Undergraduate / 'a Texas All-State swimmer' - Common app extra curricular essay [3]

Hey guys and gals,
Like it says, this is for the common app extracurricular essay where you briefly describe an extracurricular activity; I chose swimming. I think I went over 1000 characters so anywhere where y'all think I can could cut down some would be nice. Also, I'm not sure if the content Is deep enough, and maybe the end was to abrupt. Thanks in advance!

Pump. I feel the burn of the lactate acid course through my veins as my feet push off the wall. The water rushes past me as i tell myself twenty five more yards, and then it's over. For a moment I lift my head out of the water to sip for air. Pump. I feel my body begin to cramp up, but I push myself (further). I see the red flags, ten yards to go. Pump. Determined to breathe no more, I force my head under water. Pump. My hand clashes against the wall and the burn begins to fade away. It is instantly replaced with a sense of euphoria as I realize I had completed yet another one of my coaches nigh impossible ten thousand yard swim practices. After only two years of these practices, I was named a Texas All-State swimmer. These practices, and the accomplishments that came with them, taught me that if I work hard, and push myself to the limits day in and day out, I'm unbeatable. This simple philosophy has permeated all aspects of what I do, and has lead me to other great achievements in different activities.

Undergraduate / 'a highly challenging and competitive academic school' - why northwestern [3]

Not exactly sure if I answered the questions fully, tear it up though.

What are the unique qualities of northwestern and of the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying that makes you want to attend northwestern? In what ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified?

Among a sea of burnt orange and maroon, I stand alone, a purple wildcat. See, I've always been different. My dream's have always been bigger than the average person's, and not because I'm from Texas. After all, those who become truly great at what they do act differently and dream bigger than those around them. And I feel these dream of mine can be best achieved by attending Northwestern University. Let us start small, and expand, as all dreams should.

When I visited the university, I had a chance to work with part of the world renowned faculty Northwestern is known globally for, by taking a trumpet lesson with Professor Charlie Geyer. And although his and Professor Barbara Butler's track record for producing top tier orchestral players is unmatched, what impressed upon me the most was his pure love and excitement for teaching and playing trumpet, which has inspired me even after only an hour of being with him. They both have even held positions in top-tier orchestra's in the past, which means they can provide great information on how to get a job and keep it after college. What makes them so great though, is their full time jobs now are to simply teach there students and pass along the wisdom they have gained. Having a weekly lesson, and being able to contact them at will would greatly improve my trumpet playing abilities, as well as having the connection with them can help get a job after college.

The Bienen School of Music is most certainly one of the top music schools in the country. It attracts the best players of every instrument from all over the world. I would be able to perform and work with these people on a day to day basis. From playing in a chamber music group, or listening to a master class from a famed musician, to discussing aspects of music theory and why a composer wrote something the way he did. My depth of knowledge would grow tremendously. The school also has a very close relationship with the world renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Civic Orchestra. The Chicago Civic Orchestra is a great way to get some professional job experience from training with members of the Chicago Symphony. By attending the Bienen School of Music, my overall experience of playing at a professional level would grow exponentially, enabling me to be better prepare after leaving college.

Now, why does Northwestern University, a highly challenging and competitive academic school, appeal to me more than a small conservatory where grades mean nothing? Its simple really. Because its more fun. I believe challenging oneself is the only way to grow, so why on earth would I leave a whole part of myself unchallenged for years? Through Northwestern's quarter system, I would be able to keep my focus on music, but I would also be able to challenge myself academically. I could delve into areas of interest such as philosophy, and the theology of different religions, or get a minor in business learn to start my own gig company. All the while interacting with students of various backgrounds, interests and personalities, something no conservatory can offer as well as Northwestern University.

I choose Northwestern because it stands out from the pack, and it would best help me achieve my goals.