Undergraduate / Vassar "What aspects do you find appealing" [6]

Here's my reponse to the prompt "How did you learn about Vassar and what aspects do you find appealing?"
Thank you!

There are many "I want"s after taking Vassar's virtual tour on the internet.

I want to walk into Main Building, see the inside of this modern and historic landmark, and discover how this building has witnessed the start and perfection of Vassar education. I want to sit in Thompson Library and read for a quiet afternoon, while the sunshine leaks in through the Cornaro Window, illuminating the hall and the mind. I want to walk in Skinner Hall of Music and bring the traditional music from my hometown in there. I want to drink a fresh smoothie from The Atrium and stay happy for a whole day. I want to live in Noyes House and one day experience the different living style in South Commons. I want to take a stroll in Shakespeare Garden and breathe the fragrance of the plants. Oh! And I want to lie on the lawn along the Sunset Lake and read some favorite novels there in the afternoon...

For one simple virtual tour, I feel like that I have belonged to this place. The stunning scenery at Vassar is absolutely one of the many important factors that have been driving me to apply. Spending four years at this place would certainly be a wonderful, unforgettable memory in my life.

For my part, I have been interested in international studies since the beginning of my high school. And I found that Vassar offers international studies and adds some specialties to this multidisciplinary program. The foreign language requirement and the study away requirement sound very reasonable, and these requirements offer myriad opportunities. Another good thing about international studies at Vassar is that the program is multidisciplinary, meaning I can learn study different specific areas while focusing on international studies. This is an advantage in undergraduate studies and I am glad Vassar owns it.

Life after Vassar is another topic that I am concerned. However, after watching that YouTube video "Meet the class of 2008" in which many graduates answered the question "What are you doing after graduation?", I see that there is indeed a life after Vassar, and that life is usually diversified and fulfilling. Going to graduate schools, teaching in Asian countries, volunteering, working, traveling... These are all experiences that students can apply their Vassar education to. What is more, I know that life after Vassar is not just about schools and work. It is about lifelong friendships, formed personality and unforgettable memories.

I sincerely hope that one day, I may be able to walk into Vassar College and spend my four years there. I will get to walk every inch in Vassar; I will get to know people-to understand them, to learn from them, to discover them; I will get to know myself from a different perspective at Vassar, and make my potential perform to the best...I have dreams in Vassar, and hope these dreams come true.

Undergraduate / Upenn "Your interest..." (business) [4]

Here is my prompt: 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?

Here is my essay:

I have been interested in business, especially the Huntsman Program that integrates international studies and business. I have paid special attention to international affairs when in high school, and I have always wanted to conduct a systematic and professional study of the subject. Also, as math has been one of my best subjects, I have been interested in business and have a strong desire to take part in the business activities, especially those correlated with international affairs, by applying professional knowledge. The business world is constantly changing and it would be challenging and fulfilling to participate in this area. As my country China is playing a more important role in the world's economy and politics, I want to make the best use of what I learn in the program and contribute to my motherland. Huntsman Program offers great opportunities by combining my two most interested areas in one program. A dual degree from the school of arts and science and from Wharton school of business is very appealing to me. By combining my knowledge in both areas of concentration, I can develop deeper and more thorough understandings of how economy and politics have mutually influenced each other.

To me, Upenn is extremely diversified and dynamic. When I visited the school's web site, the first photo that came into sight was the one with students kayaking; their serious expressions on their faces show that they are dedicated and focused. I also saw the photo in which students were reading in the palace-like library, and their love for knowledge was clearly shown. In another photo, a student seemed to be doing research in the African forest, and I think it is great that Upenn provides a chance to engage globally. Upenn looks solemn and serene-by taking the virtual tour I could not help exclaiming how beautiful the campus looked from the pictures. I see Upenn from very different perspectives and each of them gives me new ideas about the distinctive characteristics of Upenn.

I believe myself to be a good match for Upenn, because I look for challenges, and Upenn is never short of them. There has always been a deep yearning inside my heart that drives me to explore the areas that I have never stepped my feet on. I not only look for academic excellence, but also perfection of personality by immersing myself into the community. I am sure that there will be an unforgettable life at Upenn and after Upenn. Deep down in my heart, there is a big Upenn that owns everything, and can give me whatever I want if I dare to seek.

Undergraduate / Cornell: School of hotel administration [2]

Please answer each question separately, using a maximum of 200 words per response.

* 1. Why do you think the School of Hotel Administration is a good match for your interests? (max 200 words)
I describe myself as an action-oriented person who wants to have an earlier focus on my future career while building a solid liberal arts education. I am interested in the management of an organization, and thereby hold a special attention toward business administration studies. International business has also been a subject that appeals to me. Hotel Administration is an interrelated major that combines many of my interests into one. Cornell offers a balanced course between theory and practice by providing work in hotel-related fields and special programs. By perusing the web site I became aware of the vitality of this course. Core curriculum provides a wide range of knowledge concerning hospitality management, operation, finance, law and information system. Electives, distributive or free, offer students personal space to explore. Also, the world-class faculty who can present the cutting-edge knowledge and experience to students will be rich resources to the class. School of Hotel Administration features itself with a center for hospitality research, with roundtables and forums acting between academia and industry. As for experiments and research, Statler Hotel, the teaching hotel, integrates course into practice. It even makes me feel excited when I think about the fact that there is an experimenting place on campus. The biggest thing that I love about Cornell Hotel School is that this is a perfect place where students learn theories and combine them with practice, and nothing attracts me more than a place where practical experience play a crucial role in the learning process.

* 2. Please describe your hospitality or other service-related work experience in detail and what aspect of this experience you're most proud of. (max 200 words)
By cooking I attempt to get a feeling of what it is like to work in the hospitality field. Usually I cook for my family when I am home. I prefer to create a dish with simple procedures rather than complicated tricks. For example, there exist exquisite techniques of when to add salt, soy sauce, garlic and hot pepper. Dishes may look the same, but the minor differences are things that mark out what is tasty and what is not. When I am standing in the kitchen, busy slicing, sautéing and steaming, I feel gratified and fulfilled. Some people would consider cooking as a responsibility, but I see it as a pleasure - cooking make me progress every day. When I bring dishes onto the table, the proudest thing is to watch my guests' "yummy" look. I want hearty praise from cooking. But more importantly, it is the process of creation, of constant trying and of dedication that makes me love cooking.

* 3. Please explain how you have prepared for the academic challenges at Cornell. (max 200 words)
I used to think about the most important factor for a student to survive in college, and my conclusion was to take initiative. Challenges can beat a person, but can also improve him. I believe myself to be a daring girl. I love competition with myself; I love to prove how far I can reach, and I love to take initiative and never let opportunities slip away because of fear. Another thing that I think is important is creative thinking. I often look at things from different perspectives and have open ideas. When I read, I not only receive information, but I also attempt to come up with new thinking patterns. When I act, I want things to be done in special ways. I am in the pursuit of creativity all the time, and my performances in many fields can prove my creative ability.

* 4. Please tell us about how you've demonstrated your leadership abilities and what you will be able to contribute to the School of Hotel Administration classroom and community. (max 200 words)

There are several aspects about myself that I feel proud of. First is my interpersonal skill. I have served in the Student Union for several years as the vice president of The League, and my work has provided me with many experiences. I like to deal with different kinds of people, and making friends has made my personal life more colorful. By communicating with others, I get to understand their lives and mine, too. Second is my coordinating ability. I was responsible for a dance in the 11th grade and I learned a lot from this experience. Although time was limited and we seldom had time for practice, I successfully organize the 20-people-dance and made it become popular among the students. Third is my confidence. In the 18 years of my life I have encountered many difficulties and setbacks, but never have I lost faith in myself. For one thing I am sure: life is full of ebbs and flows, and my confidence is what will get me through it. I will bring freshness to the community -not just because I come from Asia, but also because I have distinguished characters combined together to form the person ME.

Thank you!!