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Northwestern supplement:: "A second chance"



ginny2345 12 / 20  
Dec 21, 2009   #1
prompt: What are the unique qualities of northwestern-and of the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying-that makes you want to attend the university?In what ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified.

A Second Chance


"Why don't you take a look at the Northwestern University?" my father asked. At that moment I thought that was the worst idea, I'd ever heard. I had never thought about Northwestern University as a prospective school. When my father noticed that I was hesitant, he withdrew saying that it all depended on what I wanted or preferred. Thinking back right now, I laugh at myself for ignorantly judging without even giving the school a second chance.

"My revelation" as I like to call it, was by chance. I had been searching for a particular store in Washington when I was mistakenly linked, to the Northwestern University website. My first instinct was to close the page; however, I decided that there was no harm in exploring a little. I began to look at the various schools and its majors. Apparently, Northwestern was academically diverse. "There's nothing special about that" I told myself, trying to justify my dislike for the school. As a student from Nigeria, it has always been very important to me to attend a school that caters to all my interests, structures itself around people like me and would help nurture my talents.

Exploring the website further, I discovered the Weinberg College of Arts and Science. What immediately caught my attention was the Northwestern Community Development Corps. Being born and raised in the most populous country in Africa, I grew up amidst poverty and squalor. I was inspired by my father, who as a doctor dedicated his life to helping and saving the lives of the Nigerian people. My first dream as a child and now as a teenager has been inspired by my determination to make my country and its people better. This dream has given me a definite and straight- forward outlook on life and plays a major part on who I am today and what I represent as a person. Devoting all my life into making my country better, has been my primary goal in life.

The Northwestern Community Development Corps, the largest student group on campus, serves as an umbrella organization for service groups offering volunteer opportunities in areas like hunger and homelessness, literacy, women's issues, the elderly and health. I am most interested in this group because I believe that it can help me save my country. I hope to share ample ideas and obtain useful ideas with the members of this wonderful organization. Their success in helping the people of the world by founding voluntary organizations that deal with world health issues has greatly inspired me. This organization promises better educate me on the best ways to help my country.

The Weinberg College of Arts and Science has a diverse community of students. This is of utmost importance to me. Being an international student, I want to be able to share my culture, values and my perspective on certain issues with its student and also learn about other cultures and values in return. The Idea of being able to achieve this makes me all the more certain that Northwestern is a step in the right direction.

It only makes it more natural that this wonderful college is located in a city which has always been a great source of inspiration. With the college's unique academic programs and its wonderful and diverse selection of scholars I intend to pursue my dreams to the fullest. Also, I have to point out that the university's environment presents such a diverse and comfortable feel that guarantees an interesting life for me.

With I college like Northwestern, I am guaranteed ample opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and an education that will empower me not only to succeed in my personal and professional life but also to make a positive impact on my country and the world in general.

Sometimes, I allow myself to think about what would have happened if I hadn't come across that website; what different direction my life would have taken. My thoughts were interrupted when my mother walked into the room. "Are you alright?" she asked. "Yes!" I answered happily. I had never been so sure in my life. I had taken the best decision. I had applied to the Northwestern University.

it's just a draft..grammatical corrections will be appreciated and i'd love to know what you guys think about my approach, i am a little bit confused

ilovelaughing 2 / 7  
Dec 21, 2009   #2
This is definitely a risky topic of choice. In my opinion, it still feels as if Northwestern is just a second choice for you; not a second chance. The details about your life growing up are good. Maybe you should go into more detail about that. Who knows, though, I do tend to go on the safe side.
twizzlestraw 12 / 81  
Dec 21, 2009   #3
"My revelation" as I like to call it, was by chance. I had been searching for a particular store in Washington, when I was mistakenly linked, to the Northwestern University website.

Don't need a comma.

As a student from Nigeria, Africa, it has always been very important to me to attend a school that caters to my interests, structures itself around people like me and would help nurture my talents.

It's nice that you have a dream about making your country better, but it would be really nice if you could be specific about how you will do that. Also, I like your overall approach, however, you could really answer the prompt better. You talk a lot about yourself, which is good, but what they really want to know is that you've done your reseach and that Northwestern is really a good fit for you. Honestly, hundreds of schools are diverse and have enriching academic programs. Is Northewestern even particularly known for its public health program? - if it is then good job. Otherwise, and even still, I would advise you to do more research and be specific about what draws you to Northwestern.

Hope that helps!
Would you mind looking over mine?
Thanks!
kda013 6 / 13  
Dec 21, 2009   #4
it's a nice essay :)
it contains how you became interested in the school and all
but i think there's not much of
the 'unique qualities' of Northwestern..

besides wide range of academic diversity, there must be
something that can be found only in Northwestern
(like what twizzlestraw said, there's a lot of schools
that are academically diverse)
OR
i think you can include more detailed information that
you know about the Weinberg College.. such as in what way
does Weinberg makes you want to apply..?
showing that you know very well about the college will help you a lot.

by the way, i think you did a great job in attracting the reader's attention
in the first paragraph. it's interesting ;]

hope this would help.
good luck!
lowcal 12 / 27  
Dec 21, 2009   #5
i really admire the fact that you want to help those in your home country, that is really amazing. overall, you took a good approach on the essay. just as a side note, maybe you want to emphasize how Northwestern will further your dream.
ZuluYaN 1 / 4  
Dec 22, 2009   #6
It definitely had some touching spots. Story of your home country

You may consider the following tips:

1.Why frame this story under "a second chance?". It maybe stunning, but does not bring positive impression though. I do think the essay will look better if you get rid of it.

2.You have concern for your own country, great! But it seemed you left NU out of your plan, only as a step-stone for your future dream? I am afraid AO won't be happy.

3.If your are worrying about the health condition, why chose Weinberg instead of Feinberg School of Medicine?

kda013 has some valid points, i suggest you make NU more visible in this piece.

Best wishes


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