Undergraduate / School Newspaper/Drama Club: COMMONAPP: Describe an activity (150 words or less) [9]

This is my first time posting on this forum, so please bear with me if I make silly mistakes!

This is for the CommonApp application, where they ask "Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below (150 words or fewer)".

I don't know whether to choose the school Newspaper (I will be pursuing journalism in my future) or Drama club (I have been an avid participant in my HS program).

Newspaper:

The publication process, especially within my school's own newspaper, is one of extremes in terms of workload and in stress. As an assistant editor for the school paper, I find that working for the school paper is very accomplishing. I've written several articles of writing, including ediorials, for the paper and they have been published and read with high regard. The paper gives me a voice in what the students read and are aware of, especially on new issues that are not familiar to most of the student body! Although this is my first year working with the school paper, I feel extremely priveledged to share my ideas and thoughts for the improvement of our publication. I feel extremely proud of my work, and I feel that more students should be given the opportunnity to have such a large influece on the school.

Drama Club:

"Don't Act. Be." A quote I embody from one of the activity I have been blessed to be a part of: the Drama Club. Theatre has been a grand part of my life for four years. I started from an understudy for our fall play my Freshmen year to acquiring a major supporting role in the musical my Junior year. I have been exposed to many kinds of problems and issues that require support and communication from the rest of the cast. In every cast I have been a member of, I have improved my performing talents as well as finding my confidence in everyday life. Four years ago, I was unable to speak my mind, as I feared being rejected and ignored. However, I have changed so drastically that I successfully co-student-directed the fall play my Junior year. These values and lessons will help throughout my entire life.

Which one seems better?

Undergraduate / Journalism or Traditionalism? / CommonApp Personal Statement [3]

Hello again! This site has certainly helped me before, so I bring you my essay here. I'd like to have this essay torn apart and completely overhauled.

(By the way, this essay is indeed for the CommonApp)...

I chose this prompt: Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.

As an Arab Muslim, I know the importance of culture, for it defines a person. My heritage is something I value, amidst all the recent denunciations of those who practice my religion. I am a well-mannered, intellectual young Muslim woman, and I have practiced my faith and the society in which my faith subjugates. The clash lies between my culture and from what I believe is best for my future: to become a journalist. This choice strays from the accepted occupation for Muslim women, and my parents held on to that idea for a while. My plans for the future are to become the best person I am able to become, regardless of the ties of customs that may hold me back. It was my job to have my parents realize my life was not just another stereotype.

My parents placed high hopes for my future to consist of medicine and pharmacy. They believed it was the best job and career to pursue as a Muslim woman as I would be able to boast a wonderful paycheck that would allow my finances not to be an issue. However, I found that being another doctor was not the right decision for me. My talents stem from all subjects, but my passion strongly stood in writing and speaking. I wanted my voice to be heard, and not just through my prescriptions to patients. Journalism is a career that will bring forth the best of my abilities. This major is what that I believe suits me the most, but to my parents, journalism is a 'fad' career, much like singing or becoming an astronaut is to most children. I had to show them, especially my father, that there is a wide scope of successful careers outside of medicine, including journalism.

Convincing my parents was a challenge of its own. I provided facts from the hours of research I conducted as well as the many successes of current journalists. As challenging as it was, through the multiple disputes and even the questioning of my Islamic beliefs, I won the battle. To diverge from the normality of tradition and beliefs in the Islamic realm is not without its hardships, and for now, the most unremitting challenges are still to come.

Journalism gives me the opportunity to voice my concerns, ideas and perspective, things I cannot share with others in any other way. With pen, paper, and power of the press, I will report what citizens deserve to know; the war against hypocritical news-makers and broadcasters will be fought with an iron fist. I must take an active role in my future.

In order to steer this generation, consisting of those who source their knowledge from media coverage, on the right path, I need to find the best way to discover the truth through a proper education in journalism. As a prospective student, I find my insatiable desire to pursue journalism one that fuels my entire being, and for this reason, I will face any hardship to reach my goal as a broadcaster to the world.

Undergraduate / Perspective on Journalism and Music: Northwestern Supplement Essay (qualities) [7]

This is just bad. I need someone to help me fix grammar, content and other issues I know this essay has.

Prompt: What are the unique qualities of Northwestern - and of the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying - that make you want to attend the University? In what ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified?

Word Limit: NA (650)
My Count: 790!!!!!!!

As a prospective journalism and music double major, I know that Northwestern University has the accommodations for my future as a writer and as a musician. The institution's numerous programs and colleges allow me to achieve a fantastic education, and in the case of music and journalism combined, the Bienen School of Music and the Medill School of Journalism are the ideal schools to develop substantial skills for my career as a journalist, as well as my future as an adult. Northwestern's stamina in its rigorous academic schooling, as well as its high stature as a top school appeals to my constant hunger to learn through the wonderful liberal education Northwestern offers.

I began the intense pursuit for the college of my aspirations the beginning of my junior year, finding that without a proper guide or path to follow, I would be completely lost. I had only looked into each university's statistics Northwestern University was not an institution I had actually looked into-- in fact, I initially stumbled upon the beautiful campus on a field trip for my choir class. In my many years of traveling to Chicago as a child, I had never seen any part of the city so wonderfully secluded in its own beauty. The many preserved buildings and monuments that dated the university's initial opening stood with immortal pride, symbolizing the confidence of every Northwestern student. I knew, at this moment, that Northwestern was unlike any other university. This was my university.

As this was the first college campus I had ever set my foot in, the overwhelming sight of students walking to and from buildings and conversing with one another had tensed my nerves, as their behavior seemed so fluid in such a diverse and starkly contrasting environment. Unlike the past, however, where I had assumed college to be absolutely frightening and unfeasible, the reality of my college-bound future set in-- I was not petrified of the college process no longer. This bravery stemmed from the wonderful experience I had as a visitor on Northwestern's campus, for both the field trip and my actual campus visit. Speaking with the professors, alumni and even the current students was effortless, and I was educated on the college process more extensively than from any other outside research I conducted. My visit allowed me to look at Northwestern Univesity not as just another statistic, but an enchanting experience and opportunity for my future.

I am a student that yearns to learn and develop my skills as an intellectual, and Northwestern's moral of teaching is one that is best suited for reaching realistic and worthy aspirations. For any school I will be applying to, liberal education is a must. The best liberal education, however, in conjunction to attaining a high-standing degree and the best preparation for the future of the job market, comes only from Northwestern University.

The qualifications for a well-standing job as a journalist are constantly changing with the advancement of communication and technology, so the most versatile and optimum foundation in education is vital for my future. The Medill School of Journalism is the ideal college to attend in order to manifest the journalism career in its highest manner. I believe Medill's journalism education suits my needs very well, for I am a passionate student who needs to attain the best tools of the trade for such a daring and potentially successful track in the world. My need for intelligent and well-educated professors to guide me through my journey as a writer and broadcaster is quite dire, and I will find every method of learning, from even the least significant of lessons, discussions and projects.

Northwestern's music and journalism program is a unique major that I have only found at this school, and because of this exceedingly rare opportunity, my passion for music can be complacent. The Bienen School of Music provides an excellent music education, and for a hopeful musician who understands the beauty and charisma music is, this is a blessing. As a child, I had always dreamed of becoming a musician, singing in front of the mirror and for elementary school music concerts. I now participate in various choirs, and hope to continue my involvement after I graduate. Northwestern's choirs are the best I have ever heard, and every member, much like me, is passionate of their work.

My passion, dedication and commitment is what fuels me, and Northwestern allows me to work at my full potential, as a student and as an adult looking forward to the future. The old-time charm of the university's campus, as well as its substantial education and diverse opportunities provided for the students is why I will be proud to be a Wildcat!