My Goals and Ambitions: College Admission Essay Sample

My father is a mechanic. Therefore I am, by proxy, an unaccredited mechanic, specializing in relatives’ cars, vintage Vespa scooters, and my friends’ bicycles. I’ve loved our dirty garage from a young age — the sting of growing callouses and the aroma of motor oil appeal to me on a very visceral level compared to other aspects of my life.

Despite my hands-on inclinations, Hardy’s “Introduction to the Theory of Numbers” influenced me more than any other book I’ve read. It introduced me to the complex elegance of pure mathematics and the immense influence of mathematical thinking in other fields I was interested in, including physics, philosophy, and music theory. I began collecting calculators and reference tables, reading mathematical journals, conducting independent research, and immersing myself in pure math as fully as possible.

These two loves of mine seemed, for a long time, hopelessly disparate. I was indecisive and stressed about whether I wanted to undertake mathematics or some form of engineering. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I began to understand the underlying logical philosophy of mathematics and realize how its most fundamental principles permeate each facet of life.

I aspire to help bridge the gaps between pure mathematics and the concrete sciences, in order to pursue my passion while still affecting widely-felt change. MIT’s unique standing as a common ground between the pure and applied sciences will prepare me for this pursuit and help me grow into a singularly qualified thinker able to make distinct, meaningful contributions to his fields.