College Essay #2

2. Tell us why you decided to apply to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition, share with us the academic, extracurricular, or research opportunities you would take advantage of as a student. If applicable, provide details of any circumstance that could have had an impact on your academic performance and/or extracurricular involvement.

When I was compiling my list of colleges to apply to, UW-Madison was not on it at first. I had not even thought about it as being one of my choices. In fact, I didn’t know anything about this University. However, it only took me about a week to realize that this was the perfect University for me.

A few months before the end of junior year, I had been informed about a certain outreach program at UW-Madison. I had met all of the requirements and it was the exact thing I needed to confirm my career choice. It was absolutely perfect for me, and I felt that the program was too good to be true. Immediately, I applied and weeks later I was accepted into the College of Engineering’s highly regarded Engineering Summer Program. This program solidified my decision to apply to UW-Madison’s College of Engineering.

For six weeks over the summer, which filled my entire summer vacation, I stayed on campus and participated in engineering courses. The program was designed to mimic the first year for a student majoring in any field of engineering at the University. These rigorous courses helped me develop the skills necessary to become an engineer. We were given homework and essays to complete on a weekly basis, so of course our time was very limited. I always completed all assignments with a group of students and we always used each other as extra resources. I learned how to balance my time and collaborate with other students effectively and efficiently.

The courses offered at UW-Madison are some of the most interesting and intriguing courses I have ever experienced. In the Intro to Engineering class, we were given the task to build a robotic hand from nothing. The hand was designed, fabricated, and programmed in under six weeks for the showcase. We presented the hand to various faculty, staff, and students of UW-Madison, and then the following day to our family and friends who came to bring us home. I absolutely loved the project. Not only did I become closer to my peers, but I also understood how essential engineers are to this world. This summer program also convinced me that UW-Madison was the place that would help me to be a successful engineer. I immediately went from being completely undecided, in where I wanted to attend college, to completely sure that there was no place else I would rather consider. As a bonus, it isn’t too far away from home and I already feel that I have a family of friends waiting here for me.

If I were to be admitted into the College of Engineering at UW Madison, I’d participate in a variety of activities. Of course, I would apply to be an Engineering Summer Program counselor. Since I would be an ESP alumni, I’d like to share my own experiences with other young students across the nation and guide them in the same way the counselors there did for me.

I’d also like to become a member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. I value diversity and I believe programs like this are a great way to give minorities a real voice and shake all of the stereotypes. Being open to all backgrounds allows us to teach and learn from each other. This shared knowledge allows us to view the world through many cultures with different perspectives and beliefs. Only then, can we truly understand each other.

I am also very interested in the Wisconsin Robotics program. I love hands-on projects. This organization will allow me to show my competitive side and reveal my creative skills. Since I plan to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, I feel that this organization will help drive me in the right direction.

College Essay Draft #1

1. Consider something in your life you think goes unnoticed and write about why it's important to you.

I remember attending freshman orientation, wondering how I was going to tackle everything ahead. I knew these upcoming years would be filled with plenty of long, exhausting days. I just had to find that one thing that would help me stay sane through it all. There were many seniors attempting to recruit the innocent freshman for their sports teams. The only sport that I felt confident about joining was the swim team.

Truthfully, I only joined swim because I pitied them. When the captains approached me I could tell that they were desperate for members, and of course I could not very well say no at the time. The swim team as a whole was underrepresented, and as a result, the team was fairly small. It looked as if the only people who joined had either years of experience or absolutely none. As the weeks went by, I began to understand how the girls swim team was viewed. You see, it just was not. Barely anybody knew it even existed. It was almost like some secret cult. The people who had heard of it usually assumed it was an easy sport to get into and that anyone could do it. Being girls sure didn’t make it any easier. It seemed that no one took swim seriously. All of this just made me sick to my stomach, but, I never let it stop me from doing what I loved.

Swimming became a true passion of mine. It was the one thing I was always sure of. Being a part of this team helped me get through my entire high school career. I learned how to adjust to the expectations of high school thanks to my coach. He would always push me to do my best in the pool, the same way I always push myself to do my best in school. Even on my worst days, the team always supported me. Every moment that I stepped into the pool was the moment that all of my problems disappeared, if even just for a little while. The days that I was the most stressed out just happened to be the days that I performed the very best.

It was one week before grades closed. The day before everything was due, we had a swim meet. Of course, I was excited to be there, but all I could think about was my homework. I’m sure my ridiculously high stress levels caused my adrenaline to rise. I swam my favorite event and I could hear my team cheering for me. I pushed myself harder. I felt myself weakening but the shouting made me stronger. When I finished, my coach congratulated me and said I had beaten my personal record. I was ecstatic! It was in that moment that I realized I was thankful for my team for so many reasons.

The team taught me that the only way to surpass your goals was to stay committed. The swim team helped me see things about myself I never thought were possible. Being oxygen deprived while maintaining focus revealed that I am definitely fit for everything else to come. I realized that even at my weakest, I can prove to be my strongest. I am not afraid to take risks. I will keep performing to the best of my ability, in all that I am tasked with. I have emerged as my own leader. I will receive the recognition that I deserve soon enough but, I must focus on what’s in front of me.

I joined the swim team for the same reason most join, no experience necessary. In truth, being on this unseen team helped me realize that I didn’t need anyone’s approval to be successful. I believe that people must look beyond their personal opinions and misconceptions to find their true passion. They may find what truly drives them.

College Essays

I really like how personal my essays are. I believe that my personal connection with the essays is what makes them genuine and even stand out among the rest. In fact when I was writing them, I just couldn't stop. I went past the word count way too many times. I still need to revise them of course. I would really like it if one of the advisors would take a look at them and give me feedback. I would like to know what I need to expand upon and what should be taken out. However, the essays are due on November 1st and this is coming up very soon.

What are your reasons for going college? 

My main reason for wanting to go to college is because I want to make my family proud. I want them to know that they raised a brilliant child who isn't afraid to take on any challenge that comes her way. My parents have supported me for this long and I cannot let them down now. Growing up, we didn't have much and I want to make sure that my children don't have to go through this. I want to be able to give back to my parents and grand-parents because they have shaped me into the wonderful person that I am today. None of my family is very well off and my real goal is to able to help them all get back on their feet. Going to college will allow me to do this. I will become a mechanical engineer that makes way more money than both of my parents. Right now I can't pay them back, but eventually I will be able to.