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.

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.

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?

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.

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.