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.
Did you know that in Russia it is customary for daughters to take on their father's first name as their middle name? The only difference is that they add 'ovna' to the end to make it feminine. Did you know that in Morocco they eat and drink with their right hand only? It is extremely rude to use the left hand, which is considered unclean. To some these may seem like useless facts, but to me they are fascinating pieces of knowledge which open doors to entirely new worlds. Learning about other cultures around the world is intriguing to me, and I want to soak up as much knowledge about each culture as I can hold.
My interest in cultures intensified over the past few years as I grew closer to my best friend Yuliya and her family. Yuliya, is a Russian immigrant, and I have always been fascinated by her and her family's different cultural characteristics. They have several values and traditions which set them apart from the typical American family. I have noticed their love for tea, and their interesting tendency to put sour cream on everything. It is also typical of Russian culture to emphasize respect for the elderly, rather than focusing on youth as we do in America. Despite all these differences in the way we were brought up, Yuliya and I have become inseparable over the years--growing to love one another like sisters.
It is incredible how two people can be so different, yet so much alike. Yuliya and I can connect on so may levels. We enjoy jogging together, and as we jog she sometimes teaches me Russian words. I stumble over the strange sounds, but she always encourages me with a laugh. Our friendship has taught me that there are certain universal human characteristics, that can connect anyone, regardless of their different backgrounds.
This is what interests me most about other cultures. I not only want to learn the interesting facts, but I want to learn about how cultures interact with one another. Despite cultural differences, everyone is connected in the ways we interact. My interest in cultures has opened my eyes to many world issues. Misunderstandings can occur when people are uninformed about other societies, and studying other cultures can help limit these misunderstandings.
I want to dive in explore these different cultures,and discover ways to limit these misunderstandings. I know that the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell offers exceptional programs in the foreign languages, history, anthropology, sociology, and many other departments which will help me in my academic pursuits. Although I am not yet sure which of these majors I will choose, I know that there are countless opportunities for me at Cornell to pursue my interests in culture and society around the world. The many cultures of the world look to me like a rainbow of endless color, and I want to explore each and every stripe.
All comments and suggestions welcome! :)
When I first read it, I thought that you were going to talk about your Russian culture, but I was surprised that you switched it into something about cultures. It made it interesting and I wanted to read more.
For this essay, I'm afraid that it may seem too unoriginal because people from all over the world probably talk about their culture and it feels too general.
I think you should ask yourself what about different cultures is so interesting and exciting to you and pinpoint that aspect directly. That way you can answer the prompt.
"I know that the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell offers exceptional programs in the foreign languages, history, anthropology, sociology, and many other departments."
I'm sure that many other colleges offer the same programs. I think you need to make it specific on why Cornell is where you want to go specifically. Maybe narrow it down.
I liked the switch from Russian to Morrocan culure at the beginning; good hook.
I like the general idea of the essay: you're interested in learning about other cultures. However, I think it'd be stronger if you went further in talking about where or why this interest stemmed from. This way you'd also be able to hit on more of the evolution of your interests as described in the prompt.
Just some thoughts.
If you'd like to return the favor, that'd be awesome :)
Ok I changed it , but I'm really unsure about it. Better or no? Please help!!!
I like it a lot! My only suggestion is to maybe add a little more Cornell-specific info.
Grammar suggestion:
Despite all these differences in the way we were brought up, Yuliya and I have become inseparable over the years, growing to love one another like sisters.
I'm applying to Cornell, too! Good luck! :)
I really like this essay. It's really genuine unlike others i've read. However, you need to say more specifically how you will utilize the programs at Cornell- its a key part of the essay. Let them know you did your research on them properly. don't change anything else though.BTW good luck!i'm also applying to Cornell;hope it goes well.
The many cultures of the world look to me like a rainbow of endless color, and I want to explore each and every stripe.
I think that line is a bit cliched, this is a pretty straightforward prompt, no need to add random artsy creativity at the end
