Undergraduate / We've all been there. We've all been trapped in the endless chain of Wikipedia articles [3]

Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?

We've all been there. We've all been trapped in the endless chain of Wikipedia articles that results from clicking on random links. From Leonardo da Vinci, to the Renaissance Man, to Polygotism, to Savants, and to Ideasthesia, the train of knowledge never ends. Riding this train has always been an experience that I take delight in, and can even get in the way sometimes. As I start my research on apoptosis for a report in my biology class, I stumble upon HeLa cells. I click on the link, and read, learning about the immortal cancer cells, when I stumble upon gene mapping, and then to the Human Genome Project. I read about how many of our genes come from bacteria, and as I am reading, I am sure that I'm going to study genetics in the future. Then I stumble upon the World Wide Web, and this leads to another chain of articles, one that convinces me that the field of computer science is what's right for me. I relish the broad knowledge that I gain from this game, and I hope to continue to learn on such a vast scale. This game of knowledge appeals to me because unlike fancy gadgets, money, or other material items, it becomes a part of who I am. It's something that can never be taken away.

In today's society, it seems that the era of the Renaissance Man has come to an end. No longer is the title of Jack-of-all-trades desired, because they are now being seen as the Master of none. To succeed in the current world, it looks like you must have a narrow focus in learning. The mastery of a single sport leads to gold medals, or the mastery of a single subject leads to a Nobel Prize, or the mastery of one genre of music leads to a Grammy Award. However, I've found that an advantage of being a Jack-of-all-trades is that I get to maximize the number of peak experiences in life, and I learn to enjoy the pursuit of excellence, all while finding the few things I am truly uniquely suited to excel in. Through this wide variety of knowledge gained from the Wikipedia articles and other experiences, I have empathy with the broadest range of human conditions and appreciation of the broadest range of human accomplishments. Relinquishing this yearning for knowledge of many subjects is enjoyable, because I choose to do it, rather than being obliged to.

This thirst for many areas of knowledge led me to take an interest in computer science, a field which can encompass many subjects. After taking an online course on Human Computer Interaction, I realized that it combines many of my interests, including psychology and business. As I plow through those Wikipedia articles one by one, gaining facts and understanding concepts, I feel like I have the power to do anything in the world, because knowledge opens up options, and options gives me the freedom to choose many paths. Through this game, I realized that I don't have to choose, or narrow my focus. I realized that I can take all the options I have and combine them into one path that I will follow.

Thanks!

Undergraduate / I was surprised to learn that such a diverse range of people were educated at Carnegie Mellon [3]

Please submit a one-page, single-spaced essay that explains why you have chosen Carnegie Mellon and your particular major(s), department(s) or program(s). This essay should include the reasons why you've chosen the major(s), any goals or relevant work plans and any other information you would like us to know. If you are applying to more than one college or program, please mention each college or program to which you are applying. Because our admission committees review applicants by college and programs, your essay can impact our final decision. Please do not exceed one page for this essay.

Carnegie Mellon initially caught my attention as a world renowned school for technology with leaders in the field, but as I continued my research about the school, I learned that it is much more. I was surprised to learn that such a diverse range of people such as Andy Warhol, Matt Bomer, and Judith Resnik were educated at Carnegie Mellon. The unique perspectives of technology that the university takes on are apparent in the various departments of the school of computer science.

I strongly believe that Carnegie Mellon offers me the best opportunity to achieve my goal of applying computer science to solve problems in other fields. Beyond the university's reputation of having excellent academics, attracting successful students, and having traditions with a unique Scottish flavor, is the interdisciplinary collaboration between the several departments. These collaborations have produced very unique programs, such as the Human Computer Interaction, which I am primarily interested in. My first exposure to the possibilities of this discipline was Alice, and using this program and learning more about how and why it was developed has furthered my interest in human-computer interaction. This special program within Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science would allow me to combine my interests in many fields of study, including the cognitive sciences, design, and of course, computer science. I also believe that that the project-oriented approach the School of Computer Science takes is a perfect fit for my desire to apply computer science to a variety of fields and will prepare me for professions in the workforce that require expansive interdisciplinary knowledge.

The distinctive blend of programming, project management, leadership and teamwork skill building, and potential to affect people on a global scale has caused me to be interested in the Information Systems Program of Carnegie Mellon's Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. One aspect of this program that appeals to me is how the program is broken into four key areas that will allow me to receive a well-rounded liberal arts education, as well as key skills necessary to succeed in the real-world. In addition, the team based project courses offer the chance to gain real experience in the field along with valuable management and teamwork skills.

I have also discovered a program very unique to Carnegie Mellon, and that is the BS in Logic and Computation in the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Focusing on the common core of logic, philosophy, mathematics, statistics, and computer science, this degree would allow me to experience a very unique education that is rich in humanities as well as the sciences.

Along with the three programs I am interested in, I also think that Carnegie Mellon will allow me to explore entrepreneurship and the unlimited opportunities it unleashes. The university's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship offers multiple programs, like Project Olympus, that foster creativity and out-of-the-box thinking and turning those ideas into successful startups. Events, such as LaunchCMU, are valuable assets for any student interested in technology to grow and prosper in the field. Living in the Silicon Valley, I have already been exposed to the power of an entrepreneur, and I believe that Carnegie Mellon will provide me all the opportunities and resources to learn how to become one.

Thanks!