Undergraduate / "the underdog in a foreign country" common app statement and short answer [5]

Please help! Any critiques are appreciated !
Thank you in advance.

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its influence on you.

The first step I took into that country, my "home" country, I was already at a disadvantage. I could not understand the, and my less than fluent Chinese did not, by any means, help me in communicating with the speakers of the local dialect. At school, I was 9 years behind each and every one of my Chinese peers. My main priority, therefore, was already in black ink imprinted in my mind: I need to catch up.

This was easier said than done. Growing up in a western society, I believed schools sought above all creativity in its students rather than discipline. Educators believed in stimulating free thought in each student. Even though I was among peers of the same age, I felt the curriculum imposed a great challenge on my abilities, I had never had my potential tested in so intense a manner before.

My first week there, my father had already gotten me a tutor for every subject except for English, which could only be described as a painkiller, a temporary relief. I remember crying in class due to the frustration of not understanding the teachers, and feeling as if my situation were futile. Every day, I would go home and write down on flashcards new vocabulary and their romanizations, but it was extremely difficult. I was still learning grade one material while my peers were already on grade five. My peers were starting to become irritated by my never ending questions, for they also had to focus on their own work. Most teachers believed that I should work this difficulty out for myself. I was on my own. I seriously would have to adjust my attitude towards school greatly if I wanted any sort of output. This was a game against me.

A year later, I was able to catch my breath for the first time. Not only did I receive an A on my Chinese essay, but my teacher complimented my essay in front of the whole class. Staring at the bright, scarlet letter, which probably only took the teacher a millisecond to actually write down, I almost collapsed. All the late nights of memorizing and all the belittling looks from my peers did not matter anymore; this moment was priceless. It meant that I was making a progress that no one could disprove of.

That year, I was ranked third in my Chinese class and top fifteen percent of my elementary graduating class. When I received the news, I did not boast or scream out of ecstasy because I knew how hard I worked for this, and I knew exactly how many extremes and limits I conquered to get there. I pushed myself to reach my potential, for one's biggest limitation is only oneself.

short answer for common app: Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the spaces below.
Sweat trickled down my forehead from nervousness as twenty eyes stared at me expectantly. I had just blown the black whistle, which is the final point to determine a team's win or lose. I clearly saw the away team hit the volleyball a margin out of the line (which would make my school win), but I as a rookie referee ,I had my doubts and I also did not want the other team thinking I was biased. Then, I remembered what my trainer told me: you call the shots, believe in what you see. I lifted my head, with confidence and called the ball "out". Two reactions instantly bombarded my senses. My home team shrieked from ecstasy while the other team cussed and threw me dirty looks. I absorbed both reactions nonchalantly and walked towards home, because at the end of day, I must do what is right for myself.

Undergraduate / NYU SUPP: "bring anyone past/present/fictional to anywhere and what would you share" [6]

Should I talk more about the place and why rather than why I chose him? Any Critique is welcomed, harsh or otherwise :) Please and Thank you!

Prompt: If you had the chance to bring anyone, who would you bring and why? What would you share with that person? (500 characters)

He changed the world that day, with his speech "I Have a Dream". Risking not only his own life, Martin Luther Junior defied what was deemed as conventional and sent his message tenaciously. For that, he shines brighter than any light source; for that, he is my hero. More than anything, I would want to bring him to Canada, my country, and make him see his dream realized. As an immigrant to Canada, I was first worried about racial discrimination, but was blown away by the welcoming response. I want to share with him the immense change that he took part in, and the success of that revolution.

Undergraduate / "a school to achieve the seemingly impossible dream" Northwestern Supp [3]

Any sort of criticism is much appreciated! Please and thank you in advance.
[b]What are the unique qualities of Northwestern University - and of any specific undergraduate school-and how will you take advantage of this?

I have always been a big dreamer. Growing up, I've told countless people my dream of working in the entertainment industry, the "show-biz". The dubious looks and awkward chuckles that I have received, however, remind me to this day how difficult that goal may be to obtain. Therefore, when I came across Northwestern University's School of Communications, my eyes lit up, for it was no longer a matter of choosing from an array of schools with academic programs too broad or narrow, but a matter of "communicating" my vision, my dream to this ideal university.

My current interest of study is very specific, yet open to new paths. I have inherited some business-savy nature from my parents and aspire to work in the industry on a more management level, such as an event coordinator. I hope to incorporate aspects from both business and communications into my future career. Most universities I find, only have a general "journalism" or "media culture" program, which deviates from my interests and varies from my focus. Here, I believe I will be able to explore a myriad of programs and opportunities all related to my dream, and undergo a significant personal development to inch toward my final destination. Furthermore, with the programs much more closely connected at the School of Communications, I would be able to share ideas and thoughts of a piece of work and accumulate different perspectives from my peers even if they are from a different major or academic program.

Because being comprised of great academic programs is critical for any school, I also sought out Northwestern University for its student body organizations and activities. For me, going to Northwestern would mean travelling to a foreign land, a stranger to the people, a stranger to the customs, a stranger to its culture. The four hundred student organizations would not only invoke my familiarity with a certain subject but introduce me to a broader context and allow myself to associate with those who share common passions. As a fervent communications lover, I indulge daily in the practice of expressing and absorbing various outlooks. To be given such a plethora of opportunities for me to perform this task brings me indescribable delight and excitement. It would only be foolish of me not to quench my thirst in this well of benefits.

Northwestern University, unlike many other prestigious universities, is located in a rather suburban location (Evanston campus) which allows students to be in a more concentrated and isolated area. This fosters a sort of community and allows for its own set of culture. Northwestern's small size would also allow for a more personalized college experience, giving students like me, an equal chance to create our own road to success.

I could go on with praise about Northwestern University because every minute detail, some that even the students neglect, is taken care of to such a great extent. These three factors: a rare, renown college with compelling academic programs, a diverse and abundance of student body organizations and activities and a comfortable, separated small community are what make Northwestern outstanding among the numerous universities to me. I am convinced that this is the school that can not only assist me in achieving my life-long dream, but prove those skeptical spectators wrong.

Undergraduate / NYU SUPP "Behine-the scenes" of entertainment" + "informal rules" + "special person" [5]

I found these supplements quite hard as the word count is severely limited and every one else seems to have a similar generic answer? Is there any suggestions to alter mine a bit and make it maybe more personal? Any critique is appreciated, harsh welcomed! I shall look at your essays in return as well.

What led you to select your anticipated academic area of study at any of the colleges at NYU?What interests you the most about your discipline ,mention any extracurriculars that show your interest. (500 characters)

Growing up, I have absorbed countless pieces of information that media has fed to me through various mediums. Slowly, my interest in media developed from only pure entertainment purposes, to a keen awareness for the "behind-the-scenes" work. Among completion of various programs at the local television and radio station, as well as involvement with the 2010 Winter Olympics Programming Team, I am more convinced that this is the path I want to explore. Media delivers all to the world. I want to take part in that sending. I believe that NYUCAS is not only the only option, but it is best option.

What does the concept of global network university mean to you? How do you think studying in NYU, OR ANY SITE would change you as a person and equip you to build cross cultural relationships at NYU and beyond?

I have travelled to at least eight different countries and been through numerous cities. The concentrated facts I learn from the tour guides, however, is not enough for me. I wish to learn a culture of a location. The slang, the "informal rules" and even the little bargaining tricks are what appeal to me. That is what NYU's global network university offers. It is at NYU where I can truly absorb and apply the universal values that I have obtained and forward that to myself in the future. Only NYU would allow me to stand at one point, and absorb from all sides.

Bring any person past/present to anywhere SPECIAL TO YOU , who and why? (NYU)
With his speech "I Have a Dream" Martin Luther Junior defied what was deemed as conventional and sent his message tenaciously. For that, he is my hero. More than anything, I would want to bring him to Canada, my country, a country accepting of refugees; a country where diversity roams freely, and make him see his dream realized. Because of people like him, civilians like me no longer worry about racial discrimination; I can know and love people of various skin tones; I can learn from the assorted cultures. I want to demonstrate to him the immense change that he took part in, and the success of that revolution

Undergraduate / "best advice: self reflection" brown [3]

Best piece of advice ever given? (500 words max)
"The only way to improve is to be humble and reflect upon you."
Much like that of any arrogant child, growing up, I hated to hear what was known as "constructive criticism". At the time, I failed to capture the "constructive component and only saw the words of my peers and elders as "criticism". My parents had always been successful people, whether it was work related or socially, they knew how to act and make people have a fondness for them. I, however, did not have the same reaction with my own generation. It was only until a certain time period that I discovered this truth to life.

Every time we had a family meeting, my parents would talk to me about the current issues they were unsatisfied with me. It was hard to absorb such a vast amount of criticism and it almost seemed as if they were attacking me. It goes without saying that I didn't really listen too much, if any, advice they gave me.

Suddenly, or maybe I was just beginning to notice, one day at school that some of my peers would ignore my words or just leave to go somewhere without me. I felt frustrated to always have to keep up with their footsteps and try to get a word in, and even more irked at the fact that I did not understand the reasoning behind their actions. It was when I found myself wandering about the hallways alone that I was able to contemplate on my behaviour. Maybe i crossed the line with a certain joke or maybe I had offended someone else's pride with a careless comment because I do know that I have a tendency to do that. It was only until I saw myself from an objective light that I was able to overcome that biggest obstacle-myself. It was finally at that time when everything my parents had been saying to me for the past years finally clicked in my head.

Self reflection is not always easy. It is explicitly telling yourself to look inside past all the superficialness, pass the pride and dignity for the dirty flaws that most likely you are unwilling to admit to. But that finding and correcting those vices, those flaws may be exactly the kind of tunnel to get across and develop yourself to another level.

My father told me advice this when I was ten. Seven years later, I am finally able to engrave this into my mind and wrap my head around it. Though disconcerting that it took me so long to realize the profound meaning and effective, I am forever grateful that I know it now, for I can apply it to the rest of life to give it the most depth and meaning as can be.

Undergraduate / "college experience" - why is emory good match for you? [3]

slightly over word limit, i was thinking if i should touch on more aspects of Emory or was one fine?
i can help look anyone elses too! Please and thank you

Many students decide to apply to Emory College based on our size, location, reputation and weather. Besides these, why is Emory a good match for you? (250 words max)

I am a firm believer of "college experience". Given that Emory is based with many assets such as location and weather, I am not travelling to another country with the single intent to study or travel, but also to have the time of my life. Bounded by my innate ebullience, I cannot help but explore all the social possibilities at Emory. Large organizations such as Outdoor Emory provide me the opportunity to overcome my fear of heights in skydiving or challenge my endurance hiking the steep roads up Blood Mountain; it will enhance my outlook in life, and allow me to obtain knowledge that I may not necessarily achieve otherwise. Moreover, I want to participate in the Greek life that only college students can appreciate. This well established dominant force in Emory cannot be dismissed, and I plan to become one that can delivers the tradition, rituals of my sorority to those that scout this path after me. With over three hundred and eighty student organizations, Emory is providing a plethora of opportunities for me. I could easily jump into an organization such as Emory Wheel to further gain experience from knowledgably seniors in my area of study and interest, or effortlessly join a dance club to pursue that passion I never got the chance to. Either way, Emory allows me to invoke my familiarity with several subjects while I am this stranger in a foreign land, and provides the platform for me to associate with those who share common devotions. A prestigious academically-driven school balanced with an active social scene and diverse people , I am convinced that Emory is the key to my lock.