<p>Hey guys. here is my Cornell supplement essay. Tell me what you think as well as any changes you might suggest. Thanks!</p>
<p>Describe your intellectual interests, their evolution, and what makes them exciting to you. Tell us how you will utilize the academic programs in the College of Arts and Sciences to further explore your interests, intended major, or field of study.</p>
<pre><code>Three years ago, I attended Cornells 2007 reunion with my family. My mother, the class of 82 Reunion Chair, brought me to a lecture given by Cornell professor Jim Bell, entitled Postcards from the Solar System: The Next 50 Years of Space Exploration. The presentation, which gave an overview of the space program and its accomplishments, was fascinating; however, I found the live images transmitted from Mars, to be absolutely mind blowing. Indeed, I can say that this moment sparked within me a powerful interest in astronomy that continues to this day.
Currently, I am a member of my high schools astronomy club. This activity involves monthly meetings that include lectures by college professors; the most recent one was on Transiting Exoplanets. The house where the club meets has a retractable roof and is in an amazing location for celestial viewing! In addition to being involved in the astronomy club, next semester I am looking forward to taking the course Introduction to Astronomy at my high school.
Admittedly, what initially sparked my interest in Astronomy could best be described as the cool factor; at the young age of 14, I found live images from Mars to be truly captivating and awe inspiring. Today, I still feel that same sense of wonder when observing celestial bodies; however, at the same time, my interests have matured. What makes astronomy exciting to me now is the unfathomable mysteries it tries to solve, whether it be the nature of a black hole or the size of the universe. Astronomy tackles some of the most complex and ambitious questions of any of the sciences.
At the beginning of October, I had the opportunity to go on an overnight trip to Cornell. Part of this trip included time to attend classes of my choosing. I decided to attend the class The Nature of the Universe. Although I was not required to stay for the entire lecture, I chose to do so because I found the class to be so intriguing. The experience made me even more excited about the possibility of studying astronomy at the College of Arts and Sciences. This school will allow me to take fascinating classes, such as The Universe and Space Exploration, as well as the opportunity to take interesting advanced level courses such as Physics of Black Holes, White Stars, and Neutron Stars.
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<p>Just as I can trace my initial interest in astronomy back to Cornell, I hope to be able to trace my degree in astronomy to Cornell as well. A degree from the College of Arts and Sciences will be the result of a four year journey with the potential to take me places I can only dream about at this point. In addition to an excellent education, the college will provide me with invaluable research opportunities that will put me at the forefront of scientific discovery. In the words of former Cornell professor Carl Sagan, Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.</p>