"Education in the service of society" - Why Northwestern?

I would love to hear some criticism/opinion regarding this essay!! :)

What are the qualities of Northwestern - and of the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying - that makes you want to attend the University? In what ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified?

When I think of Northwestern, the colour purple is the first thing that comes to my mind. The shimmering, vivacious shade of purple is the perfect representation of Northwestern; an embodiment of the expansion of blue and the energy of red, it is the combination of these two qualities that makes the School - and its students - so unique.

I believe the basis of Northwestern's academic passion lies in its centralised yet flexible curriculum. The fact that a typical freshman's small classes consist of only 20 to 25 students reflects Northwestern's focus on satiating the academically ambitious and active minds from all corners of the globe. While a student's academic roots lies in one specific school, the curriculum allows students to engage in courses from different Schools within Northwestern, thus encouraging the 'branching out' across several fields. Although the basis of my major would lie in the School of Education and Social Policy, I would be able to earn a second major in International Studies or Biological Sciences from the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences - perfect for building a truly integrated understanding of many different fields. By developing these roots and branches of academics, I hope to enroot myself in the soil of Northwestern's flexible curriculum in order to develop as a whole individual - a healthy 'tree'- who can provide the right expertise at places and times where it is needed.

But besides academics, there's something more to Northwestern. For me, that 'something' is the Norris University Centre. The last eight years of volunteering for local community have given me invaluable memories and experiences that I could not possibly have gained from academic endeavors alone. Through the Norris University Centre, I would be able to continue volunteering as a blood donor through the Student Blood Services, or run for Relay for Life to advocate cancer awareness. I might even start up a new group aimed to work for the rights of refugees and immigrants and to provide help in their resettlement stages as my background as a migrant gives me understanding of the numerous difficulties involved. Whichever activities I choose to engage in, I hope to radiate the energy of Northwestern because over the years, I have realized that offering my knowledge and skills gives a true meaning and direction to my education and a sense of purpose in life. By combining expansive academic knowledge and passion in service, I hope to follow the footsteps of my predecessors in bringing small but effective changes that will accumulate over time to build a healthier global community.

At Northwestern, I look forward to meeting passionate and dedicated individuals who are willing to serve together as anchors in taking our global society towards a more positive direction. This would be how the true energy of Northwestern will expand beyond the campus to every corner of the globe, and that legacy of philanthropy is what makes Northwestern the place I want to be at.

goodness, pour a bucket of ice water over me because i just swooned at how good this is :P

it's specific, which is terrific, and beautifully worded too! just watch out for some grammar errors :)

Thanks guys :P

Bump, anyone?

When I think of Northwestern, the colour purple is the first thing image that comes to my mind. ---Always try to replace the word thing if you find it in your writing. It can almost always be replaced with something more descriptive.

The shimmering, vivacious shade ... its students - so unique.--This paragraph is kind of like a nice poem. It has nice words but not a lot of substance. The important goal to achiee is the goal of showing the reader that you have spent a lot of time thinking realistically and practically about how you will (proactively) manage your education in these coming years. Show that you are a student with a plan.

I believe the basis of Northwestern's academic passion lies in its centralised yet flexible curriculum. nevermind this stuff that they already know. Write about YOUR short term goals and intentions.

The fact that a typical freshman's small classes consist of only 20 to 25 students reflects Northwestern's focus on satiating the academically ambitious and active minds from all corners of the globe. They already know about the small class size.

While a student's academic roots lies lie in one specific school, the curriculum allows students to engage in courses from different Schools within Northwestern, thus encouraging the 'branching out' across several fields. They already know.

Although the basis of my major would lie in the School of Education and Social Policy, I would be able to earn a second major in International Studies or Biological Sciences from the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences ----Excellent, this is the part that is important. Dig deep for a memorable, thoughtful theme, and show the reader how much thought you have put into your specific goals. Don't waste any sentences telling them stuff that can be learned on the school website.

:-)