Please tell me specifically what I need to change, thanks. (:
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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?
Northwestern's arches and gothic-style architecture rose up before me and I knew for sure that this is the university that I want to go to.
Currently I live in Canada, and I would love to move to a new country, and experience a new and exciting environment with interesting people and fun. Canadian schools are not known for their broad course selection, but rather, their lack of. Knowing that Northwestern is a relatively small school, with a large course selection, I fell in love.
I chose to apply to Northwestern's Weinberg College of the Arts and Sciences to major in Cognitive Science. Cognitive Science is a rare and difficult program because its interdisciplinary nature requires a breadth of knowledge in various subjects. For me, the reason Cognitive Science is so interesting is due to its interdisciplinary nature. As a child, I have always been interested in how the brain works, and I would love to use the resources from a vast variety of fields such as linguistics, neuroscience, and psychology to further not only my knowledge, but to help determine how humans behave, and why. Since it's difficult for me to remain interested in only one subject area, the idea of incorporating various fields into determining how the brain functions excites me.
Since Cognitive Science is so interdisciplinary, and Northwestern so broad in its course selection, I am sure that I will be able to take all sorts of courses that would cater to my broad interest. From the Kellogg School of Management to its top engineering program to its music program, Northwestern seems to be perfect for me in every way. I would also hope to be able to take the undergraduate certificate program at Kellogg, because I know that Northwestern is known for its business program, I would hope to be able to broaden my knowledge with a practical program at one of the world's finest business schools. Tired of schools which offer few disciplines, I hope that I will be able to expand my horizons and Northwestern.
After undergraduate school, I would hope to be able to use my newfound wide breadth of knowledge in graduate school and my future career. By being able to take such a vast variety of courses, I would be more analytical and knowledgeable in all fields. To me, it is difficult to remain set doing one thing for the remainder of my life, so by learning a lot in other subjects, I would hopefully be able to use these various skill sets in the workplace.
Furthermore, being only a half-hour drive from Chicago, I hope that living in Evanston would engage me due to its close proximity to a huge world-class city but also due to its community suburban feel. Knowing that I'm close enough to a major city, yet in a small enough school with a close community brings the best of both worlds. When I last visited Northwestern during the spring, I saw many students outside relaxing. Knowing that I'll be in a school where students are intellectually engaging, yet are stimulated socially only drives me further in love with this school.
One day, I would hope to be able to relax on the campus of staring out into Lake Michigan in the distance, to travel, and to study amongst some of the brightest students with some of the brightest professors doing something I truly love.
I think you have a nice start, but can also do more. For one, admissions departments don't want to be told how great and reputable their program is - they want to know about you. Here are some things to consider:
-Why do you want to major in Cognitive Science? What experiences in your life lead you to this decision?
- What can you offer the school? What can you offer your peers in the Cognitive Science program?
- What do you see yourself doing in five years, after you graduate? How does that relate to your experience at Northwestern? How will Northwestern help you get there.
Remember to be specific. Good luck!
