Undergraduate / UVA - Favorite word, first draft, debate [4]

Debate - A word that is altogether sweet, short, and simple.

Why is debate my favorite word? The better question how can it not be!

Ever since I was a little boy- parents, friends, and simply all those who came into contact with me were never hesitant to tell me about the uncanny ability I had to win every argument that came my way. Some would beam at me, enjoying my ability to thoroughly outsmart and essentially embarrass other adults in the room. Others, however, would get frustrated, and shoot me down as a stubborn ignorant little boy.

Now, you may say, these people around me are "supposed" to act this way toward me. However, I have objective proof of not only why Debate is truly my favorite word, but also why my A word that is altogether sweet, short, and simple..

It was a cool autumn day, and I was headed to a hearing for a speeding ticket I had just received. I barraged the police officer with questions, and then twisted his words to jumble up his account of the incident. I was spared the ticket, and I returned home that night victorious. The emotions I felt that day were unforgettable, and are the key reason why I have come to think of Debate as truly my favorite word.

The only thing I have ever have complete control over is the words that came out of my mouth. My ability to win arguments and disputes allows me to reach both a mental and emotional high that no other activity can provide me. Because of these reasons, Debate is my favorite word.

Undergraduate / UVa- grammar errors- "Being a moderate Muslim is no easy" [13]

I come from a fairly religious background. Being a moderate Muslim is no easy task. Pray 5 times a day, fast from dawn to dusk for a month, and maintain a Halal diet. Consistently maintaining all of these requirements is difficult at times, however, it has become a perpetually habituated routine of mine. Clearly, the most important piece of literature associated with the Islamic religion is the Quran.

The Quran is arguably the most controversial religious book of them all. How am I to interpret it? For starters, it is in a dialect completely foreign to me, yet, if I look to translate it on my own, religious leaders will bash my efforts, and say it's unholy for me to gain meaning and understanding through an English translation. As science and reason have come to rule the domain of this generation, it is clear that progression often clashes with the teachings of the Quran. Which should I believe science or faith? Other questions also arise. How is it appropriate for husbands to have multiple wives? How are Islamic extremists able to directly cite the Quran to support their atrocious actions?

For the most part, I live my life by this book's teachings (at least what those around me have interpreted the teachings to be). This book has unsettled me for many reasons. The life I have come to live is based upon a book, this Holy book that over a billion of the world have now come to live their lives by. I need to make a choice. Should I ignorantly live my life by a book my parents and all those around me have interpreted it to mean? Or better yet, maybe I should just drop my faith, after all, these suicide bombers, and ruthless dictators also abide by the teachings of this book.

I think instead of taking either route, I must educate myself. Take initiative and gain an in-depth knowledge of the Quran's teachings. It isn't right for me to abandon my faith because a select few have construed it to mean something completely contradictory of what it intended to mean. However, this also means that I cannot sit back and be a slave to the interpretations those around me have made for me. What I must do to properly understand the Quran, as what I must do in all things that lie ahead. The Quran is a challenge, but that doesn't mean it cannot be broken down and understood, just like every other challenge I face in life.

Undergraduate / BU supplemental - ("differences between New York City and Boston") [2]

I was born and raised in New York City until the age of 9, when my parents decided that it was best for me to move to Long Island. Ever since, I have always longed to return to the hustle and bustle of the city. It was alumni, currently enrolled in Boston University that finally persuaded me to apply to this university. Students such as Anil and others were able to provide me with firsthand accounts of the lifestyle associated with BU, and the enthusiasm of their accounts won me over immediately.

I understand there are stark differences between New York City and Boston such as the fact that New York City is the city that never sleeps, whereas, Boston manages to make time for a nap every so often. New York is a great city, and unrivaled in its prestige and lifestyle, however, Boston allows me to find that comfort ground between the suburbs of Long Island, and the unforgiving fast-paced environment associated with New York City.

Ever since I hit puberty, I vowed to attend a college out of state, and now in late adolescence, I feel that this vow that is still warranted. However, my rebellious early teen years caused me to despise my family to a point that I now regret. My dislike for my family has now numbed, and I find them bearable at a relationship of limited contact. Because of this, attending a college at a moderate distance from my home such as at BU is ideal for someone like me.

Boston University is also known for its wide array of diversity. The numbers speak it all. Over 16,000 undergrad students coming from all walks of the earth is not only remarkable in itself, but it also allows me to interact with people of various cultures and backgrounds.

I understand that there isn't really a definitive "pre-law" program; however, I plan to take a broad and dynamic set of courses to prepare myself for law school. Due to the prestige and optimal feeder rate that BU undergrad has for BU Law, I feel that by attending BU undergrad I will put myself in good standing to gain admission into one of the best law schools in the country.

Undergraduate / "First Impressions are Everything"; NYU Short Answers- grammar errors? [5]

Describe a trait or characteristic that has been passed along to you by your family. Tell us why you like or dislike this aspect of yourself.

"First Impressions are Everything"- A popular saying, and one mother never hesitated to remind me. From a young age, I was given a set of rules to follow; ways to behave, look, act, and speak. Now into late adolescence, I have remained perpetually inclined to create a false image of myself to gain societal approval. I truly despise what my mom has forced me to become, and hope to one day, break away, and let my true self shine. I am a leader, not a follower, its time the world knows it. 492/500

New York City is an essential element of academic and cultural life at NYU. If you could engage in an activity or start a club or service organization at NYU, what would it be and how would you envision it impacting the larger community?

I was a young child, out shopping with my father. As we walked down the street, a beggar snatching a 10 dollar bill out of my hand. As I began to cry, my father gave me a 20, and said how, even after we returned home from shopping, that man would be out on the curb, without a home, in the blistering cold. Ever since, I have volunteered to help those in need and if admitted into NYU, I hope to help tackle NYC homelessness by volunteering myself at NYU food drives and charities. 484/500

You have been selected to sing in a talent show. What song would you choose? Why?

I have never been a good singer, but since I've have been picked for a talent show, I guess I'm not so bad after all! I have always been reluctant to be outgoing when it comes to those of the opposite sex. Whenever it comes to talking to girls, and trying to start a conversation, it's not only nerve wracking but physically impossible for me to do. I will sing "Whatever you Like" by TI because it will allow the opposite sex to know that I am interested in more than just books, clubs, and sports! 500/500

STILL WORKING ON 4TH ONE- please correct any grammar or if u think u can say an idea more eloquently, it would be much appreciated!

Undergraduate / NYU Short Answer supplements - "a shopping trip with my father" [5]

When I was a young child, on a shopping trip with my father, I had the unfortunate experience of a beggar snatching a 10 dollar bill out of my hand. As I went to take it back, my father grabbed me by the arm and scolded me. He told me how that even after we returned home from shopping, that man would be out on the curb, without a home, in the blistering cold. Initially I was angry; however, I grew to understand that I had a moral obligation to do my best to cure homelessness in NYC. If admitted into NYU, I hope to either join an established charity, or create one of my own. It is unacceptable for there to be over 15,000 homeless people in one of the most prestigious cities in the world, and I hope to reduce this number at all costs. - currently 744 characters, needs to be 500, OMG