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Johns Hopkins Essay- why i chose undecided as my major


mdg921 3 / 11  
Dec 31, 2008   #1
This is a rough draft. Any input would be helpful. Is it too short? The last paragraph at the end is something I don't know if I should add. Should I add it? The question doesn't ask to name specific qualities about JHU that we like, just why we chose the major that we did but I figure it wouldn't hurt...I would add it before the last paragraph.

In eighth grade, my friend Alex told me her life plan. After graduating in the top 25% of her class, she was to attend George Washington University, and then law school to become a lawyer. I sat there, bemused. She was thirteen - I was twelve - and she already had her ten-year plan. "Really?" I asked her. "Do you think that's really going to happen?" She nodded seriously, completely confident.

Admittedly, I was jealous of Alex, jealous that she knew exactly what she wanted to do and how she wanted to go about it. But not now. I put "undecided" as my major because, yes, I don't know what I want to major in. But more importantly, I'm still a child. By labeling myself as an intended economics or anthropology or romance language major, I'd be locking myself in a box. I'd be stunting my own growth, and while it's highly unlikely I'll ever be eye to eye with Shaquille O'Neal without standing on an apple box, I have yet to fully mature. If I walk onto campus/name some gate with a specific preconception of what I'm supposed to do or act like, I'll only be selling myself short of a true college experience. No, I'd much rather embrace the unknown and unearth and cultivate more of myself as an undergraduate. Besides, isn't that what college is about? Digging up more of yourself? I look at college - or rather, I hope college is a time of self-discovery. During the next four years, I desire to connect with new people, diversify myself through education and experience, and attain a deeper sense of who I am and what I'm capable of.

High school was a time when I took classes that school required and attained what I think is my identity. But I know there is so much more of me yet to be found, so much more to see, hear, and do. College will be a time when I take the classes I want to take, and gain a truer sense of myself. Come September, I'll leave Millburn, undecided in my major, but decidedly open to the unknown.

That's not to say I lack any sense of myself or don't have any interests or passions. I love to read, write, discuss, and play music. But, I'm not chaining myself to those subjects. And the lack of a core curriculum at the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences allows for me to explore without restraint the multiple majors and minors it carries, as well as the extensive research opportunities.
haiho 1 / 1  
Dec 31, 2008   #2
that sounds really good

in my opinion, you could probably do without the last paragraph, but it's truly up to you in the end.

good work!
OP mdg921 3 / 11  
Dec 31, 2008   #3
Thanks a lot. If anyone else could read it and help me revise it in any way, that would be much appreciated.
scarpino 2 / 4  
Dec 31, 2008   #4
kind of a negative introduction
maybe you should say that though you were jealous at first but then you realize that there was nothing wrong with learning new things and opening up to the unknown

good job
OP mdg921 3 / 11  
Dec 31, 2008   #5
Thanks, but I thought I did that? I mean, that was the whole gist of my essay...could you be more specific?
scarpino 2 / 4  
Dec 31, 2008   #6
you're right, sorry
I read it too fast
Good Luck
yli09 1 / 9  
Dec 31, 2008   #7
Actually, I agree more with scarpino's first comment. You *do* get quite negative - e.g. "locking myself in a box...stunting my own growth...selling myself short" - stuff like that. Get rid of that, and focus more on the "self-discovery...connect with new people, diversify myself through education and experience" parts. The question you want to answer is "Why is choosing 'Undecided' the best route for YOU," not "Why shouldn't people decide on their major in high school?"

Also, give examples of the new experiences you'd like to try at JHU - design teams? An unique club? A "quirky" class that only Hopkins offers? Remember to be as specific as possible; after all, you can meet new people at ANY college.
OP mdg921 3 / 11  
Dec 31, 2008   #8
Okay, got it, thank you!
amy 5 / 39  
Dec 31, 2008   #9
Hey, your essay sounds great, but I suggest you incorporate some things that make you unique. That way, it will prove to colleges that you have many interests, and that is why you don't want to limit yourself with choosing a major. I mean, a lot of what you say is a bit repetetive, but I suggest you show them proof that you don't want to limit yourself. Talk about the many things you look forward to in college. Be specific! Your essay is pretty engaging, but that's the only suggestion I had. In the last paragraph, you almost go into the specific activities you'd like to be a part of, but you don't mention how you can contribute to the school. Anyways, good luck.
OP mdg921 3 / 11  
Dec 31, 2008   #10
Yeah, you're right, in my last paragraph I was going to go into my interests more specifically but I didn't know if I should since the essay prompt didn't instruct me to specifically. I guess a general rule of thumb is to mention specifics to the college you're applying to when writing your essay, huh?

Anyway, thanks for the help, appreciate it!
EF_Kevin 8 / 13,321 129  
Dec 31, 2008   #11
I put "undecided" as my major because, no , I don't know what I want to major

During the next four years, my desire is to connect with new people, diversify myself through education and experience, and attain a deeper sense of who I am and what I'm capable of.

During high school, I took the classes required by the school, and attained what I think is my identity.

Come September, I'll leave Millburn, undecided in my major, but decidedly open to the unknown.I really like this sentence!

Good luck in school!!:)
sk8rgal666 2 / 27  
Jan 1, 2009   #12
I think you successfully combine your story with the school's character, it sounds like a great match!
I would suggest enlarging your last paragraph, perhaps more reflection?
Good Luck! =]


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