Hi Everyone. I'm a senior in high school and new to the forums. I'm not sure if I am answering the prompt correctly or how well my essay will come off to the admissions people. This is my common application essay. And I plan to play to the University of Pennsylvania Early Decision.
The prompt: Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
My essay:
I love fixing things. Be it computers, cars, lawnmowers, chainsaws, Xbox 360's, drain clogs, bad electrical outlets and more. Since I was a kid I've always been fascinated with how things work. When my computer monitor suddenly turned blank I knew it was my video card. When my car was overheating I knew it was a bad radiator. Being the repair and do-it-yourself industry I learned life's most valuable lesson. A lesson that if not discovered, humanity would still be in its Neanderthal days.
I bought my first car last winter for a measly $400. It had a blown head-gasket and I saw it as a fun project and a way to get more experience about auto repairs. I started in November of last year and around January I thought I was done. I worked all day when the weather permitted and I took a long time to learn the inner workings of the car and change the head-gasket. After I reassembled everything to the factory specifications I eagerly got behind the wheel, pushed the clutch pedal and started the car. It started right up but was making such a loud rattle that I shut off the car because I was worried about waking the neighbors. I tried to figure out the problem but to no avail. Eventually a mechanic looked at it and told me my engine was gone as I had damaged the piston by dropping a bolt in the engine housing.
With no other options I paid the mechanic $1200 of my hard earned savings to replace the motor and then sold the car. When I told my Dad what happened he simply smiled and said "At least you'll never let that happen again." And slowly after my frustration cooled down I realized what he meant, the life lesson for mankind was that I'll learn from my mistakes.
It's something I honestly took for granted, something I never bothered to think about; why will I never drop a bolt in an engine again? Because I know that it will destroy the engine completely and as I don't want that to happen again I will make sure I double check around the car from now on before starting it. But the real lesson is learning from mistakes in general, not necessarily my own. My dad left old gas in the tank of his lawnmower and that gums up the carberator and will keep the mower from starting again. Knowing this, I'll make sure to never let that happen again.
This principle is applicable in every aspect of life, from academics, to the job market, even our government and legislature. Mistakes allow us as a society, to grow, learn and prosper from our previous experiences instead of mindlessly going through the motions of life. Eventually, I want to use this to create a better country for everyone, be it through law, engineering or science.
This is my rough draft so please comment with any suggestions and corrections. I really appreciate all your help!
The prompt: Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
My essay:
I love fixing things. Be it computers, cars, lawnmowers, chainsaws, Xbox 360's, drain clogs, bad electrical outlets and more. Since I was a kid I've always been fascinated with how things work. When my computer monitor suddenly turned blank I knew it was my video card. When my car was overheating I knew it was a bad radiator. Being the repair and do-it-yourself industry I learned life's most valuable lesson. A lesson that if not discovered, humanity would still be in its Neanderthal days.
I bought my first car last winter for a measly $400. It had a blown head-gasket and I saw it as a fun project and a way to get more experience about auto repairs. I started in November of last year and around January I thought I was done. I worked all day when the weather permitted and I took a long time to learn the inner workings of the car and change the head-gasket. After I reassembled everything to the factory specifications I eagerly got behind the wheel, pushed the clutch pedal and started the car. It started right up but was making such a loud rattle that I shut off the car because I was worried about waking the neighbors. I tried to figure out the problem but to no avail. Eventually a mechanic looked at it and told me my engine was gone as I had damaged the piston by dropping a bolt in the engine housing.
With no other options I paid the mechanic $1200 of my hard earned savings to replace the motor and then sold the car. When I told my Dad what happened he simply smiled and said "At least you'll never let that happen again." And slowly after my frustration cooled down I realized what he meant, the life lesson for mankind was that I'll learn from my mistakes.
It's something I honestly took for granted, something I never bothered to think about; why will I never drop a bolt in an engine again? Because I know that it will destroy the engine completely and as I don't want that to happen again I will make sure I double check around the car from now on before starting it. But the real lesson is learning from mistakes in general, not necessarily my own. My dad left old gas in the tank of his lawnmower and that gums up the carberator and will keep the mower from starting again. Knowing this, I'll make sure to never let that happen again.
This principle is applicable in every aspect of life, from academics, to the job market, even our government and legislature. Mistakes allow us as a society, to grow, learn and prosper from our previous experiences instead of mindlessly going through the motions of life. Eventually, I want to use this to create a better country for everyone, be it through law, engineering or science.
This is my rough draft so please comment with any suggestions and corrections. I really appreciate all your help!
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