1.Why physics? 2. name 3 qualities you possess --Bucknell Supplements - -

these are the bucknell supplements:
it asks why i chose my major (which is physics) and also "what makes you uncommon and uniquely you"

Why Physics?
Physics hasn't been my best subject. I have been better at mathematics. Wouldn't it make sense to take Mathematics then? No, I do not believe in mathematics the way I believe in physics. Mathematics plays an important role in sciences, however does not feed my hunger for discovery. Physics, consisting of uncertainties, attempts to discover the truth about the universe, in a way that I have always been interested in. I have always tried to imagine and develop my own theory of how things work, specifically how the universe came to be. In Iran I was taught a good deal of theory. Here at UWC I learned a different, more practical approach at physics which I truly enjoyed. I want to major in physics to further explore my interest, and I see my future development only under Bucknell.

People have always told me that I am a caring person. Quite often I would ask how they were and try my best to help them if I felt it's needed. Sometimes I was unsuccessful, but mostly I managed to help people, in one way or the other. I remember my grandfather's mentality suddenly just changed after he retired; he couldn't do many things. For many weeks I took care of him, helping him eat, walk, ask what he wanted and in general tried my best to make sure he is at least alright. We never spent time together and barely knew each other. In UWC, we always help each other out as students tend to get depressed because of the remoteness and darkness. I've put a lot of effort and time to listen to people and help them out. I have also joined the First Aid team on campus, and I have been able to help people out, medically or mentally.

I have always been very nosy when it comes to technical issues, whether a device malfunctions, the electricity goes out or even if the pipe is clogged. I have usually figured out a way out of most of my problems, unless it is too severe, of course. I am mainly interested in electronic devices; I have always open devices and take a look at the structure, trying to figure out how it works. I even use electronic scrap material in my Visual Arts class to make sculptures or decorate my investigation book. Since I was a kid I have made electronic kits, where I assembled transistors, chips, etc. on a board and in the end it would turn out as a functional device. I have also had experience with electrical circuits; in junior high school we were assigned to many projects. I have always dreamed of making my own devices and designing my own electronic boards.

In summer 06 I attended a two month international leadership summer camp as a first year, and was invited back as a second year in 07. My life in those summers was completely on my own shoulders, for the first time. I was also in charge of leading many group activities such as cleaning groups, sport events, projects and etc. I felt it was very tough since I had no such experience before but the friendly environment of the campus kept me confident. Over time I strengthened my leadership and collaborative skills. I had become more confident, decisive, fair and responsible. My toughest and best experience was to lead the entire campus for one day. Each camper has an opportunity to be in the power of the director of the camp for one day, where they would fix a schedule, have meetings and get tasks done. My other experiences outside campus involve being the chair of the student council in my high school back home and giving leadership workshops in my current high school.

'leadership' essay
In summer 06 I attended a two month international leadership summer camp as a first year, and was invited back as a second year in 07. My life in those summers was completely on my own shoulders, for the first time. I was also in charge of leading many group activities such as cleaning groups, sport events, projects and etc. I felt it was very tough since I had no such experience before but the friendly environment of the campus kept me confident. Over time I strengthened my leadership and collaborative skills. I had become more confident, decisive, fair, responsible and most importantly learned to place myself as a leader at the same level as my companions. A big part of my learning was to learn from and observe other campers and counselors. My toughest and best experience was to be the leader of the entire camp for one day, where I was actually in complete charge of a big group. Each camper has this opportunity, where they would fix a schedule, assign tasks and watch over them.

Thank you! please tell me if they sound too boring and if anything needs to be secluded / included. I will defintely look back at your essays if u tell me to. please comment

I think you did a great job of anwering the prompts and were very honest. I can't say much about the actual writing though because I'm not much of a writer myself(sorry!)but I think you did a pretty decent job. I like how you provided specific examples of how you demonstrate each quality.

Good luck!

I was just skimming through, but I noticed you probably shouldn't include this line. Physics involves quite a bit of math, first of all, and what you say about math in this line makes you look rather short-sighted. Besides, what if the person who reads your essay was a math major?

Is math really just an invention of mankind? It, just like physics, discovers truths about the nature of the universe: mankind discovers the rules of math, rather than creates them.

The physics section could also do with more on your interests in the last few years, rather than 'since I was a child'. Perhaps draw in how you became interested in physics specifically at Bucknell.

As for the supplements: good work describing actual examples.

Over time I had learned to lead people and also collaborate in groups - I don't think this is a very useful line, as it's generic and demonstrates nothing.

Try for something more personal in the leadership section - explain what qualities it brought out in you rather than just asserting that it changed your personality.

Also, cut the line 'I dare say I was a good leader' - it doesn't communicate confidence, or anything about your personal leadership style, which this section could do with.

I hope that was constructive and not too harsh. Thank you for looking at my short answer. If you have time, I'd really appreciate it if you looked at my CommonApp Essay.

Thanks Roraig,
Well I actually wrote a philosophy paper on "areas of knowledge being discovered or invented" and i proved that math is invented. of course, thats my opinion. But you have a good point here, and i dont think i can write down my philosophy in 800 characters...

I will do your essays in return. leave me a link.

Perhaps combine the first two lines: I have always been better at Maths than at Physics.

Perhaps: Though mathematics plays an important role in the sciences, it does not feed my hunger for discovery.

A question about your leadership essay: isn't all the description of being student council president and leadership workshops already in your application? Perhaps you should give more detail of your leadership at the camp, giving depth rather than breadth. what difficulties did you encounter in leadership?

I hope that's useful - these essays are pretty good, so don't worry too much. I would really appreciate it if you could give me some feedback on my essay.