I've already sent this in, but I wanted some feedback anyway to calm my nerves :)
What are the unique qualities of Northwestern - and of the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying - that make you want to attend the University? In what ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified?"
When I started planning for my academic future, I had trouble deciding on the most important part of a potential future university- was it the strength of their academic programs or the vibrancy of their campus life? What was the one defining factor of a college that I should focus on to find the best possible college experience? Did it even exist?
I didn't find the answer until I found Northwestern. At Northwestern, I discovered a facet of student life I had previously overlooked. Upon further examination, it proved to be the most beneficial part of my previous educational experiences and the driving force behind my present search. In short, diversity is that component as it works its way into every aspect of my education both inside and outside of the classroom.
Every Northwestern student seems to differ from the next in terms of interests, origins, and personality. If learning is defined by broadening perspectives, then having a multitude of varying outlooks surrounding my studies will elevate my experience. This diversity is even reflected in campus architecture; each building prescribes to a different style and houses a different purpose, yet they all unite under a common Northwestern banner.
As a future RTVF student, I know that my goal as an aspiring documentary filmmaker is to communicate a very specific truth to a broad array of audience members. Diversifying my classes with theory, history, and production takes the extra step to deepen my creations past simple visual effect. With a focus on humanities, not only will I broaden the appeal and relativity of my films, but also I will be able to incorporate different elements from my array of studies. This will diversify my audience, just as NU has diversified its foundation.
Northwestern drew me back for a second visit this summer, this time without a chaperone. I decided to eat lunch at the café inside the Kellogg School of Management. I was extremely nervous that I would stick out like a sore thumb, that it would be obvious I was an outsider. But, as I was surrounded by graduate students at one of the greatest schools in the country, I wasn't the least bit flustered. I felt at home. I walked around the campus until it was time to purchase a souvenir and say goodbye. Just as I was exiting the Norris Center Bookstore with my brand-new Wildcat water bottle, I bumped into the only NU student I knew from home. After a brief conversation, I felt completely absorbed into the wonderful community I had sought out for so long.
My academic aspirations extend past the desire for a spotless transcript; they aim to root in a social atmosphere that is broadened by other points of view, producing compositions whose depths are augmented by a broad spectrum of study. I want to be a Wildcat so I can have the opportunity to let my work blossom from seedlings of truth into flowers that are appreciated for their exposure and beauty.
When I began reading your essay, I felt bad for what I was about to do; make corrections and tell you how your essay could be better...then I read an essay that is pretty much perfect. I remember a spot where I wondered for a second if a comma should be added, but besides that, I could find no mistakes. Your essay will show what a bright student you are, what a nice way with words you have, and they'll know they are lucky to have you as a student. Good luck in school!
:)
