Undergraduate / Orlando's beauty/internship and employment opportunities; WHY CHOOSE UCF? [NEW]

Why did you choose to apply to UCF?

In April 2008, my family and I traveled to Florida to visit several schools. A family friend in her second year at UCF took us on a tour of the school she had been raving about. As we neared the campus I quickly realized Orlando's beauty. Driving onto the campus I was in shock, this was for me, a large incredibly beautiful campus with students everywhere, smiling, happy and friendly. Within the first five minutes of being on campus I was convinced I would be applying to UCF in the fall.

The first stop we made was The Towers. The living quarters are the best freshman accommodations I have seen. The short walk from the towers to the Bright House Stadium also had really caught my attention. We continued our tour, in and out of buildings, classrooms and lecture halls. The campus had me mesmerized! I had been on many college campuses, but no other caught my attention or excited me like UCF!

When we returned home from our trip I researched UCF. There are so many exciting opportunities and choices! Between the Golf Course Management program at the Rosen College, and the incredible internship and employment opportunities for graduates offered by the Business School, as well as opportunities to study abroad, I was completely convinced UCF was my number one pick! I am extremely interested in majoring in Marketing and designing my own personal certificate program. I am also very attracted to the organization "The Society for Marketing Professional Services".

It has been almost 6 months since my visit to UCF. I have worn my Golden Knights sweatshirt at least one hundred times, and each time I slip it over my head I am reminded of that awesome day in April when I came to realize UCF was absolutely the number one choice for me.

Undergraduate / "Next up, from New Jersey" - do you think I've answered the question? [2]

What qualities or unique characterisitics do you possess that would allow yu to contribute to the UCF community?

I step onto the tee box to my name bellowing over the course's loud speaker, "Next up, _______ from _______, New Jersey". A quiet round of applause meets the pounding of my heart, and from the corner of my eye I catch my coach and my father looking on with anticipation. My feet steady and arms sure, I swing knowing that I could not have gotten to this point without focus, perseverance and dedication.

Golf is my passion, and I have found it to be challenging and rewarding both on and off the course. Golf challenged me on the course to focus on perfecting my swing, to persevere through hours of practice, and to dedicate myself to lowering my score, while at the same time rewarding me with a position on the Lenape High School varsity golf team. As a member of the team I have further learned how to step up and become a leader, and in this role I contributed to winning a state championship. The driving forces behind the lessons learned on the course have found parallels in my academic career. As a student, I have learned that success will not come without focusing on my schoolwork, persevering through homework, and dedicating myself to mastering my subjects.

The challenges and rewards of golf have shaped and defined my life while teaching me to be a better student, and a more mature young adult. I am ready to take the next step, and apply the lessons I have learned, by attending the University of Central Florida.

Essays / Essay length - should I abide by this? [5]

When a college places a limit on the essay (250 words) should I abide by this? It seems others on this web site are so much longer for UCF (the limit is supposed to be 250 words). I saw one as long as 653 words! What is your advice?