<p>hello
I have a question about the engineering supplement essay:
Q: if you were given $10,000 budget and the opportunity to build a small team of talented, motivated individuals, what would you propose to accomplish?
i know the question is clear, it's just i have no idea what to write about! and thats because it must have something to do with the engineering..
so, can anyone just please give me an idea what to write about?! just an example
thank you so much :)</p>
<p>Start with your budget, think about the number of people on your team, each person might bring a different expertise (you might have an systems engineer, a finance major, an anthropology major, and a Spanish major). Think about the location (are you in New Orleans or Honduras?) What do you want your end product to be like? (a new water facility in a rural area in Central America or…?) At UVA, my friend who was a Civil Engineer had the exact same budget for a summer project and she put together 5 people to work on a water-related project in Argentina (in a rural town). I’m actually glad that they’re asking this question as it will be pertinent to your career at UVA (especially if you want to get a research grant during the summer). Good luck!</p>
<p>you’ve helped a lot!
thank you, I really appreciate it…</p>
<p>Don’t think too hard into this. You have no formal engineering education or background, much less exposure to the field, and they know this 
Think about something that you think should change in the world or something that needs to be researched or whatever, and write about it. Don’t think about hitting $10K exactly, either, they just don’t want you writing about building a moon base. Keep it in focus, let them follow your thoughts, and demonstrate that you can think about big problems and how to go about solving them…that’s all us engineers do anyways, think about how to break down big problems into little ones so they can be solved And a last tip: engineers NEVER get it right on the first try, so don’t be worried that someone won’t like your idea or it isn’t totally feasible.</p>
<p>I’m in the same position. Thanks for the help @shoebox10 and @wahoomb!</p>
<p>If I use statistics in my essay, should I cite the source or will this seem awkward?</p>
<p>No. It’s not a research paper.</p>
<p>Then should I remove the statistics, use them without referring to a source, or make generalizations (e.g. many people instead of a specific percentage)?</p>
<p>I used the statistics to illustrate the issue my project would fight.</p>
<p>Well, with a half-page given to write, I personally feel that having statistics removes opportunity to speak in YOUR voice, and instead, replaces it with more about math. I think pointing out the problem is a great idea, but saying 20% of blah blah would be too much effort given to something that won’t benefit you.</p>
<p>Was this supposed to be a descriptive or personal essay instead of a professional one?</p>
<p>Because my essay was structured:
- Discuss the problem
- Present my team of individuals and their abilities
- Portion out the money
- Discuss my approach
- Discuss the expected end result</p>
<p>I was under the impression that this was an objective essay.</p>
<p>I think this essay prompt is supposed to let the admissions people see into your mind, see how you think and what interests you, specifically in engineering. If you can do that well, I don’t think the format matters.</p>
<p>Think “personal statement” instead of “essay” if it helps. Tell us about your idea and make sure to tell us why it’s important to you and what your goals are.</p>
<p>I made changes, but I am still uncertain; so is anybody willing to read my essay? Preferably Dean J if allowed and possible–I do not see a PM feature.</p>
<p>Also, if somebody really enjoys editing essays, then can this person also read my other UVA supplemental essay.</p>
<p>Sorry, I don’t read essays or use private messaging. I don’t feel that it’s appropriate. I hope you understand.</p>
<p>That’s all right, I was just being hopeful. Anybody else willing?</p>