Due Date:1/10/12
1.Please answer the following question in approximately 300 words. What is it about GW's honors program that attracts your interest?
It is easy to say why I am attracted to the University Honors Program. I am currently attending Staten Island Technical High School. I am in a class of only 226 students, so I can see the benefits of a small compact community. Another desired aspect is UHP's wide range of courses. With UHP's highly personal and scholastic atmosphere, I know UHP has an environment suitable for me.
I truly love how this program groups talented students together. Its small class sizes allow everyone to work as a team, to tackle challenges together, to allow the professor to become a mentor and not just a lecturer, and to grow mutually. The ability to connect with the professors is what really makes this program unique. Co-curricular programs like "Professors on the Town," the University Honors Symposia and Professors in the Pub debates are events I hope to be a part of.
In addition, I feel I am in tune with the program idealistically as well. I love to challenge myself academically. In my senior year, I am taking four A.P. courses: Physics, Calculus, U.S. Government, and English Literature. While I love math and science, English confuses me to no end. Yet, I was compelled to take all four classes because I know each subject has its own merit. I feel that knowledge is limitless and will take any opportunity I can to expand my horizon and I know UHP has the same attitude. Therefore, at UHP, I will be surrounded by peers who share my passion. I want to join the University Honors Program to discover everything it has to offer. (270 words)
2.The nineteenth-century philosopher John Stuart Mill once wrote that "one person with a belief is equal to a force of 99 who have only interests." Tell us about one of your beliefs ï how you came to it, why you hold on to it, what has challenged it, and what you imagine its influence will be on your education or pursuits. (500 words)
"We can't allow science to undo its own good work."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 17
When I look around, what do I see? I see families giving love. I see libraries offering knowledge. I see schools giving education, hospital saving lives, nursing homes caring for elders, churches uniting communities, and people with their own individual goals. Yet, I once read a book that depicts a world with none of the above. Aldous Huxley's revealing novel, Brave New World, serves as an admonition of a world that could be our future, a future brought upon by abusing scientific innovation.
In the Brave New World, Huxley illustrates a utopia, in which disease, aging, and crime have all been eliminated. However, despite all these improvements, it is clear from the very first paragraph that the utopia is anything but perfect. Cloning, eugenics, abusing anti-depressants, and euthanasia are common in this futuristic society. Reproduction is controlled within factories. Kids are subjected to strict conditioning to prepare them for their predetermined jobs. In this society art, literature, and religion are sacrificed for social stability. In this society human nature is sacrificed for social stability.
I used to always believe that medical advancements were the key to a better future. Think how much faster progress would be if no restrictions were implemented. However, from reading this book, I discovered that ethics are even more crucial. Compromising our morals for the sake of advancement is dangerous. In the book, emotions were taken out of the equation, which led to the deterioration of human nature. Since I want to pursue a career in medicine, this has led me to question my own morals. In my head, one topic cascades to another. Is cloning humans morally correct? Is euthanasia mercy or murder? What should animal rights include? How far is too far with experiments involving humans? The simplest way to distinguish right from wrong is to never do anything I would not want to have done to myself. Nonetheless, I do not think one person's judgment is adequate. Scientists have already gone too far in many circumstances. Little Albert in 1920, The Monster Study in 1939, and Monkey Drug Trails in 1969 are all examples of events that should not have ever occurred. Patients should be fully informed and given consent before any action is taken.
It is an unfortunate fact that human experimentation still exists, even in the U.S. pharmaceutical companies use experimental drug testing centers to prey on immigrants and minorities. I believe that patients should have full control on decisions affecting their life. I may not know when my morals will be challenged in the future but I do know that I will strive to put my patient's welfare over my own. (459 words)
3.Attach an essay of no more than 500 words indicating what most influenced you to apply to The George Washington University (required of all applicants). If you are applying to an accelerated or special program, also explain why you are interested in this program at GW.
It is the location and academic programs of George Washington University that influenced me to apply. I feel attending GWU will open multiple opportunities of exploration, growth, and research in my field of study. With my interest in medicine, I believe the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences is a perfect place to learn and grow. I believe GW University's numerous internship and study abroad programs will provide me with these chances to explore and learn beyond what I can experience in a classroom setting. Opportunities like The Hughes Scholarship Program, Research Experience for Undergraduates, and Undergraduate Fellowships set GWU apart from everywhere else. The idea of working personally with elite faculty members is breathtaking. I know the insight I can find at GWU will be incomparable.
Speaking of incomparable, Washington D.C. is also a place without comparisons. Being the nation's capitol, it is a center for diversity. I mean diversity not only in ethnicity, but also in ideas and events. It is a place where history is made on a daily basis, a place where the brightest minds congregate to share ideas. Washington D.C. is a bustling city which has a lot to offer, and George Washington University will help me take advantage of this. Raised in New York City, I deeply understand that a range of academic interests and personal perspectives adds much to the educational mix. I know I will always speak out my opinions too. As a child, my grandfather passed away from lung cancer. As a result, I cannot understand why people would risk their health to smoke cigarettes. Being genuinely against cigarettes, I will always make an effort to parley my outlook and get my point across. Also, being American-born Chinese, I have learned to infuse my parent's Chinese culture with my own American culture. I will be sure to commune values such as hard work, modesty, politeness, and family. Therefore, I feel the best way to learn is from not only the teachers but also the students around you. I believe at George Washington University, I can, not only further my academic interests but also expand my understanding of the world and gain perspective into other cultures. At George Washington University, I know I will grow both intellectually and personally.(377 words)
Thank you for reading my essays! Please point out any tone, gramatical, or structural errors. Also, I couldnt really think of what to write for my second essay so i used another college essay and just changed a few sentences around, does it still work?
1.Please answer the following question in approximately 300 words. What is it about GW's honors program that attracts your interest?
It is easy to say why I am attracted to the University Honors Program. I am currently attending Staten Island Technical High School. I am in a class of only 226 students, so I can see the benefits of a small compact community. Another desired aspect is UHP's wide range of courses. With UHP's highly personal and scholastic atmosphere, I know UHP has an environment suitable for me.
I truly love how this program groups talented students together. Its small class sizes allow everyone to work as a team, to tackle challenges together, to allow the professor to become a mentor and not just a lecturer, and to grow mutually. The ability to connect with the professors is what really makes this program unique. Co-curricular programs like "Professors on the Town," the University Honors Symposia and Professors in the Pub debates are events I hope to be a part of.
In addition, I feel I am in tune with the program idealistically as well. I love to challenge myself academically. In my senior year, I am taking four A.P. courses: Physics, Calculus, U.S. Government, and English Literature. While I love math and science, English confuses me to no end. Yet, I was compelled to take all four classes because I know each subject has its own merit. I feel that knowledge is limitless and will take any opportunity I can to expand my horizon and I know UHP has the same attitude. Therefore, at UHP, I will be surrounded by peers who share my passion. I want to join the University Honors Program to discover everything it has to offer. (270 words)
2.The nineteenth-century philosopher John Stuart Mill once wrote that "one person with a belief is equal to a force of 99 who have only interests." Tell us about one of your beliefs ï how you came to it, why you hold on to it, what has challenged it, and what you imagine its influence will be on your education or pursuits. (500 words)
"We can't allow science to undo its own good work."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 17
When I look around, what do I see? I see families giving love. I see libraries offering knowledge. I see schools giving education, hospital saving lives, nursing homes caring for elders, churches uniting communities, and people with their own individual goals. Yet, I once read a book that depicts a world with none of the above. Aldous Huxley's revealing novel, Brave New World, serves as an admonition of a world that could be our future, a future brought upon by abusing scientific innovation.
In the Brave New World, Huxley illustrates a utopia, in which disease, aging, and crime have all been eliminated. However, despite all these improvements, it is clear from the very first paragraph that the utopia is anything but perfect. Cloning, eugenics, abusing anti-depressants, and euthanasia are common in this futuristic society. Reproduction is controlled within factories. Kids are subjected to strict conditioning to prepare them for their predetermined jobs. In this society art, literature, and religion are sacrificed for social stability. In this society human nature is sacrificed for social stability.
I used to always believe that medical advancements were the key to a better future. Think how much faster progress would be if no restrictions were implemented. However, from reading this book, I discovered that ethics are even more crucial. Compromising our morals for the sake of advancement is dangerous. In the book, emotions were taken out of the equation, which led to the deterioration of human nature. Since I want to pursue a career in medicine, this has led me to question my own morals. In my head, one topic cascades to another. Is cloning humans morally correct? Is euthanasia mercy or murder? What should animal rights include? How far is too far with experiments involving humans? The simplest way to distinguish right from wrong is to never do anything I would not want to have done to myself. Nonetheless, I do not think one person's judgment is adequate. Scientists have already gone too far in many circumstances. Little Albert in 1920, The Monster Study in 1939, and Monkey Drug Trails in 1969 are all examples of events that should not have ever occurred. Patients should be fully informed and given consent before any action is taken.
It is an unfortunate fact that human experimentation still exists, even in the U.S. pharmaceutical companies use experimental drug testing centers to prey on immigrants and minorities. I believe that patients should have full control on decisions affecting their life. I may not know when my morals will be challenged in the future but I do know that I will strive to put my patient's welfare over my own. (459 words)
3.Attach an essay of no more than 500 words indicating what most influenced you to apply to The George Washington University (required of all applicants). If you are applying to an accelerated or special program, also explain why you are interested in this program at GW.
It is the location and academic programs of George Washington University that influenced me to apply. I feel attending GWU will open multiple opportunities of exploration, growth, and research in my field of study. With my interest in medicine, I believe the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences is a perfect place to learn and grow. I believe GW University's numerous internship and study abroad programs will provide me with these chances to explore and learn beyond what I can experience in a classroom setting. Opportunities like The Hughes Scholarship Program, Research Experience for Undergraduates, and Undergraduate Fellowships set GWU apart from everywhere else. The idea of working personally with elite faculty members is breathtaking. I know the insight I can find at GWU will be incomparable.
Speaking of incomparable, Washington D.C. is also a place without comparisons. Being the nation's capitol, it is a center for diversity. I mean diversity not only in ethnicity, but also in ideas and events. It is a place where history is made on a daily basis, a place where the brightest minds congregate to share ideas. Washington D.C. is a bustling city which has a lot to offer, and George Washington University will help me take advantage of this. Raised in New York City, I deeply understand that a range of academic interests and personal perspectives adds much to the educational mix. I know I will always speak out my opinions too. As a child, my grandfather passed away from lung cancer. As a result, I cannot understand why people would risk their health to smoke cigarettes. Being genuinely against cigarettes, I will always make an effort to parley my outlook and get my point across. Also, being American-born Chinese, I have learned to infuse my parent's Chinese culture with my own American culture. I will be sure to commune values such as hard work, modesty, politeness, and family. Therefore, I feel the best way to learn is from not only the teachers but also the students around you. I believe at George Washington University, I can, not only further my academic interests but also expand my understanding of the world and gain perspective into other cultures. At George Washington University, I know I will grow both intellectually and personally.(377 words)
Thank you for reading my essays! Please point out any tone, gramatical, or structural errors. Also, I couldnt really think of what to write for my second essay so i used another college essay and just changed a few sentences around, does it still work?