Undergraduate / "my low grades" - Northwestern- would you send an essay like this to a school? [11]

Essay Question: What are the unique qualities of Northwestern - and of the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying - that make you want to attend the university? In what ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified?

When you read my application, the first thing that will probably come to your attention are my low grades. Other than that, which is unfortunately the most important part, I think I make a good candidate for Northwestern; my test grades are strong, I have taken hard courses, and I have a solid list of extracurricular activities. Each day I have spent applying to colleges, I regret more and more not trying my best in school, which is honestly the reason why my grades are what they are. In this essay, I am hoping to convince whoever may be reading it that I will be a good addition to the Northwestern community.

For as long as I can remember, I have been an unconventional thinker. I am motivated to do things differently than what is considered normal, and I take pride in discovering new ways to solve problems. This is why I am interested in science and engineering; two studies which are most simply described as problem solving. When people don't know why something works the way it does, they look to science and scientists to explain it. The best scientists are the ones who can solve problems by looking at things in ways that other people might never think of.

My issue has always been that I find myself so interested in one thing that I totally ignore everything else. This hurts me as a student because it makes it hard for me to concentrate on my grades. There are times when I should be studying for tests that I spend drawing up business plans or researching things on Wikipedia. As much as I wish I was a person who was able to stay focused and get good grades, I am not and I never will be. I am inherently interested in bigger picture things. While it may not be good for schoolwork, I think it gives me an advantage in college and beyond where I am able to choose what studies to pursue.

With its large number of research opportunities, particularly the Solar Energy Research Center, Northwestern is a place where I will easily be able to find a field of study that inspires my full capabilities. More than any college I know of, Northwestern is committed to making real world discoveries and putting them to use. It is a place where people with big ideas can go to make a difference in the world. I think it is the kind of place that gives a person like myself the best opportunity for success.