Undergraduate / "Everybody thinks of changing humanity, and nobody thinks of changing himself" NYU Abu Dhabi essay [2]

i was supposed to write a 300 word max essay on the following topic:

"Everybody thinks of changing humanity, and nobody thinks of changing himself"- Leo Tolstoy. How do you think your experience at NYU would change you as a person?

this is what i have:

'University' is a word which is very much known to evoke an assortment of reactions in different people. Some think of it as a starting point of realizing all potential dreams, and others think of it as a mere stepping stone to an even higher point in life where those ambitions come side by side with a life of comforting luxuries. I view university as the centre of self-improvement and positive change before anything else. I expect my experience at this esteemed institution to assist me in broadening my personal awareness of multicultural differences, as well as to develop my critical thinking to match the wits of the real world, and that, among other things, are crucial steps in changing oneself which, in turn, will lead to changes in humanity.

The overwhelming growth of peoples is leading to an astonishing array of cultures. To be able to take steps in changing oneself and understanding humanity, developing my own personal understanding of these different cultures will allow me ample room to be able to adapt to any kind of environment and to tackle most cultural barriers which come between a person and his/her successful communication with others. This will greatly change and enhance my perspective of different kinds of people and will make me a more tolerant person in so many ways. That is a quality that I believe will bring out positive modification and which I expect to gain from my experience at NYU Abu Dhabi.

Experience as a NYU student will also bring about an enrichment in critical thinking skills. I anticipate being more able to think along the lines of reality and to be able to conjure better solutions to any kinds of problems, personal, local or international, that may be thrown at me. An old saying goes, 'give a man a fish, and he will live for a day; teach him how to fish, and he will live for a lifetime.' I expect my experience at NYU to teach me how to fish, so I may live for 'a lifetime'.

unfortunately, this is 344 words long. what do u thnk i shud cut?

Undergraduate / Why do you want to attend NYU Abu Dhabi? essay [6]

I want to apply to New York University's new 'portal campus', NYU Abu Dhabi, and part of my portfolio has to include a 250 word essay on why I want to attend NYU Abu Dhabi. I have written part of it but I'm running out of impressive phrases to express why it's the choice for me. Here's what i have so far:

New York University brings to mind highly desirable characteristics in an academic institution, like top class education, rich cultural diversity, and groundbreaking research. With the opening of NYU's new branch in Abu Dhabi right here in my own backyard, it is now possible for me to experience the above attributes. I will be able to mingle with fellow global citizens and contribute significantly to the global network that NYU Abu Dhabi enthusiastically designed. It is indeed an ambitious project that I am determined to be part of. Not only will I acquire an intercultural education in Abu Dhabi, I will also be exposed to diverse customs, cultures, and lifestyles across all the continents of the world during my semesters abroad. Another thing that attracts me to NYU Abu Dhabi is the low student to faculty ratio. This will enable closer relationships between me and the lecturers as well as fellow classmates. I will be on the receiving end of a constant supply of inspiration, advice, and knowledge. As an engineering major student, I will be using all the new cutting-edge technology in state-of-the-art laboratories. I am confident that graduating from NYU Abu Dhabi will make me ready to face and overcome all challenges this world has to offer.

any ideas?