Posts by nyanpasu

nyanpasu

Nov 3, 2016

Undergraduate / Why I selected Computer Science as my major - Illinois -- Urbana-Champaign prompt [2]

Explain your interest in the major you selected and describe how you have recently explored or developed this interest inside and/or outside the classroom. You may also explain how this major relates to your future career goals. If you're applying to the Division of General Studies, explain your academic interests and strengths or your future career goals. You may include any majors or areas of study you're currently considering.

I have always had an inclination toward computers. I fondly remember my uncle teaching me how to play the Arthur video games when I was 7. It was intriguing to learn the logic of the game. I started seeing patterns in the game. When I realised that behind this game was just lines and lines of logic it was a revelation and it really piqued my interest. I first started coding when I was 11. My father would spend 2 hours a day teaching me QBasic over the summer vacation. Things got very frustrating when we got into arrays, but I gritted my teeth and finally understood the concept.

My interest in Computer Science was rekindled in tenth grade. We had Computer Science as a co-scholastic subject. I was one of the few students who took it seriously. I paid extra attention in class to absorb as much information as I could. We learned C, the programming language. I felt the most childlike joy when I learned how to swap two numbers! The concept of a temporary variable was such a fascinating concept for some reason. In tenth grade I was quite stressed out about my final exams, and playing video games got rid of a lot of that stress. I played strategy-based games like League of Legends. On doing some research, I found that the game was written on C++. The thought of combining two of my favourite things, coding and gaming, excited me. That's why in 11th grade I chose Computer Science as my elective subject.

Computer Science excited me. I never got stressed when learning new concepts. We learned C++ in 11th grade and I loved it. We had practical classes along with theory. If I completed my assignment early I would help my friends debug their programs. My understanding got better when I helped others, and I felt proud when I could help someone.

For eleventh grade we had to work on a Computer project. We had to use concepts that we had learned in school. I created a project featuring ATM function. It was a big accomplishment when I completed the project. I scored 93% in my final exams and I was elated. I improved in twelfth grade, with a 98%. I also participated in an IT quiz at the city level taught me that Computer Science and IT were more vast than I had previously thought. The childlike joy came again in grade 12 when I learned different algorithms for sorting, especially the insertion sort. I found its algorithm appealing. Learning further about queues and linked lists was really engaging.

Upon re-reading the prompt I realised that I never discussed how my interest in CS would tie with my future career goals. Sadly, this essay I've written is 438 words when the prompt calls for 300-400 words. I plan on explaining that I want to either be a computer programmer, or something related to cryptography. I feel like my love of programming shines through in this essay, so it would be easy to explain, but I'm not sure if I should mention my interest in cryptography. I only really read books and watched TV shows about it, which is how that interest was kindled.

So, my questions are:

1. What parts of this essay can be removed and what bits should be elaborated?

2. I plan on writing a short paragraph at the end, describing my future career goals. Should I just talk about computer programming or mention cryptography as well?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions! If there's any grammatical errors feel free to correct 'em too. c:

nyanpasu

Nov 1, 2016

Writing Feedback / Devouring of energy in the USA since 1980 with projections until 2030 [2]

Hi Pujiati, I have some suggestions for you.

1. The words "units", "petroleum", "oil", "natural gas" etc. are not proper nouns. Don't capitalize them unless they are the first words in your sentence.

2. You have used the phrase "on the other hand" incorrectly. The phrase is used to connect two statements that are opposite to each other. Obviously, the trends observed in the case of petroleum and oil, and coal and natural gas aren't exact opposites. After all, both are experiencing an increase in usage over time.

3. Some of your sentences are explaining trends that will be observed in the future, but you're using the present/past tense. Be sure to use the right tense depending on when the trends are taking place. For example, your concluding sentence should look something like To conclude, petroleum and oil will remain the (...) while Hydropower will be the least consumed energy.

nyanpasu

Oct 31, 2016

Writing Feedback / It depends on ourselves, how much efforts we do to be fit and healthy. [4]

Nuraini, your introduction should be used to tell the reader what your standing is on the statement, instead of just repeating the statement. Also, as Ignatius said, you're justifying one side of the statement but your concluding lines are supporting both sides of the statement. I suggest that you make it clear as to which side you're on and justify why.

nyanpasu

Oct 31, 2016

Undergraduate / Staying alone at home - I had finally grown up. Common App prompt #5 [6]

Haha alright, you're making me feel bad for that line now! :3 I guess I'll just merge it with the paragraph above it because I don't want to repeat the same things again. I really appreciate your help, Holt! Have a great day :)

nyanpasu

Oct 31, 2016

Undergraduate / Staying alone at home - I had finally grown up. Common App prompt #5 [6]

This is my revised essay!

When I was 16, a big family get-together was to take place in my native place a few cities from where live. I was extremely excited as I would get to meet my cousins, some of which I had never met before. The tickets were booked, and I had even begun packing my bags. There were just three days left before the big day. My Chemistry teacher announced that we had to perform an important experiment as part of our group investigatory project. Sadly, the experiment was to be performed on the day I had planned to miss school. I tried to schedule the experiment for a different day but my teacher said nothing could be done. It was disappointing. I was left to choose between letting my other partners complete the project without me, or giving the get together a miss. I felt that it would be unfair on my part to let my team do my portion of the work while I had fun with my family. Thus, I made the decision to stay back alone at my home. My parents were shocked at my suggestion, but they were also proud. I assured them that I would be responsible. I would cook my own meals, remember to lock all doors before going to bed, and finish my experiment. They relented on my request and left a week later. When my parents said goodbye, I felt a sense of regret, and I was tempted to give up and go with them. But I toughened up and realised that I had to grow up.

Although I was worried that I would feel lonely, and thus, too unmotivated to be productive, I actually quite enjoyed being responsible for myself. The dishes I made, though quite simple, were an accomplishment for me. I also did the dishes and cleaned the kitchen. I was able finish my experiment with no difficulty. And most surprisingly, I felt less lonely than I thought I would -- it was refreshing to be left alone with my thoughts. However, I did have some hiccups. I burnt my eggs while cooking my breakfast, and I did get distracted at times.

Now, looking back on it, I realise how much of a learning experience it was. As someone who has been keen on studying abroad since I was in high school, I got a really good taste of what it would be like living on my own. I now know that not everything will be a cakewalk when I am alone. I won't have anyone to take care of everything for me. The experience was also a confirmation that I wanted to study abroad. I enjoyed the freedom.

My parents' view of me changed drastically. Initially, they were unsure about sending me off to another country to study. They doubted my responsibility and my ability to take care of myself and get good grades. But when they came back home to a relatively clean house (and me in one piece), they no longer viewed me as a child, but as a responsible and independent adult. My opinions were respected and considered while making family decisions. I was asked to make reservations in restaurants and book tickets, and make my own meals occasionally. I made my own study plans and schedule. My parents allowed me to make mistakes as they knew the importance of it.

Now, I am happy to say that my parents are confident that I will be able to prosper while I am abroad, and that I will make them proud.

I changed a few things in the essay. First of all, I brought in the discussion of how the experience was helpful AFTER it happened. Second, I included a paragraph about how my parents' view of me changed (based on Holt's suggestion), however I feel like I'm using the same vocabulary over and over (responsible, independent, etc.) I also removed the little narrative I had at the beginning, I didn't feel like it was giving much to the essay.

Thanks in advance for your help! :3

nyanpasu

Oct 28, 2016

Undergraduate / Staying alone at home - I had finally grown up. Common App prompt #5 [6]

That's a great suggestion, Holt! I'll incorporate that in and get back to you. Thank you very much :)

nyanpasu

Oct 28, 2016

Undergraduate / Staying alone at home - I had finally grown up. Common App prompt #5 [6]

Prompt: Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

"Yamini! Come downstairs, we have something exciting to tell you!", my mother yelled. "Coming, mum!", I said, wondering what it could possibly be. Were we going on a big vacation to Japan? Were we going to meet my sister in California? The possibilities were endless! I was giddy with excitement as I scurried down the stairs. My parents had wide smiles on their faces. "We're going to (city name) to meet all of your favourite cousins! Surprise!", said my father. I was elated! Sure, going to (city name) wasn't as exciting as what I'd been dreaming of, but I hadn't met some of my cousins in a long time and I was looking forward to catching up with them.

Sadly, my happiness was short lived. It turned out that the big family gathering was happening the same time as an important experiment that had to be performed as part of my 12th grade group project. I was extremely disappointed as I was looking forward to meet my cousins and spend some quality time with them. Although it was tempting for me to miss school just to attend that event, I remembered that the project was a team effort, and it would be unfair on my part to leave them to do my part of the work. I also realized that two years from then, I would be responsible for myself, and that I wouldn't have my parents to take care of me forever. I decided to make the mature decision to stay back at home on my own. My parents were shocked at my suggestion, and also impressed. I assured them that I would be responsible. I would cook my own meals, remember to lock all doors before going to bed, and study well. They relented on my request and took their leave a week later.

When my parents said goodbye, I felt a sense of regret, and I was tempted to give up and just miss that day of school. But I toughened up and reminded myself that I would soon be all alone in a foreign country. Although I was worried that I would feel lonely, and thus, too demotivated to be productive, I actually quite enjoyed being responsible for myself. The food I made was quite simple, but it was still a huge accomplishment for me. I even did the dishes and cleaned up after myself. It felt refreshing to be left alone with my own thoughts. I surprisingly found that I was more productive! I finished my assignments early and had a lot of time to relax.

I knew that my parents had their doubts about me living alone in a country thousands of miles away, because they didn't think that I was responsible enough to take care of myself. But when they came back home 2 days later to a spotless house (and me in one piece), they realised that I had finally grown up.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

nyanpasu

Oct 23, 2016

Undergraduate / Georgia Tech essay prompt - If you had the opportunity to create a class, what would it be and why? [3]

Oh... right. I forgot that Creative Writing was a thing, haha. Thank you for reminding me! I'll think of something else.

nyanpasu

Oct 23, 2016

Undergraduate / Georgia Tech essay prompt - If you had the opportunity to create a class, what would it be and why? [3]

Topic: Students are often told what classes they should take. If you had the opportunity to create a class, what would it be and why? (150 words)

My answer:

If I had the opportunity to create a class, it would be a Creative Thinking class.
I believe that everyone has a creative side. Some are just better at expressing it. I think a class that would help students kindle their creativity would be useful as it has been found that a creative person is better at problem solving, having better relationships, and even battling stress, than a less creative person would be.

In this class, there will be a group discussion of a certain problem or topic. The students will come up with innovative ideas to solve the problem. They will be allowed to express their ideas freely without fear of being judged.

I feel like it might be too short and not very descriptive. Any edits/suggestions would be appreciated! Thank you :)