Undergraduate / I seek to be ready and primed for the next big chapter of my life - Common App Essay - VCU [2]

Hi, I am aplying to VCU and I was hoping for some feedback or suggestions on how to improve on this essay. There is a 250 word limit and the prompt is:

As you start your college career, what is your primary goal as a student and how have you prepared to meet this goal, how do you plan to succeed, how do you feel you will do at VCU?

Growing up, I've learned to believe that hard work and proper education helps you accomplish so much in life. I plan to utilize that work and education to achieve my primary goal: earn a college degree and develop the many skills that I need for the future. I have already started to prepare for this journey to my grand goal of knowledge. Earning college credits through AP courses is an aspect preparation. Taking courses at the Northern Virginia Community College while in high school is another. I have no expectation of my preparation to get me ahead of college, rather I only seek to be ready and primed for the next big chapter of my life. Virginia Commonwealth University is a doorway to said chapter of my life, opening me to opportunities beyond high school and community college. These opportunities are just one of the many facets of my plan to succeed in achieving my goal and VCU. I plan to take all required classes to earn a mechanical engineering degree, apply to several internships and work-studies involved in my major, partake in community service to develop skills outside my major, seek out to possess a bachelors and masters degree. I feel fully confident of what I can accomplish at VCU along with my primary goal as a student. I have the preparation, plan, and belief in myself to excel at college, become a graduate, and hold the many abilities to assist me in my future.

Undergraduate / 'What are the top five reasons you want to be a Hokie?' [2]

Prompt/instructions: 250 word essay; What are the top five reasons you want to be a Hokie? Please leave suggestions, they would be very appreciated.

A hokie is a hard working person with innovative goals to better the future of themselves and others. I wish to go to Virginia Tech so that I too can become a hokie. Virginia Tech is the school you want to go to be a great engineer. My goal is to be a mechanical engineer and attending VT gives me the best educational path that I need to achieve my goal. It has a wide range of sources to help with my studies through the amount of teachers and libraries on campus that can help me improve my skills and knowledge like taking high-level math courses and be part of clubs that focuses on technology like robotics. Speaking of the clubs, there are tons that help the communities surrounding the campuses and organizations specifically made to help people through tutoring, constructing projects, and fund-raising which I have experience in doing and wish to continue to do so. These organizations are just the beginning of the long list of opportunities that are present to any student; there are research programs, internships, masters-bachelors programs, and so much more, which all exist in the exquisite home of Virginia Tech: Blacksburg. It has beautiful scenery with many businesses and social opportunities; where modern scholastic environment and lush, forest-like nature co-exist. The park and hiking trail in the campuses are the best way to relax and think. On the other hand, there are restaurants, bars, and clubs to have fun and be active.

Undergraduate / UtProsim is way more than just a Latin saying, it's a lifestyle. VA Tech Essay application [4]

Hi this is my first draft and I was wondering if I wrote a clear essay that makes sense and is good enough to submit. Suggestions are encouraged, especially if you go to VA tech.

Here is the prompt/instructions:
Our motto is UtProsim. Comment

UtProsim is way more than just a Latin saying, it's a lifestyle. I've been living it all my life, especially growing up with a family that did so much for me, such as giving me guidance and support to improve myself. In return, I develop that sense of helping or serving others so they too can become a better individual. In high school, I became part of Club R.E.A.L. which focuses on helping the community through fundraising, car washes, fundraising, and mentoring young children. This is just the tip of the iceberg that is known as UtProsim. Attending one of VA Tech's open house, I got a better of understanding of UtProsim. First off, it's everywhere from the northwest parking lot of the campus all the way to Lane Stadium and everything in between. By seeing firsthand the people in VA tech demonstrate UtProsim, I could see that it's not just about saying you will do good things for others, but it's transitioning those sayings into actions, performing the deeds of service to others so that everyone can benefit from it. UtProsim is to help others and contribute to the betterment of communities, families, and even a single person all over the world. VA Tech exemplifies that and that's why I wish to join, so that I can too exemplify UtProsim through engineering. I want to design and build projects that someday could help people. With UtProsim, I can accomplish that and continue to embody the lifestyle that I live.