"Why BU?"

Colleges & Universities A-Z Boston University
1

<p>well i posted this on the when will decisions come thread but it is off topic. so i figured id make a new thread. feel free if you want to post your essays too, but anyone down to critique my essay?</p>

<p>Five hours cramped in a car can make anybody’s day rather gloomy, though, the trip was well worth it. I opened my eyes expecting the cement monotony of highway driving but saw the urban jungle instead. The streets had no name to me, but their inhabitants marched in jubilant packs, all jolly and none alone. This enigmatic city fit me like a perfectly worn-in baseball glove. I was in Boston.</p>

<p>My cousin was graduating from a college in the Boston area. All he talked about were his experiences at school. He spoke of adventure throughout the ‘greatest city,’ despite ironically being Manhattan born and bred. I guess Bean Town is fresher than The Big Apple.</p>

<p>Attending my cousin’s commencement, the size of the graduating class amazed me; an army of red and black assembled across the field. Include families and friends, and Napoleon’s forces would be in proportion to his height in comparison. The chance to go to college myself and experience so many diverse people was suddenly an exciting possibility to a person who lives for being outgoing and making connections in life. There must have been some people in this massive crowd I could get to know.</p>

<p>My cousin graduated from Boston University, and the celebratory dinner afterwards was fuller of questions from me about the school than congratulations. This time, however, instead of asking about college parties, I focused on academics. I grew increasingly intrigued with the profound influence of higher education, mirrored by a newfound curiosity of the city of Boston.</p>

<p>That short trip altered my immature perspective and opened my eyes to the potential experiences available to a mature young scholar. Perhaps in several years I could find myself as one of the troops marching onto the field draped in red and black glory, self-enlightened, and armed with the power of knowledge.</p>

2

<p>I think it’s really good, but it makes me nervous because my “Why BU?” essay was rather short. Care to take a look? </p>

<pre><code> Everything made the two weeks memorable: trying to find our way to Newbury Street. Getting to know Commonwealth Avenue. Debating human nature
</code></pre>

<p>with professors. The feel of the summer here as we race back to Warren Towers. The two weeks I spent at Boston University as part of the summer
challenge program are sketched in my mind. The people I met and befriended have become some of my greatest friends, my go-to people. The campus
allowed me access to my new favorite city, and a world beyond what I had known before. I had the chance to get to know myself apart from my parents. I
liked my teachers, my classes, and the environment that surrounded me. Boston University allowed me the chance to learn new things about myself and I
gained a new desire to go back and become a true part of the University.</p>

<p>See? I only had a short paragraph, but I hope it really captured my feelings…</p>

3

<p>I agree with brightside! Maybe you should have delve deeper.</p>

<p>Psst! I have a confession to make, I love to cook. When I cook, I like to develop a composition that possesses the perfect balance of sweet and savory. For instance, my honey glazed salmon with crushed pecans, served with saut</p>

4

<p>My “Why BU?” essay was really short too…I think it’ll be the factor to get me rejected :confused: Does BU put a lot of weight into those essays?</p>

5

<p>I think they do. At least that’s what I’ve heard.</p>

6

<p>My son had a lengthy conversation with a B.U. admissions rep, at a college fair last October in Boston, who said the “Why B.U.” essay is HUGE!!</p>

7

<p>I really doubt that it is as NewTerp put it “HUGE!!” but I do think it shows BU adcom’s who has more of a personal stake in the school. </p>

<p>I suppose it will factor, but not as much as the main essay/grades/sat scores. It’s not like doing super amazing on that small essay will really win you over if you have a bad SAT. After all, it was only 2000 characters.</p>

8

<p>Most California high school seniors who are applying to college don’t consider leaving the Golden State. I was one of those students until I visited Boston University in March 2008. As a first time visitor to BU and the city of Boston, I was introduced to a new environment in which I personally felt comfortable and relaxed. Besides information from the Boston University website, I was relying on the campus tour to provide campus specifics and give me an overall impression.</p>

<p>My first instincts as I stepped on campus were the most important to me. One of the first things I noticed upon arrival at BU was the strong sense of community among the students and campus. I couldn’t look anywhere without seeing students in BU gear or bright red signs that read ‘Boston University’. I prefer urban campuses, so I liked BU’s location in the middle of Boston. I was interested in the fast paced environment and I could see myself enjoying the benefits of city life. The campus tour was very informative and the students and the tour leaders helped me with making my own opinion about the campus community. The fact that BU has over 400 student clubs and organizations shows me that student involvement is a key aspect on campus, and makes me want to become involved once I am at BU. Although I was only on campus for a few hours, I felt very comfortable.</p>

<pre><code>Most importantly, learning about the academic programs at BU enormously helped in my decision to apply. Because I am interested in majoring in economics, I researched more about BU and discovered that this university has one of the best economic departments internationally. I envision your school providing me with a rigorous academic curriculum and a preparing me for a successful business career.
</code></pre>

9

<p>@BUBound</p>

<p>I really like yours, especially the “Psst!” Definitely caught my attention. ;)</p>

<hr>

<p>My “Why BU?” was quite embarassing, so I’m not gonna post it.</p>

10

<p>Well…I probably will be rejected then since it has such a force on the decision :(</p>

11

<p>um, I didn’t even remember my essay, so I went to commonapp to look at it.</p>

<p>it is pretty short like some other people’s that posted up here. and if that essay is “HUGE!!” then my chances are “SMALL!!”</p>

12

<p>eeek. I’m getting worried too D:
Would someone mind looking at my “Why Boston?” essay? I know its a little late for that but maybe I could get some input? Thanks a bunch!</p>

<p>“Hey! Which schools are you applying for?” And being from California I always hear “UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Stanford.” While those schools are great, they don’t fit my needs so I reply with “Boston University” to gauge their reactions. Every time I’m greeted with “Huh?” or “What?” I’m interested in an institution that has much to offer to me: from social activities to a challenging curriculum and all the little things in between. </p>

<p>For me, college should be challenging but in a way where students are excited to learn. Contrary to popular belief, studying can be interesting as long as material is up to date and professors understand the students. Textbooks and lectures can only teach so much but external stimulation adds real experience. I also believe that a supportive community and networking is necessary. Ethnic diversity is a must because different points of view are essential to the learning process. Lastly, a university should be fairly modern so students can get the most for their education.</p>

<p>So I visited Boston University and I found it to be an amazing place to want to study. A trio of things that particularly impressed me were the large number of international students, the great community feel, and the humor of my school tour guide. The school seems very professional and caring toward its students. Boston University and the surrounding area are great because it has everything such as malls, sports, and great weather. The public transportation is efficient and the people are beyond friendly. Besides, where else can you go on a trolley tour, get stuck in traffic, have delay on the subway, and be late for reservations at Legal Seafood?</p>

<p>College is one of the most important events in my life. It will determine my next four years. It will create memories, good and bad. It will help me succeed. To do so, I must find the right campus, environment, and academic level. Boston University has it all for me. So my question is: Why wouldn’t I want to apply there?</p>

13

<p>Guys, I wouldn’t post your essays on here if I were you – someone could steal them as their own.</p>

14

<p>Actually, when one of BU’s admission reps visited our school last fall, he explicitly stated that the “Why BU?” short essay was actually a very crucial part of the application, too. Most importantly, they hate when students write about how they love Boston, because they want to know why you want to go to BU - not Boston.</p>

15

<p>mine was okay I guess. </p>

<p>tell me what you think? :)</p>

<p>" August 3, 2008 was hot and it was my first day at SummerLab. I stood in front of Boston Medical Center trying to figure out which direction to go but it took me about thirty minutes to finally find my way. Once I was there I entered the elevator and as I walked off I looked around noticing that the other students and I were here for one phenomenon: the fascination for science. Although it was a weeklong program, I fell in love with biotechnology within that week. On the last day, my teammates and I were able to present to friends, family, and the Boston University School of Medicine Dean of Admissions what we had learned about throughout the week. The best part of the program was when the Dean addressed us that the same process we went through to produce Green Fluorescent Protein, was the same process that produced insulin in pharmaceutical companies around the world. It amazed me that I produced something that had the capacity to be a part of change. This is what science is to me, another way to become part of change in someone else’s life. I loved the program so much that I decided to attend CityLab Scholars Program throughout the school year. I fell in love with Boston University the same way; the institution opened my eyes to the world of biotechnology, a field in which I was never interested. I figured, if a school were so involved as to educate me, a senior in high school, about a subject I was interested in, how would they treat me once I was a student. By attending Boston University, I will have the chance to be a change in the world when I create solutions for global problems in the future. After receiving my education there, I will take what I have learned and one day give back to the institution that helped me find a fulfilling career. "</p>

16

<p>Mine was total crap. </p>

<p>**When I first learned of Boston University, I made it a point to search online and ask friends about the educational and social aspects of the school. I am interested in computer science and mathematics, so the first thing I did was log onto the BU website and took a look at the course offerings – they looked extremely interesting and whet my academic appetite. In addition, I learned that a driving force behind one of the leading technological demonstrations for ATI video cards was Natalya Tatarchuk, a graduate of Boston University; so that knowledge made me firmly believe that BU would aid me in my quest to be a professional 3D programmer.
However, there are other very important factors that influenced my decision to apply and attend BU. I read an article in the Boston University newspaper about rumored “grade deflation” at BU. To most people, this would be a significant turn off, but to me it represented opportunity to be pushed to my limit and strive to perform to my full capacity to do well. A well earned “B” trumps a “free A” in my book. I know that at BU I would get the most out of my education and leave with a very solid foundation in computer science
Finally, I realize that a college is not just an educational institution, it’s a living, breathing community. BU has a great number of students and is located in the exciting city of Boston where opportunities to socialize and make personal and professional connections are in full abundance. I’d love to be part of such a diverse community.
**</p>

17

<p>if you got in, it must of not been a total crap lol. I still can’t believe I got in, but then again I’ve always underestimated my capabilities. :(</p>

18

<p>When I think of Boston University, diversity, a great education, and a completely life changing experience comes to mind. Initially, I did not have a clue as to where I wanted to further my education. However, throughout the course of three years in high school, the most important factor to me in a college has been determined: change. I sought one that could provide this to me, and I found Boston University.</p>

<p>I attended a high school where majority of the population was either Hispanic or Asian. Most of my friends and I are of Asian descent. Boston University is an ethically and culturally diverse location that will force me to come out of my comfort zone. I hope to meet friends from different states and countries. </p>

<p>At a very young age, I realized that education is the key to a successful future. I looked into the programs of various colleges, and the Core Curriculum of BU caught my attention. Studying the works of various writers and philosophers throughout the year would mean many ongoing intellectual debates. I can absorb knowledge from reading the writers’ works and gain insight through discussions. Such interesting and thought-provoking my courses will suit me well.</p>

<p>I realized through the course of my living days, everything I do has been such a routine. I live in xxx, California, which is a fairly small city. I have taken advantage of anything and everything it has to offer me; the most entertaining activities include watching movies, walking around parks, shopping in little stores, and eating in various restaurants. Boston University has hundreds of clubs and many places to attend. I am sure that life will be much more colorful and eventful than before. </p>

<p>LOL -_- doesn’t seem all that great to me. I didn’t spend too much time on it either.</p>

19

<p>Mine sucked. But I still got in (CAS-undecided).</p>

<p>Even though I have a Type B personality, I can sometimes be obsessive, especially with projects. I’ll spend countless hours doing research in order to get things right. The biggest assignment I’ve taken on in my time being selectively neurotic is finding the Perfect College. I finally came up with a list of requirements for a college. These include:</p>

<p>A northern school. This is important to me primarily because hot weather makes me grouchy. Even in mild (for Maryland) heat, I’d rather sit in the nice, cold basement than venture outside. It was a relief, then, when we went to visit Boston University this summer and everyone felt like I did about the hot weather.</p>

<p>A city school. However, I only wanted a specific kind of city. I didn’t want anything too big, so New York was out. Boston and BU seemed perfect. It was clearly a large, interesting city, but the area around BU felt like a small neighborhood. Plus, Boston has so many opportunities for students, and there are always things to do.</p>

<p>A school with spirit and sports. This is an area in which BU stood out. When I visited, I felt an enthusiasm for everything happening at the school. It seemed like people cared about the student-run events, which I did not feel at other schools I visited, where nobody attended events. I also loved the sports at BU, especially the hockey. Hockey is my favorite sport, and I’m glad that hockey is BU’s biggest sport. I could definitely see myself in the Dog Pound.</p>

<p>Great academics and arts programs. I think this is pretty self-explanatory. Boston University has excellent academics, superb teachers, and small classes. The arts are respected at BU, and the school has opportunities for non-majors to be involved. The dance minor is particularly appealing, as is the ability to take classes in a wide array of subjects, something not offered at a small liberal arts college. </p>

<p>Finally, everyone at Boston University was friendly, and I could see myself there. That’s really why I’m applying to BU.</p>

20

<p>hey you guys really shouldn’t post your essays. anyone could copy them.</p>