<p>very true, nretni.
okay: finally, everyone, an excerpt from my essay (be gentle):
(This is in relation to a ‘College Chances’ math process I developed):</p>
<pre><code> “The ‘equation’ was developed in order to create a more realistic way to estimate one’s chances at a particular University, as opposed to the traditional acceptance rate provided by the school the previous year. The obstruction I kept running into was the indescribable appeal of a student’s essay, extracurricular activities, etc. (I have refrained from including what I determined my chances were for Cornell, as I think this would be a confounding variable, and thus alter my chances).”
</code></pre>
<p>^^^ The parenthetical expression was intended for a bit of humor, I hope they see that^^^^</p>
<p>If a woman reads it, she will be insulted, pure and simple. </p>
<p>What someone said earlier was absolutely right. The point of this essay is to stand out. Take risks, be original, be yourself. Taking stupid risks is an entirely different matter though.</p>
<p>This is a huge risk to take for something that isn’t really gonna help you at all. They’ll get a laugh at your immaturity at MOST. Is that really worth a possible easy rejection? I dont think so.</p>
<p>If you’re gonna take a risk, which i agree is good and make you stand out, make it worthwhile. Make it something that when they see, will make your essay “click”. Make it something that will propel you above everyone else. Everyone can be immature and “funny”, trust me. </p>
<p>It’s entirely not worth it.</p>
<p>As for the whole idea, i’m not sure i really like it that much. You do not base your life fully around mathematics, so dont lie about it. I know you’re trying to look good in front of the admissions dudes, but honestly, everyone does, and they aren’t impressed by it. Don’t write this essay about what they want to see. Write it about yourself, and what you want to write. Those are the best essays.</p>
<p>first off, thanks for the advice again, everyone, i appreciate all feedback.
to retni and commie:</p>
<p>ok, first off, commie, thanks a ton for the input. However, the ‘GC’ is not the main subject of my essay. My essay is different in that I approach it from a narrative viewpoint about another math-related situation. At this point, the GC is only VERY briefly mentioned in one sentence, to support an earlier point. As far as trying to impress the adcoms goes, this essay actually IS who I am (as lame as that may seem haha. I am surprised to know, however, that you somehow knew this was false). It is not at all a comedy essay, but merely something different from, “I like numbers and math and i ask questions in class and I am a 4-year Mathlete.” (which is all good, but I think they get a lot of it.)
Also, keep in mind that the essay prompt is a supplemental essay about my academic interests and how they play a part in my life; my normal essay was about William Wallace and mental barriers involved in Track and Field.</p>
<p>overall, I think that the only way for every1 to get a grasp on the idea is to read my rough draft, which i finished tonight. any1 can let me know if they are interested.</p>
<p>I would definitely suggest doing it. If you do this well and try to be humorous yet politically correct at the same time, it would stand out as a pretty good essay. If you leave it out, it would probably become another humdrum “oh, I’m so good at math” essay. Colleges don’t want to see that. Do it well, and it should be an awesome essay. Like colorspectrum said, it gives you dimension and lets the admissions officer see you, not just another applicant. Go for it.</p>
<p>I (a female) would not be offended if you approached it in the way you appear to be: only briefly mention it, and don’t elaborate on your criteria for scoring. I honestly kind of expect guys to have their rating systems (apparently some are more complex than others) and, within good context and form, this could be worth a chuckle. Keep it at a chuckle level; don’t go on and on with it, or that could cross the line. If the rest of your essay has some good bits of geeksmirk in it and the concept of the Girl Calculator doesn’t come completely out of nowhere, I can’t imagine that that one line would stand out as something abominable enough to completely dissolve your chances. After all, there is another risk in trying to sound TOO politically correct, which could have the effect of sounding really contrived and cautious and therefore out of your voice.</p>
<p>Overall, take risks that makes sense. If you can’t fit it in where it makes sense, don’t force it. If you can, do so with consideration, which you already seem to be doing.</p>
<p>thanks for the advice, sijmister.
I AM SO TORN BETWEEN VIEWS, NOW.
haha but i am DEFINITELY heeding your advice on it, seeing as how you believe your essay got you into MIT. you must know something bout what they want.</p>
<p>thanks a lot shifty eyes.
in fact, just about everyone in my grade knows about the system now, it’s been spreading to calculators everywhere, and even the girls like it (sometimes after a bit of convincing). hahaha but, personally, your comment has been THE MOST HELPFUL! YOU HIT IT EXACTLY ON THE NOSE. that is just how I presented it, you were right on about it “coming completely out of nowhere” (it doesn’t). </p>
<p>ok, guys.
after a few paragraphs of introduction and a somewhat comedic/chill anecdote to set the tone, i clearly established that i enjoy creating formulas or processes to apply math principles to everyday life. combining this with serious ideas as well, here’s how i fit the GC in, tell me what you think, please:</p>
<p>" One of the students that I tutor in Calculus, a history-focused individual, often challenges me on a certain point: “I will never use this math stuff in my life, and you probably won’t either.” After reeling from this blow, I counter-attack with an array of equations I have formulated, and situations in which I have applied math to my life. He finally became interested, and challenged me, merely for fun, to create a more useful program (in his eyes) that could successfully rate females, taking into account various factors (though I do not believe a female can or should be ‘rated’, I will not disclose whether or not I pursued this idea). "</p>
<p>I think an essay about rating women would be considered immanture. An essay about what you have done about math and how it has effected you(in a creative, mature way) would be better.</p>