Posts by everfor

everfor

Sep 7, 2011

Undergraduate / "fascinated with science" - Duke supplement-why Duke? [5]

To amrosca:
Thanks a lot!
And I will think hard how to shine myself through....

And Anyone online please?
Please help review my essay in #3 and post some advice.
Thanks a lot!

everfor

Sep 7, 2011

Undergraduate / "Chemistry experiments and an unexpected discovery" - UChicago Essay [3]

I loved doing chemistry experiments when I was in Grade 9. At that time, I usually did a lot of experiments and had nermous strange and unexpected results.

One day, I planed to produce cupric nitrate by the reaction of copper and dilute nitric acid in the laboratory (the chemical reaction is : 3Cu+8HNO3=3Cu(NO3)2+2NO↑+4H2O) . I put some copper into a test tube. Then I poured enough dilute nitric acid into it . These two chemicals reacted slowly. At first, I could not see any phenomenon. About 5 minutes later, I saw a few transparent bubbles on the surface of the copper. About 18 minutes later (well, repetition can make it sound desperate. See the "about 5 minutes later" you used in the previous sentence), I found the solution turn slightly blue. I thought as time went by, the copper would disappear and the solution would turn completely blue. So I kept the chemicals reacting together in the test tube and left the laboratory.

The next day, to my surprise, I found the solution was GREEN instead of BLUE. I was confused. As I know, copper ions (Cu2+) are blue.

To find out the reason, I think it's important to compare with the "genuine" cupric nitrate solution. So I took some pure cupric nitrate and dissolved it into distilled water. Then, I saw that the solution was blue. Thus, I was sure that something unknown greened the solution.

According to the chemical reaction, I guessed nitric oxide or nitrogen dioxide (Nitric oxide can be easily oxidized in air to form nitrogen dioxide) may made the solution green. So I separately let the nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide go through the blue cupric nitrate solution. Finally I found that nitrogen dioxide turned the solution green.

Instead of producing cupric nitrate, I discovered that nitrogen dioxide could turn the cupric nitrate solution green. What an unexpected discovery it was!

---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
A solid essay in all, but as Powerfuldog says it lacks certain personality. Try to elaborate on what comes from your unexpected finding and let your personality go through.

Also, try to use some longer sentences to make your essay sound better.

Best luck:)

everfor

Sep 2, 2011

Undergraduate / "fascinated with science" - Duke supplement-why Duke? [5]

prompt:(For Engineering Applicants Only) If you are applying to the Pratt School of Engineering, please discuss why you want to study engineering and why you would like to study at Duke.

Please be harsh if necessary!

Thanks a million for help!
---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
Essay:

I have been fascinated with science ever since exposed to Einstein's theory of relativity, Newton-Leibniz formula and Schrodinger equation; the scientific analyses and rigorous thinking make me in deep infatuation. Through studies of science, however, the mere capacity of solving problems hardly matches my desire to put my knowledge into practice since I think functions of knowledge stretches beyond dealing with theoretical issues. Moreover, the experience of writing Java programs for Android systems and developing IOS apps for iphone made me aware that my knowledge did apply to practical use. Therefore, as Einstein distinguished science from engineering by saying, "Scientists investigate that which already is; engineers create that which has never been", I determine to study engineering for my undergraduate degree in hope to to use knowledge to create rather than solve.

In the research of universities, academics is my chief concern, and the vision of what Duke is to offer me in engineering studies is overwhelming. Due to my wide passions covering such diverse subjects as computer science and chemical engineering, I am uncertain which major to pursue ultimately. Hence, I do not wish to be set by a university in a narrow path raised by highly specialized studies. Nevertheless, Pratt's free access to four completely transferable engineering majors enables me to explore a broad range of knowledge rather than limit me in specific areas, providing an incredible room for growth that just fits me well. Apart from engineering courses, the chance to experience intellectual opportunities in Trinity College can as well make me more than an engineer through satisfaction of writing requirement or selection of a humanities and social sciences elective. Such interdisciplinary studies fulfill my thirst for comprehensive learning.

In addition, what attracts me as well is that study life in Duke goes way beyond classrooms. With knowledge acquired, I would be enrolled as a member in Duke Robotics Team, researching in artificial intelligence and developing AUV for the success of the program in AUVSI. Or I could conduct an intensive research like 192 Electrical Researching under the direction of professional staffs; I can, thus in this way, take thorough explorations in my favorite scientific topics and apply my knowledge to practical accounts. Ongoing events concerning my researches can be well documented in my Portfolio, an online repository through which I can share research outcomes and put my talents on display.

Besides the institutions and programs, Duke's unique student body makes it even more attractive. Wandering in wise yet retired Answerperson's blog I can pick inspirations here and there. "How do you organize your thoughts?""What is a real friend?" reveal true student thinkers who, I may imagine, frowned while meditating deep within themselves." Why do we drive on parkways and park on drive ways?""Why do dictionary have page numbers?" are real sparkles lit through daily details. I can envision myself sharing with these fellows inspiring minds which transform seemingly tedious everyday life into magic. I can see it when I got to know students camping out all night to get floor seats for the Blue Devils' Basketball Games. I can see it when I saw the students ally to raise awareness of LGBTQ issues in the Blue Devils United. Duke has an ideal student body, who does not fit neatly into boxes, and with whom I may make my college years exciting.

Few schools offer such incredible room for growth and campus life combined as Duke does; few possess such a strong spirit. With free academic circumstances and daring, inspiring fellow students, I can challenge myself and change my world.