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Posts by hmirza
Joined: Nov 24, 2008
Last Post: Nov 26, 2008
Threads: 2
Posts: 15  
From: United States of America

Displayed posts: 17
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hmirza   
Nov 24, 2008
Undergraduate / I intend to major in communication studies. I have become extremely fascinated by mass media. [5]

i would like severe constructive criticism. on whether it answers the question, are my points clear, for those who understand the major do i convey my understanding of it etc. UCLA communication major is extremely competitive and i'm in need of a perfect essay. thank you in advance.

What is your intended major? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and describe any experience you have had in the field - such as volunteer work, internships and employment, participation in student organizations and activities - and what you have gained from your involvement.

I intend to major in communication studies. I love this field because it is an interdisciplinary major that draws heavily from subjects such as sociology and psychology. In fact, I developed my love for this field when I realized that it was the communication aspect of some of my favorite subjects that captivated me. For instance, in sociology we learn how certain behaviors such as eye contact is accepted in some societies, and yet is not in others. In psychology, we try to understand why individuals act the way they do and what it suggests. In political science, we analyze how important the media is in steering an election to a party's favor.

After taking a course in political science I have become extremely fascinated by mass media. I find it interesting that the media for instance plays a large role in steering the elections. I am eager to learn about mass communication, the mediums used, and the effects of each on the individual, and society. I think that courses such as Decoding Media Strategies and Sociology and Mass Communication will fulfill that quest. The understanding of these courses will also play an important role in my future plans of doing graduate school in political science and journalism.

Apart from communication in the mass level I am extremely interested in understanding interpersonal communication. I find nonverbal communication and body language fascinating because it digs into our subconscious. I am excited to learn the issues surrounding origin of language and how communication is used in relationships.

I have been blessed with many experiences in the field of communication. At age 16 I began giving back to the community through volunteer work. In one specific program I assisted in teaching a kindergarten class for the deaf. Unlike the teacher, I did not know sign language and so I connected with them by means of technology, for instance the use of vibrating stages connected to a microphone. This program has taught me the various means that we as humans communicate. Communication comes in various forms, from verbal to nonverbal. Hand gestures, sign language and body language are all means of communication that go beyond verbal words. This program also shows the various ways that we adapt to our surroundings and society, that even for those who do not know sign language there are ways in which to communicate with the deaf. It also shows us the use of technology as a medium in sending and receiving messages. The understanding of these fascinating topics is what I seek in this field.

I have always had an inquisitive mind. I love the analysis of society that communication studies offers. I am eager to understand why and how we as a society function. It is my hope, that through this brief statement I have effectively conveyed my understanding and passion for the field of communications.
hmirza   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / UC prompt #1 - trouble figuring out the topic about the world I came from [7]

i think you can definitely improve on this. if i were writing this i would break the question down first answer them then put it all together. im going to use myself as an example and hopefully it'll help.

okay so what am i going to talk about ... my family

okay so i personally am of mixed origins and am raised in an extremely mixed environment (explain it in full, eg. went to an international school, where my parents are from etc.)

okay so how does this shape me dreams and aspirations??
because im of such a mixed environment i have a passion for culture, i love to travel im interested in how we as a society function, even if at times we don't share the same beliefs etc and SO i have grown a love for language, im trilingual now, i have a passion for communication studies (wht i want to major in), and i traveled the world... do you see where im going?

you need to show them that this is who iam, as well as this is what makes you different and why they should pick U and not the other guy

hope this helps, good luck.
hmirza   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / Trip to Europe: my curious traits - UC essay [5]

i enjoyed writing this one, to me i think it answers the question but im in need of someone elses opinion. please criticize as much as you like from relevancy , style or grammar thank you so much in advance.

Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud, and how does it relate to the person you are?

I am a curious person. I am dedicated and have a thirst for knowledge. Now curiosity at times has a negative connotation -- after all, it did kill the cat didn't it? But it is what killed the cat that made me stronger. So how does curiosity make me the person that I am? It pushes me to want to know the unknown, to want to do the inexperienced, and to always want more. With that being said I think my trip to Europe is the perfect example of where my inquisitive nature takes me.

From a young age I have always dreamed that one day I will travel the world by myself. As a daughter of conservative parents who live in a judgmental society I was aware that this would be a challenge. But I did not despair, because I knew that my persistent nature will find a way --and so it did. To my joy, when I hit 18 my dream transformed into a trip to France. Taking advantage of this opportunity, I decided to live in France for a couple of months. After all, where better to learn my third language than its origins? I chose to study French in a city named Biarritz located in the south. I did so because I knew that little spoke English there and so I would have to adapt quickly in order to live. I also enjoyed its close proximity to Spain because I knew that I would take advantage of it.

At first living in France was extremely difficult, the language barrier made everyday tasks near impossible. But it was not too long before it became my second home. On the weekdays, I would study by day and explore Biarritz and neighboring towns by night. On the weekends I would take the bus or train and go on little adventures to unknown territories. Some of my adventures lead me to Paris, where I met the Monalisa in the Louvre, and climbed the stairs of the Eiffel tour. To Eze where I learnt how some of my favorite perfumes, such as Coco Chanel, is made-- and even made my very own. Other adventures lead me to Pamplona, Spain where I ran with the bulls and finally discovered the secret behind their hot chocolate. And the Pyrenees, where I tried white water rafting and jumped off a 40 feet cliff into the river.

Curiosity, it makes me who I am, and who I aspire to be; an inquisitive, adventurous, and social soul. I am always up for a challenge. I am appreciative of what I have, yet will take advantage of every opportunity given to me. Curiosity makes me who I am; because while I may not have 9 lives, I intend to live the one I have to the fullest.
hmirza   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / "My high school experience was different" - UC Undergraduate Prompt #2 [2]

hello, okay first of, im just another fellow student so i'm just giving you my opinion. with that being said here what i think:

-yes definitely a lot of grammatical errors, you kinda lose me at some points i feel like you kinda just skim through quickly all these different experiences but don't really talk about the qualities. and how they relate to you.

-i think you should give it a more heoric tone to it... start off with how bad a student you were lack of motivation and stuff and then TADAH! you realised that you need to change and so you worked your butt off day in and day out and all though it was hard its worth it and you realise that you work well under pressure, you're organised seeing how u had to do so much stuff with little time. etc... put it how its changed you and made you a better person and who you are

-also don't use acronyms without explaining, never assume the reader understands what you're talking about

mm other than that, you have the idea. i think lol.

p.s: i just posted my second prompt, if you have time please read it and let me know what you think.
hmirza   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / UC Admissions Essays (for transfer) - Keeping it Simple [6]

just some quick notes after reading your prompts

a lot of grammatical errors and missing words... that happens to me all the time, be sure to have someone proof read it for you.

prompt 1 - yeh you say you want to major both and have a passion then you kinda contradict that.. when writing i feel the love for anthro but not for socio.

prompt 2) you dont really answer the question. okay you love softball, you play it, coach... why is this important to you? how does it relate to you, as in what does softball reflect who you ... e.g leadership qualities, social etc

prompt 3) i personally dont like this tone, i feel like you're begging for admittance. everyone has hardships and obstacles you want to make yourself look like YOU will benefit them and not the other way around. i think you should rewrite it do that it shows that you are strong and state a couple of things etc and then itll be like and THIS is the reason why i think you should admit me...

again, im just a fellow student like you and this is just my opinion but i hope it helps.

i just posted my prompts if you have time i hope you can critique them. thanks.
good luck!
hmirza   
Nov 25, 2008
Undergraduate / UC personal statements 1 and 2 (transfer student, anthropology) [7]

well i hope you get into UCB because these are well written. they're clear and direct.
in prompt 1 you show good understanding of the field and your passion is clear.
prompt 2 is very interesting to me because i talk about curiosity as well. i just added my prompts please read them and let me know what you think. i think your input will be super helpful.

in any case good luck!
hmirza   
Nov 26, 2008
Undergraduate / Trip to Europe: my curious traits - UC essay [5]

omg thanks! you guys are awesome. i will definitely be using this.
and yes the repetition was done to emphasize but perhaps ill go another route. this was my first draft, i shall work on it some more.

thanks again!!

p.s: the trip was pretty awesome ;)
hmirza   
Nov 26, 2008
Undergraduate / I just don't know how to structure the essay about the world I come from! [3]

when is this due? either case don't panic we all have our moments.
i think kevin02720's advice is pretty detailed i can not say it any better but this is something that i personally do and always advise on it.

break the question down, make sure you answer all of them and then worry about how to make it all one big piece.

where do you come from? as in who are you as a person? child of a single parent? honor student? missionary worker? how did all these things make you who you are??

e.g. being a child of a single parent taught me to be responsible etc.

and then how does your past shape your future? e.g. if you come from a poor illeterate family perhaps it taught you to be dedicated and strong willed and makes you aspire to be the first university graduate to make money to provide for your family. or perhaps it taught you to take every oppurunity you can get, taught you the importance of education and so forth.

take a deep breath and take your time organizing what you want to say before you start your paper. brain storm etc...
you know i scribbled on papers for days before i actually got anything solid written.

hope this helps
hmirza   
Nov 26, 2008
Undergraduate / Poli Sci Major UC Transfer Personal Statement (opinions required) [7]

hi,
i don't like the way you start your topic. "After years of exploration and confusion, I have finally decided to major in Political Science" <-- do you see how it may sound like okay i've explored all my options and i was just so confused so i finally decided ill just stick with poli sci. i think you should remove it or change it to make it sound like poli sci was your calling.

other than that you answer the question. you might want to work a little on the grammar and vocab just add a little punch.

just my opinion, hope it helps.

gd luck
hmirza   
Nov 26, 2008
Undergraduate / Poli Sci Major UC Transfer Personal Statement (opinions required) [7]

much better... ofcourse these are just my view points so feel free to not take em however id like to make some suggestions:

sometimes taking us back first then telling us this is why i want to major in poli sci can be pretty dramatic.
okay let me clarify i like this part "I was born in a politically corrupt..." i think starting with that might give you that punch i was talking bout. so maybe you should consider starting with it then editing the rest of the paper to fit around that.

okay basically you have a good dramatic story to base your love for poli sci, exploit it! make the reader feel the hardships you went through and why it has instilled love for political science. it makes you want to understand politics, comparative politics, strategies and tactics.

also dont make america sound like gods gift to the world because any true political analysts knows that even america has a corrupt government, people are just unaware of it ( i personally love political science as well so this is my point of view)
hmirza   
Nov 26, 2008
Undergraduate / UC prompt#1 - transfer student, econ major [3]

wow, i must agree, a very well written paper. the only thing that i might want to point out is the ending. this was some advice that was given to me because i did the same thing and so im kinda just passing it on.

the referring of the UC schools and then stating "your program" ... you're applying to a lot of UC's and they are not all the same so grouping them as so kinda makes you sound like you're trying to fluff any UC you can get. the case would be different if you are applying to specific schools.

with that being said i think your essay is REALLY well written and i'd love your feedback on my prompts because it still kinda needs some work.
hmirza   
Nov 26, 2008
Undergraduate / 'one thousand different answers' - Texas Lutheran University Personal Statement [5]

pretty well written, some mistakes such as spelling punctuation and stuff... be sure to have it proof read by someone else before you submit.
also, i am not sure about the last line "Though I am still unsure of whether I would like to study English or Biology..." ---- i kinda felt that you are someone who is certain of what you want until that line, and it kinda doesn't add any significance to the prompt so it can be removed or replaced to reflect your strong certain personality (at least the one you should be conveying)

if you have time i'd appreciate it if you can critique my prompts. either case good luck!
hmirza   
Nov 26, 2008
Undergraduate / The Real Estate World - UC Undergraduate Prompt#1 [3]

hello,

i dont think this essay is anywhere near done :( . okay you have a defnite theme, you love real estate but you dont reallyyyyy answer the question, atleast not well.

also the tone in which you write the essay is such a conversation tone, you need to keep in mind the way you write and the way you talk are very different.

for example :
"Most times, my parents would take us to Toysr'us to buy us toys prior to the long journey. One time, I remember we went shopping for a toy and I couldn't decide what cabbage patch doll I should choose. The top contenders were between the one who eats, name Brittany, and another one who plays and name was Rachel. In the end I chose Brittany, but it was a hard decision."

this sounds so much like "this one time.. at band camp..." do you see what i mean? im aware that you are a freshman but i think you can do much better in conveying you articulate side.

i hope this doesn't sound harsh i'm just giving you my opinion, you need to keep in mind that thousands of people are applying for limited space so you need to shine.
hmirza   
Nov 26, 2008
Undergraduate / "I have no idea what world I come from" - UC prompt #1...again [5]

i don't know... i kinda like it. it is a little out there but hey you answer the question and you answer it differently. although one thing that worries me is its tone i mean even though you answer the question it kinda gives the vibe that you're antisocial "I view myself as an island" even though the point is to show who you are you also need to indirectly show them just why you will benefit them... or at least not convey that you're this anti social passive tolstoy kinda candidate

-if you have time please critique my prompts.
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