Undergraduate / "The academics is the most important factor" - Why Duke Essay? [2]

Hi! I'm looking for a bit of assitance with this essay. Please read and comment!
If you are applying to Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, please discuss why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something in particular at Duke that attracts you? Please limit your response to one or two paragraphs.

For me, the most important factor in deciding on a college is not the area itself, but the academics. In my opinion, the most engaging qualities of Duke University lie in the detailed academic programs offered therein. At Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, I can sample a little slice of everything ranging from foreign languages to medieval and renaissance studies to economics. Attending Duke would be in my own best interests, because I don't want to be forced to take the straight and narrow road to my career path; at Duke, I can take multiple different routes and stop, take in the sights, or study more than just my major, along the way.

My intended major at Duke is economics, and the thought of what Duke has to offer me is almost overwhelming. The economics department in particular offers specific classes in international business and an opportunity to study in a different U.S. city, or outside of the country, that would absolutely prepare me for starting and managing my own business in this country and abroad, especially so in other countries where what I intend to do may be needed more so than in this country. You see, what I would like to do is set up a multitude children's recreational facilities, where they can come and learn, socialize, and play among others without having to worry about being in a hazardous environment. The Children in Contemporary Society Certificate is another academic program related to my goals that I find exciting in Duke. With this certificate available as a side study along with Economics; I can have the best of both and combine the two studies to make my goal much more than just the idea in my head.

What I find appealing beyond these key features as well is the ability to further study my own independent interests as well. All my life, I've had a love of Medieval History and at Duke I can take excellent courses in this department. I would also like to attempt to learn a few languages other than English, one I will find useful to my career pursuits, Hindi, and another for my own pleasure, Romanian. At Duke all these things will come together and I can form my own, unique schedule of learning. The icing on the cake is the campus that's not only physically breathtaking, but bursting with school pride and understanding, remarkable peers and professors. Duke University is the top notch choice for extensive learning and community life.

Undergraduate / "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" - Tulane special interest College Essay [2]

Hi guys! This is what I plan to send to Tulane for the essay portion of the application. Please critique and tell me what I can do better or what you think of the topic.

Personal Statement: Please write between 250 and 500 words to describe a special interest, significant experience or achievement, or anything else that has special meaning to you or had a significant influence on you.

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" is the most meaningful book I've ever owned and the very basis for the way I try to face the world. When I was ten, my mother gave me her copy of the book after I asked her whether or not there was a Santa Claus. In reading the opening about the little girl, Virginia O'Hanlon, I found we were very much alike. We both wanted to believe, when all around us people doubted. As I went through the rest, I found a special meaning that I can carry with me not only at Christmas time, but year round.

The short article inside the book has given me the knowledge that seeing is not always believing. It doesn't matter if you have never seen something; that doesn't mean it isn't real. We can't see bacteria, but it's certainly there isn't it? The very forces that are real and shape this planet are the ones you can't see, or are they not real either? Are you supposed to stop believing because your eyes tell you so?

This story of Santa Claus has also given me hope and a knowledge that I can do and accomplish all that I want to, that anything is possible. That all ambition will blossom into something amazing not only through hard work and a quick wit, but if you truly want it and believe in it enough to make it happen. It's a combination of things that brings an idea to life, to travel across continents. Very much like the legend of Santa Claus, my own ideas and plans for the future, for the development of my business expenditures, I must believe in my ideas, because if you can't believe in your idea, then who will?

More than all of this, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" has made a special place in me so that I may carry around a piece of childhood quality forever, as I cross over into full adulthood and eventually old age. I will grow up, no doubt about it, and I will experience life and grow and change as fate wills it, but I will not forget what it was like to play outside in the summer or to wake up on Christmas and run downstairs to see what Santa brought. I will not cast off my own imagination and ideals as childlike folly, like I see so many of my peers doing now. I will grow up, but I will not forget the wonders of being so small and having such large, large ambition. As I grow older, I know that I will achieve my own success in the business world and own a flourishing company, but that I will also be able to sit with my own children and read, "He lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood."

Undergraduate / "the academics is the most important" - Why Tulane essay. [3]

Hi guys! I would really, really, appreciate some assitance in editing this essay. Please look over it and comment. It's very similar to my Duke essay, there are very few changes.

Prompt: Briefly describe why you want to be at Tulane?

For me, the most important factor in deciding on a college is not the area itself, but the academics. In my opinion, the most engaging qualities of Tulane University lie in the detailed academic programs offered therein. At Tulane, I can sample a little slice of everything ranging from foreign languages to medieval and renaissance studies to business to architecture. Attending Tulane would be in my own best interests, because I don't want to be forced to take the straight and narrow road to my career path. At Tulane, I can take multiple different routes and stop, take in the sights, or study more than just my major, along the way.

READ BELOW

Undergraduate / "to found my own corporation" - info about myself, Warren Wilson Essay [2]

Hey guys! I'd love some assistance with this essay. This topice for me was challenging so I'm not quite sure how this essay sounds. Please read and critique.

Prompt: Please submit a personal essay containing information that you identify as being important about yourself other than the facts and figures already given in this application. You may write about an experience, accomplishment or future plans. Remember that Warren Wilson College has a unique approach to education through its Triad of Academics, Work (15 hours a week), Service Learning (25 hours per year), and a strong commitment to the environment and cross-cultural understanding.

When I was young, all of my friends complained about having younger siblings, and despite my efforts not to, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. What I wanted most was to be a big sister; to have someone to play with and take care of, but these kids simply cast their siblings off as though they were a burden instead of a blessing. What made things worse was that I wasn't an only child. I have three brothers and two sisters, but three of which have never resided with me and the last two siblings I acquired later in life through my mother's second marriage. I had siblings, but I never have the chance to see them, and even then, I knew that it wasn't right that things had to be the way they were. This is the primary reason I have the idea for my future plans set up in the way that I do.

My first step in life is an excellence education. Decent or good is not good enough; only the best education will suffice. I will earn my bachelor's degree in business administration, then proceed to enter into a graduate program to earn my MBA. Once completed, I can begin to establish myself in the world. My ultimate goal is to found my own corporation; one that produces toys and learning materials for children. I would also like to set up a multitude of children's recreational facilities, where they can play, socialize, and learn among others in a safe environment. I want to help all children, those that have been displaced in society and those that are lucky enough to come from loving homes as well. Every person deserves a chance to grow and reach their potential, and I believe the small things, such as a favorite toy or a memorable day during one's childhood, helps in the developmental process. We can all look back and remember those long summer days full of ice cream and playgrounds with fondness. Shouldn't everyone be given those same opportunities to build those sorts of memories?

I do want the things that quite a few other people want as well, such as marriage, but not until after I've finished my masters. I, of course, also want children, but I want to keep my own together, as I've clearly seen and felt the effects of being separated from siblings. My main goals in life are to keep my businesses afloat, to try new and different business endeavors along the way, and to ultimately make time for my children and make sure they stay together and happy.

Undergraduate / Bugs Bunny - different from other popular characters (Common App Essay) [9]

Hey guys! This is probably THE most important essay I've ever written so I would REALLY appreciate some feedback. Please critique!

Prompt: Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence

As a child, Bugs Bunny was my idol for very much the same reasons as why people idolize Superman or Batman. He is the protagonist of his show; he always emerges from a battle victorious. Yet despite the way he fits into the mold of nearly every central cartoon character in existence, I always knew Bugs was different from other popular characters like Mickey Mouse or Spongebob Squarepants. Somehow, Bugs always managed to say things that were funnier, more interesting, and most uncharacteristic of a cartoon rabbit. As I grew older and drifted farther away from a majority of the cartoons I once enjoyed, my love and interest in Merrie Melodies shorts never dwindled and Bugs Bunny continues to influence me today. I still marvel at who he is, though now I see that I do so for other, more definitive reasons

To me, Bugs Bunny is more of a representation of how to combat life then just a witty rabbit. He is always faced with unexpected, often displeasing, events and people, but it is always his first instinct to retaliate peacefully. Bugs Bunny has rarely, if ever, outright started a conflict with someone. He often comes out of his hole to confront the antagonist and asks them outright to state their business on his property with a sly "What's Up Doc?". If the conflict doesn't end there, Bugs then deals with what he is saddled with with class and style. We see him take whatever means necessary to save himself from being crushed under the weight of problem that seems to be stronger, smarter, or overall more then him. It's the very clever and thoughtful way of looking at the world that has convinced me that I can follow in his example and work out any problem. To form a basic strategy, I need to be firm and unwavering in my own resolve to get past a bad thing and onto something better or a resolution of the conflict I've just been stuck with.

To come out on top, I've got to make the best of the situation and learn to think on my feet, another principle I've seen Bug's demonstrate. He's resourceful and quick to analyze a situation and think of just what he can or can't do to get away. An example of this can be found in "Shishkabugs" when he's trapped in King's Castle. He's to be cooked and served to the king for dinner, but Bugs, taking a moment to play along and see what he's dealing with, manages to save himself by climbing out of the oven when Sam is preoccupied. Though the situations I've come by in life are not nearly so dire, I've found I've used this very basic life skill quite a few times, either when confronting someone in a tense situation, or when walking in a strange, unfamiliar part of town. No one can take care of me other than me, so I should at least know how to do that.

The saying, "Though there are rocks on the path, you must keep walking," says all there is to be said about the way I want to live. There will be challenges, tests to study for, a job to do, a room to clean, classes to go to, but I will juggle these things respectively, though not as a super being. I'm not perfect; I have limits, but that does not mean I let my limitations interfere with everyday life. It's important to me to manage to give my absolute best performance, in all that I do, whether feeling up to it or not. Another idea I came by through Bugs. Heaven knows a rabbit has limits! Yet Bugs does not disappoint, demonstrating a remarkable sense of character that I strive to achieve myself.

The most important thing I've taken away from Bugs is the knowledge that there are billions of other people in the world and that each deserves a helping hand every now and again. I strive to make smart decisions and stay clear of trouble, but I've always made the effort to remember to be compassionate when dealing with others. I never want to loose that quality that makes us more than just walking bags of organs. Somehow, Bugs even brings this quality to life. The best example I've ever seen of his sympathy is found in "Dumb Patrol" when Bugs takes Porky Pig's place in an air raid, stating that Porky has a wife and six piglets to care for. This single act of kindness is something that goes beyond feeling or reason. To do things for people because you feel with them, not for them. To be strong enough to stand up for yourself when you must, but still human enough to know your place and feel with others is a combination that most people lack, but that one animated rabbit has brought to life among the spirit of men, and women, alike. It's the example I choose to follow.

In Merrie Melodies, characters such as Yosemite Sam, Sylvester, and even Daffy Duck to some extent have been representative of the problems life throws at you, and I admire Bugs because he is ultimately the ordinary guy. I've been Bugs Bunny at one point or another, we all have. Anyone can recall a time they've been thrown under the bus by a friend, tricked into believing something other then the truth, betrayed by those they thought they could trust. Bugs is that person who gets back up though things are pushing him down and instead of complaining about it, goes and fights to change it. That's the person I aspire to be. That optimistic, sharp, "wascally wabbit" is my idol and I will continue change, grow, and combat life while I nibble on my carrots and I walk on to the new challenges.

Undergraduate / Vegas Multiculturalism - my community [3]

Hey guys! This is the essay I want to submit, but I can't think of what to do to improve it. Please help!
Prompt: Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.

My community can be summed up in two words-Las Vegas. The city that's larger than life, that lures people in with dreams of grandeur and promise is home to one, large multicultured community. In only takes a few moments to recognize it all around. When I enter my best friend's home, I immediately spot notes written in hasty, somewhat messy Tagalog on one side of the table and a carefully placed Book of Mormon on the other half. In school, a Mexican dance troupe performs for a special Christmas festival alongside a booth with translations of the Spanish words spoken in the song they dance to. Polynesian and Chinese booths are set up in designated areas of the famous Las Vegas strip and the smells of fresh dumplings fill the air. Even on my own street, I espy men and women, dressed in their Sunday best, walking to or from the local Synagogue.

I, being African American, contribute a small, but a significant amount to the multiculturism in the city. I bring with me my own ideology from my hometown, Detroit.

The ideology of the hard worker, the man or woman that puts in long hours in order to achieve what they will. I share my choice in music, varied R&B and Motown classics, with my Filipino, Chinese, and English best friends. My family and I have put together and presented a demonstration of our holiday of choice, Kwanzaa, to share with friends and their families in school. In Las Vegas, African American ideals and culture is only a piece of something much greater in a city of multiple backgrounds and people.