Posts by ssm28

ssm28

Jan 9, 2012

Undergraduate / 'diagnosed with Clear Cell Sarcoma Type II' - USC ACADEMIC INTERESTS [4]

THIS IS SO GOOD. Onlyyy thing I might add is that I think it'll pull on the emotional strings of the USC readers a lot more if you give like a personal anecdote in the beginning where you're talking about the cancer you were diagnosed with. I think it would make the essay more colorful! But really this is a fantastic essay! It's a great length, flows very nicely, and you make your interests very clear! If you can please read mine and help me out! Thanks!

ssm28

Jan 9, 2012

Undergraduate / 'GOD always comes first in my life' - What Is Faith Exactly Essay [2]

The light bulb went out as I sat there in complete awe of the words that fell from my father's mouth. Temporarily deaf and forced to read the lips of my father, I knew what he had said. I gathered my thoughts in attempt to make my next move, but it collapsed in the palm of my hands. Both body and hands were quickly filled with anxiety and sweat. "It not fair Daddy, I've been at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School for two years. I thought that I would graduate from that school; think about all the opportunities that I am going to miss! That's the best public school in DC; it gets all the credit and it's awarded for all it outstanding achievements." Moving to Maryland was such as big move! At that moment, I lost faith.

What is faith exactly? I believe that the only way to achieve is through God who installs wisdom and knowledge within us. The Bible states that faith is: "Being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see" ( Hebrews 11:1 New international Version - NIV), or it can be trusting in others and yourself despite any circumstance. I have to say that GOD always comes first in my life. However, to what extent do we permit faith to become a reality in our everyday lives? The Bible also states, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ" (Romans 10: 17 NIV).

Another school was mentioned, the complete opposite of where I came from; how ironic it was. "Make the school your own", my mother said. "Don't forget to have faith", she said, but once again, what is faith exactly? What had seemed like such an elementary concept became a complex physics problem that required professionals to figure out. I went through most of the year thinking of what I would be missing, how 'I' would be missing. I didn't believe that I would excel in a school ~~like the one I was in~~similar to the one I was currently enrolled in . I wanted to involve my self in other activities that would help benefit me in the future. I used to volunteer at the HU hospital but that wasn't here anymore. Although it wasn't here[Reword this part, you're repeating yourself when you could definitely use another similar phrase of some sort! Just a suggestion :) ], I still remained interested in the field of medicine. For the first time I had something else to focus on. I wanted to help, support people in need, ~~and~~ but what I failed to realize the entire time was that 'I' was in need. I was in dire need of help. I had to help my self before I thought of others. Instead of wasting my time dwelling in the past I was spending my time in the future.

As soon as I took faith, I took the opportunity. I was persistent and did not stop until I new exactly what faith was. My strong conviction of returning back to the hospital is inevitable. I a m now emotionally and mentally prepared to face the challenges that come my way. I believe that with my determination and faith I will have the great opportunity to attend your university.

It's a really strong essay that shows you own your beliefs and are proud of your faith! Good work! :)

ssm28

Jan 9, 2012

Undergraduate / 'my Armenian and Italian neighbors' - USC Academic Interests [5]

From an early age, I was intrigued by the connection between culture and behavior because I lived in the diverse city of Los Angeles and was born in an conservative Indian family.My family's perspectives and that of my Armenian and Italian neighbors varied significantly especially when discussing gender roles. I was always curious about this topic and from there my introduction to sociology began. Sociology allows us to question and understand social phenomena through different perspectives. Sociology has always been a field of interest for me and by studying sociology, I want to examine the social forces at work behind every action and main causes behind them. The University of Southern California's Sociology program is one of the most prestigious sociology programs in the nation and it would enable me to study sociology through a global perspective and apply my findings in the real world. I want to explore the connection between culture and behavior, how stereotypes emerge, and develop solutions to the world's most devastating social problems. Having a sociological perspective will enable me to develop expertise and prepare me for a wide variety of fields and occupations. The University of Southern California's Department of Sociology is very appealing because it is devoted to investigating causes and mitigating the changes in society. As a sociology major from the University of Southern California, I am sure I will not only be able to investigate social problems, but help alleviate them as well.

Coming from a conservative Indian family like mine and living in the diverse city of Los Angeles, I have been intrigued by the connection between culture and behavior from an early age.

Arguments and disagreeing opinions much too often arose when my family's perspectives collided with those of my Armenian and Italian neighbors- specially concerning gender roles.

Those are the only things that I would re-word! Otherwise it's great :) I'd appreciate it if you read mine if you can! Hope we both get in! :)

ssm28

Jan 9, 2012

Undergraduate / 'my passion for medicine' - USC Supplement Essay [5]

Honest opinions are greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Describe your academic interests and how you plan to pursue them at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections. (3500 characters)-

During my journey to adolescence, my passion for medicine has only grown more vibrant. As a young girl, despite knowing that I was only wearing plastic scrubs, hanging a plastic stethoscope around my neck and holding a scribbled-on notepad in my baby hands, the view in front of me was no less than a gruesome hospital scene I much too often watched on television. My dad, lying in front of me, did not just have red magic marker staining his chest; to me, he was hurt in a car accident, a shear of glass had cut right through his heart, and I, the surgeon, needed to fix it. I have always been particularly drawn towards problem-solving and my need to help others around me is enormous. I enjoy challenges towards rewarding objectives, and despite how tough and dedicated of a career choice it is, medicine can be immensely gratifying. The patients that I interacted with during my internship at a cardiologist's office during my senior year of high school all had one thing in common other than unfortunate heart problems; they were immeasurably appreciative of the cardiologists that ultimately saved their lives. The purpose of medicine is not to know the disease, but instead to relieve the suffering it causes. In attending the University of Southern California, I hope I can discover an answer to a question that has left me in amazement of the human body for a long while now; how can our bodies be responsible for everything we do and are? The complexity of the human mind and body not only baffles, but intrigues me. By tutoring a semi-autistic teenage boy named Noah in his studies for months now and witnessing first-hand his improvements, I have realized that my desire in life is to heal hurting children. No matter if it is physical pain, or emotional grief such as Noah receives from his peers in school who fail to recognize his special needs; the feeling of making a child happy is inexplicable. My desire to heal was furthermore illuminated after I took AP Psychology and Anatomy & Physiology classes in high school. There is no question that USC exceeds an excellent reputation of science classes and professors, and being accepted to attend such a prestigious university would be an absolute honor. In addition to outstanding academic achievements, the small teacher-to-student ratio that USC offers is ideal for a student like me who learns best in a vigorous environment where teachers can focus on their student's individual needs. Through USC Study Abroad programs, I can travel to one of twenty-eight diverse countries such as Germany and Egypt, where my knowledge on biological sciences will be thoroughly enriched in unique ways through programs exclusive to USC. Using the knowledge I will gain from USC, I intend on helping children in third-world countries where medical advancements and technology are nowhere near as highly acclaimed as America's. I am eager to be involved in relief organizations and take advantage of the various clubs that USC offers to its Trojans. I am ready and excited to enjoy the rich atmosphere that is selective to USC in a beautiful location, while at the same time, learn about the wonders of the human body and mind in classes taught by impeccable professors. For the next four years, I look forward to being a proud member of USC's Trojan Class of 2016!