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.