Undergraduate / "Northwestern stood out of hundreds" - Why Northwestern essay! [4]

Hey Guys! I really need help! This is the first time I am writing such an essay so i need honest criticism.

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?

Northwestern was one university that stood out of hundreds. I was amazed by its curriculum and its wonderful campus.
The first thing that attracted me to the university was its strong engineering department. I have taken a great interest in math for as long as I can remember and physics always excited me in High School. I searched for universities that could provide me with opportunities to explore these subject areas and Northwestern can do so. I believe Northwestern can provide a great platform for me to reach my full potential.

I decided to apply for programs that mix both Math and Physics and I landed on engineering. I take greatest interest in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering which I was delighted to learn allows undergraduate students to participate in research. I am also very interested in The Walter P. Murphy Cooperative Engineering Education Program that allows students to gain real world experience whilst studying at the university. I would take advantage of such an opportunity to gain further insight into what engineering is like after graduation.

I believe that the campus is an important factor in choosing a university and Northwestern has a spectacular campus. As I did not have the funds to visit the university I had to rely on pictures over the internet. With a striking position right next to the Michigan Lake I was taken aback by the campuses great beauty. Having lived a great deal of my life in Karachi, a city next to the sea, I would love to continue living in a place where even a lake is just a walk away. Its location near the city of Chicago also provides students the chance to experience the exciting city life mixed with the more composed campus life.

Northwestern University has a dynamic and diverse student body. I being an international student wish to contribute to the multicultural environment of the university. I am very excited to have the opportunity to interact with students from all over the world bringing their own cultures to form a unique atmosphere. I believe that a collection of different cultures is of great value in a learning experience. It will help make me more aware of the global situation and help broaden my global perspective.

The array of extracurricular activities at Northwestern amazes me. I learnt that Northwestern cares for the interests of all its students and has made it very easy to join and set up clubs and societies. I take great interest in taking part in society competitions such as math quizzes and science fares in school. I am very excited to pursue my interest in these activities on a university level and hopefully help the clubs reach new heights. I have also noticed the great interest the University takes in sports. This is apparent after Northwestern recently received the American Football Coaches Association's Academic Achievement Award once again. I wish to exploit the opportunities given by the University to my full advantage and attempt to take part in sport activities such as soccer along with academics.

With its wonderful academic programs along with the abundant extracurricular activities, I believe Northwestern can provide me with the exact opportunities I need to explore my interests and fulfill my potential. My time at this beautiful university will, I am sure, be unforgettable.

Undergraduate / "great for studying math and science" - Why Harvey Mudd essay [4]

Please help! I am not sure if my essay is technical enough! :S

What influenced you to apply to Harvey Mudd College? What about the HMC curriculum and community appeals to you?
(500-word limit)

I took off in search of a university that is great for studying math and science. I landed on Harvey Mudd. The university seems perfect for how I would prefer to pursue my education. I think using the three part curriculum is a fantastic way to form a mix for students to study engineering and be able to explore the liberal arts. The clinic program is deeply interested me as it would allow me to gain real world experience whilst studying at the university. I would take advantage of such an opportunity to gain further insight into what engineering is like after graduation. It will help me in deciding which aspect of engineering I am more interested in. It will also provide me with the prospect of getting to know the technological aspect of the world in greater depths. I was very pleased to see that Harvey Mudd allows undergraduate students to participate in research work along with graduate students and professors. Apart from providing such platforms, Harvey Mudd is able to offer students individual attention from the faculty with a small student body to faculty ratio. I believe that close relationships with the professors is of great help in the learning experience.

Harvey Mudd has a one of a kind Honors program. This I believe is excellent in forming a safe yet interesting learning environment. It forms a trust between the students which I feel is very important in a community. I admire the ASHMC constitution and how it is used to such great effect. Though at first I was afraid that it would be a strict institute, I was glad to learn that Harvey Mudd allows jokes and pranks all in good faith. Harvey Mudd has a diverse student body. I being an international student wish to contribute to the multicultural environment of the university. I am very excited to be able to contribute to the tightly knit community.

I was very impressed by the level of commitment in the sports department shown by Harvey Mudd. I have read a great deal about the intercollegiate athletic program, which is one of the most successful athletic programs in the United States. I am very eager to be part of such healthy competition and hopefully perform at such high levels.

The one thing that I admire most about Harvey Mudd is that it allows its students to have fun. Apart from parties and extracurricular activities, I have read that it also makes education more interesting and the programs more exciting. It encourages students to enjoy their time at the university. I believe that it is imperative for students to learn in an enjoyable fashion. I find it much easier to focus in such an atmosphere.

I believe that Harvey Mudd will be the perfect platform for me to explore my interests and fulfill my potential. My time at this university will, I am sure, be unforgettable.