Undergraduate / Forensic science & Chineese ; Cornell Sup/ Intellectual interests [2]

This is for the college of arts and sciences. Here's the prompt:
Describe your intellectual interests, their evolution, and what makes them exciting to you. Tell us how you will utilize the academic programs in the College of Arts and Sciences to further explore your interests, intended major, or field of study.

My essay (has to be at most 500 words):
The prime suspect of a homicide's alibi was debunked by classifying the insect parts found in his car's tyre treads, which after a biologic identification, their characteristics placed the suspect's whereabouts in the opposite side of the country contrary to his reported alibi. This case expressed the potency of forensics science and science in general. It realized that my intrigue with forensic science began because it encompasses all sciences. My specific interests include computer science, and the role medicine plays in our society. I also seek proficiency in Chinese. Sometimes it feels as if I'm preparing myself for a government job, but it's too early to tell. I would want to explore these interests further within Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences.

In a public policy course in the 10th grade, we discussed that one of the sources of government control and oversight was GPS (Global Positioning System). After learning about its capabilities and limitations, I thought that computer science was a medium that with enough optimism, I could use to its fullest to solve pertinent questions. I also extensively use a cloud-based software called Prezi. I'd like to explore cloud computing as my CS Project. I was surprised to see Assistant Professor, Nate Foster's research focuses which not only consisted of computer science but linguistics as well. These familiar subjects included semantics, type systems, and data synchronization.

I've learned that the extensive Chinese classes are held in the extensive and unique Chinese and Asian-Pacific Studies major, but hopefully with a proactive academic adviser, I would be able to participate in this "intensive" Chinese language training.What strengthened my pursuit in Chinese besides my experience as a student ambassador in Beijing, was my revelation with deciding that medicine was indeed a rightful path for myself as well. "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down" consisted of conclusively unsuccessful cultural exchanges that costed a life, and strengthened my pursuit of a language spoken by a large fraction of the world. In the 10th grade, given a book meant for medical students to gain context on social and cultural exchanges within medicine, I learned of a harsh reality that I decided not to shy away from. I would like to broaden the group of people I can use my Chinese with, using Cornell's unique program.

I will use the resources of the College of Arts and Sciences to be involved in interdisciplinary studies to gain insight from my peers. Even as a prospective student looking in, I can tell that the adviser system must be well used, seeing the clean-cut requirements to either switch a major or add on either a major or a minor. Seeing this openness brings hope that there is an easy flow of communication between the student body and the faculty, something that I think is important. If one wants something, they would just have to express their concern. I'm relieved that I would have a voice at Cornell University. (493 words)

Undergraduate / Flexibility & Collaborativeness/ "We are not rich"; Tufts Supp; Curriculum/ Community [3]

Thanks for taking the time to look at this. Hopefully large changes don't need to be made, I've done plenty of editing on my own, but bias is a strong force...Thanks!

1. Which aspects of Tufts' curriculum or undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short: ''Why Tufts?'' (Suggested length is 50-100 words .)

Tufts makes me feel as if even during growth, I am still apt to contribute to world discussions. The flexibility in its curriculum with the option of double majors and minors is very appealing.Tufts is very clearly to me, a collaborative school. The university doesn't hide information from its students (or prospective students), but instead asks "What do you want to know?" That assures me that I have a voice. Its location in the city of Boston and the quality and resources within the academic facilities also tell me that I could be my best at Tufts. (98 words)

2.There is a Quaker saying: ''Let your life speak.'' Describe the environment in which you were raised-your family, home, neighborhood, or community-and how it influenced the person you are today. (200-250 words)

"Mommy, are we rich?" At five years old, I looked up at my mother standing by my family's shared perfume stand; the female and Le Male scents were intermixed. She stumbled into the living room to catch her breath from her laughter. My father inquired "żQuĂŠ pasĂł Kayla?" Hurt, I asked him the same question. His laughter soothed my naivete. "No. We're not." I had always lived a comfortable life with my parents. They never divulged their financial state until I was applying to boarding school with Prep 9, yet I was often importuned to appreciate the things I have and to understand that "money doesn't grow on trees."

"You didn't know you lived in the projects all this time?" Jonathan from the second floor confronted me in the 7th grade. I only knew my life's circumstances , which were very different from those on TV. I spoke to my parents in either Spanish or English, and made weekly phone calls to my Honduran relatives. Yet, my brother and I always watched "Good Times" and "What's Happening?"in the car, while my father praised Venezuelan President Chavez's policies, or my mother updated my father on my Taekwondo pum belt. I was raised in a comfortable, clean and orderly, one bedroom apartment on the third floor of 41-04 on Vernon Boulevard for most of my life. I have never looked at the "Welcome to Queensbridge South Houses" with chagrin. My upbringing and my involvement in Prep 9 shortly after making this connection are to thank. (253 words)

3. Explore your nerdy side. (200-250 words)
"Ideas matter." This is the catchphrase of Prezi, a cloud based presentation software. I am an extensive user of this software and have even been recognized as so by the website in a recent email entailing new features that couldn't have come at a better time. I ended up making a Prezi version of this supplement question--as a therapy session. One feels in control when physically maneuvering their thoughts. For each project, I learn of new software to properly manifest my ideas. I enjoy the converting of mp3 files to flv files in order to play sound on slides, learning how to edit screenshots, and even importing PowerPoint slides into my Prezi. I can spend countless hours on a presentation, but not mind them since they're so therapeutic.

Often, I make analogies and jokes, yet educated and correct ones as to not receive reprimanding from my peers, after stressful tests or labs in the sciences. It must be the convenience of learning something that I will be able to apply to my interpretation of information that contains related topics, such as understanding the significance of RNAi in the curing of diseases, after learning what double stranded RNA was prior.I even uncharacteristically deliver my jokes or nerdy comments in a relaxed maybe confident manner, using the hand ministrations I usually mock. I like indulging in my nerdiness through casual conversations outside of the classroom, even with people I don't know too well. My nerdy side doesn't hold back at times because I feel assured in my thinking process, yet leave room for improving the joke or my logic.

Undergraduate / "Integrated Learning Major" ;Syracuse U Supp/ Who or what influenced applying? [4]

1. Who or what influenced you to apply to Syracuse University?
A pamphlet exploring possible interdisciplinary majors was sent to me. To see the Forensic Science major at Syracuse University be referred to as an "Integrated Learning Major," was the critical moment that influenced me to apply to Syracuse. I finally understood why years of fascination and intrigue in forensics had led me to enjoy science in general. Forensics is a medium of science used as supporting evidence in court. Syracuse helped me understand this within a few minutes. Syracuse's greatest appeal to me was the fact that it was a research school yet, I could attain a communal experience that was also important to me. Testing and challenging what is learned in the classroom for self-clarification as well as to contribute to universal discussions, is the ideal outcome of research, and I would be able to accomplish this at Syracuse. I also couldn't forget that there was an amazing opportunity possible for Prep students to attain a full scholarship for an education at Syracuse. (164 words)

2. Who is the person you dream of becoming and how do you believe Syracuse University can help you achieve this?
The person I dream of becoming lies in the true essence of a Renaissance woman. I have gained a well-rounded experience within my education since my high school is not specialized and have felt the effects of being able to put what you have learned in different disciplines into a greater context. I have once been able to use references from a math class on the topic of infinity, to contribute to a Religion and Psychology class discussion. I believe that Syracuse University will allow me to be innovative with my curriculum and in general with the skill sets I'll gain from the core requirements. I could explore interdisciplinary studies at Syracuse. Albeit, a Renaissance person's self drive to accomplish success in their studies is important, the environment they're in is equally important. Syracuse's facilities that propagate innovation and collaboration is a proper environment to be in if I want to contribute to a discussion about world problems before I graduate. (161 words)

3. If you have had work experience, what skills and/or knowledge did you gain?
Something I had gained from my work experience was a confirmation of a strength I had presumed would serve me well at Kumon Midtown East: Reading and Math center. This quality was my curiosity and drive to learn new things. It made my job as a grading assistant and eventually a tutor, all the more fulfilling. I was not afraid to ask questions and always gave myself something to do; it was helpful that the other co-workers were proactive as well. I learned a different method of educating children that was quite distinct, yet effective in its own way; it incited, at a young age,independence and time efficiency when it comes to one's own work. I saw the managing side of running a learning center and the energy it takes to interact with parents, even down to how to advertise the center to within the community, and gained the unique experience of working for a corporate business. (158 words)

4. Our mission of Scholarship in Action, education for the world in the world, extends beyond the classroom to include engagement opportunities with our campus community, the City of Syracuse, and locations across the globe. Based on your interests, tell us what real-world experiences you might pursue during your education at Syracuse as part of this mission.

I would definitely like to pursue an experience globally. There is a strength in international relations that I believe is important in a diverse community, which I believe exists in Syracuse U, but is more potent when you immerse yourself in a global setting. My five-day trip to Beijing as a student ambassador was not just a cultural experience, it also left me well versed on the long and honest trek to success and to leadership. Whether it is for further study in computer science or exploring an efficient way of teaching English after having gained superb proficiency, I would like to return to China. Despite my sturdiness when it comes to tutoring, I really enjoy doing so, and would like to continue this venture to build connections with the community of Syracuse City. I am very fond of student council affairs and its potential as a liaison between student body and the faculty. I prize this type of connection in order to make the most of my experience and having reliable confidants. I can contribute to the strength of Syracuse.

Undergraduate / College of Arts and Sciences; UPenn Sup/ Engage academically [2]

Prompt: A Penn education provides a liberal arts and sciences foundation across multiple disciplines with a practical emphasis in one of four undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Nursing, or the Wharton School. Given the undergraduate school to which you are applying, please discuss how you will engage academically at Penn: (300 words)

I will use my Penn education as a foundation for making a mark on the Penn community by gaining insight on potential research through a Science, Technology, and Society major with a sub major in engineering. At the College of Arts and Sciences, I will engage academically through completing pre-med requirements, while focusing on a major that I believe is a great medium for solving world problems. First, one must understand the circumstances in which one is imposing their ideas, and I believe exploration within the College of Arts and Sciences will allow me to do this.

I would study abroad for global connections and an auxiliary to my proficiency in Chinese. There are several Chinese intensive programs that I can find myself immersed at places such as Peking University and Tsinghua University in Beijing. I'm glad Penn encourages students to go beyond the Foreign Language Requirement because this is exactly what I plan to do.

The University Scholars program entails the type of environment I would want to do research in. "An early start in graduate and professional courses" is important to me because I do not want to waste any time figuring out what I want to do. I have my general direction, but need the direct experience for self-clarification. I need this rigorous environment to help me thrive.

It is clear that Penn treats its students as individuals, and self-drive is needed to thrive in this community. The countless research opportunities are seeked out by the students themselves. I did not want to be binded during my undergraduate years and want to be in contact with as many different people and can do so with my multiple interests. Gaining success depends on how I execute myself, while Penn guarantees access to resources.