Expansion of Knowledge: College Admission Essay Sample

From an early age, I have always questioned what surrounds me and yearned to further comprehend my understanding of life’s bountiful mysteries. As I grew older and my educational opportunities arose, I took advantage of what I was given and have sought to expand my knowledge as much as possible. The fields of science and mathematics have had a particular impact on my aspirations. I feel that my ever-expanding desire to gain more knowledge in these subjects, along with many other academic interests of mine, will be satisfied by attending the College of Arts and Sciences

Science has become a passion of mine. It has provided me with many of the answers about life that I have desired, and is the reason I hold the subject so near and dear to my heart. Ranging from the processes by which our bodies produce energy to the initial velocity required to launch an object over one hundred feet into the air, science can offer a solution to nearly anything. Along with supplying these essential answers that many hanker to know, science is also an outlet for inspirational thinking and motivation to move forward. Scientific thinking is also a culture and a way of life. It encourages an interrogative mentality, pushing people to search for a deeper meaning and greater understanding, and granting the world with a greater knowledge. Without this philosophy and way of thinking we would not see the world like we see it today. Science has opened many doors of opportunity in the past and will surely be a large part of shaping our future.

The subject of mathematics has inspired my way of thinking and completely altered my path in life. Many may believe that mathematics is a subject confined by concrete values and methods; however, as one may observe in higher-level courses, math requires a form of abstract thinking. Rather than viewing things in a straightforward manner, courses such as calculus promote thinking “outside the box”. Math is simply an enigma, sparking the mind to stretch beyond limits one could not possibly imagine. This mind-set has allowed me to flourish in all subjects that I come across, and is a major reason behind my scholastic success.

I believe that the College of Arts and Sciences within Cornell University will provide the perfect environment for me to pursue my interests. Although science and mathematics are my primary academic interests, I am also fascinated with a broad spectrum of subjects such as those found within history and linguistics. They allow you to travel, explore, and discover the values and customs of different societies throughout the world. Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences will permit me a mixture of majors and minors that fulfill my desires to attain a vast understanding of life. It will allow me to not only receive a magnificent education from professors at the utmost position in their field, but it will also give me the college experience that an eager young mind deserves. As educator John Dewey has stated, “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”