Undergraduate / Doing research with professors - What is most appealing about Columbia [7]

Please tell us what you find most appealing about Columbia and why:
As I read "The Man behind Money", a book on Alan Greenspan, I caught a glimpse of the Columbia University in earlier days. Greenspan attended the Columbia University in the late 1940s and during his time, Columbia offered one of the best Economics programs. Similarly, as a girl who aspires to be well-versed in Economics, I find Columbia's Economics program, which focuses on an empirical approach, most appealing.

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Undergraduate / Name a Upenn professor you would like to conduct research with and why? [4]

Response
I would like to conduct research with Professor Jere R. Behrman. Prof. Behrman's achievements blew me away by the sheer weight of numbers (230 over articles). No doubt he is experienced from his work in international banks and teaching in 40 over countries. What caught my attention were some of the papers he wrote. In 2002, he co-published a paper entitled "Does Increasing Women's Schooling Raise the Schooling of the Next Generation?". His titles, often intriguing, impress on me that he is an interesting man. I also liked the studies that he undertook, which seem to pertain to household behaviors. And perhaps above all, the most important reason lies in his interest in South East Asian Economics where he examines developing countries. Coming from Singapore, I certainly do take an interest in the Southeast Asia region. Prof Behrman is the only Economics professor who has indicated Asian studies as one of his field areas. Thus, I really hope to join him in his research.

Please tell me how I can improve this essay and if there are any errors. THANK YOU!

Undergraduate / Upenn essay - need help on starting [4]

Describe the courses of study and the unique characteristics of the University of Pennsylvania that most interest you. Why do these interests make you a good match for Penn?

I'm applying to the college of Arts and Sciences. The courses are very general since it's liberal arts. So how do I go about describing the courses of study? Also, can anyone tell me unique characteristics of Upenn that are not found on the website? THANK YOU!!!

Undergraduate / Columbia essay - convey a message on who you are. [4]

Write an essay which conveys to the reader a sense of who you are. Possible topics may include, but are not limited to, experiences which have shaped your life, the circumstances of your upbringing, your most meaningful intellectual achievement, the way you see the world - the people in it, events great and small, everyday life - or any personal theme which appeals to your imagination. Please remember that we are concerned not only with the substance of your prose but with your writing style as well. We prefer that you limit yourself to approximately 250-500 words (or 1-2 pages).

I smiled at the children as they penned down their thoughts on what they wanted to change about their lives. It was the last reflection session of the 3 day 2 night camp before we parted the next day. The camp, which was organized by the Children-at-risk Empowerment Association, targeted students who did poorly academically. I softly asked one of the Malay boys seated beside me if he could share his story. With downcast eyes, he told me that he would work harder in his studies and he hoped that his parents would stop comparing him with his elder brother.

These kids, I realized, were not dumb at all. All I needed to do was to explain to them the strategies and they would know how to win the game. Unfortunately, coming from low-income or dysfunctional families, many of their parent(s) didn't know how to teach them or didn't have time for them or were simply in jail. I felt a stab of pain as I realized how discriminating society has become towards these children who were less academically-inclined. The children told me that even their teachers had given up on them. I grew to respect these kids who despite their setbacks, continued to display a zest for life. They taught me to be humble while I taught them to be better persons.

I have been volunteering since I was 13 years old. Volunteering has long become a hobby of mine as it brings me satisfaction on top of learning experiences. It allows me to see the different facades of society; the elderly abandoned in the old folks' home; the disabled struggling to be normal; the other volunteers trying to make a difference. Somehow along the way, my heart has been molded to be one that serves the hearts of the needy. Sometimes, when teachers ask me what I aspire to be, my reply would be I don't know, but it would definitely involve helping people.

As I look forward to college, my purpose in life remains clear - to contribute positively to society. It was community service which made me realize how fortunate I was. Taking for granted many things like my parents' support, the opportunities I received in school and even the shelter over my head, I feel that there is a need to do something about it. I know now that my life will only be meaningful if I can serve my people. If anything, this camp was one of the most defining experiences for me. Through this short camp, I ascertained my aspiration to work in the public service commission. Hopefully in the near future, these children will receive better support and grow to be confident young men and women.

Do you think this essay tells you who I am? How should I improve it? Thank you!

Undergraduate / Why the University of Chicago?2 para essays. [3]

Question 1. How does the University of Chicago, as you know it now, satisfy your desire for a particular kind of learning, community, and future? Please address with some specificity your own wishes and how they relate to Chicago.

An ideal academic community of mine should be one that facilitates the exchange of knowledge. The community should comprise like-minded individuals who are passionate about learning and sharing. As no man is an island, I hope that the members of my academic community are collaborative and interactive so that we can advance together. I know that the University of Chicago is an exemplary model of my ideal community after reading testimonials of former students. Many of them expressed that at the University of Chicago, students are blessed with a nurturing environment where lecturers are always there for them. The students and teachers engage in active discussions and debates which often produce new ideas and perspectives. This culture, I believe, has formed the basis of the university's strong research culture. As I read my Economics textbook written by my professors at the National University of Singapore, I noticed a constant reference to works of economists from the University of Chicago. Indeed, the number of Nobel Laurettes from the university can attest to the success of its education. Hence, I sincerely hope to be part of this education which is known to develop critical and inquiring minds.

As a person with a zest for life, I believe in a well-rounded education which includes extra-curriculum activities on top of academic work. Well I am passionate about dance and community service, I do not mind learning new skills such as in fencing or bowling or being involved in expeditions and theatre. At the University of Chicago, there is a wide range of activities with more than 400 student organizations tantalizing people like me. Situated in an urban setting (third-largest city in the US), the university's night scene continues to bustle with life - perfect for night owls like me. What impress me most are the student welfare services. The transportation in the University of Chicago is well catered to the student's needs. It amazes me that a student can even request for a police escort car late into the night! Of course, this is part of the university's efforts to ensure safety in the neighbourhood. I am comforted to know that University of Chicago regards safety with great importance and constantly devises initiatives to step up its security. I will definitely excel in a safe and nurturing environment like the University of Chicago.

Could you help me check for errors?? Thank you!

Book Reports / Tell us about your favorite book. 2 para book review. [4]

Question 2. Would you please tell us about a few of your favorite books, poems, authors, films, plays, pieces of music, musicians, performers, paintings, artists, magazines, or newspapers? Feel free to touch on one, some, or all of the categories listed, or add a category of your own.

The Kite Runner, written by Khaled Hosseini, told a story that was forever etched in my mind. In Afghanistan, Amir was attacked by Assef because of his friendship with Hassan, who is a hazara (inferior race). Without hesitation, loyal Hassan stood up to Assef and threatened to shoot his eye with a slingshot. During a local kite fighting tournament, Hassan chases after Amir's last cut kite but runs into Assef and his gang. Refusing to give up the kite, Hassan was cruelly raped by the 3 boys. Amir witnessed the rape but was too scared to step forward. Later on, Amir who was ashamed of his cowardice distanced himself from Hassan and even framed him for theft. Soon the Russians invaded Afghanistan; Amir and his father escapes to California. One day, Amir learns the fate of his childhood friend, Hassan, who had a wife and a son. However, His wife and he were murdered by the Taliban when they refused to give up Amir's house. Amir rescued their son, Sohrab, and took him to America.

This book illustrated many themes like love and betrayal, guilt and redemption, cowardice and bravery, regret and salvation. It was especially provocative during the rape scene of Hassan when Amir chose to do nothing. A stab of pain pierced through me as I felt pity for poor Hassan who was too loyal for his own good. To Amir, I was shaken with anger and contempt. How could anyone be so heartless and ungrateful? His despicable act of spinning a tale to his father about Hassan stealing exacerbated my sentiments towards him. However, as the story continues, my perception of Amir slowly changes when he tries to redeem himself by looking for Hassan's son. Through this book, I also caught a glimpse of the ugliness of war in Afghanistan. A sense of gratitude towards the Singapore government arose in me as I thanked them deep in my heart for the strong defense and 24/7 security. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to enjoy the safe and peaceful environment like I do.

How can I improve? any errors? Thank you!

Undergraduate / Penn long essay - What makes you a good match for Penn? [3]

Describe the courses of study and the unique characteristics of the University of Pennsylvania that most interest you. Why do these interests make you a good match for Penn? (7900 characters)

As Pearl Buck said, "If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday." I couldn't agree more with her. I have attended 2 schools in my life: the first school had a century worth of history and tradition while the second school had no history or tradition. The difference was the culture of the school. In my latter school, individualism was dominant as there was no heritage to bind the students together. Perhaps this is why heritage becomes an important factor in my consideration of universities. I find the spirit of the University of Pennsylvania reflected in its heritage. Penn in its early years has displayed its vision for a relevant and strong education revolving around business and public service. I see a trailblazing spirit from its pioneering efforts of creating a new program of study and laying the foundation of America's modern liberal arts curriculum. Graduating as the pioneer batch of Singapore's first specialized school in Mathematics and Science, I do share this spirit of blazing new trails.

As I continued to browse through the website of the University of Pennsylvania, I was constantly drawn to the word "interdisciplinary". I realized that the core curriculum of the School of Arts and Science was one fine example of an interdisciplinary education. The school offers a unique liberal arts program which begins with a general education curriculum that entails a foundational approach and a sector approach. I see the beauty of such a program which imparts general skills of acquiring and analyzing new information across fields and yet deepening our understanding on a wide range of specific fields. Such a flexible program allows individuals like me to pursue a well-rounded education with no boundaries. What pleases me most is the geographic unity of the 12 schools. Among all the Ivy Leagues, Penn is the only university with all 12 schools located on one campus. I believe that this singular campus would provide a well-pooled resource network that would satisfy my love for knowledge. I am definitely looking forward to explore the world through the multi-perspective and interdisciplinary education at Penn.

Coming from a high school which places a strong emphasis on research, I deeply appreciate the learning opportunities offered by research work. I recalled the agony of lacking access to research papers during the literature review stage and laboratories facilities during the hands-on stage. Thus, the resources and facilities provided by the university are of great importance to me. Fortunately, Penn, being one of the world's leading research universities, offers world-class facilities and a reservoir of information that is growing exponentially from the contribution of Penn researchers. In addition, the singular campus would also offer me access to knowledge outside my field for research work. For example, if I choose to do an economic research that scrutinizes a certain law, I may walk over and talk to the professors at the Law School.

Benjamin Franklin, founder of Penn, believed that the true purpose of education was to promote service to the larger community. This belief has been manifested in the countless of community service programs and activities found at Penn. I am delighted to know that there are established networks in place (e.g. Penn Volunteers In Public Services) for me to do my part for the community. I started doing volunteer work when I was 13 years old and I do intend to continue when I am in university. I believe that humanitarianism has no boundaries and I will help people wherever I go. Hence, it is a great comfort to know that Penn supports community service and has programs to facilitate student volunteers like me. As I also aspire to join the Public Service Commission in Singapore, I am certain Penn's environment will be a good fit for me.

With its sterling academic program and holistic education, Penn attracts top scholars from all over the world. I hope to be part of this intellectual and diverse community as I know I can contribute to it. Most importantly, my interests are in tandem with UPenn's core values which I believe will allow me to excel in Penn.

Although the limit is 7900 characters, I wrote only about 4k words. Please proofread and suggest areas for improvement. I really appreciate your help. Thanks!(: