Undergraduate / 'an innocent man is in prison' - Why you're applying to *blank* school - Rice [4]

What motivated you to apply to Rice? - Rice University - feedback/help

On the application, Rice asks "What motivated you to apply to Rice University? Please be specific and limit your response to 200 words."
I'm having trouble answering this without sounding like a cliche. This is what I have so far:

In small towns, rumors spread like wild fire, the landscape is dull and almost lifeless, and everyone knows everyone else, whether they have met or not. Rice first interested me when I learned that it is located in the large, culturally diverse city of Houston. From the pictures I have seen of the campus, it seems that it has lush, green scenery. Recently, an alumnus of Rice, who was also a former graduate of my high school, came to deliver speeches to the English classes, as well as to give our library several books he had written. He told us of how he had not considered Rice as a college choice before he went to Houston for state championships, and took the opportunity to visit the campus. He told us of how he had long before decided that he would go to a different school. He had only applied to that school, until his visit to Rice caused him to consider applying, and after graduating, went on to become a successful college professor. This inspired me and made me believe that even people from small towns barely on the map can become a success with the proper education, which I believe that Rice will be able to supply me with.

Please help me with this and respond soon, as this is due 5 pm today.

Essays / In-class essays--how to improve on them? [6]

I find that a great way to improve any writing skills, whether it's for in-class or on-your-own-time essays, is to read. I don't just mean the course material either. The more you read, the more experience you have with language and sentence structure. Even though you're not writing what you read, you still become better associated with proper writing techniques, word usage, etc.

Letters / 'she studied very hard and graduated' - letter of recommendation [7]

deleteinsert/change tofixed misspelling/missing letters
To whom it may concern,

It is with great pleasure that I am recommending xxx to you. I have known her well for 4 years, during whichas she was mya student of Tourism management for 4 years . The applicant graduated from Mongolian University of Science and Technology in 2007.

She is one of the most extraordinary students I have encountered in 25 years of teaching. xxx is always the leader in every aspect and holdshas held the highest position in her class's rating for four consecutive years. Being her teacher, I can vouch that she is one of the most brilliant and kindhearted students that I have encountered in my career. She is an energetic, enthusiastic leader in all jobs of her class as well as voluntary activities held by the school. xxx is also very responsible toin her work and is able to handle the pressure of deadlines very well. She has an extremely amiable personality and is popular among her classmates as she shows great consideration and deep respect for others. On many occasions, she has helped her classmates in various subjects, especially Management. Being honest and hardworking, she demonstrates the best of behavior and excellent study habits.

With an outstanding intellectual ability and strong leadership qualities, xxx has successfully led her classes in numerous subjects as well as other extracurricular events successfully .

During her student years, she studied very hard and graduated with a special diploma. She was alsoand awarded "the Best Student" in her school in 2007.

She is not only quick at learning and good at solving complicated problems, but she also withhas a logical and creative mind that enables her to raise some insightful views. I was also deeply impressed with her diligence and outstanding communication ability, compared with my other students. What's more, she is an optimistic woman with a pleasant personality, and gets along well with all the people around her.

xxx is an exceptionally motivated and talented young woman. I firmly believe that she will be successful in whatever she pursues.
Sincerely,

I hope this helps somewhat.