[Student Profile]
[Prompt & Essay]
Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (300 Words)
I stared intently at the two identical paths before me, searching desperately for any hints on which one to take. My Boy Scout troop was completely lost in [name] Park, and the sun was setting. After wandering for hours, we were relieved to reach our campsite.
Realizing the danger that the lack of trail markers posed, I decided to install them for my Eagle Project. After months of speaking with park officials, obtaining permissions, surveying the trails, and preparing proposals, I led a dozen scouts in installing trail markers at key intersections, making the park safer for all hikers.
Scouting, which has been an integral part of my life since I joined Troop 20 six years ago, best exemplifies my role as a leader in my community. As Senior Patrol Leader, I helped younger scouts set up tents, cook, and complete rank advancement requirements during campouts. Motivated by my own experiences with food allergies, I ensured that everyone’s dietary restrictions were accounted for. I endeavor to create a casual, welcoming environment for all scouts, both old and new.
As a scout leader, I took it upon myself to serve as a guide for the community. Whether I’m planning beach campouts or cooking naan pizzas, I’m always leading my troop towards new experiences. While being an Instructor, I loved teaching younger scouts essential skills like first aid and navigation, encouraging them to think logically and critically to find answers themselves. Striving to be a role model for them, I encouraged younger scouts to address issues in our community through service projects.
Troop 20, with its camaraderie and challenges, provided me with opportunities to become a thoughtful and flexible leader. I will carry these experiences with me as I collaborate and build strong relationships with the student community at Michigan.
Describe the unique qualities that attract you to the specific undergraduate College or School (including preferred admission and dual degree programs) to which you are applying at the University of Michigan. How would that curriculum support your interests (550 words)
Intro using Science Fair
Potential of CS fields (AI/CS) to solve problems is huge
Additional CS Pursuits - MITRE Internships and Senior Project
Interdisciplinary Interests
Interested to take Solutions to world through Entrepreneurship (LaunchX link)
I held my breath as the drone slowly crept forward. My stiff hands trembled as I desperately strove to keep it on track. A single wobble would ruin everything.
As a freshman, after hearing about train derailments on the New York Subway, I embraced the challenge of identifying track defects to bolster rail safety. Rail accidents threaten the lives and safety of millions of people and are a major problem worldwide. My partner and I spent months building model tracks, recording drone footage, and using computer vision to classify tracks as either safe or defective. Ultimately, our project was endorsed by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which runs the D.C. Metro, for its potential to prevent accidents and save lives. While I enjoy solving problems, I’m most fulfilled when those solutions make meaningful impacts.
I’m pursuing a Computer Science (CS) degree because I embrace the challenge of creation. The untapped potential of Computer Science to improve public safety and solve global issues fascinates me. I have deeply explored this passion though technology articles, science fairs, and internships. During my internship at the MITRE corporation, I collaborated with experienced researchers and implemented machine learning models on time series data for crop type classification to improve global food sustainability, working to secure food distribution logistics in the case of natural disasters or other crises.
Through its advanced curriculum in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), along with interdisciplinary research opportunities at its Artificial Intelligence laboratory, the University of Michigan’s CS program will equip and empower me to solve the problems of the future. Michigan continuously innovates its CS curriculum to stay relevant in an ever-changing field, something I value and will take full advantage of by taking AI/ML classes on topics like Natural Language Processing and Reinforcement Learning. I’m also eager to join Dr. David Fouhey’s work on scene detection, which aligns with my senior research project on violence detection in videos. Michigan’s CS coursework and research opportunities will prepare me to develop solutions for global safety issues.
I complement my CS interests with my deep curiosity in history and classics, driving me to apply for Michigan’s College of LSA, which would support my interdisciplinary interests. I seek to better understand human nature through classical literature and philosophy, which analyzes fundamental issues that have defined humanity throughout history. Works like Vergil’s Aeneid and Sophocles’ Antigone inspire me to ponder difficult questions about conflicting moral obligations. I’m excited to continue my classics journey at Michigan due to the university’s unique commitment to undergraduate learning, exemplified by its emphasis on making graduate courses accessible for all students. I look forward to encountering new perspectives on modern society through courses like Ancient Law and Doctors in the Ancient World.
I hope to expand on my LaunchX startup experience through Michigan’s Center for Entrepreneurship. I’m eager to attend the weekly “Entrepreneurship Hour” seminar to learn from respected entrepreneurs and take courses on technology commercialization for moving innovations from labs to consumers. Additionally, I will learn the skills I need to ensure my ideas thrive in the business world with the TechArb Student Venture Accelerator.
Whether I’m immersing myself in the technology and research of the future or delving into the wisdom and perspectives of the past, Michigan is the perfect fit.