Posts by CultureChic

CultureChic

Jan 1, 2010

Undergraduate / Brown-Best advice: "Be sexy, confident" [6]

This doesn't contradict your common app essay. To me, it kind of explains it. You have high expectations in your life because of this experience. You thought it was certain that you were inferior because you're a woman and you never thought there was any other alternative, but this experience made you realize that nothing is certain. It makes sense! It's very well written.

If you get the chance in between applications, I'd appreciate it if you look over mine. Good luck!

CultureChic

Jan 1, 2010

Undergraduate / "a self-proclaimed mutt." - Stanford Roommate Essay [3]

Prompt: Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. What would you want your future roommate to know about you? Tell us something about you that will help your future roommate -- and us -- know you better.

Be as harsh as you like. Any comments, criticisms, or whatever are truly appreciated!

I am a self-proclaimed mutt. I'm not using this word as a self-depreciating term but rather as an illustration of my diversity; no single category, culture, or personality type will ever fit me completely. I am and I prefer a variety in many things, from friends to food. A mixture by culture, I was born of an Asian mother and an American father, and I was raised in various countries of Europe for more than half of my life, moving every four years or so.

As for my interests? I am also quite a mélange in those, too; I am fascinated by the sciences, yet consider myself quite artistic. I enjoy the fine arts, yet also take pleasure from health and fitness. My hobbies range from skydiving to self help books.

I can be firm and stand my ground, yet my mind is always open. I will never dismiss an idea without first exploring it... or a bad-smelling food without first trying it. I am a grounded individual and I habitually place work before play. Work has a deadline. Fun does not. Obligations aside, I am a thrill seeker and I like to have a good time, as long as it's within the reasonable boundaries of not risking my own or another's safety. My lifetime goal is to be able to use what I learn, what I am capable of, and everything that I am to help others in any way that I can.

Some say I'm unique, and I take that as a compliment. Some say I'm weird, and I take that as a compliment, too. It's impossible to sum myself up in eighteen hundred characters or less, but as we get to know each other, you'll discover many more quirky characteristics about me, such as that I like to paint designs on my nails, or that I study body language in my spare time. So, no matter your culture, interests, personality, or quirky tendencies, I look forward to knowing you.

CultureChic

Jan 1, 2010

Undergraduate / "apply it to society" - Stanford Essay Questions [11]

I personally like the second one. The first one is good as well, but I think the second one shows more maturity, and it shows that you're open-minded and willing to take risks and learn new things, which is what I think colleges like to hear. They're both very well-written and I can't think of any improvements...they're perfect as they are. (Just one grammar thing though: " Stretch your right arm out in front of you," he said.)

If you get the chance inbetween answering your essay prompts, I'd appreciate it if you look over mine. See you at Stanford! (Hopefully)

CultureChic

Jan 1, 2010

Undergraduate / "help guide me to where I can be" - why is stanford a great place for me? [7]

I would cut out "I've always been the top student in my class and was voted "Most Likely To Succeed"." A better place for this type of information would be in the "Additional Information" section, if at all. If your grades are good, I think they will speak for themselves. I don't mean to be harsh, but I'm just thinking about how many students will apply here and try to make their academic achievements known as much as possible, but come off sounding like self-praising egoists. Your essay isn't that high on the egoist scale, I've definitely seen worse, but still you might want to tone it down a little.

The part about the community colleges sounds like you're saying you're too good for them, even though this might not be what you intended. I'd focus more on how Stanford is a better choice (more intellectually stimulating, cultural, etc.) than how a community college is not good enough for you. Maybe you could say how you would rather shoot for the top than play it safe.

Otherwise, you're on a good track. See you at Stanford! (Hopefully)