Posts by pquesada90

pquesada90

Dec 25, 2010

Undergraduate / "studying Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics" - Upenn activities [4]

Considering both the specific undergraduate school or program to which you are applying and the broader University of Pennsylvania community, what academic, research, and/or extracurricular paths do you see yourself exploring at Penn?

Since I was a young boy I've known engineering is right for me. Starting from my liking of building Lego, I discovered through my youth I enjoy combining and dismantling in a creative manner. I used to examine meticulously any apparatus that caught my attention, always trying to comprehend how it worked. I also have shown interest in solving problems that involve creative thinking and, naturally, numbers. (One reason I joined the Math Olympics Club). Moreover, I have always been interested in science, intrigued by nature's phenomenons, and finding solutions to the endless problems that may present. I will never satiate my desire to discover and acquire a broader understanding of our world, so a university that allows me to incorporate research since the beginning of my undergraduate studies is a perfect match for me.

By studying Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics at the University of Pennsylvania I will acquire the necessary principles in applied math and sciences that will allow me to fulfill my desire in developing technology and I will be properly equipped to face whatever path in engineering the future has prepared for me. I also intend to study a minor either Engineering Entrepreneurship or Nanotechnology. The first because it addresses my passion for technological innovation and invention, and the second because I believe nanotechnology can be employed to help the environment and I would like to participate in its development.

Also, as there are plenty of undergraduate research opportunities available for engineering, I can picture myself getting involved into a dozen of different areas. However, if possible I want to involve in projects that engage technological innovation for the sake of the environment, since I've always thought I could focus my yearning to study engineering into helping the environment. I already do small things to help, such as saving water and electricity and volunteering for reforestation in my community, but I think only by combining the things I like with my desire to help the environment I will be able to properly contribute in making this world a better place.

As well as actively taking part in research, I would also enjoy participating in the various sport activities Penn has to offer its students. I don't consider myself extremely athletic, but I do enjoy competition in both individual and team disciplines (being soccer my favorite choice). I have participated in official tournaments of soccer and Hadong Gumdo (Korean Sword Martial Art), so I consider myself capable of being on a varsity team representing Penn, although I can also see myself taking part of the intramural sports available at the campus, as I always take pleasure in playing sports just for the fun of doing so and not worrying seriously for the outcome. Besides, it's always great to have different opportunities to meet new people. (Joining a recreational sport group such as the Parkour & Free Running Club would also be a possibility for me).

Furthermore, considering the cultural variety of Penn, I will have the opportunity to share my own multi-cultural heritage (Mexican, German and Spanish) while I learn from cultural values and ideas of different countries, helping me gain a boarder perspective of the world and preparing me to face its complexity. In addition, by joining the multicultural student group for Latinos I'll have the opportunity to know students with my same cultural background and I will be able to retain my own cultural values.

Please critique my essay. Enlgish isn't my native tounge. I think my first paragraph isn't well connected to the rest of the essay.

Thanks alot!

pquesada90

Dec 26, 2010

Undergraduate / "studying Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics" - Upenn activities [4]

Thanks alot! I'll see if I can help you in anything.

pquesada90

Dec 26, 2010

Undergraduate / "Writing and Humanistic Studies; I love writing; Right & Wrong" - MIT Small Essays [4]

This course combines science and

creative writing in an unorthodox way. For insance, studying science writing and science

I would also consider reducing the space between lines, as it makes it harder for the reader to follow the passage.

Except for those details, I think your answers are excellent.

Also, if you have time could you help me with my MIT answers? Thanks and good luck on you application!

pquesada90

Dec 26, 2010

Undergraduate / "Put on Discovery!" - Why engineering and why Yale engineering essay [3]

"And so my friend my switched to the channel his mom ordered him to.It was an everyday story. Faizan used to love the Power puff girls. ~~Love it.~~ But his mom, being a science enthusiast, loved Discovery. So, losing the everyday battle he turned to Discovery. A familiar song filled the atmosphere."

"His energetic nature combined with his ability to build something out of nothing ignited in me, a love for science and machines, that has just burgeoned ever since."

"This experience made me realize that you can come up with a fantastic invention, if you focus on what is and not on what is not."

I'm not sure what are you trying to say. Maybe consider changing that phrase.

On overall, good essay. You demonstrate your interest in engineering by showing something you have actually done.

pquesada90

Dec 26, 2010

Undergraduate / "Playing the piano" + "Masdar" - MIT short Answers [6]

We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do for the pleasure of it. (*)(100 words or fewer)

Playing piano is one of the few activities I perform just for the pleasure of doing so. As a musical autodidactic, I began playing simple melodies by ear aided with tutorial videos from Facetube, and, after years of attempting to improve my deficient technique, my perseverance had paid off. I'm now able to play most of my...

Please critique. I will upload the rest of the questions as soon as I'm done with them
Thank you for your help!

pquesada90

Dec 29, 2010

Undergraduate / "Playing the piano" + "Masdar" - MIT short Answers [6]

Part 2 of my application is now here:
What attribute of your personality are you most proud of, and how has it impacted your life so far? This could be your creativity, effective leadership, sense of humor, integrity, or anything else you'd like to tell us about. (*) (200-250 words)

Some years ago, I went with a couple of friends to do some fishing with no more than a fishing line, a hook, and some tortilla for bait. I had never caught a fish before in my life, so I promised myself this would be my first time. Hours passed, and no one had caught anything. Eventually, my friends gave up, but because I was determined to catch my fish, I couldn't stop trying. I dug out worms to use them as bait, and climbed a tree branch that was directly above the pond, risking falling into the water. My friends soon began complaining, as they were hungry and they had to wait for me. Nevertheless, I kept fishing. And, after two long hours of waiting, my line was finally yanked. I pulled excitedly. I remember seeing the fish's face coming out of the water, its tail splashing the surface. And then, just when I thought I had made my first caught, it managed to break free and jump back to the pond. And, I would have kept trying, but my friends had grown impatient, and I also was very hungry. So, once again, I had failed. Nevertheless, my friends acknowledged my great perseverance, a personal trait I've always been proud of.

My will to succeed on the things I propose to myself has given me a strong, determined character. Learning to play the piano, reaching black belt in Haidong Gumdo, and becoming academically successful are some of the things I would had never achieved if it wasn't for my determination-a determination that can only be stopped by hunger.

Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation? (*) (200-250 words)

One of the biggest challenges I've ever faced was conquering the rapids of the Actopan River. I can't tell for sure what was going in my mind when I agreed to attend a 10km rapids descent on Kayak. I was a beginner in this sport, and I had never paddled on rapids before. My greatest fear was flipping when there were rocks around. When inside a Kayak, a flexible cover is worn in the hatch to prevent water from entering the boat. But if you flip, the cover may prevent you from leaving the kayak, so there is a risk your head may hit a rock and knock you out. Ironically, the first part of the rapids was called the "Skull-breaker", as it was considered the most dangerous part of the descent. At first, I was convinced this would be the end of my short life. But, as we approached the first rapids, my attitude changed, and I decided to face the river. "Whatever happens, I will not flip" I said to myself. What I lacked in experience, I quickly compensated with a fierce determination of conquering the river. An overdose of adrenaline helped me paddle harder than ever, fighting off the treacherous waters that tried to flip me or make me crash into the rocks. And before I knew I had crossed the Skull-breaker in one piece. I soon discovered the river was my friend, not my enemy, and that if I used its power to my advantage, I could have a lot of fun. This experience made me realize that there are many things we don't need to be afraid of. Fear can actually become a barrier to new experiences that will enrich our lives.