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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, need advice on writing a 'why engineering' essay.

Hey everyone, I'm applying for engineering programs at a few universities and they're asking for a 'Why Engineering' essay. I'm a little bit stressed about what to include to make my essay stand out. Any suggestions on which aspects of engineering I should emphasize or experiences I should share?

Hello! Writing a "Why Engineering" essay is a great opportunity to showcase your passion for the field and demonstrate your unique experiences and perspective. To make your essay stand out, consider the following suggestions:

1. Personal experiences: Reflect on any experiences that pushed you toward engineering, such as a specific project you worked on, a course you took, or an inspiring mentor. You could also mention hobbies or experiences that showcase your engineering-related skills, like problem solving, creativity, or teamwork.

2. Specific engineering subfield: Instead of discussing engineering in general terms, focus on the particular subfield you're interested in (e.g., civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.). Share what excites you about that specific area and how you see your future career path within it.

3. Real-world impact: Convey how engineering enables you to make a tangible impact on society, whether it's through sustainable technologies or innovative solutions to pressing challenges. Be genuine about what drives you to pursue engineering and how you plan to positively contribute to the field.

4. Unique perspective: Highlight any personal qualities, experiences, or values that make you a unique candidate for engineering programs. This could include your background, cultural perspectives, or any challenges you’ve overcome in pursuit of your passion.

5. School-specific connections: If possible, tie your interests back to the unique opportunities offered by the engineering programs you're applying to. Research the courses, resources, clubs, or research opportunities available at each university and mention one or two that align with your goals.

For some more advice on writing this type of essay, check out CollegeVine's "Why This Major?" essay breakdown: https://blog.collegevine.com/why-this-major-college-essay

Instead of trying to cover all these points, choose two or three that resonate with you and build your essay around them. Remember to be genuine, communicate your enthusiasm for the field, and frame your experiences in a way that showcases your potential as an engineering student. Good luck with your essay!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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why mechanical engineering college essay

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How to Write a Great Engineering School Personal Statement

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You have spent months researching and identifying the best engineering schools, studying for and completing the SATs, GRE, or other standardized tests, and filling out tedious college applications. You are on the verge of burnout when it hits you: you have to write a personal statement.

How important is it to write a great personal statement? Ask the admissions committee, and they’ll tell you that writing a personal statement is like applying for a job. Stephen J Aguilar, an assistant professor of education at USC, reported in 2020 to Inside Higher Ed that a personal statement should be less revealing and more persuasive. At its core, the personal statement needs to answer these two questions:

Why are you applying here?
How do your interests and experiences align with the program or the faculty you’ve identified?

However, the importance of reading and understanding the question prompts cannot be overstated. For example, the University of Iowa College of Engineering, which places 97 percent of its undergraduates in jobs post-graduation and currently has 284 master’s and doctoral students, goes one step further to differentiate personal statements from statements of purpose .

This institution wants to know in the statement of purpose , “Why is this program a good fit for you?” By contrast, the personal statement elicits answers to the question: “Who are you?” and allows applicants to explain themselves to admissions committees regarding academic achievements and life events that have shaped them and will positively influence the campus community.

That said, a personal statement is not just an essay. It has to be intelligent, engaging, typo-free, and capable of convincing admissions reviewers that you are a better fit for their program. Fret not. With lots of research and preparation, you can submit a college essay that reflects your passion and capabilities.

Read on to learn the what, the why, and the how-to of writing great personal statements to gain admission into engineering school.

How Is a Personal Statement Evaluated?

The title “personal statement” is generally synonymous with college essays. However, some admissions professionals use it to refer more specifically to written statements that explore applicants’ program readiness and intentions if admitted. The purpose of these statements for engineering school applicants is three-fold.

First, colleges want to know that they can write well, and not just from a technical perspective. Of course, grammar matters, but perhaps more important is the ability to communicate ideas.

Second, engineering schools want to know who a student is—the nuggets that are not conveyed through a conventional application or school transcripts. This is the written equivalent of the interview question “tell us about yourself” and is the applicant’s chance to share who they are, what they want to do, and how gaining admission to this program will be mutually beneficial.

Finally, colleges want to ensure applicants are familiar with and committed to the program. The best personal statements fulfill these goals, often in 700 words or less.

Does this sound like a tall order? Here are some tips for getting it right.

Six Tips for Writing a Stellar Engineering School Personal Statement

1. Do the research

It may sound simplistic, but one of the most important (and often overlooked) steps toward getting into the right school is taking the time to research a prospective engineering program, review its admissions policies and—this cannot be overstated—read and reread its application essay prompt. Candidates who don’t sufficiently answer an institution’s question or convey some misunderstanding about the prompt or its expectations are unlikely to be admitted.

Prospective students completing the Common Application should take the time to contact each engineering school they are applying to inquire about additional admissions requirements. The Princeton Review emphasizes that a personal statement should not repeat a previously discussed part of your application, nor should its information contradict another part.

2. Go deep, not broad

Personal statement prompts tend to be targeted. Engineering schools want to know what specific qualities or experiences make each student a good fit for their programs. Common inquiries include recalling a time you solved a problem, explaining why you applied, describing your academic goals and intentions, and addressing any extenuating circumstances that might have impacted your school record. Rather than offering a broad synopsis of your life, choose the experience or intent most relevant to the question and explore it in depth.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Graduate School offers advice for writing an in-depth personal statement for engineering schools using the “qualified match” approach. The steps include:

Make a statement that fits the essay prompt, like “I am a dedicated and hard-working student.”
Quantify your statement with specific details about your life. You might, for example, discuss how many hours per week you spend on school work and how you overcome any obstacles to committing that time.
Interpret how those details make you a stronger applicant. To continue with the above example, that might include writing about the knowledge you gained during your studies, your time-management skills, your passion for learning, and your commitment to succeed despite challenges.

3. Be relevant

If a personal statement has only one goal, it is to be shown to a review committee that you are the right fit for its school. That’s why applicants to Stanford University’s Institute for Computational & Mathematical Engineering are asked to specify their personal and professional goals in their statement of purpose, as well as discuss their developments and intentions for study and life beyond their doctoral program.

Read the mission statements of each program to get a feel for what they are looking for and keep that in mind as you write. Rather than getting carried away detailing the hours you log volunteering each week, discuss experiences and activities as they relate to your academic and career goals or scientific interests. Also, be sure not to waste valuable ink rehashing information available elsewhere on your application, such as extracurricular activities or your stellar GPA.

4. Avoid gimmicks and cliches

Did you love playing with Legos as a kid? Did those plastic bricks lay the foundation for your drive to be an engineer? If so, the College of Engineering at the University of Washington suggests you are in good company, but not in a good way. Every year, the committee reads personal essays on how Legos were the building blocks of a student’s career in engineering.

To stand out, engineering school applicants should avoid using cliches in their statements. Of course, setting yourself apart from other applicants is imperative, but you must do so in a meaningful and unique way. Admissions review panels have seen it all and are unlikely to be moved by creative gimmicks and attention-grabbers that do not get to the heart of what makes you a great candidate.

5. Mind your mechanics

This tip refers more to the mechanics of writing than any scientific drive, though the latter undoubtedly has a place in an engineering school personal statement. Remember when we said one of the goals of college essays is verifying applicants can communicate effectively? Applicants should consider the following elements as they prepare their outline (more on that next):

Voice – Is your voice appropriate for the task? Is it too formal or casual? Are you using active language rather than passive and wishy-washy statements? Do you come across as academic?
Structure – Do your ideas flow logically and support one main idea? If you are unsure where to start, know that following the reliable five-paragraph essay format is perfectly acceptable: introduction, three supporting paragraphs, and a tidy conclusion.
Length – Engineering schools usually have a good reason for requesting personal statements with a specific word count. Those that are too short have too little to say, and those that are too long are likely to repeat the same concepts.
Grammar – College students are expected to know and use basic grammar. Edit, edit, and then edit again.
Completeness – Have you addressed the admissions essay prompt in full? What about any supplemental school or department-specific requests?

6. Edit, edit, edit

Writing a personal statement may seem like a herculean task, so it is tempting to push it aside when you type that final period and not look back. This is a mistake—and perhaps the biggest one you can make. Sometimes we get so caught up in our thoughts and ideas that we miss lapses in our writing, whether grammatical or contextual. To avoid this:

Begin with an outline.
Write the first draft.
Write a second draft.
Read the essay out loud.
Review your essay again a day or two later.
Ask parents, friends, teachers, and others to read your work.

There is never any excuse for typos, and even the slightest error can turn a committee review member off. Ask a friend or family member to review your essay for grammatical mistakes when in doubt. It may be intimidating, but the process is an excellent way to identify missing words or ideas. What’s more, applicants today are blessed with the power of technology. Online tools like Grammarly are free to use and quickly catch any glaring typos.

Starting Your Engineering School Admissions Essay

One of the biggest challenges to writing a stellar college essay is simply getting started in the first place. Personal statements are, by design, personal, and that can be intimidating. Applicants also put significant pressure on themselves to write the perfect essay.

Fortunately, many colleges try to ease the burden by providing tips online. Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab offers examples of successful personal statements. Some engineering schools even post examples of successful personal statements, including MIT , Johns Hopkins University , and Cornell University . While your essay should be wholly original, these resources can guide you through creating a unique and inspirational narrative to impress admissions committees.

Aimee Hosler is a long-time journalist specializing in education and technology. She is an advocate for experiential learning among all ages and serves as the director of communications for a non-profit community makerspace. She holds a degree in journalism from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

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Choosing Mechanical Engineering A Personal Reflection Essay

Mechanical Engineering

In this essay, I’m going to share how I came to love mechanical engineering and why I want to make it my career.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by how things are put together and work. I’ll take you through how my early curiosity grew into a serious interest during my school years, and how hands-on experiences at internships helped me understand mechanical concepts better and figure out what I really want to do in the field.

I’ll talk about key moments that led me to choose mechanical engineering and how each step has helped me grow.

This isn’t just my story, though. It’s also about the things that usually make someone want to become a mechanical engineer and how the journey can be a time of learning and personal growth.

Childhood Curiosity Ignited

My fascination with mechanical engineering took root in early childhood, when a simple set of building blocks revealed the joy of creating and understanding how things work. This nascent curiosity evolved into a methodical examination of mechanical interactions and fostered a profound appreciation for the principles of physics and design.

The tactile experience of assembling components into functional structures provided an intuitive grasp of spatial relationships and force dynamics, which later underpinned my academic pursuits. This early exposure to the rudiments of engineering was more than mere play; it was a critical incubator for the analytical skills essential in the rigorous discipline of mechanical engineering.

The bliss of turning imagination into tangible constructs was the catalyst for a lifelong intellectual journey in this field.

Academic Pathways Explored

During high school, I grew more and more sure that I wanted to study mechanical engineering. I took advanced math and physics classes, which gave me a strong base for later studies. These hard classes were key to improving my ability to think critically and understand how mechanical systems work.

I also chose electives like computer-aided design and materials science, which added to my skills and prepared me for the varied aspects of mechanical engineering. Along with classroom learning, I got practical experience through lab work. This combination of theory and hands-on practice sharpened my ability to solve real-world engineering problems.

By working both in the classroom and the lab, I learned not just the theories but also how to apply them. For example, in my computer-aided design class, I used software to create 3D models of engine parts, which taught me about both design and function. This experience was crucial because it’s one thing to understand a concept in theory and another to see it take shape in front of you.

This hands-on approach is vital in the engineering field where what you create can have a direct impact on the world.

Internship Insights Gained

During my hands-on internship in mechanical engineering, I really got to understand how my classroom learning applies in the real world, which confirmed that I’m on the right career path.

I saw experienced engineers tackling tough mechanical problems by using their analytical skills, making systems work better and last longer.

Working on different types of projects, I learned how mechanical engineers often work with experts in other fields like electrical, civil, and software engineering to make complete solutions.

This blend of book knowledge and real-world experience, along with learning about industry standards and the latest technologies, sharpened my technical skills.

It also showed me how important it is to keep learning and be ready to change with the industry.

Professional Aspirations Defined

After finishing my internship, I’ve decided to focus my career on creating environmentally friendly designs in mechanical engineering. I want to work on projects that are not just practical and cost-effective but are also kind to the environment. This choice comes from seeing how important green technology is becoming in the industry, and how much we need renewable and sustainable solutions for the good of society and the economy.

For example, I plan to use innovative materials that are better for the environment, find ways to use less energy, and think about a product’s entire lifecycle when designing something new. I’m dedicated to helping the planet with my work, answering the worldwide need for sustainable growth. This is both a personal promise to myself and an effort to join others in making a difference for our future.

Reflecting on the Journey

Looking back at my time in mechanical engineering, I see a story of learning, overcoming challenges, and always striving for sustainable ways to innovate.

I worked hard in school and in the industry to really grasp how mechanical systems work and to use them in ways that save energy, last long, and are good for the environment.

With each problem I solved, my skills got sharper, and I was able to help teams of different experts solve tough engineering issues.

Reflecting on this makes me see how important it is to blend what you learn from books with what you do with your hands. This mix is what drives new ideas and progress in engineering.

To wrap things up, my journey from being curious about how machines work to setting my sights on a career in mechanical engineering shows how powerful learning and hands-on experience can be. Going to school and getting real-world experience through internships were key steps that helped me get better and more excited about my work.

This path didn’t just give me a strong understanding of mechanical engineering basics; it also helped me develop my own ideas about how to be innovative in the field. Looking back, I see how much I’ve grown and I’m excited about the chance to be a leader in engineering someday.

To make this more clear, let me give you an example. During one of my internships, I got the chance to work on a project that involved designing a more efficient cooling system for a car engine. This wasn’t just about applying what I learned in textbooks; it was about finding new ways to solve a real problem. And that’s what being a mechanical engineer is all about – using creativity and know-how to make things better. Whether it’s improving the way a machine works or coming up with a brand-new invention, it’s about making a difference. And that’s what I plan to do.

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Why should I study Mechanical Engineering? essay

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7 Reasons to Study Mechanical Engineering

June 16, 2016
Matt Coughlin

Is mechanical engineering for me? This is the first question that I asked myself all those years ago. Now, a s an engineer I’m often asked, “What made you decide to study mechanical engineering in the first place?” For many people it seems like a difficult topic, so they naturally wonder why anyone would sign up for such a tough major.

The following is a list of reasons why I chose to become an engineer; they’re my standard answers for those type of cocktail party questions. For students and young people considering the major, here are seven good reasons why it’s totally worth it…

1. Learn how everything mechanical works

We all probably know a few people who have no idea how a car works…like it’s just a magical box that you put gas into, press a button to go, and turn a wheel to steer.

And there’s nothing wrong with that. But when something goes wrong (say, the magic engine box suddenly won’t turn on) it’s sure nice to have someone around who can open the hood, figure out what’s going on, and get the magic box running again. The same goes for your computer, the modem, an airplane, the appliances in your house, and just about everything we use in our day-to-day lives.

As a mechanical engineer, you’ll learn how things work. You’ll learn that even the most complex systems and devices can be broken down into simpler components, and you’ll be able to figure out how each of them work, how they interact, and how to isolate and fix problems when something goes wrong.You’ll be the one that people turn to when something stops working or needs explaining.

2. Get a high-paying job

According to Collegechoice.net , mechanical engineering is one of the top 50 highest-paying careers for new graduates. When you graduate with just a bachelor’s degree, you can expect to land a job paying between $56k to 86k…right out of college! And there’s a lot of room to grow from there. A mechanical engineer with five years of experience can make up to $96k in the US and Europe. (according to Salary.com ).

3. Help create the future, rather than react to it

Mechanical engineers are responsible for many of the emerging technologies that are shaping the future. While workers in other fields are often forced to adapt to new technology and a changing environment, mechanical engineers are on the front lines, designing and creating new solutions to the world’s problems.

Concerned about global warming? You can work for a company engineering lower-emissions engines or clean energy products. Like mobile technology? The mobile tech giants employ many mechanical engineers to help them design and build the newest mobile tech. There will always be room in the workforce for creative engineers who can help solve the world’s challenges.

4. You’ll always be challenged

As a mechanical engineer you will be faced with problems that require specialized skill sets. You will have to find solutions to new business and technical challenges and use every skill and resource at your disposal. That means that sometimes you’ll have to build entirely new skillsets from scratch. Maybe you’ll have to learn to program robots, spend time learning an advanced new manufacturing process, or become an expert in jet engines in order to find a solution to a tough problem. One thing is sure; you’ll never be bored.

5. There’s a mechanical engineering place for you in almost every industry

From airplanes to cars to mining equipment and household gadgets, there are mechanical engineers behind everything we use and enjoy.

Even industries that aren’t known for mechanical devices employ engineers. Proctor & Gamble, one of the world’s biggest consumer goods companies, is known for their beauty products and household detergents but they hire mechanical engineers for packaging and product design. The HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) industry hires mechanical engineers to plan projects in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The possibilities are endless.

6. Work with the best and brightest

As a mechanical engineer, you will be working with engineers of other disciplines, including manufacturing, electrical, computer, and other technical fields. You’ll learn about their fields and be pushed to excel, as you’re surrounded by other smart professionals who are pushing the technical envelope. You’ll also interact with business leaders, managers, administrative staff, manufacturing workers, and most likely customers and suppliers from your industry.

As an engineer, you’ll be well-placed to learn from and lead bright people from all sorts of backgrounds and areas of expertise.

7. Be at the forefront of a modern, evolving workforce

Gone are the days when an engineering staff would be filled with a homogeneous group of company men, working at the same job for forty years. Modern engineers are a diverse group. The numbers of women and minorities in technical roles is steadily increasing. The pressures of new technology and globalization have resulted in a lean, flexible workforce with a multitude of backgrounds, experience, and ideas. The result: even more innovation at every level.

From globally distributed teams to mobile technology to advanced simulation software, a modern engineer will be able to leverage an entirely new set of tools and opportunities, for a new set of modern challenges.

There are a lot more great reasons to become a mechanical engineer. This list just scratches the surface. Every engineer has his or her own personal experiences, those little things they love about their job, and many will depend on the industry, job and personal tastes of each engineer.

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Why I chose to study mechanical engineering

Why study mechanical engineering?

I chose to study mechanical engineering because I’ve always had a fascination with and love for mathematics. I also wanted my work to produce something tangible and to have outcomes that could be observed and help to solve problems. Engineering seemed like the best way to combine the fundamentally logical and analytical aspects of mathematics I loved while maintaining a firm grasp on reality and real-life solutions.

I’ve always wanted to have some sort of impact on the world and engineering seemed like the best tool with which I could affect genuine change in people’s lives. Finally, my academic tastes have always been eclectic, and engineering taps into so many different skillsets, including chemistry, physics and English. Mechanical engineering seemed like the best opportunity for me to develop my knowledge in the widest variety of ways.

Need help with your studies?

Why i chose leeds university.

I fell in love with Leeds on the open day, the city is incredible (by far the best I’ve lived in), and it was during the open day that I decided it was mechanical engineering I wanted to study. I’d wandered into the hall for mechanical engineering on a whim (at this point I still thought I wanted to do mathematics), and an hour later it was abundantly clear to me that this was the subject I wanted to do, and Leeds was where I wanted to study it.

If I hadn’t achieved the right grades I would have retaken and reapplied because I just knew that Leeds was where I wanted to be. The course also looked amazing; with the buggy and turbine projects in second year more hands-on and involved than anything I’d seen elsewhere. The buggy project requires the design and build of a small autonomous vehicle (and its controls!) to traverse an 8m course of adverse terrain. The turbine project utilizes 3d printing to create blades and nozzles as you build an optimised waterwheel to extract maximum power from a head of water.

Why Leeds University has one of the best mechanical engineering courses

The contact time for mechanical engineering at Leeds is around 15-20 hours a week depending on how many labs or projects you have on at the time. This will probably be about 14-15 hours of lectures and example classes and 4-6 hours of lab work. There aren’t really any seminars in first year, but you will have a weekly tutorial that rotates modules and provides an opportunity for some more focused teaching and feedback. Your tutor groups are the same as the teams you’ll be in for the group projects, and typically have 5-7 people in them. Get the team-building in early, as you’ll need to get along! In the ‘build weeks’ of projects (about 4 a year) you won’t have any other contact hours but you’ll need to make the most of those you have in the lab (maybe 15).

The workload is pretty manageable, you’ll have 4-5 class tests and 4-5 labs a semester. The class tests aren’t too bad, the key will be staying on top of whatever example sheets you’re given in the weeks leading up. There’s no requirement to hand in or any assessment of such problem sheets so you’ll need to keep yourself motivated!

Similarly, the labs aren’t overwhelming, just make sure you allocate work fairly when working on a group report and it’s a matter of getting the generic bits done early (you’ll often have extra learning after the practical and before hand-in that you’ll need to complete the lab). The group projects were always the biggest source of anxiety for me, and by their very nature they’ll always come down to the wire. Get the other stuff done before these reach critical mass as they are likely to occupy an entire week of late nights and hair-pulling before hand-in.

The course at Leeds is pretty tightly structured so there’s not much room for choice in terms of modules. All the modules for the first years are pre-determined and compulsory, although you can sometimes have a little wiggle room on which group project you’d like to do (e.g. buggy vs glider) – however, this will also be dependent on numbers and uptake.

Socialising at Leeds uni

There is a Mechanical Engineering society which has socials a couple of times a semester. These include Otley runs (a famous Leeds pub crawl), and they also throw a Christmas and spring ball that I’m reliably informed is a chuckle. I played for the mechanical engineering rugby team, which provides an excellent alternative to those who are keen to play rugby but aren’t up for the commitment or culture required by the official university teams. I had a couple of brilliant socials first year with the guys too so would definitely recommend. The rugby team is completely open, but the society also offers a football team that requires try-outs.

My favourite thing about studying mechanical engineering at Leeds is that the projects offered seem more involved and exciting than those at other universities: the elastic buggy, the palpatronix tumor detection and the bridge busting were all highlights of first year. Additionally, I think the teaching on the course is outstanding. It can be tough to find professors who are passionate about their subjects AND are also good teachers and – while not all make the cut – the overwhelming proportion of tutors are excellent and provide great notes to supplement their teaching, which are crucial when prepping for finals. Lastly, I love the city. It’s just an amazing place to live and be a student.

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Mechanical Engineering: Career Goals and My Plan

Categories: Career Goals Dream Career Future Plan

About this sample

Words: 1101 |

Published: Feb 8, 2022

Words: 1101 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

Why I want to be a Mechanical Engineer (essay)

Works cited.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers. (n.d.). Careers in mechanical engineering. Retrieved from https://www.asme.org/career-education/articles/career-and-education-news/careers-in-mechanical-engineering
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Occupational outlook handbook: Mechanical engineers. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm
Felder, R. M., & Brent, R. (2005). Understanding student differences. Journal of Engineering Education, 94(1), 57-72.
Michigan State University. (n.d.). College of Engineering.
National Society of Professional Engineers. (n.d.). Licensure for engineers. Retrieved from https://www.nspe.org/resources/licensure/licensure-engineers
Occupational Information Network. (n.d.). Mechanical engineers.
Pechenik, J. A. (2004). A short guide to writing about biology (5th ed.). Longman.
Reid, R. D., & Petocz, P. (2004). Strategic learning in first-year engineering. European Journal of Engineering Education, 29(2), 191-200.
Shertzer, A., Stone, S., & Lampert, C. (2018). Technical writing for success (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.
U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Psychologists.

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How to Write the "Why this Major" College Essay

How to Write the Why Major Essay TABLE OF CONTENTS

Three “why major” essay examples.

Why Electrical Engineering?

Why Gender and Sexuality Studies?

Why neuroscience.

Tons of colleges require a supplemental essay that essentially asks, “Why do you want to major in what you want to major in?”

Two quick tips:

1. It’s worth spending some time on these essays to make sure your answer complements your personal statement. What do I mean? If your personal statement is all about business and your “Why Major” college essay is all about dance, admissions readers might be like, “Whaaaat?” So make sure they make sense together. Also,

2. Just because you pick a major for this essay, it doesn’t mean you 100% can’t change it later. In many cases, you can. (Important: This varies from school to school, so if you’re unsure, find out.) It can help to choose a major as a placeholder, though, as it makes this essay a LOT easier to write.

Okay, let’s check out some “Why this College Major” prompts:

What does a “Why this College Major” essay look like?

Why are you drawn to the area(s) of study you indicated earlier in this application? (You may share with us a skill or concept that you found challenging and rewarding to learn, or any experiences beyond coursework that may have broadened your interest.)

Or this:

Students at Yale have plenty of time to explore their academic interests before committing to one or more major fields of study. Many students either modify their original academic direction or change their minds entirely. As of this moment, what academic areas seem to fit your interests or goals most comfortably? Please indicate up to three from the list provided. Why do these areas appeal to you?

In short: Why do you want to study what you want to study?

A Brief, Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your “Why this Major” Essay

Step #1: Imagine a mini-movie of the moments that led you to your interest and create a simple, bullet point outline:

Why Biology?

Elementary school: Getting my first dinosaur toy and reading dinosaur books

Middle school: Visiting museums, seeing water under a microscope

High school: Doing online research, getting internship where we analyzed brainwaves and dissected a stingray

Step #2: Put your moments (aka the “scenes” of your mini-movie) in chronological order, as it’ll help you see how your interests developed. It also makes it easier to write transitions.

Pro Tip: If you’re writing a shorter essay (e.g., 100-150 words), try writing one scene per sentence. If you’re writing a medium-length (e.g., 250-300 word) essay, try one scene per short paragraph.

Step #3: Decide if you want to include a specific thesis that explicitly states your central argument—in this case what you want to study and why. This thesis can come at the beginning, middle, or end of your essay.

My decision to major in Electrical Engineering was inspired by my desire to improve security through technology. When I lived in Mexico, my father’s restaurant security system lacked the ability to protect our property from robbers, who would break in multiple times a year. Thanks to the influence of my cousin, who now studies Autonomous Systems, I developed an interest in electrical engineering. I am inspired to not only improve my father’s security system, but contributing to security innovations for larger companies and perhaps, one day, national security. (89 words)

Thesis: I want to improve security through technology

Robbers broke into dad’s restaurant

Cousin taught me about Autonomous Systems

In the future: work with large companies or on national security

Here’s a medium-length example with the thesis at the end:

My interest in Gender and Sexuality Studies was sparked in my eighth grade Civics class when we studied topics pertaining to sexual equality. I went into the class knowing I believed women had a right to make choices for their own bodies and that view remained the same, but I discovered the complexity of abortion debates. I challenged myself by thinking about the disparity between actual and potential personhood and the moral rights of unconscious lives. If pregnancy had the same consequences for men as it does women, how might the debate be different? Would this debate even exist? A year later, I shadowed an OB/GYN at a nearby hospital. On my first shift, I watched an incarcerated woman receive a post-partum exam after giving birth in her cell toilet with just Advil, and the issues discussed in Civics suddenly became urgent and real. My school projects have often focused on reproductive rights. I’ve spent numerous hours delving into summaries of Supreme Court cases on abortion and contraception, and am even known as the “Tampon Fairy” at school because I frequently restock the school bathrooms with tampons and condoms. I’m interested in exploring how Gender and Sexuality Studies connect to Public Health and Reproductive Biology, as well as Public Policy and Law. The interdisciplinary nature of this major will allow me to investigate many other areas of study and create a more nuanced understanding of how this particular field interacts with our world and society. (246 words)

Why Gender and Sexuality Studies:

Eighth grade Civics class conversations

Shadowing OB/GYN at a nearby hospital and seeing woman receive post-partum exam

Being the school “tampon fairy” (restocking school bathrooms with tampons and condoms)

School projects on reproductive rights

Thesis: name my major and briefly say why

You can also use a hook to grab your reader’s attention. Here’s a medium-length example that does this:

Imagine all the stars in the universe. The brain has a thousand times the number of synapses, making neurological errors a near certainty. I learned this fact firsthand as a 14 year-old, when I suffered from sleepless nights because of an uncomfortable, indescribable feeling in my leg. It took months of appointments and tests to be told it was a condition called cortical dysplasia. Even after the diagnosis, there is no cure. I am lucky. My condition does not severely affect my quality of life. However, I know this is not the case for everyone. After this experience, I took AP Biology and attended a neuroscience program, which reinforced the subject as my future calling. One of the most impactful lectures discussed the plight of healthcare in developing nations. Newborns with extreme neurological deficits are common, but finding treatments is not. Without prenatal care, this is becoming a growing epidemic, leaving millions of children helpless. With a degree in neuroscience, I will gain a strong understanding of neural tube development and neuronal migration in infants. I will then become a neurologist, specializing in pediatric care. I hope to work for humanitarian organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders, in Africa, where HIV and polio are rampant, as are numerous other diseases. Imagine the stars once more. From across the world, I will look at the same stars in the future, as I help children secure the ability to not only look at the stars, but do much more. (247 words)

Outline:

Why Neuroscience:

Hook: Connect number of stars to number of connections in brain (and maybe mention cortical dysplasia)

AP Bio + neuroscience program: learning about healthcare in developing nations

Thesis: say why neuroscience (get specific) and what I’ll do with degree

Return to opening (stars) and look to future

What to Do If You’re Unsure of Your Major or Choosing “Undecided” on Your Application

Even if you’re unsure of your major, you might still research and select 1-3 areas of interest and describe how you became interested in each. If possible, say how the different fields connect.

Fun fact: Two of the essay examples on this page were written by students who weren’t totally certain of their major. But you won’t be able to guess which ones they are.

How to Write Your “Why Major” Essay Using a Thematic Thread

The example below establishes in the first paragraph a thematic thread: storytelling . The second paragraph then explains how her particular major would take her storytelling to the next level. Take a look:

Why Literary Arts or Modern Culture and Media?

My whole life, storytelling has shaped me. When I lived in London, my parents would read me The Lion King every night until I’d memorized the whole book. In elementary school, I would curl up in my bed, warm lamplight making my room golden, listening to my dad bring to life classics like Wilderness Champion and Tom Sawyer . Later, I found audio storytelling, laughing hysterically at Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me on the car ride to school and connecting to a radio network of humanity through This American Life . It wasn’t long before I got hooked on visual narratives, mesmerized by the cinematic intensity of Whiplash and the whimsical world of Moonrise Kingdom , alternate realities I could explore as if they were my own. By high school, I was creating my own array of stories through satirical school newspaper articles, analysis of mise-en-scene in film class, podcasting, and my own locally-broadcasted radio series. A concentration in the Literary Arts or Modern Culture and Media is the next step in my life of storytelling. The dynamic world of connection and vulnerability a well-told story can create is what continues to fascinate me. At Brown, I would explore how engaging narratives have been told in the past and can be innovated in the future through new digital platforms. Whether researching radio’s historical impact on public opinion during World War II or the Vietnam War, developing screenplays, producing my own documentary or learning from Writers-In-Residence, I hope to pioneer networks of connection. (250 words)

Part 1: Establish “storytelling” as thematic thread

Mom and dad reading me The Lion King before bed

Dad reading me Wilderness Champion and Tom Sawyer

Audio storytelling: Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me , This American Life

Visual storytelling: Whiplash, Moonrise Kingdom

Creating my own stories: school newspaper articles, film class analysis, podcasting, local radio series

Part 2: Why Literary Arts or Modern Culture and Media

Next step in my journey

Values: connection and vulnerability

Explore history of storytelling (past) + digital platforms (future)

Ways I might do this: studying impact of radio during wars, writing screenplays, producing a documentary, or learning from Writers-In-Residence

End on the theme of “connection,” to tie things together

What if a school asks you to describe your interest in several possible majors?

If writing a short (100-150 word) essay, perhaps describe one interest per sentence. If writing a medium-length (200-250 word) essay, try describing one interest per paragraph.

Here’s a short example, written by a student who listed on his application the following areas of interest: Computer Science and Mathematics; Computer Science and Psychology; Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Having attended college Physics classes every Saturday for a year, I’ve embraced the wisdom from centuries-old mathematics and the vast potential of computers, a realization I can honor by pursuing Computer Science and Mathematics. Much of my interest in AI lies in its basis in the human brain, which I can pursue in a Psychology concentration. And Electrical Engineering allows me to connect the virtual world with the physical, as I currently do in robotics. Yale will fuel my interdisciplinary interests that stem from my curiosity about connections between the materials and systems in the world around me. (98 words)

Final note: While this may feel pretty straightforward, that’s okay. Prioritize content over poetry when writing a short “Why Major” essay.

Sample Personal Statement Mechanical Engineering (USC, Imperial)

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

An NYU’s senior applied to 7 top Mechanical Engineering grad programs in the US and the UK and got into all but one. He spent nearly a month writing the perfect personal statement that he used to apply to top schools. Variations of this personal statement got accepted to Stanford University, Imperial College London, University of Texas A&M and UCLA. He has graciously shared his personal statement so that prospective applicants can benefit from it.

Sample Personal Statement Mechanical Engineering

I am eager to pursue a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering to deepen my knowledge in engineering design, mechanics, and analysis. My research interests are primarily driven by my life aspirations, dynamic undergraduate experience, and professional mechanical engineering expertise. Given my credentials, I firmly believe that I resonate with core values at [Name of School] and I will make an ideal candidate for this institution.

I cannot agree more with Dorothy Parker’s quote: “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity”, as I have always been a curious soul and things that pique my interest stays with me forever. I remember the first time I watched a dense network of nuts and bolts in my dad’s car engine. I could not look away. The tiny moving objects aroused an unquenchable curiosity in me. Logically, I entered college as a major in sciences, eyes widened by the boundless world of science I had just begun to get to know.

I did my undergraduate in mechanical engineering, where I was engaged in research about combustion, machine design, mechanics of materials and computer-aided engineering. Through this coursework, I developed a basic understanding of a breadth of theoretical areas of mechanical engineering and their socioeconomic applications. However, what I enjoyed most about being a mechanical engineer was developing my ideas through coursework and discussing them with my peers outside the classroom.

Outside the classroom, my advocacy for innovative ideas was well rewarded when the Student Section Enterprise Team (SSET) in ASME International, based in New York, elected me as the Student Regional Chair (SRC) – a prized position among mechanical engineers’ community all around the globe. So naturally, I was also the Chairperson for my own Campus’s ASME chapter, which I had laid the ground for in my sophomore year. I was elated to know that ASME International and my department showed trust in me, which I fulfilled in its true spirit. As a chairperson, I managed high-powered university-level competitions and conferences to induce collective synergies of mechanical engineers from all over the country. I also took the self-initiative of developing my juniors’ interpersonal skills and arranged several professional development competitions.

Based on my performance in class and leadership abilities as an ASME chair, I was selected by my university to work with the national defence authorities in designing a mechanically simple yet multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle for my final year project. I was mainly selected because I had a firm grip over software packages involving calibrations and simulations.

The simple thought of working for the defence authorities excited me as it was an honour to work on such a classified project.

This assignment was my first formal parametric study in mechanical engineering, which was a thorough scientific investigation. As I became proficient in many programs and databases, notably through these packages, the calibrations I proposed for the vehicle were well received by my professors. Later, the defence authorities developed an actual model on those parameters. My final year project was the catalyst that sparked a passion for studying vehicles and vehicle designs, and I actively looked for careers in top automobile firms in my country.

I found an ideal opportunity to start my career as a management trainee in the Development and Quality Assurance Department at Tesla Inc. During my brief stint of three months at Tesla Inc., I was introduced to the vast world of manufacturing techniques employed in the automotive sector. As a trainee engineer, I optimized methods to get the least number of defective parts per million. The more I was involved in optimization, the more I developed a desire to understand design mechanics, which could be engineered to reduce energy consumption. As luck would have it, during one of the events organized by ASME, I was a keynote speaker at a panel involving energy consumption. In the same panel, the CEO of Chevron Corporation took notice of my ideas. After the event, he encouraged me to work at Chevron and work on my proposed fluid design and mechanics ideas to reduce energy consumption.

It was an honor to be offered a job at Chevron, which I duly accepted. As an associate manager for the past 18 months at Chevron, I’ve developed a dynamic skill set around supply chain, projects and maintenance departments. Through my work in these departments, I have honed my data analytics and the ability to draw meaningful inferences from raw data. I have also become adept at management related to engineering practices. I have strived to increase my knowledge base at Chevron by constantly exploring Maintenance & Operation manuals. Through these manuals, I have bolstered my knowledge of Turbo-machinery, Engineering Materials, Machine Design and Fluid Mechanics.

Although my professional trajectory is burgeoning, while working hand to hand with the Engineering Design department, I strongly resonated with celebrated sportscaster Vin Scully when he famously said: “Good is not good enough when better is expected.” I felt that although my four-year undergraduate coursework provided a baseline theoretical knowledge, I needed to hone my learning and practical exposure to further my passion in the area. During my work with this department, I was commissioning a new gas processing facility and felt way behind in design and problem-solving scenarios. I particularly struggled with interpreting compressor and prime mover big data. I realized that if I had a more advanced knowledge base in mechanical design and engineering information modelling, I would have been able to give better theoretically sound solutions and help with process optimization. Given these technical handicaps, I strongly feel the need to upgrade my current knowledge base through a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.

While searching for programs that match my research interests and professional experience, the Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from [Name of School] tops my list for its numerous attractions. Firstly, the prospects of studying at [Name of School] are fascinating because of its location in California, the hub of tech-based research in the U.S., like driverless vehicles etc., and numerous opportunities for internships in world-leading firms. Secondly, [Name of School] satiates my desire to study in schools with top-notch faculty specializing in areas where I want to further my research. I am particularly excited about working with Ivan Bermejo Moreno and Julian A. Domaradzki on crucial research areas such as computational fluid mechanics and high-performance computing.

Thirdly, by taking courses related to engineering analysis and engineering design modules at [Name of School] , I am looking forward to gleaning more information on methods of Finite Element Analysis coupled with Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics. I want to learn more about mechanical system design concerning tribology. Ideally, I would like to further my current tribological research of skid vehicles by calibrating it to be adaptive to the implications of environmental, cost and safety issues.

Lastly, having been a chairperson of an elite group of mechanical engineers, I am looking forward to enhancing my leadership capabilities. I genuinely believe that [Name of School] student-led design teams make this program stand out among other programs as they are an ideal platform where I can test and enhance the capabilities of my prototype vehicle and put it for wide-scale use. I am confident that the above-outlined graduate degree plan and vibrant opportunities at [Name of School] will accelerate my career growth after my master’s degree.

After completing my master’s program, I want to start my career as a mechanical design engineer in a top engineering design company such as Stantec. As a design engineer, I want to work on different global projects and provide design engineering solutions to a portfolio of industries for their needs. Various projects for other industries would give me new challenges each time and thus help me gain experience to evolve my skills. Leading design firms worldwide will help me get up-to-date with the latest tools with their training programs focusing on continuous professional development. I am confident that [Name of School] brand image, dynamic coursework grounded in its state-of-the-art research facilities and renowned faculty will be an ideal conduit for achieving my career goals. I will continue to work in the field of mechanical engineering with the same curiosity that was sparked in me when I first saw the engine parts of my dad’s car.

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Why I Want To Be A Mechanical Engineer Essay

Mechanical engineers are to solve or find solutions to problems, they also play a role in designing and moving parts to other industries. They provide quality solutions for development of products, from small kinds of designs to very large machines, or vehicles. Through installation or commission they can work in all kinds of stages, from research and development of designs or manufacturing . Mechanical engineering is one of the most well-disciplined engineering and most different. Most companies mostly rely on Mechanical engineers systems. This has made it easy to get employment opportunities in other positions like; aerospace, automotive. Their task basically include; • Developing and testing or designing on vehicles • Also making sure products can work well on the environment, perform well and can be reliable. …show more content…

A senior or chief in engineering earns from $45,000 to $60,000. Automotive engineering is a course which will always have a job openings for many engineers in the future, because to be an engineer require skills and the ability to have enough energy, commutative, good at presentation or speaking. I have always made every car show that comes to my home town for a very memorable one, and to remember the first look of the next year model vehicle. I always wait for the monthly issue of car and driver, hot rod, and the muscle cars. Mechanical engineer will always allow me to learn on and progress in working on my own project vehicle which I have always wanted since I was a kid. Automotive engineering to me is for people who are passionate about working in an automotive design industry and working on

Why I Want To Be A Dental Hygienist Essay

Dental Hygienist Career Who Works in a Dental office? Dentists and their assistants, well of course they do! Unfortunately, many patients are unaware that dental hygienists also work closely with the dentists and their assistants. Dental Hygiene is also a career in the dentistry field.

Working with kids is what I enjoy the most. I work in a dental office as a dental assistant, and my job is to help all the patients get educated. My job is to explain to every patient that oral hygiene is very important. This implies to all ages, an oral hygiene routine takes two minutes to brush and floss your teeth at home. Since I really enjoy educating all patients, I would like to do more.

Becoming A Diesel Mechanic Essay

So the more you put into your education the more money you receive in return. Starting out a diesel mechanic makes around $40,000 and your pay goes up with experience like any other job. After attending the diesel technology session at career day I know what to expect for education and years to come. This session helped me to better understand what I need to do to become a good mechanic.

Essay On Why I Want To Go To College

Doing what I love and being able to support myself and loved ones is important to me. I am a very independent person and I like to do things my way. I like to set individual goals everyday, whether that means doing my homework before a certain time, or completing something for the week. They help me get my work done on time and efficiently.

Why Become A Biomedical Engineer Essay

I enjoy engineering, in fact when I get older I want to become a biomedical engineer. I want to be able to help people. As well as find solutions to help people in their everyday lives. So that hopefully it would make life easier and less stressful for them. I enjoy all the problem solving that comes with engineering.

Personal Statement Essay: Why I Want To Be In Life

Living in hope, with our beliefs, and with little expectation of others is the way forward. My parents, simple and honest human beings, have high expectations of me, wishing that I too, like them, grew up to be an honorable person. Martin Luther King’s life inspires the determined and I agree that to give up on life or stop is deplorable. Irrespective of the hurdles, to push ahead with all one’s might is the only way to succeed. Living this philosophy, my father, a genuine rags to riches story, altered my life, leading by example and encouraging me to follow the path of righteousness.

Careers In Aerospace Engineering

Careers in Aerospace Engineering states that after four years, the engineer is eligible to advance as a professional engineer if he/she has earned a degree from an engineering program accredited by Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), acquired a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and earned a passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. There are many benefits to advancing in doing the extra work such as a pay increase. Jim Lucas also states “the salary range for a newly graduated aerospace engineer with a bachelor's degree is $52,572 to $73,535. The range for a midlevel engineer with a master's degree and five to 10 years of experience is $73,823 to $114,990, and the range for a senior engineer with a master's degree or doctorate and more than 15 years of experience is $93,660 to $147,582.” Most aerospace engineers typically work in an office, but may work in the manufacturing and testing facilities from time to time if they are needed.

Personal Essay: Why I Want To Become A Doctor

The tiny humans, who advocates for them when they are ill? Who stands up for them when no adult is around to speak for them? A pediatric surgeons job is not only to treat their patient's illness but to advocate for the children who are too small to stand up for themselves. The way to make the world a better place is to begin with yourself. A method in which I will contribute to society and make an impact by becoming a pediatric surgeon.

Personal Essay: I Want To Be An Engineer

Since I was in my childhood I have high curiosity on how and why things work. I have this unsatisfied feeling until I know why and how it 's happening. My dad always told me the same about me. I still remember how I spend the whole day looking for what make the pedestal fan to swing and I opened up its cover to see the motor and gear rotating and for me it 's fascinating. He used to bring me along with him in his nearest four wheel drive park where he taught me many things about four wheel vehicles.

The Human Condition Hannah Arendt Analysis

It has opened opportunities for careers in fields that were otherwise

My Most Proud Of Life Essay

My parents always stressed how we should do our best and have to work for the things we want. Growing up I learned this doesn’t come easy. As everything college is upon us I have reflected on these principles and pondered how I will come up with the money for my college education. The clear cut answer is scholarships. You will see in this essay that I am a worthy candidate for this scholarship.

Personal Statement Of Purpose For Mechanical Engineering

Right from my childhood days, I was always eager to know how things work in surroundings. When I was given toys, I hardly played with them rather tried to dismantle it and try to know the mechanism running it. During school days, I have participated in many science exhibitions which further motivated me towards taking my knowledge and experience onto a higher and advanced level. With this desire and curiosity to understand machines and mechanisms, I chose to complete my graduation in Mechanical Engineering.

Career Goals For Mechanical Engineering

For all of my life, I have had a skill and a great interest in the design and construction of a variety of objects and machinery. I have known since day one that all i wanted to do is design brand new and innovative technology. I have chosen Waterloo as my first choice of education for my future career as a mechanical engineer for many reasons. One being the schools amazing reputation as a school of applied sciences, having been given the nickname “MIT of the north” by many. I know a few people who have attended this University.

Why Become An Electrical Engineer Essay

Every human being has their own career aspirations and mine is to be a Electrical engineer, a dream that I held ever since I was in school due to my deep interest in technical fields such as electrical and electronics. Although, electrical engineer is a difficult career to achieve because it have many obstacles and challenges to be met, but I am sure that I am able to make full preparations for the realization of my dreams. The main preparation I need to prepare is knowledge. Knowledge in Electrical engineering is essential in order for me to become a successful engineer as I am required to be able to identify, study and solve the problem that I encountered in implementing the knowledge that I have gained in university.

Essay On Science And Engineering

THE FUNCTION OF ENGINEERS IN PROTECTING THE SOCIETY 1. MEANING OF ENGINEERING We often use the words “science and technology” for engineering. what can be done by engineers with science and technology? Researchers think about it and do some research which resulted in the understanding that engineering is about planning and designing something that helps society by regulating science and technology.

More about Why I Want To Be A Mechanical Engineer Essay

Why I'm Considering Becoming a Mechanical Engineer Essay

Finding out how and why things work and discovering how products are made has always my passion. I regularly watch engineering and science shows on the television. From my childhood, I have always been a very curious person who would not believe just because someone told me, but I had to know the reason behind it. Science always fascinated me, and I always wondered how we remained on the ground and never fell off something that is spherical. In school I was more interested in maths and science rather than History or Arts and this made me choose Chemistry, maths and physics as my Higher subjects. This has helped me appreciate how Science has been utilised to improve man’s life and make it easier. It is because of this that I would like to …show more content…

Apart from my curriculum, I am involved in various extracurricular activities such as cricket and basketball. I am also involved in chess club helping me to develop my detail-orientation and decision making skill all essential for mechanical engineering . I also volunteer in my church. I organize and participate in different activities like drama, carol service and other programs related to my culture like “Onam” festival of flowers, this has enabled me to develop my leadership and organizational skills and to work in an environment that requires patience and ability to consider ideas of others. During my free times, I read about different captivating things like brief history of time by Stephen Hawkings and also let my creative side flow by drawing. It helps me to relax and soothes my mind when I am stressed. By being involved in games and sport, I am able to build a strong mind and good concentration which then enables me to be an effective learner. During holidays and summer vacation I did voluntary work at the British Heart Foundation, and I currently have a paid job at Morrisons where I enjoy working as a part of a team. My personal strengths are that I am a keen learner and organized person because like Benjamin Franklin I believe that if I fail to plan then I am planning to fail. Above all I am confident that I have made the right choice and that I am a suitable candidate for

Interviewing Strengths And Weaknesses

My top strength in interviewing is I am a good observer. I have found that people communicate more with what they do not say verses what they do

Why I Want To Pursue A Degree In Mechanical Engineering

In life, it is important to have an goal. My ultimate goal is to make the greatest impact I can in everything that I do. After completing a degree in mechanical engineering I ultimately want to pursue a career in the field of prosthetics, specifically for military amputees. As many members of my family and friends are military members, I have witnessed the sadness and despair that comes along with the loss of a limb and know that many wish to the battlefield and continue to serve this country despite their disability. I am eager to develop a combat capable prosthetic that would allow military amputees to return to the fight in similar or better condition as before their injury. This technology would also be practical to military members and civilians who wish to return some normalcy to their physical movement.

Personal Statement: Building A Career

2. One of my greatest strengths is as a problem-solver. I am able to set my mind directly to the problem at hand and find a solution within a reasonable amount of time with little or no help at all. When in high school, the times of classes I wanted to take one semester did not align together so I hand the choice

My Strengths And Weaknesses Of An Interview

Strengths in interviewing are based around how well one can answer questions, but still captivate the interviewer 's interest. One of my strengths was my passion. Answering questions that dealt with my passion allowed my personality to shine through. Using that as an advantage, I was able to show the interviewers

Personal Strengths Analysis

The strengths that I believe to possess would be understanding my emotions of my friends and myself. I have always been in touch with what I am feeling and I hope to be a friend that can be called upon in times of need. I also believe that I am quite easy going and am always up to socialise which is also a strength that my friends would associate with me also. I hope that these strengths provide me with the relevant skills that a good person and friend possess, which is what I strive to be.

A) The specific academic program that is best for turning my passion into a powerful career is mechanical engineering. This will be my academic major course of study, and will most likely lead to a graduate program in mechanical engineering. Naturally, the academic coursework needed to complete an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering will prepare me for a successful career in the field of applied science and product design.

Describe Your Subordinates

My strengths involve being self-motivated and being determined to get the job done. I’m also self-confident in my abilities as a NCO and I am a team player. I’ll take whatever role I need to in order to be successful whether if that involves being a follower or a

Why I Want To Be An Engineer

Growing up, Math and science were always my favorite subjects. This led me to desire a career that incorporates these two subjects. As I furthered my education, I discovered I was very interested in engineering. Being able to learn new things and apply that new knowledge is something I have always enjoyed doing. The high job market, life flexibility, financial security and social impact are all reasons I have chosen to pursue a career in software engineering.

I Am Comfortable Operating Any Software Platform

I believe that my ability to pay close attention to facts along with a practical approach to problem-solving, and decision making, being tactful while negotiating, being sympathetic towards people, the characteristic to take responsibility for obligations, and the attitude to remain open to suggestions I suppose are my key strengths.

Strengths And Weaknesses Of My Personality

makes up my personality compared to anyone else. However, in the context of my strengths I have few that come to mind. First, personally I am a communicator. I enjoy conversing with people of all perspectives. I find it fascinating to learn/ hear their stories or experiences and use those as lessons or just knowledge that sits in the back of my mind. Thus, I guess someone could make the argument that I have a good memory. However, professional level for this same quality I feel it is effective to communicate the roles and the initiatives of the project or any task at hand to get the best possible result. By communicating I

Strengths And Weaknesses Essay

Strengths - My main strengths are that I'm a pretty amiable guy and that I'm a pretty accessible and easy to talk to individual. I have a genuine interest in people and their stories. Because of my age, I have quite a few life experiences under my belt and can often relate to people simply because I understand or have experienced a lot of the same things. In addition, I have a wide variety of interest that is ever-expanding, I always enjoy learning new things and bring a considerable amount of energy and enthusiasm to most of the activities I engage in.

My Reflection Paper

The first of my strengths that I will talk about is Competition, I am so competitive I am always trying compete with myself and with my peers. An example of an area in my life right now where being competitive can help the people around me is in football, I am a red shirt which means that I practice with the team but I don't play in games, so during practice I go up against the starting defense and run our opponent's offense to give the starters a good look at what they will play against. Every repetition of offense that I can compete in I take as an opportunity to make my teammates better and to make them understand the play type of the other team. Even competing in the classroom can improve the competitiveness of my peers, if I have a teammate in the same class I can motivate them to get an A or do all of their homework to make them better. I like to know that I am doing the best I can in a class, I am almost like a perfectionist also because if something I did is not perfect I beat myself up, so with this aspect I like to see my friends do as well in class or a competition as they can. I am so competitive that even though I don't play on game day it makes me angry when we lose because I want to see my teammates succeed.

Reflective Reflection

The strengths that describe me most accurately are deliberative, futuristic, and achiever. I would consider myself deliberative because I like to plan things out beforehand and prepare for an upcoming event. For instance, when I was applying for a job at Walgreens, I knew that I would be interviewed, so I made a list of potential questions I would be asked and tried to develop thoughtful and authentic answers to those questions. I also believe futuristic is another integral quality because I like to dream about the future and what it holds. The idea of being successful motivates me to work hard now so I can reap the benefits later in life. In addition, I’m also an achiever because I like to get things done. I have a habit of creating a list of tasks and assignments I want to get done for the day and I check them off as soon as I complete them.

Personal Reflection Essay

I believe my current strengths encompass the following. The first one is avoiding set patterns of doing things. I always don’t take the same train home every day. I have realized that I should try out new working routines daily. Additionally, I should not just stick to one kind of food, but frequently, I should try a new food item. Next, is being open and receptive to ideas. When I’m, receptive, it implies that I’m open to other people’s views and changes. If I do respond to other peoples positive ideas, I will become not only receptive but also flexible in life. Learning and understanding one is another current strength. I understand that my intuitive controls a large measure of my conduct and in this way the thinking behind considerable impacts my choices in life. In any case, if I know what to look like, I can pick up a more noteworthy comprehension of myself. That is why I settle on the choices that I do. Understanding oneself is I another strength what makes me happy and gives me chances to improve in life. Having courage and self-confidence is also one of my current strengths. The best approach to create confidence is to do the thing I fear most. I have learned to pick up quality, courage, and certainty by each involvement through leaving my fears. I usually state to myself, “I have survived this obstacle. I can say anything else”. Keeping a sense of humor is an additional strength. Having a great sense of humor is a critical component when I want to grow through happiness. Risk taking is my last current strength that makes me try

Self Reflection

In my self-reflective analysis, I discovered My strengths are that I’m a decent student, excellent mother, I’m a responsible parent and adult. I enjoy giving back to my community, and helping others out whenever needed. Learning to focus and concentrate better on schooling rather than everything else occurring. I’m working towards being goal oriented and working on improving my life financially, physically, emotionally. I have abstained from eating certain foods and drinks.

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How to Write Cornell’s College of Engineering Essay

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Vinay Bhaskara and Mariana Goldlust in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

How to approach the prompt, various topics to consider.

If you are applying to Cornell’s College of Engineering, you will be required to respond to the following prompt:

How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about. (250 words)

In this article, we will discuss the prompt as well as different topics that you can cover in your response. If you are applying to a different college at Cornell, check out this article for guidance on the other prompts.

Cornell’s College of Engineering has a really strong reputation. It’s one of the strongest engineering programs in the country. This question Cornell is asking is a mix of why have you chosen the college of engineering and why have you chosen your major.

You want to think about not only those academic goals you have and your background, but also delve into your career interests as well. Research carefully to show that you’ve done your homework on Cornell and what the engineering department offers. That is where you can elaborate on your connection to the school and its values.

There are also so many different opportunities within the engineering school. Cornell engineering has team projects, co-ops, and more. As you do your research into these areas to learn a bit about them try to find ways, if you’re interested in engineering, to communicate that interest and connect it to Cornell’s opportunities.

Solving a Problem In Your Community

One topic you may choose to write about is how an engineering background and your interest in engineering will impact your community. You could write about whichever community you choose, but make sure to cover what you might do as an engineer to solve a problem your community is facing.

If you’re trying to write a winning essay, you want to show how you are a unique problem solver and might think critically about any sort of problem. Regardless of whether the problem is related to engineering or not, the ability to think critically will help any student majoring in engineering.

If you choose to write about a problem in your community you wish to solve, it might be easier to focus on one solution rather than multiple. Diving into those solutions and why you believe they will work is important and will show your ability to think critically. However, it isn’t necessarily the quality of the solution that is important, but more the quality of your analysis.

The Diversity Issue

Another topic to write about could be the diversity problem. Answering this kind of essay could get into how you interact with people from different backgrounds and therefore bring a different perspective. Ask yourself what kind of leader you could be and how you would prioritize inclusivity. At Cornell’s Engineering school, you’ll work with groups from every background, so you must be an inclusive thinker and problem solver.

A great essay would focus on how you can be an inclusive leader and therefore an inclusive student at Cornell. Regardless of whether you come from a diverse background, everyone must support inclusivity, especially in STEM environments. Cornell takes pride in holistically thinking about diversity and bringing in people from all different backgrounds. The school wants to make sure that the people in these backgrounds will work well together.

Women In STEM

Similarly to the diversity issue, writing about the lack of women in engineering could be a great response to this prompt. Think critically about why this is and what steps you would take as a leader to solve this issue. No matter your gender, everyone can address this topic as it will be prevalent throughout every engineer’s career. If this topic is something you’re passionate about, definitely consider writing about this when thinking about your essay.