Undergraduate / (training centers / laboratories) University of Michigan Supplements [5]

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (Approximately 250 words)

In Alexandria, my home town, there are only very few training centers that prepare students for national programming and robotics contests, so most of the students who go there know each other and form a community that shares their common interest. My brother, Emad, was the first to become a part of this community and 2 years later when I was in grade 8 I followed on his footsteps and won a gold medal in the Egyptian Olympiad in Informatics. Previously, I was known there as "Emad's brother", as he was a member of the national team of programming and has won international medals. Even though I was proud of him, I wanted to be known for my own achievements, so I participated in the World Robotics Olympiad. I remember the day before the qualifications; I brought my sleeping bag with me to the training center so I can work at midnight and then rest for 2 or 3 hours before the contest. However I did not use it! I stayed awake for almost 30 hours continuously. Fortunately, it all paid off as my team was qualified for the international competition and there we won 2nd place in the world, becoming the only Arab team in the top 8. I could hear things such as "it runs in the family" and "it must be the genes". I transformed from being "Emad's brother" to one of the Williams brothers. I now help new students if they need some sort of aid or advice.

Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests? (500 words maximum)

When I was a kid, my uncle, who is an engineer, took me several times on tours to the factory of lifts and heavy machinery where he works. He had a passion for his job, and I remember how he jubilantly used to show me the new machines he was working on. At the end of the tour, he would let me stay with the other engineers. I was very attentive to everything they explained, from hydraulic systems to control circuits. Last summer, I decided to do a 3 weeks training job at the same factory. This time, however, I got to do stuff on my own. I learned SolidWorks, helped in designing some machine parts using that program and watched while the CNC machine built it. It was the first time for me to actually build a complex structure! I get this amazing feeling, the adrenaline rushing through my veins, after transforming an idea into something tangible that moves. I also experienced this feeling when I tested my robot for the first time. It's basically why I wanted to become an engineer: to build and innovate.

I am member of the Competitive College Club in Alexandria, Egypt sponsored by EducationUSA. During the club sessions, we share experiences and news about colleges in the US. One time a colleague who knew my passion about engineering gave me a link of a video called "This is Michigan engineering". This video became the spark that lightened my extreme desire of studying at UM. It showed me how competitive the engineering is at UM. From building the world's fastest robot to winning the solar car race, it seemed to me that UM would help me thrive as an engineer and achieve all my goals in the field. When searching the internet, I discovered that UM teams have also won many different robotics competitions. I was very excited because I am most productive working in such competitive atmosphere. I can't wait to pull an all-nighter working on some project with a group of students! Also the diversity of the student body would allow me to work with students from different cultural backgrounds, which I believe would widen my horizons to new things that I might not have known existed.

Besides the enriching curriculum of mechanical and electrical engineering, which I want to obtain degrees in, I was attracted to the huge number of laboratories that were built for almost anything! Using the education I would get in the school of engineering and the research facilities at UM, I have a dream of working on humanoids that would have both the flexibility of the human body and the decision-making ability of the human brain, all combined with the accuracy and speed of computers. It is my dream to make a robot such as the one in Bicentennial Man (of course without all the accompanying emotions!). The possibilities for its applications are endless, and such robots would significantly facilitate our lives.

Undergraduate / (academics and social life / speak life / house) - Tufts essayds [6]

#1 Which aspects of Tufts' curriculum or undergraduate experience prompt your application? In short: "Why Tufts?" (50-100 words)

In Tufts, I find the perfect balance between academics and social life . Its international atmosphere would introduce me to different cultures and would widen my horizons to things I may not have known existed. Moreover, after watching the supplementary videos of some Tufts applicants on YouTube, I realized I would not only learn from professors but also from students.

In addition to its quality education and research opportunities, I admire Tufts curriculum's flexibility. It would allow me to double major in both mechanical engineering and computer science which would help me further explore my interest in robotics.

#2 2. There is a Quaker saying: ''Let your life speak.'' Describe the environment in which you were raised--your family, home, neighborhood, or community--and how it influenced the person you are today. (200-250 words)

I grew up in a family of engineers who have always encouraged me to be the best I can and have given me guidance along the way. They have never forced me into doing something just because they think it is better for me. Instead, they gave me all options to choose from. I tried a lot of activities, from tennis to piano to painting - you name it. However, I was gravitated mostly to math and science.

Moreover, my uncle, also an engineer, took me several times to the factory of lifts and heavy machinery where he works, and gave me tours. He used to show me the new machines he was working on. At the end of the tour, he would let me stay with the other engineers. I was very attentive to everything they explained, from hydraulic systems to control circuits.

My uncle has taught me a lot and catalyzed my interest in engineering. However, my biggest inspiration and role model was and will always be my father. Right before I turned fifteen, he passed away, losing his three-year battle against cancer. Still trying to build myself and my personality, I had a hard time dealing with his death but at the same time I had to be strong for my family. I had grown from a boy into a man with responsibilities. Trying to live up to my father's expectations, I had become the person I am today; a stronger, more mature and more focused John.

For the second short response, we asked you to consider the world around you. Now, consider the world within. Taste in music, food, and clothing can make a statement while politics, sports, religion, and ethnicity are often defining attributes. Are you a vegetarian? A poet? Do you prefer YouTube or test tubes, Mac or PC? Are you the drummer in an all-girl rock band? Do you tinker? Use the richness of your identity to frame your personal outlook. (200-250 words)

The best way to know a person is through his house, so I decided to take you on a tour of my place. Facing the apartment door, is the office. It has a private shelf for only the Harry Potter series. J.K.Rowling helps me escape the boring reality of my "muggle" life.

Going into the kitchen, it's pretty casual. What is special about my kitchen, however, is a cabinet only for noodles. Since I don't really like vegetables, noodles are my only choice as I fast one third of the year; I am a Christian orthodox from a traditional family. The other two thirds of the year I am a meat person; I love cooking it, smelling it and eating it. I am the kind of person who loves eating,when stressed, which has been the way for me recently. I am still fit though.

Finally, my room. Even though it may look unorganized, within this disorder there is an order only I know. I can relate this to my life, as I do not have exact time plans, but I keep my goals clear to myself. On my desk you would find scrambled papers with drawings of imaginary creatures; the result of my boredom while studying literature. Opposingly, you will find a well taken care of electronic kit that reflects my passion for physics. If you are still wondering how I keep myself fit, you'll find the answer under my desk: dumbbells.