me, sharing in the beauty of the flicker of the fire on the windowpane.
In Judaism, a flame represents the eternal spirit and the accomplishment of a
holy mission by setting an example. Whenever I light the menorah, I think of my
grandfather and everything he taught me through his illustrious example. He may
not have had a peaceful life, but at least he will be honored with the
immortality I grant him by retaining his lessons and passing them onto the
grandchildren that I shall have someday.
