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Posts by nogasa
Joined: Nov 21, 2009
Last Post: Apr 21, 2010
Threads: 14
Posts: 35  

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Apr 21, 2010
Essays / Archetypal Analysis [HS senior paper] AP literature class [2]

So im working on an archetypal criticism paper for my AP Literature class, and I need to analyze hamlet form an archetypal critic approach. Basically, I dont get how I do this, like am I supposed to just point out archetypes or what? I know this is a very complex/specialized question, so any help at all will be appreciated greatly.
nogasa   
Jan 18, 2010
Undergraduate / Story of My Own - NYU Poem Prompt #2 (comment for comment?) [9]

Okay so I submitted this app a little while ago, but now I'm wondering whether or not i should submit it to my school's creative writing club's compilation of works. Do you think it's good enough for that, or is it too novice level? Any feedback would be much appreciated.
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Jan 15, 2010
Undergraduate / Georgetown Main Essay: Tell the Admissions Coucil about yourself [8]

My hard work at school and my passion for literature has helped me to become friends with a variety of people I would have never known if I did nothad not OR hadn't pushed my boundaries and interests every day.

When I started driving, (no comma) though, complications arose.

As I go about my day, I must resist a natural inclination to do everything the lefty way-writing in notebooks, driving a car, shaking hands, sitting in school desks, turning around to get something-usually resulting in several klutz attacks in a crowded hallway or an infinite amountnumber of possible awkward moments.

I liked your essay a lot, how you took simple peculiarities like left handedness and being tall and made them your own. Thanks for reading my essay, and good luck with your app!
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Jan 15, 2010
Undergraduate / My life as an adventure tale...Colgate prompt [4]

So yeah I need help with this its due midnight tonight. I posted it once but i guess it got deleted, but i only had one response last time so i really need some now.

Critique for critique! (if you want me to critique back please leave a note in your comment)

All the usual advice and checks will be much appreciated!

246/250 words

Growing up, I fell in love with the adventure stories of characters like Odd Thomas, Rand al'Thor, and Chrestomanci. Inspired by the tales of these courageous and cunning heroes, it became my dream to lead a life never lived before. I refused to settle for mediocrity; I won't let myself just get by. I believe that in order to live life to the fullest, I have to use all my talents and knowledge, all of who I am, to do something great. Yet I also understand that by myself, I lack both experience and knowledge that I will need in order to take full advantage of life. Thus, I hope to learn from others new outlooks and opinions, so that I may become a more well rounded and knowledgeable character.

Because I was especially influenced by the idea of protecting others and want to bring balance to the world like the characters I admired, my sights have been gravitating towards a future in the justice system, possibly in a federal law enforcement agency or maybe as an attorney. And even though I realize my plans could change at any moment, I know that no matter what happens, I plan on living life in a way no one else can, so that I'll leave my own unique imprint on the world. My dream is to live a life worthy of being read about, and maybe, just maybe, my life will inspire someone else to do the same.
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Jan 10, 2010
Undergraduate / GWU: FBI to Boxing [5]

Okay so I've revised it, can anyone take time to read it? It's due today, so I don't have much time. Thanks!

Oh yeah, and if you want me to critique back, please leave a note saying so.
nogasa   
Jan 10, 2010
Undergraduate / GWU: FBI to Boxing [5]

So I really need help with this since it's due today, any advice greatly appreciated! Critique for Critique!

I had this posted on another thread which for some reason got deleted...so yeah this has been revised once.

Attach an essay of no more than 500 words indicating what most influenced you to apply to The George Washington University (required of all applicants). If you are applying to an accelerated or special program, also explain why you are interested in this program at GW.

My motto in life has always been "one opportunity can lead to a thousand experiences." I believe that George Washington University is one of those opportunities. Located in the nation's capitol and possessing a highly regarded academic system, I know the University is full of opportunities for me to take advantage of.

One of the first things I noticed about George Washington was its international attitude, something I greatly respect. I know that I could benefit from this, as I believe that having a global perspective is the best way to view and learn things from. In the ninth grade, I came across a Zen Philosophy book, and fell in love with the theories and concepts within its pages. Ever since then, I've had a passion for philosophy, reading anything from logic to ethics to ontology. I loved learning new ideas and how they relate to the real world. At George Washington University, I could pursue my passion by majoring in Philosophy, and I would also learn how philosophy relates to the world on a global scale. I could use the knowledge I learn from the University to pursue a career in the justice system, which I have recently become very interested in. Most notably, I have become greatly interested in a career working for the F.B.I. After hearing of the University's accessible and prestigious internship programs, I could definitely see myself applying for an internship at the J. Edgar Hoover building, taking advantage of options such as the Federal Work Study program.

When I learned of George Washington's Study Abroad program, I was intrigued because education in another country and culture would be an amazing experience, something that could change my life. I'd be especially interested into going to Israel or China, because both are countries rising in national significance and both happen to be offered by the University.

The University's TRAiLS program fascinated me, its weekly plans and events are activities I'd have a strong desire to be a part of. I've always loved to go camping, fishing, and backpacking, and would be thrilled to participate in activities where I could do go out and experience nature.

When I researched the University's student organizations and clubs, I was shocked to see the length of the list. During high school I was on the varsity wrestling team, and before then I had trained in the disciplines of Karate and Judo. Because of my love for martial arts, I was especially interested in the Karate and Boxing clubs at George Washington, where I could develop my martial arts skills and meet others who enjoy the same things as me.

So with George Washington University offering all these amazing opportunities, how could I just pass them up?
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Dec 31, 2009
Undergraduate / Boy Scouts Extracurricular Short Ans - Common App [3]

Thanks guys I really appreciate since I have to submit it tonight (a day early). I'll make sure to get to your guys' posts as soon as I can, but here's my revised copy for now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, and as always, critique for critique!
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Dec 31, 2009
Undergraduate / Boy Scouts Extracurricular Short Ans - Common App [3]

I really need help, I have to submit my common app tonight for reasons out of my control, so I really need this checked quick, i'll make sure to edit yours in return!

In the space provided below, please elaborate on one of your activities (extracurricular, personal activities, or work experience) (150 words or fewer).

In the first grade I joined the Tiger Cubs at my elementary school, and began a life long journey that would shape me as a person. Since those early days, I've become a Life Scout in Boy Scout Troop 773, and am currently working on receiving my Eagle Scout Badge. I've served as Senior Patrol Leader, the highest position in the troop, where I led and planned campouts and meetings. As I earned merit badges, planned schedules, committed countless hours to community service, led both older and younger scouts, and worked on my advancements, became a stronger leader and role model, and I saw myself becoming more mature, responsible, and hardworking. Scouting has become much more than an activity to me, it's become a part of who I am.
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Dec 31, 2009
Undergraduate / Boston U essay- three qualities (inquisitive, trustworthy, passionate) [8]

However, what really drives me is my passion for equality. I am a firm believer that everyone deserves equal treatment, and I am the first to point out discrepancies in the way people are treated.

Do you have any examples to support this? It's good, but I think you need something more concrete to back it up. You have evidence for the previous statements, but not this one.

There is no point in blindly following somethingIt is pointless to blindly follow along - if you do only as others do, how can you find your own self?

Good essay, and other than the suggestions I posted above I didn't see any issues. Care to comment on my BU essay? It'd be much appreciated!
nogasa   
Dec 31, 2009
Undergraduate / Victorious Little Umbrella Essay - Boston University Essay [5]

Okay so the introduction started as a joke but ended up becoming my intro and i'm not even sure whether or not I'm going to use it so feedback on that would be nice, as well as the usual critiques and edits :).

Critique for critique?

Essay #1: In an essay of no more than 500 words, please select three words that describe you best and tell us how you will use these qualities/characteristics to contribute fully to the BU community.

My history teacher once told me my first name, Nicholas, is Greek in origin and means victorious. My father believes our surname, Ogasa, means "little umbrella" in Japanese. Does that make me a victorious, little umbrella? I'm not sure, but I think there are three words that represent me better than those do.

I'm dynamic. When I do things, I do them with all my energy, and do them completely. When I study for a test, I completely devote myself to my books, spending hours and hours until I know I've got the material down, and then study a little more. In any athletic activity, I make sure to push my body to its limits. For example, after a workout, if I'm still able to do one pushup, I go back to lifting weights until that pushup is impossible. My wrestling coach gave me the Coach's Award, saying I was the hardest working member of the team, and it showed as after only one year of training I made the varsity team.

I'm spontaneous. My motto is "One opportunity can become a thousand experiences," and so whether it's doing something new or embracing the chance to excel, I never hesitate to jump in. Many times I surprise even myself when I agree to participate in an event or try a new activity, but at the end of the day I never regret it. Occasionally I'll suddenly introduce myself to a complete stranger or visit places I'd never even considered on the slightest whim. Last summer, my spontaneity took me on a home stay in a small Japanese fishing village, as well as a weeklong backpacking adventure in New Mexico.

I'm broad-minded. One of Zen's most basic principles is that nothing in the universe is better or worse than anything else. Everything just is. Following this concept, I always accept and embrace things as they are no matter what that may be. My openness has led me to discover my strongest passions, including Zen philosophy, Dean Koontz novels, martial arts, fly-fishing, and poetry. I never look at things as weird or freakish; instead I give them a shot and a chance. I readily accept things as they are and I'm actually comfortable outside my comfort zone.

I believe that with my energetic drive, whimsical outlook, and open mind, I can positively influence Boston University. With these traits I know I can become a hard working member of many study groups, classrooms, clubs, events, and activities at B.U. I'll be sure to connect with many different people, and I know I can become an active participant at the school, taking full advantage of any and all opportunities. By completely immersing myself in all aspects of the school, I know that I can not only become a well rounded individual, but can help others to do the same. So while I don't know if I'm a victorious, little umbrella, I do know that I can become a strong addition to Boston University.
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Dec 31, 2009
Undergraduate / Philosophy and Rochester - URoch Short Answers [3]

So these are short answers and I wish I could write more but I'm only allowed 125 characters.

Any critiques, grammar checks, and edits will be much appreciated.

In 125 words or less, please answer the following questions.

What makes the University of Rochester a good fit for you? In answering, identify your sources of information, including any conversations you've had with Rochester faculty, staff, students, or alumni.

Living across the country from Rochester, I have little access to firsthand knowledge. However, I extensively researched online, where I read student reviews of the school as well as reports about Rochester's characteristics. I learned of its admirable push for diversity and I was thrilled to discover its open curriculum.

When my counselor heard of my plans to major in philosophy, she told me that a philosophy program's quality doesn't rest solely upon its ranking, but on class size as well. Since Rochester is both highly ranked and has a small student to faculty ratio, she recommended it as a great place for me to study. With its diverse and personal atmosphere, I think Rochester would be a great place to pursue my education.

Rochester students represent many different points of view. Each student constructs an independent study and research plan. Describe what you will contribute to Rochester's diversity of ideas, experiences, and identities. If you can, incorporate a positive past experience where you chose your own learning path, or a negative experience where you wanted to exercise more independence.

Two summers ago I discovered my interest in philosophy when I stumbled upon Zen book lying on the floor of the library. From then on I was on a philosophical quest to understand more about life, truth and existence, and I read everything from ontology to logic. I fell in love with the theories and concepts of philosophy, and began referring to them in everyday life.

I believe my understanding and passion for philosophy will allow me to become an open minded, liberal member of the student body. Ready to do and open for anything, I believe that I will be able to fully embrace all the opportunities at Rochester, and in turn will be able to contribute to the university all that I can.
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Dec 30, 2009
Undergraduate / NYU Prompts: Daredevil to Heracles to Philosophy to Interpol (Crit. for Crit.) [9]

Oh yeah and here's another prompt, it's a short answer for NYU and I'm guessing not as important as the other prompts, but nevertheless, any comments will be much appreciated.

SHORT ANSWER: In addition to any work experience that you listed on your application, please tell us how you spent your most recent summer vacation.

Last summer was one I will never forget. First off, I read thirteen Dean Koontz novels, my favorite being Odd Thomas, and I also had wrestling practice five days a week, keeping me active. With my Boy Scout troop I went backpacking for a week in New Mexico, and I really experienced true independence. I also participated in a summer home-stay program where I traveled to Japan, lived with a family in a small fishing town, and fell in love with the country.
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Dec 30, 2009
Undergraduate / NYU Prompts: Daredevil to Heracles to Philosophy to Interpol (Crit. for Crit.) [9]

Okay so I decided to post a thread of the entire supplement, but I would like it if I could have attention placed especially on Prompt 4, and Prompt 1. Thanks!

Oh yeah, and if you critique me I'll critique you!

If you had the opportunity to spend one day in New York City with a famous New Yorker, who would it be and what would you do? (Your New Yorker can be anyone -past or present, fictional or nonfictional - who is commonly associated with New York City; they do not necessarily have to have been born and raised in New York.)

If I could spend a day with any New Yorker it'd be Matt Murdock, lawyer during the day and superhero Daredevil at night. With my sights on a future in the justice system, who better to talk to than a man who both practices and enforces the law? Over lunch we'd sit and discuss the inner workings of justice, how it saves lives, and the ethics behind it. We'd go to a trial so I could see law being interpreted, and at night when Matt dons his crimson tights we'd pursue criminals and aid the police.

Write a haiku, limerick, or short (eight lines or less) poem that best represents you.

I dream of seeing sights Magellan's Victoria never saw.
I yearn to be freer than Daedalus on the wind
I long to find love Darcy and Bennett never found
I aim to be for justice what Wyatt Earp never was
I aspire to achieve what Carnegie never could
I strive to be strong where even Heracles never strode
They all have their stories
I shall have mine.

In the year 2050, a movie is being made of your life. Please tell us the name of your movie and briefly summarize the story line. (I'm still working on a name for this, suggestions would be nice)

_____As a boy Nick Ogasa dreamed of having adventures like those of Crockett and Crusoe. Yet it wouldn't be until much later that he would realize his life was an adventure of its own. ____tells the tale of a man driven to bring peace and balance to the world, his rise from special agent to Director of the FBI, his take down of history's most notorious serial killer, his assumption as Secretary General of INTERPOL, and how he virtually ended human trafficking and terrorism on Earth.

Please tell us what led you to select your anticipated academic program and/or NYU school/college, and what interests you most about your intended discipline.

Two summers ago I began reading books about Zen philosophies. I became fascinated with its basic yet universal concepts, such as how everything is connected and that form equals emptiness. I branched out into other areas of philosophy, and read anything from ethics to metaphysics. Along with my passion, and the correlation between philosophy and higher LSAT scores, I decided to make philosophy my intended major, and am looking forward to reaching a deeper understanding of it.
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Dec 29, 2009
Undergraduate / Day with the suphero named Daredevil - NYU Prompt 1 [9]

If I could spend a day with any New Yorker it'd be Matt Murdoch, lawyer during the day and superhero Daredevil at night. With my sights on a future in the justice system, who better to talk to than a man who both practices and enforces the law? Over lunch we'd sit and discuss the inner workings of justice, how it saves lives, and the ethics behind it. We'd go to a trial so I could see law being interpreted, and at night when Matt dons his crimson tights we'd pursue criminals and aid the police.

Okay revised again this time just focused on justice as a whole.
Comments will be greatly appreciated!

Please comment.

Please.
nogasa   
Dec 29, 2009
Undergraduate / Day with the suphero named Daredevil - NYU Prompt 1 [9]

If you had the opportunity to spend one day in New York City with a famous New Yorker, who would it be and what would you do? (Your New Yorker can be anyone -past or present, fictional or nonfictional - who is commonly associated with New York City; they do not necessarily have to have been born and raised in New York.)

Okay here's what I've written.

If I got to spend the day with any New Yorker, it'd be Matt Murdock, lawyer during the day and superhero Daredevil at night. Who better to help me decide whether to enter law or law enforcement than a man who does both? Under a clear blue sky we'd sit and discuss the role, function, and differences between law and law enforcement. He'd bring me to one of his trials where I could witness justice being served, and then at night when he dons his crimson tights we'd pursue criminals and aid the police.

Any comments would be much appreciated!
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Dec 29, 2009
Undergraduate / Dangerously High Risk Essay: Yale & Brown [20]

I have been known to remodel train stations on my lunch breaks, making them more efficient in the area of heat retention.

That's from the Hugh Gallagher essay.

I have been known to study the intricacies of coffee beans from Starbucks, but I don't know why I don't drink coffee.

That's from your essay.

"I recently realized we use Bears and Bulls to characterize our stock markets, but I don't know what happened to the Sox and Cubs. I won the Pulitzer Prize for my plethora of publications but I don't know how to write a college admissions essay. I am a virtuoso violinist, an adept guitarist and a deft dancer but I am not sure why I did not pursue a career in the arts." - You

"I breed prizewinning clams. I have won bullfights in San Juan, cliff-diving competitions in Sri Lanka, and spelling bees at the Kremlin. I have played Hamlet, I have performed open-heart surgery, and I have spoken with Elvis." - Gallagher

Just like H.G. You just listed things you did. And if the entire bodies of both essays being similar isn't enough for you to reconsider, just look at your conclusions...

"But I have not yet gone to college." - Gallagher
"I don't know many things but, I do know that my admission ticket to Yale is in your hands." - You

Aside from the fact that both essays' conclusions are a single sentence, and that they refer to being admitted to college, and that they center around the word "but," your conclusion seems perfectly fine. Not. You should rewrite it or risk the admissions readers throwing your entire application away due to either plagiarism, lack of creativity, or something else.

BTW, we read the Gallagher essay in my junior year of high school, and i've heard it being referred to dozens of times. It IS famous, and the readers at Yale/Brown WILL have read it. Sending in your essay like this is like not even writing anything at all, not only does it lack substance but it is a clone of an already existing famous document.

Sorry if I came off harsh, but seriously you should rewrite it.
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Dec 29, 2009
Undergraduate / So many possible career paths for me, whether it's educating or working as a pro bono family lawyer [3]

Alright, your essay is good and it has potential, it just needs to be fixed up.

The prompt asks simply "what don't you know?"

Your essay first describes what you do know, which kinda goes against the prompt, as you say you know life is challenging and that you are lucky to be where you are today.

Then you start talking about how your parents sacrificed for you and how you owe them, but that doesn't relate to the prompt at all.

Then you say after that that you don't know what you want to become as long as it helps the world. While you are finally relating to the prompt, it kind of comes out of nowhere and has little substance behind it.

Then you say that with Brown's help you can accomplish your dreams and goals, which doesn't relate to the prompt.

Your essay needs to be more streamlined to fit the prompt; the part about how you don't know what you want to be works well, but you need to expand on that. The part about your parents, and the part about you needing Brown don't really need to be there.

Sorry if i came off as harsh, and good luck with your admission!
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Dec 29, 2009
Undergraduate / NYU Supplement - famous New Yorker, year 2050, short poem [15]

AIRanimechiic-

I don't think that a character from a book on the NY Bestseller list qualifies, simply because they have nothing to do with New York. People in New York may have liked the book, but that doesn't make the character a "New Yorker."

Anyone want to review my NYU Prompt 3 - Describe a movie of your life? I'll critique you if you critique me.
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Dec 29, 2009
Undergraduate / NYU-2050 MOVIE (newspaper incident) [3]

I think it's good but the prompt does say that the movie is about your life, not just one incident. But that's just what i interpreted it as, maybe they will accept a single event just as readily as a life story.

Also, you might want to put more in your story about you. Aside from that you taught at the school, the reader doesn't learn much about you.

Living a perfect life as HSBC's financial manager, Ross never had anything to worry about. But one morning, a newspaper headline brought him the distress he hadn't felt in years-Gunmen Taken Students Hostage for Money in Indian Volunteer School. He panicked as his eyes widened at the photo adjacent to the headlines. Why, it was the same school that he taught at 40 years ago! Ross hurries and (hurriedly)flies to India to save the children in the school. But will he reach them in time?

Sorry if i came off as harsh, but i hope i at least kinda helped.

Review mine?
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Dec 29, 2009
Undergraduate / Crockett to INTERPOL - NYU Prompt 3 [7]

That's a good suggestion, i'll look in that direction. I'm still wondering whether its better to be simple or clever though.

I was also thinking maybe something along the lines of "My Adventure." I want a title more interesting than just that though, "My Adventure" seems too plain.

Other considerations are Peacekeeper, Driven to ____, Peacedrive, or something like that.
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Dec 29, 2009
Undergraduate / Crockett to INTERPOL - NYU Prompt 3 [7]

In the year 2050, a movie is being made of your life. Please tell us the name of your movie and briefly summarize the story line.

_____As a boy Nick Ogasa dreamed of having adventures like those of Crockett and Crusoe. Yet it wouldn't be until much later that he would realize his life was an adventure of its own. ____tells the tale of a youth driven to bring peace and balance to the world and his rise from special agent to Director of the FBI, his take down of history's most notorious serial killer, his assumption as Secretary General of INTERPOL, and how he virtually ended human trafficking and terrorism on Earth.

I only have 500 characters to use, and I can't figure out a name for this. I was thinking maybe something like balancing force, but then again it doesn't exactly fit. Any suggestions?

And the usual critiques will be much appreciated as well!
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Dec 29, 2009
Undergraduate / Day with the suphero named Daredevil - NYU Prompt 1 [9]

chanj yeah i was thinking that too but then i thought about how many people would actually do fictional new yorkers, and how many of them would do superheroes, and then how many of them would do daredevil, and by then i was too tired to think anymore so i just said whatever and chose Daredevil. But yeah I thought spiderman would be too popular too.

oh and snorlaxitive haha i misread the 500 character count for 500 word count, so yeah i have some condensing/rewriting to do. But i still am not sure about Daredevil or not. Maybe I'll just do Moe Berg.

Oh yeah, and i plan on majoring in philosophy and minoring in pschology.
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Dec 29, 2009
Undergraduate / Day with the suphero named Daredevil - NYU Prompt 1 [9]

Thanks for the site it opened my eyes a bit, but it made me rethink doing Daredevil. I'm wondering whether a fictional person is wise or not. And yeah i agree i do need to expand on myself in the essay rather than describe the person i'm with.
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Dec 29, 2009
Undergraduate / NYU SUPP-- 2050 movie, short poem, why NYU [7]

The Poem can be a maximum of 8 lines, so you might want to consider downsizing it a bit. Condense the material and you'll be fine.

The premise of the movie is good, but perhaps go into more detail about how you change the school when you return, and what obstacles you will face there. Also, the title could be a little more creative i think.

Good luck with your NYU app, could you review my Prompt 1 and 2s?
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Dec 29, 2009
Undergraduate / Day with the suphero named Daredevil - NYU Prompt 1 [9]

If you had the opportunity to spend one day in New York City with a famous New Yorker, who would it be and what would you do? (Your New Yorker can be anyone -past or present, fictional or nonfictional - who is commonly associated with New York City; they do not necessarily have to have been born and raised in New York.)

So I saw the word "fictional" and decided I'd take the riskier route and choose a new yorker who doesn't really exist. It took some time but i settled on Daredevil. First off I'd like to know if you think it's a good idea, or a bad one.

Here's what I have so far, I don't really know what direction to go from here. I was going to focus on the fact that he's a lawyer during the day, but i'm not really sure what to do from there.

"Um yes I think I'll order the bacon and cheddar omelet" I tell the waiter, before handing the diner's breakfast menu to him. I look across the table at my friend, Matt Murdock, who is still deciding what he wants.

Although he's blind, Matt needs no assistance in reading the menu. Using his heightened sense of touch, he simply brushes his fingers across the letters of the page in order to read the description of each dish. "I'll have the steak and hash combo" he finally decides. The waiter jots down the order, takes the menu, and walks away.

Although he's one of the best around, not many people know Matt Murdock the lawyer. Most know him by another title, the fearless superhero Daredevil. As a boy, Matt lost his sense of sight when some radioactive wasted accidentally splashed into his eyes. While the radiation destroyed his vision, it greatly enhanced all his other senses. Nowadays, he uses his heightened abilities to fight New York's crime, donned in crimson tights and armed with his trademark Billy club.

Our orders arrive, and we devour them in a very short amount of time. After the bill is paid, Matt suggests we head over to his office, so he can show me what he does for a living. I agree, and so we walk to Nelson & Murdock Law Offices.
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Dec 29, 2009
Undergraduate / "Life is full of surprises" - Prompt 3 for WashU and Vanderbilt [4]

That was a really good essay, I liked it a lot. It was easy to read and by the end i felt like i knew exactly what you wanted to say. Honestly i hate when posts don't have any suggestions but i don't really see what i could do to improve the content of your essay. Good job!
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Dec 29, 2009
Undergraduate / Story of My Own - NYU Poem Prompt #2 (comment for comment?) [9]

Write a haiku, limerick, or short (eight lines or less) poem that best represents you.

Alright all the commentary was good thanks a lot guys here's the revised version. I decided to add the line in and emorris while i didn't take your line completely, it helped me brainstorm and come up with the new one. And verily you were right the Carnegie line was pretty weak, now that i look back it seems really cliche, i'm sure success is in every single essay, so thanks for pointing that out. But the Carnegie line still seems somewhat sketchy to me.

Any feedback on any part of the poem would be GREATLY appreciated! If you critique my poem and want me to do the same for you, please leave a note saying so in your comment. Thanks!

I dream of seeing sights Magellan's Victoria never saw.
I yearn to be freer than...

SEE ABOVE
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Dec 28, 2009
Undergraduate / Story of My Own - NYU Poem Prompt #2 (comment for comment?) [9]

Alright I'm contemplating adding one more line to the poem.

"I look to live an adventure even Heracles would envy."

What do you think? I'm not sure whether or not to include it. If i did, i think it'd go after the line about Carnegie.

Please comment, about this or any other part of the poem, it'd be much appreciated.
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Dec 28, 2009
Undergraduate / "R-r-rrrrring!" - Common App prompt [12]

I liked your essay a lot and I thought it was well written. However i think you could expand more on how the experience affected you. About 90% of your essay is just the experience, i think if you went deeper into how it impacted you and changed you as a person your essay would stand out more. Lots of people will be submitting essays centered on hardship, so its up to you to make yours personal. Good job and good luck!
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Dec 28, 2009
Undergraduate / Story of My Own - NYU Poem Prompt #2 (comment for comment?) [9]

Write a haiku, limerick, or short (eight lines or less) poem that best represents you.

I've never written poetry before so I don't know if i need to fix the structure or change the syntax or anything like that, so any comments about anything will be much appreciated.

I dream of seeing sights Magellan's Victoria never saw.
I yearn to be freer than even Daedalus on the wind
I long to find love Darcy and Bennett never found
I aim to be for justice what Wyatt Earp never was
I aspire to overcome what Carnegie never could
I strive to be strong where even Heracles never tread
They all have their stories
I shall have mine.

In case you don't understand the allusions:

Magellan was the leader of the first circumnavigation of the globe, although he himself didn't complete the voyage; he was killed in the Philippines. Of the five ship fleet, the only ship that made it was the Victoria.

Daedalus was the character in an ancient greek tale. He was a legendary inventor, and because of his knowledge was imprisoned by an enemy. However, using his brains he created wings out of feathers and wax, and with his son was able to fly away into the sky with his wings.

Darcy and Bennet are from the story Pride and Prejudice, and I'm not going to summarize that entire book.

Wyatt Earp was a famous sheriff and symbol of justice in the old west. He's a popular subject in western films.

Andrew Carnegie was a rags to riches story of the same period as Ford and Rockefeller. He started as a poor irish immigrant and grew to be one of the richest men in the world.
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Nov 29, 2009
Undergraduate / UC 1: family was my influence [6]

"My first pet, a hamster, kindled a desire in me to help animals. I was told that the little guy bit me while I was asleep, but that didn't stop me from loving animals."

It's kind of contradictory, and it is also kind of redundant. I don't really see how it fits in with the essay, so you might want to consider leaving it out.

I appreciated the rare opportunity to gorge on delicious junk food (I rarely do that now).

You don't need to say that, and you'll save a few words by leaving it out. I don't think the readers care much about your diet :).

When[ever] I struggle with homework, usually [especially] math, I always go to my sister [for help].

I have been in a higher level math class since eighth grade, and [since then] have done [been doing] well{comma} even after [though] my sister moved to Reno in 2007.

I liked your essay a lot, good luck with your admission! And thanks for reading mine!
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Nov 29, 2009
Undergraduate / Ghosts and Gods and Demons and Dragons - UC Prompt #1 [7]

Okay so this is the essay as of now, i changed what i thought would help. All the suggestions were helpful, and helped me think critically about my writing. More will be happily appreciated!

The thing i'm slightly worried about is whether or not the second and third paragraphs transition well. Any suggestions as to how to help it flow better would be great!
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Nov 29, 2009
Undergraduate / "How i could stand up once again to pursue my dream" - UC Prompt [3]

"Among all my classmates, my homeroom teacher had recommended me for the club. I got involved in it. "

Maybe you could combine them, because "I got involved in it" is a little bit too short and abrupt.

"Don't you like it? I thought you have [know you've] been participating for [in] many science fairs and it proved that your grade is only a superficial thing [ "shown me your grade is only a superficial thing, and that they don't reflect your interests nor your potential".[ Your grades indicate neither your interests nor potential abilities. I hope to see you doing [think you'll do] well in the club."

After [the/our] headmaster's long admonitory speech, we were given our first task for the semester.

After the demonstrations of other groups [the other groups' demonstrations], finally we [finally] launched our space ship launched into the air and it flew in a vertical line.

Study[ing] is the best way to secure success in your life."

I liked your essay, I felt like i understood what you were saying well.

Check my essay?
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Nov 29, 2009
Undergraduate / I was waiting for an epiphany. It hasn't come. Any advice on choosing a topic? [2]

I did the same thing as you, I just sort of drifted around for a few months before the deadline, waiting to see if i could anything to write about, waiting for that epiphany. Unfortunately, it never happened.

Here are some things i did:

Ask friends or family what they think stands out about you
Focus on a hobby and what you learned from it
Anything that has affected you
Any person that you look up to
Any event that has changed you
Write about something you want to become, and why

Something else i've noticed is that while you're writing about one thing, you'll realize something completely different you could write about, and so you move on. You sort of have an epiphany while writing. Good luck!

And if you have time, do you think you could critique my essay?
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Nov 29, 2009
Undergraduate / my determination will help me strive in BU - common application supplement essay [4]

When I read again what I previously wrote I was very pleased. [It's not always a good idea to refer to the essay within the essay, maybe write another topic sentence?] I'm confident that my determination will help me strive in my academics, my open "mindness" [mindedness] will broaden my perspective, and my acceptance [I don't think acceptance really works there, maybe "willingness" or something like that, you're not really accepting to overcome flaws, you're willing to overcome them.] to overcome my flaws will all help me give back and succeed at Boston University.

I liked your essay a lot, I'm also applying to BU, so maybe we'll see each other there.

Check my essay?

UC Prompt 1
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Nov 29, 2009
Undergraduate / Ghosts and Gods and Demons and Dragons - UC Prompt #1 [7]

This is my second essay for Prompt #1, because I don't think my other one really answered the prompt well and I think this one is more heartfelt.

Its 249 words long, and 250 is my limit, so not much more I could add unless I took stuff out. So yeah, any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

My world is a place filled with mystery and magic, with ghosts and gods and demons and dragons. My world is a place where nothing is impossible, and where men make a difference. My world is the literary world.

From the moment I had learned to read, I had been on a rampage. I would read more books than any of my classmates; while my friends would grimace at the thought of reading, I'd beam. I idolized characters like Chrestomanci, Odd Thomas, and Rand al'Thor. From these characters, I learned lessons school could never teach me, and developed an imagination I never would have otherwise.

Inspired by these tales of courageous heroes and cunning characters, it became my dream to lead a life never lived before. I don't want to settle for mediocrity, nor do I want to just get by. I wanted to use all my talents and knowledge, all of who I was, to do something great. Since I was especially influenced by the concepts of protecting others and wanted to bring balance to the world like the characters I admired, I've been gravitating towards a potential future in the justice system, possibly in a federal law enforcement agency or maybe as an attorney. And even though I know my plans could change at any moment, I also know that no matter what I do, I plan on living life in a way no one else can, so that I'll leave my own unique imprint on the world. My dream is to live a life worthy of being read, and maybe, just maybe, my life will inspire someone else to do the same.

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