My Love For Technology: Common App Essay #1

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. [650 word limit]

computer geek confession

After assembling computer components for nearly 10 hours, it was finally time to turn the PC on. My heart was pounding with adrenaline as all of the time and money I had invested into my first computer was coming down to one moment. I pressed the power button; the fans spun, the LEDs turned on, and the screen flashed before my eyes. It truly was one of the most satisfying feelings I had ever experienced.

From computers to programs, I have always enjoyed working with and discovering new tech. I built my first computer when I was twelve years old, but ever since I was a little kid, I loved playing on the computer. After coming home from preschool, instead of watching my favorite TV shows, I would hop online to play games that were inspired by those shows. While learning how to type in elementary school, I always made it my goal to be the fastest typist in the class. Although other interests of mine faded as time went on, my obsession with tech did not.

Once I got to high school, I incorporated technology into other portions of my life. Freshmen year, I started "Daniel's Tech Help" where I passed out business cards around my neighborhood for anybody who might computer need help. Subsequently, I went to people's homes and fixed their computers, routers, and printers while making some extra cash. When I was a sophomore, I started and was president of the Tech Club at Las Lomas. We met once a month to discuss new technology that was released such as phones, video games, and cars. During my junior year, I enrolled in a programming class, where I found a new passion.

Prior to taking IntroCS, I had little knowledge of programming, but once I took the class, I instantly fell in love and would look forward to programming every day. I learned how to code Java, and it was fascinating to see my coding skills grow as the year progressed. This led me to delve into other programming languages such as HTML where I developed a website for a tea company called Sip Sense. In addition to this, I created a website for a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the poor in Cambodia, Khmer Buddhist Relief. In addition, I set up a total of six computers in a physician's office. I built, wired, and connected all of them to a network so they could work together seamlessly.

Recently, I incorporated my love for technology and computers into my Eagle Scout project where I led a team of scouts and built four computers and donated them to the Boys and Girls Club. Throughout the project, I used my loved for technology and my leadership skills to complete the project successfully. Nevertheless, there were a few problems that arose during the project such as the computer not booting or not being able to connect to the internet. Working as a team, instead of separately, allowed us to fix the problems in an efficient manner. The most rewarding part of the entire project was getting to deliver the computers to the Boys and Girls Club. Many of the kids at the club were underprivileged and did not even have a computer in their own home. So, when four brand new, ultra fast, PCs were given to them to use, they were very excited - one of the kids even exclaimed, "This is the best day of my life!" It was great to see my knowledge for technology benefitting other people within my community.

In college, I plan to pursue my passion for technology by majoring in computer science. I will put all of my mental and physical resources into obtaining that degree, but I must not forget the reason why I wanted the degree in the first place. It is is crucial that I remember my love for technology is the driving force for what I do in college, and later on in life.

I am 14 words above the word limit, so any cut recommendations would be great.

Daniel, since you are applying to be a computer science major, this essay is not the proper response to the prompt. You already have a background, identity and interest in computer science, which is why you chose it as your major. This essay is all about another aspect of your application. The non-academic side. The side that tells the reviewer something else about you aside from your interest in computers.

What do you want the reviewer to know about you with regards to something not discussed in the other prompts? Computers are your passion but this is not what makes you the person you are today. What else makes you special aside from your love for computers and software? How do you see yourself in terms of who you are beyond computers? Tell the reviewer about that side of your personality. The person who is more than a computer whiz. He already knows all about that from the documents you submitted and the other essays that you wrote.

Complete the following sentence, "This essay will be incomplete if I do not tell you about / that I ..." (A topic that stands separate from your computer interests). The completion of that sentence is what should be discussed in this essay. It should not be a continued discussion of your desire to become a computer science major and the steps you have taken to prepare for that. This essay should be set aside for a prompt that asks just that, "What steps have you taken to prepare for the major you have chosen?" That is something that this essay strongly responds to. It does not respond to the current prompt requirements.

@Holt
What if I were to change my prompt to #6 and change my essay accordingly, would that work better?

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Thanks.

Daniel, in response to your question, no, the new prompt that you decided to use is not applicable because the prompt is asking you to discuss something that you find relaxing that yo do alone. It does not require interaction with other people and it does not require you to do different things in a manner related to your college major. You need to discuss something that is like a hobby or a non-sensical thing that allows you to simply while the time away. It just needs to be something that introduces your manner of resting in between learning sessions. While it could be something that results in income for you, the fact that the essay that you wrote related to various activities instead of only one action makes it inappropriate for the new essay prompt that you chose as well. You really need to consider writing a more relevant essay based on the prompt requirement if you want to use this prompt for your common app essay.

I hope that I have clarified things for you. I look forward to seeing your active participation in the forum by helping the others here who are looking for comments and advice from their fellow students. I am sure they are eager to hear what you have to say about their work.