UW- MADISON : . Tell us why you decided to apply to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, share with us the academic, extracurricular, or research opportunities you would take advantage of as a student. If applicable, provide details of any circumstance that could have had an impact on your academic performance and/or extracurricular involvement.
ME : It was like love at the first sight when I first heard the name University of Wisconsin-Madison; I immediately felt an urge to know more about this institution. When I asked others about UW-Madison, they would definitely describe it as a wonderful and academically-diverse university. However, it was not enough to just hear the word-of-mouth from others; I wanted to see the real UW-Madison with my own eyes. My desire to go there was aroused even more with the fact that UW-Madison is one of the top-notch public research universities in the USA. Moreover, the UW-Madison system not only values the high achievers; it values the all-rounded ones as well. Since childhood, I have always used extracurricular activities as a way to balance my academic and to release my stress. This is why I would love to attend the UW-Madison as there are myriads of clubs and activities there that I could participate in without neglecting the quality of my education.
Medicine is definitely in my best interest, but I am more obsessed with the subject of immunology. Since I am really inclined to study the spread of infectious diseases, I planned to settle on Microbiology as my major if I were to be accepted into UW-Madison.
In terms of research opportunities, I would most definitely love to take advantage of the Entering Research Course Series organized by the Institute for Biology Education. With this program, I could learn, step-by-step, how to conduct an independent research with the help from a credible mentor. Although the Undergraduate Research and Mentoring Program is no longer accepting new participants, I really harbor great interest in this program and am particularly attracted to a research conducted by one of the URM Fellows, Momodou Jammeh under the guidance of his mentor, M Suresh. His current research project on the "Signaling requirements for the generation of CD8+ T cell memory" really intrigued my curiosity. It is a real wonder to get to learn how our bodies produce cells that can store immunological memory and allows the immune system to respond more vigorously to infectious pathogens that have been encountered previously. I have also envisioned a research project that is quite similar to Mr. Jammeh's, but with a focus on how viruses originated from animals can be transmitted to human and how they affect our immune system. This research is more realistically possible to be conducted at UW-Madison than any other universities as there are multiple of hospitals and medical schools nearby to obtain specimens for experiments.
As for extracurricular activities, I am really not good in sports, so I think I would be continuing to do what I do best: joining volunteer programs such as food drives for the homeless or welfare work to help the flood victims. I think UW-Madison would find me as a very beneficial asset academically and socially. I really hope that I will be given the chance to attend this wondrous university so that I can learn only from the best.
MICH STATE : 1. Michigan State University recognizes that an assortment of interests, viewpoints, and life experiences are important in student learning and enhance the university community. Describe an experience, passion, or characteristic that illustrates what you would contribute to the MSU community and how this will add to the overall richness of campus life.
ME : "Are you sure?" my friends asked me. While most of my classmates decided to leave the form empty, I was still wondering about taking Visual Art as my extra subject.
It was the start of a new school term and I was placed in a science-streamed class which was famous for its top rank and the workloads that came with it. Because of the tough curriculum, science-based students will usually refrain from taking extra subjects.
My friends kept on trying to talk me out of the idea, explaining how nonsense it was to take an extra 'burden' - I disagree with them. To me, learning was never a burden; it was a challenge that could help me to outdo myself. Without delay, I quickly wrote 'Visual Art' in the form and passed it to my teacher.
Being in the school art studio was surreally different from being in the school laboratory. There, I could explore and experiment with my own creativity without being 'bounded' by the laws of physics. I got to widen my social circle and meet various people with eccentric personalities. While my classmates were acquainted only with students of their own cliques, I was practically friend with almost everyone in school. Art had also opened the path for me to be active in extracurricular activities. Because of my unique background in science and art, my teachers would always hunt me down and get me to participate whenever there were competitions such as the Young Scientist and the Poster Drawing contests.
It was a year when I have to literally cramp everything in my waking hours, but at the same time, it was also the most eventful year of my life: I got to enjoy the best of both worlds that I love. My decision finally proved to be worthwhile when I was honored as the best student in both Science and Art subjects during the Academic Excellence Day.
This experience of mine had really instilled the zest in me and I wish to carry on my spirit and participate in various activities at Michigan State University. My passion in science and art, together with my bubbly personality, can be a great social bridge to connect the variously personalized students there. In addition, I also hope to acquaint my future friends at MSU with the rich and diverse cultures of my country, Malaysia.
feedback is very much appreciated! :D
Hi,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your response to the questions. I liked the way you have presented your answers, as they were apt, clear and concise. Keep up the good work!
I corrected a few errors that I found.
Good Luck with your application!
Cheers,
Leanne :)
....as a way to balance my academicacademics ....
....myriadsis a myriad of....
Try to avoid using 'obsessed' here, as it may have a more negative feeling associated with it. Instead, try using something that you'd like to pursue/have interest in/a subject that leaves you in awe.
You could also try cutting down on the use of the word 'really' in the first and second paragraphs, as it sounds repetitive after a while.
Regarding the UW-Madison essay:
You simply state that you enjoy all of this stuff and you will participate in opportunities that satisfy your interests. I personally would like to see some sort of plan that goes beyond interest. It would be best if you discussed some sort of goal you have within life and how UW-Madison is the best at helping you achieve that goal. University admissions officers like to see people that will use the University's services to do great things in the world, not just satisfy their own personal interests.
I think you can write well, but you need to shift your focus from interests and more towards goals.
