bambamsam
Dec 29, 2010
Undergraduate / "discussions about anything from Plato to quantum physics" - Columbia Supplement [6]
Any thoughts? All constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated!
Prompt: Please tell us what you find most appealing about Columbia and why.
Growing up in a predominately Asian community, the mindset that I was raised with was "If it doesn't ensure a prosperous future, then it's a waste of time." For a while, I believed my parents' argument that the arts and humanities were good for hobbies, but nothing more. In high school, however, I found myself conflicted, because while I loved and excelled in the biological sciences, I found a passion for the humanities. It began in freshman year when I picked up my copy of The Odyssey. Entranced by the adventure as well as the history behind the epic, I reveled in the opportunity to share ideas with my peers about an ancient piece of literature. When I learned that upon admittance to Columbia, each student receives a copy of The Iliad whether they applied as a prospective literature major or biology major, I fell in love with the school.
The thing I find most appealing about Columbia is the Core Curriculum, because to me, it means that I can pursue my dream of becoming a doctor while immersing myself in the world arts, literature, and philosophy. Perhaps my favorite part of the Core is that it is not designed to teach students what to think, but how to think. An alumnus told me that the idea behind the Core is to enable Columbia students to have casual, intelligent discussions about anything from Plato to quantum physics. The thought of being able to talk about such a wide array of profound subjects sent a shiver down my spine. I knew that Columbia was right for me.
Any thoughts? All constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated!
Prompt: Please tell us what you find most appealing about Columbia and why.
Growing up in a predominately Asian community, the mindset that I was raised with was "If it doesn't ensure a prosperous future, then it's a waste of time." For a while, I believed my parents' argument that the arts and humanities were good for hobbies, but nothing more. In high school, however, I found myself conflicted, because while I loved and excelled in the biological sciences, I found a passion for the humanities. It began in freshman year when I picked up my copy of The Odyssey. Entranced by the adventure as well as the history behind the epic, I reveled in the opportunity to share ideas with my peers about an ancient piece of literature. When I learned that upon admittance to Columbia, each student receives a copy of The Iliad whether they applied as a prospective literature major or biology major, I fell in love with the school.
The thing I find most appealing about Columbia is the Core Curriculum, because to me, it means that I can pursue my dream of becoming a doctor while immersing myself in the world arts, literature, and philosophy. Perhaps my favorite part of the Core is that it is not designed to teach students what to think, but how to think. An alumnus told me that the idea behind the Core is to enable Columbia students to have casual, intelligent discussions about anything from Plato to quantum physics. The thought of being able to talk about such a wide array of profound subjects sent a shiver down my spine. I knew that Columbia was right for me.
