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 you are applying to. 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.
When I was young, the people around me always talked about Yale or Harvard University, so growing up, I only ever heard about those colleges. When I got older, I found out there were other colleges that offered the same courses as the two "best" colleges in the world. I also found out about the tuition and circumstances that may make the tuition more expensive.
My family are immigrants and when we first came to this country, we did not have a lot of money. Knowing about this and the amount of strain college would put on us financially, I decided to pick colleges in Pennsylvania because there would be no out-of-state fee. Most kids try to find ways to move to another country to get away from their parents, but for me, money is an important factor in deciding a college. Since Carnegie Mellon is one of the best colleges in Pennsylvania, the state I live in, I decided that Carnegie Mellon could be one I could possibly go.
Growing up, I always knew I was an artistic person. I loved to draw and write. I thought up ideas for stories and dreamed of becoming an author. I also thought of being a fashion designer or a director who made movies. These were all great ideas, but I also wanted to help out my parents. Putting all these into consideration, I decided to go with a career that may offer me with a stable job. Of all the careers I checked out, being a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon appealed to me the most. I like using my hands and brain and these jobs, although not as artistic as others, require me to use my hands and head. I can use my full potential. Since these two careers require medical school, I have decided studying biology would be the best choice.
Unlike some people, I believe we, as kids raised by our parents, should not put our loved one in nursing homes unless, they are mentally disabled and we cannot care for them. These people raised us and nourished us. To support them, I want to study medicine. A stable job means that I may be able to buy a house like my parents had always wanted. A stable job means that they no longer have to worry about me and could continue worrying about only my brother who has aspirations to become a professional skateboarder.
Although it looks like my financial situation is making me look like I am forced to pick biology, I actually enjoy the subject. This is the one science course I am confident in and loved taking in high school. My AP Biology class was one of my favorite classes from last year because I loved doing the lab experiments and interacting with people to do these experiments. I got to know these people intimately. I found out what kind of people they were, what they liked and what annoyed them. At Carnegie Mellon, I hope to have the same experience.
In medical school, I plan to either study dermatology or study to become a cosmetic surgeon. I like working with my hands and I think those would be great jobs. Emergency surgeons are one of the most respectable people in the world, but having somebody's life in my hands is something I think I would not be able to stand. I would feel too nervous and the more burden I feel, the more I mess up.
Along with Carnegie Mellon, I am also applying to Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania, Swarthmore College and Temple University. All of these colleges are about half an hour away from my home. I know Carnegie Mellon is six hours from my home, but I wanted to apply, because like most students, I too want to get away from my parents. All the other colleges are close enough for me to commute every day by train or car. Not staying in dormitories can save me a lot of money, but I wanted to get the opportunity to be able to live in dorms if I am given the chance to. I believe it would be a fun experience.
