Posts by martin16

martin16

Dec 18, 2014

Undergraduate / Stanford Short Answers: So they can get to know me better. [7]

Here are my initial responses to the Stanford short answer section. Please please be brutally honest, I need the feedback. :)

Name your favorite books, authors, films, and/or artists. (50 word limit)
Books:

Diablo III: The Order by Nate Kenyon, The Algebraist by Iain M. Banks, The Universe Within by Neil Turok

Authors:

Iain M. Banks for his captivating sci-fi novels and mind-bending plots.

Films:

Gaurdians of the Galaxy, Now You See Me

Words entered: 41

What newspapers, magazines, and/or websites do you enjoy? (50 word limit)
Newspapers:

Idnes, The Onion

Magazines:

National Geographic, Rock and Ice

Websites:

Youtube, Wolfram Alpha

Words entered: 14

What is the most significant challenge that society faces today? (50 word limit)
Close-mindedness. Many people shut the doors for new ideas, without logical consideration. Close-mindedness causes illogical debates, hypocrisy, and delayed progress. Each day, the world is moving to a new age and it starts with the discussion of new ideas.

Words entered: 39

How did you spend your last two summers? (50 word limit)
During my summers, I...

-Flew back to America both years to compete in the US rockclimbing Divisonals and Nationals (in which I placed 10th last year).

-Attended the ISSYP 2014 conference in Toronto, Canada.

-Watched the FIFA World Cup (Woooo go Germany!)

Words entered: 42

What were your favorite events (e.g., performances, exhibits, competitions, conferences, etc.) in recent years? (50 word limit)
My two most memorable recent events are...

-Traveling to Mexico for the Pan-American Championships in rockclimbing. From buying tacos off the streets to dancing with the Venezuelans, it is something I sure won't forget.

-Visiting the Perimeter Institute and being able to talk and even play foosball with current researchers.

Words entered: 50

What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (50 word limit)
If I had a time machine, I would certainly travel back to the years of the Space Race. Not only the landing on the moon but the strong enthusiasm of everyone worldwide to reach the stars is something I had always wanted to see.

Words entered: 44

What five words best describe you?
exuberant, spontaneous, ambitious, cordial, swashbuckling

Thank You!

martin16

Dec 18, 2014

Undergraduate / New York bustles with millions of lives, each contributing to the city's own little universe [6]

Firstly, I would like to say that is a very good essay. The one aspect I'm not too sure about is that the prompt also asks "What can NYU offer you." You go into a lot of detail including an amazing anecdote for what you can offer NYU but there seems to be something lacking on the other side of the scale.

PS. I really love your introduction.

martin16

Dec 18, 2014

Essays / Why do I want to study Aerospace engineering? - SOP required - what to write? [4]

If I were you, I would tackle this essay with a short anecdote followed by a deeper look into how it persuaded you to tackle engineering. If there is no real memorable experience that flung you into this field try writing about some core idea that motivated you. They just want 150 words so it doesn't need to be a life story.

martin16

Oct 4, 2014

Undergraduate / Caltech- "What are some quirky ways in which you have fun" [5]

I have greatly tweaked the essay (especially the end). It now comes out to 197 words so there is some wiggle room for suggestions:

The final, fifth stage engine fired up to full throttle, slowing the lone command capsule pointing in the retrograde position down to sub-orbital speeds with its mere fifty kilo-newtons of thrust. The capsule fell in its midst of red streaks down to ten kilometers above sea level and the parachutes opened. Alas, I have done it. Landing in the ocean are the first ever kerbonauts to land on extraterrestrial soil. Welcome to the world of Kerbal Space Program, which is not just any computer game but an amazing simulation of running your own space program. From designing your own rockets piece by piece to calculating maneuvers, burns, and orbital incisions to juggling your space program's research, funds, and reputation, it's not for the faint-hearted. For me, this is more than a game, but a way to use science and mathematics to explore new worlds and make something happen. It's a place where I can use my intellect to find adventure and take risks, knowing that I am learning something new along the way. So when I am not busy studying my physics textbook or doing my astronomy homework, I am launching rockets up to hundred-tonne space station.

Thank You!

martin16

Oct 4, 2014

Undergraduate / Caltech- "What are some quirky ways in which you have fun" [5]

Thank you for your feedback. I will try to make it far more clear in the beginning that I'm talking about a game and remove some of the details at the end that are most likely meaningless to the reviewer and attempt to add why I connect with it. Hope I can get a revised version tomorrow. :)

martin16

Oct 4, 2014

Undergraduate / Caltech- "What are some quirky ways in which you have fun" [5]

The prompt asks about a quirky way in which you have fun to see if you fit in the Caltech community so I wrote this about a game I play about building your own space program. I don't believe many people play the game and I know that the administrators at Caltech probably don't so I want some feedback from people who have no idea what the game is. The word limit is 200 and I'm currently at 219 so if anyone finds some words I can shave of please tell me. :)

The final, fifth stage engine fired up to full throttle, slowing the lone command capsule pointing in the retrograde position down to sub-orbital speeds with its mere fifty kilo-newtons of thrust. The capsule fell in its midst of red streaks down to ten kilometers above sea level and the parachutes opened. Alas, I have done it. Landing in the ocean are the first ever kerbonauts to land on extraterrestrial soil. Welcome to the world of Kerbal Space Program.

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