there are songs in which the bass stands out the most, there are times when I too am well-noticed. I stand out when it comes to presenting or volunteering in some sort of presentation or group activity. One such time was when I had to present a speech for an argumentation class I took over the summer on a topic I had to create and support an assertion about. Having the opportunity to be heard was a time in which I felt part of the whole, similar to when a bass has an amazing solo in a song. The bass and music in general are important in my life because they both are avenues through which I can let out my emotions and be relieved of any stress or problems I’m having. Without music I probably would not be the person I am now. Music is a creative form of art in which anything I want to say or any message I want to convey can be expressed with more facility than in regular speech. Playing an instrument has become a part of me for the past three years and will stay with me in my future. I hope that with this skill, I will continue to see the positive effects of expressing myself through music. I will continue to express myself through music and hold firmly to my aspirations of leading a positive and successful life with it. 3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time? Things to consider: If there’s a talent or skill that you’re proud of, this is the time to share it. You don’t necessarily have to be recognized or have received awards for your talent (although if you did and you want to talk about, feel free to do so). Why is this talent or skill meaningful to you? Does the talent come naturally or have you worked hard to develop this skill or talent? Does your talent or skill allow you opportunities in or outside the classroom? If so, what are they and how do they fit into your schedule? Sample Essay #1 UC Irvine (371 words) I found a steady passion, playing volleyball, throughout all of high school. No volleyball season was every the same. As time passed, new players came and old ones left to continue their life. I created bonds with girls I would never have known otherwise and learned how to work efficiently with others where the bond was not as strong. Throughout it all, there have been times where I could have stopped
my scope of the world, but to be an exemplary daughter who is opinionated yet respectfully supports and obeys her parents’ expectations, balancing the best of the values each culture has given me. (644) UCLA Sample Essay #3 William Hobart and Smith Colleges – POSSE Scholarship (666 words) My name is William, but I identify more with the nickname to me, Will. This nickname was first just an effort to shorten my name, but later, a teacher gave my nickname a new purpose. She said, “Your name is Will because you Will do whatever your heart desires.” This small gesture was the catalyst that triggered my journey of self-discovery and reinvention. I had always been an introvert. I sought to avoid people and I loathed maintaining relationships. After several consecutive deaths in my family, my grandpa’s, great-grandpa’s, and great-grandma’s, I did not feel positive about creating relationships. I assumed that, as always, the cold zephyr of life would race by and knock over these pillars. Yet, when I joined Puente, I became a different person, and earned the new definition of my name. Puente is a program that seeks to create leaders out of its participants, as well as aid them in attending college. In Puente, my fellow ‘Puentistas’ and I were placed into an English classroom with one teacher who would support us throughout high school. I will never forget when our teacher insisted that a freshman would run to become an officer. The classroom became dead silent and I studied the marks on my desk, adamant to avoid eye contact. To break the perpetual silence, however, I raised my hands and volunteered to run. When it was time to present a speech to all the grades, I was hesitant. That is when she pulled me aside and bestowed upon me the new definition of my name. Unknowingly, this was the turning point in my life. After I won the position of Historian, I noticed the chains of doubt and passivity began to loosen. I decided to break free and discover who Will truly was. When I attended my first Puente event, I was the only freshman; I was uneasy. Yet, instead of allowing the chains to curtail me again, I strode into the crowd and was welcomed with, “Congrats Will! You’re on your way!” I definitely was.