<p>Not really, just thought it was a good attention grabber. But, I do have a question. I have two essays that I want to include in the app. One is on an experience with diversity (290 words), and one is on my greatest academic challenge (500 words). I think both really help define me and what I would bring to the university. Which one should I use for the "additional info" section, and which one should I use for the "how will your presence enrich the university" prompt? Gracias.</p>
<p>diversity for additional info
academic challenge for enriching the university</p>
<p>i think. well it depends. are you a minority of somekind?</p>
<p>If it was me, I'd probably put the diversity essay for the first one, and the academic for the second. I think your experiences with diversity would count as "experiences and perspectives" that would further enrich the UW community even more than academic.</p>
<p>I think either would probably work for whichever one, but I think the diversity might be the better fit.</p>
<p>All my opinion, of course.</p>
<p>It depends. Can you elaborate a bit on the high level of your essays?</p>
<p>ok, sorry. No, I am not a minority. The diversity essay is on growing up in a town with a lot of illegal immigrants, and listening to constant discrimination, etc. over them. Then for a school club drive I went down to an orphanage in Mexico to deliver clothes, and it really helped me understand and appreciate cultural differences. I would help contribute to UW by "encouraging others to question social norms, as I have."</p>
<p>The challenge essay is about the town I grew up in. People assume SD is an urban environment, and it is riddled with rich coastal prep schools. But my town is in a pretty rural area, so the number of APs offered, and opportunities for intellectual enrichment, are a lot narrower than in other parts of the county. It's not a "poor me" essay though, I focus on the independence I gained from learning things on my own, and creating my own fun as a kid when there were no major attractions nearby. It doesn't specifically state what I would bring to the school, but rather describes my growth as an individual.</p>
<p>Not to sound arrogant or anything, but I think they are very well-written. There is a pretty significant word count difference (see original post), but I don't think that detracts from either essay. Thanks for all the help!</p>
<p>Not sure it matters- just make sure you are answering the question asked - and see the myths about admissions article (access via a CC thread, or the UW website news) for hints. Concise is better than longwinded, don't pad your essays.</p>
<p>thanks, wis. i don't think i padded them, they were pretty direct and precise.</p>
<p>also, anyone know what letters of rec are needed? i couldn't find the exact info.</p>
<p>vc08, here's my 2c given the details ...</p>
<p>Diversity theme -> "Enrich UW" essay. Do spend some time on UW website to tie your story to activities going on campus....</p>
<p>Challenge -> Optional essay. Or write something else if the essay is just a rehash of other parts of your application. Note, you should assume that admission DO know about your town/HS and whether you have maximized the limited resources avail to you.</p>
<p>thanks again dallas. that's what order I was thinking as well. And you're right about the Ad. officers thing (though I talked to my regional counselor and she hadn't even heard of my school). But all the info is accurate. It focuses more on the limited academic resources at my school than my town, but I've had several people read it over and they agree that everything is accurately portrayed. but yeah, thanks forthe help.</p>
<p>still, any help on the recs though?</p>
<p>On the application materials page (<a href="http://www.admissions.wisc.edu/freshman/apply.php#appMaterials%5B/url%5D">http://www.admissions.wisc.edu/freshman/apply.php#appMaterials</a>) they say- </p>
<p>"Letters of Recommendation. We would like to see at least one recommendation from someone who can attest to your academic ability (i.e., classroom skills, knowledge, and work ethic). Other recommendations might come from an employer, clergy, research mentor, or coach. Remember that quality is better than quantity—a total of two or three is sufficient. You can use our Recommendation Form (pdf, 39K), or simply ask that your recommendation be submitted to the Office of Admissions on letterhead, plain paper, stationery, etc."</p>
<p>I ended up getting two recs to submit.</p>
<p>Hope that helps!</p>
<p>Thanks, that was VERY helpful. I think I'd read that before, but had trouble finding the page. I think I am just going to include everything in my counselor's letter, and have it all sent together.</p>
<p>Oh yeah, does the teacher/counselor have to fill out those evaluations, or can they just submit a letter. I don't have an issue with how they would fill it out, but the letters are already done, and it would just be less work for them.</p>
<p>"Oh yeah, does the teacher/counselor have to fill out those evaluations, or can they just submit a letter. I don't have an issue with how they would fill it out, but the letters are already done, and it would just be less work for them."</p>
<p>Nope, they seem to make it pretty clear that it's optional for a teacher to fill out the evaluation- sending just the letters is fine. </p>
<p>On the sheets it actually says-</p>
<p>"To the recommender: Use of this form is not required. You may fill out the following and/or include a separate letter of recommendation.</p>
<p>My 2c on LORs: </p>
<p>Adcom can easily identify a generic LOR which usually doesn't add much weight to an application. So, the ideal LOR should hopefully reveal some additional insights about a candidate to adcom.</p>
<p>Print out your application including your essays for your teachers/counselors. Ask them nicely if they can write a letter that supports (instead of contradicts) your stories with some of their own examples. Help them with examples if necessary. Be sure to give them plenty of time and then keep them posted throughout your application process.</p>
<p>dallas: thanks again! that was a great insight.</p>
<p>matter: thanks to you too. you've all been very helpful. :)</p>
<p>Always happy to help a fellow applicant.</p>
<p>Good luck with this one and whichever other schools you are applying to!</p>