<p>Now I have got your attention.......</p>
<p>Since the UC deadline is right around the corner I may as well just post my essays for feedback.</p>
<p>My stats: </p>
<p>2.81 UC GPA
2100 SAT (770m, 690v, 640w)</p>
<p>Academic Preparation</p>
<p>A mere stroke of the pen exhibits the
achievements of three years. My response however
neither demonstrates the rigor of my academic
curriculum nor displays the merit of multiple
accolades. Contrary to the norm, I sit here at
my table with empty hands. It is with regret to
say I have not taken the initiative towards my
future. In fact, I have hindered my
competitiveness by adopting an attitude of gross
indifference. Unwilling to submit even an
occasional homework, I bombarded my transcript
with what my parents refer as "the shameful. In
an attempt to vindicate myself, I have many a
time accused my parents of disturbing me with
their never ceasing divorce negotiations.
Failing at that, I would plea upon the case of
having difficulty adapting to my unaccustomed
surroundings here at Los Angeles. But each and
every time I concealed the true culprit; a
simple truth I have chosen not to acknowledge
even to myself - the fact that I failed to apply
any effort and time to my studies. </p>
<p>However why is it so painful to admit that I am
lazy when I have selected this route myself? Why
must I usher in shame even to glance at my
report card when I have created this atrocity
with my own hands? Why cant I put a stop to my
actions when I am fully aware of the
consequences? I have pondered upon these
questions throughout my high school experience
without attempting to adjust my destructive
patterns. There is not a specific event that
compelled me to change my ways but gradually the
answer unveiled itself before my eyes as my
maturity blossomed along with it. Three years
passed before I realized I lacked a motive to
study and senior year was right at the doorstep. </p>
<p>I wasnt aware how immature my demeanors were or
able apprehend the fact that I was very
superficial. My provincial views were epitomized
by my lack of consciousness that my actions then
would affect my present and perhaps even my
future. I indulged myself in a world of video
games fulfilled by a false sense of pride and
achievements. My parents often tried to reason
with me and our relationships took a dive as a
result. I was simply too stubborn to reason
with. Flashing back to the conversations now
with a more positive attitude, I can certainly
appreciate their guidance more. I have finally
come to value the significance of a commendable
education. Determined to turn over a new leaf, I
have committed myself to my studies utilizing
all of my abilities. </p>
<p>I am attentive to the reality that I am not the
only one who has written along a similar plot.
In fact, my story is perhaps as trite as the
word itself is excessively used and without
distinction. So why should you believe I will
excel above the rest who have taken a similar
vow, all promising to study diligently in
college. Because I am not merely composing this
essay, I am putting on paper what I have learned
from my mistakes. I have succeeded in
transforming my capability to a laudable 4.0 GPA
thus far into the first semester of my senior
year. Education now is seen as a tool essential
towards future success rather than a loathed
chore; and I am profoundly influenced by the
saying of that opportunity is for those whom
are prepared. I have made a pledge I will not
squander four more years of my life but to focus
on achieving academic advancements. This is not
only a promise I will keep to the university but
also to me.</p>
<p>Potential to Contribute</p>
<p>I am like a bag of Skittles. I am a smidgen of
everyone. I am a smidgen of everything. If you
scrutinize at the ingredients label, you will
uncover a hodgepodge of characters and
personalities. </p>
<p>Friends say I am an intriguing companion but I
am too reticent to speak in front of strangers.
I can compose accurate predictions of market
trends in economics class but I am myopic enough
to sleep through high school. Just as the
smooth, impenetrable outer coating of a Skittle
belies its tenacious filling, each commendable
trait is accompanied by a Mr. Hyde. I find it
difficult to apply an oxymoron to anything else
other than to use it to describe my qualities. </p>
<p>Evidently it would be ideal to erase the
undesirable traits and overcome my weaknesses
but just as Rome isnt built in one day, I have
an equally as long path to walk. However, I have
already taken the initial step: conquering my
anxiety of speaking in front of a large crowd by
winning the highest honor in the junior debate.
I have also sacrificed a great deal of my time
on the internet to contribute to my studies. I
will continue to enhance myself so each and
everyone at the campus can enjoy the flavors I
will bring to the University of California.</p>
<p>Open-ended</p>
<p>While there hasnt been a shortage of rough
sails during my brief voyage, I am fortunate
enough to say none of them were capsizing. But
of all the adversities, a serial of events are
the most challenging to overcome.</p>
<p>I wasnt a very gregarious person. And it just
so happens that despite my discomfort with new
life styles and unfamiliar people, I was
compelled to move from continent to continent
for the last twelve years. I would always
express extreme dismay whenever my father
announced the next destination.</p>
<p>However I must realize that the world does not
revolve around me, I revolve with it. An
obstacle is only an obstacle if I fail to leap
over the bar. My viewpoint broadened as I
decided to keep an open mind towards my new
environments. As a result I am proficient in
three different languages and am acknowledged in
four more languages. I have not only learned to
appreciate other cultures but developed a
longing to experience them. And this is one of
the reasons I am allured to the University of
California. Its array of nationalities and races
is an aspect I am keen to relish.</p>