My essay for Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences.
Any advice/corrections would be fantastic!
College of Arts and Sciences:
Describe your intellectual interests, their evolution, and what makes them exciting to you. Tell us how you will utilize the academic programs in the College of Arts and Sciences to further explore your interests, intended major, or field of study.
Slipping on a pair of gloves, I grimaced down at the slimy creature on the table in front of me. It was dissection day in my biology class sophomore year and I wasn't too thrilled about cutting open a dead frog. In fact, I was a little repulsed by it. My lab partner handed me a scalpel and I reluctantly made the first incision, right down the middle of the frog's abdomen. Then, while my partner pinned down the flaps of skin, I began poking around inside, looking for things on the diagram our teacher had given us. After a few minutes, my initial disgust gave way to curiosity. Picking apart a dead frog was gross, but it was also interesting. I got to actually learn hands-on instead of just reading information out of a book. I had a lot of fun that day and for the rest of the year in that class. I always loved science, but I quickly discovered that biology was especially exciting to me. Outside of school, I would read articles about cells, genetics, disease, and whatever other topics I stumbled upon. I would come into class everyday with new questions and looked forward to doing lab experiments. As a junior I took AP statistics and learned a lot about designing experiments and analyzing data. This furthered my interest in the world of research which biology had introduced me to. I've always had a lot of questions about the world around me, and through science I hope to find some of the answers.
At this point in my life, I don't know exactly where my love for science, especially biology, will take me. It may be that science combined with the satisfaction I get from working with people will lead me to medical school, or perhaps my curiosity and passion for learning will take me down the path of scientific research. However, regardless of what I ultimately decide to do, I know Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences will help me accomplish my goals. Cornell is known for the fantastic research opportunities it offers its students. The Cornell community shares my intense curiosity and enthusiasm for education. My professors and fellow students alike will help me develop my interests by engaging me in intelligent conversations and opening my eyes to new ideas. Through Cornell, I'll gain practical knowledge in subject matter that really excites me.
This is a good essay. You clearly highlight your intellectual interests and their evolution. The fact that you mention that you aren't sure where this interest would lead you, shows that you are ready to explore different avenues, which is exactly the point of a liberal arts education.
Another strength is that you have made this essay simple and lucid, without using any pretentious or profound terms. Your voice can be heard quite clearly.
However, there is scope for improvement. Maybe you can talk about how your love for biology complements certain characteristics of your personality, and your attitude towards the world. You mention that you have certain interesting questions in your mind, mention some of these since they'll make the essay more interesting.
The bit about "why Cornell?", is rather weak at the moment. Saying things that the university's research programs are fantastic, and intellectually stimulating, is rather generic. Mention a specific program you liked, or an approach of teaching, so they know that you are aware of what you are talking.
Good Luck :)
