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explore my entrepreneurial side, to market my custom-made belts, earrings and necklaces worldwide.
Although my web site has only recently become profitable, I am convinced it could grow considerably with
additional time and attention.
With four extra hours per day, I would make more samples, print a glossy catalogue and solicit interest from
local wholesalers in my area. I'd promote my work at trade shows and craft fairs, where national buyers
often search for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. I'd also beef up my web site, advertise on eBay and become
a moderator for jewelry-related chat rooms. I would exhaust every possible step to achieve entrepreneurial
success and go to bed each night with the satisfaction that I gave it my best shot.
Do you feel that your academic record (I.e. grades, course load, etc.) is an accurate reflection of your
ability and potential? In comparison to your college friends and classmates, do you feel that you
were particularly advantaged or disadvantaged?
My academic record shows my ability to succeed in the rigorous dual major of Computer Science and
Communications. More impressive than my excellent GPA is my simultaneous participation in many outside
activities. As a freshman, I started my own T-shirt business on campus to pay tuition and fees. As the
business grew, I eventually devoted over 20 hours per week to my entrepreneurial venture. I also lent my
writing expertise to our college newspaper, the Herald, serving as General Editor during my senior year. In
addition, I was an active participant in the Tri-Delt sorority and the Big Sisters Association of Baltimore.
Few other self-supporting students maintained such a busy schedule or attained a stellar GPA. My
assumption of such enormous responsibilities and mastery of essential time management skills are valuable
tools for my graduate school career and my professional future.
Do you feel that your academic record (I.e. grades, course load, etc.) is an accurate reflection of your
ability and potential? In comparison to your college friends and classmates, do you feel that you
were particularly advantaged or disadvantaged?
Although my recent academic performance is excellent, I wasn't always able to devote my complete energy
to my schoolwork. I was enrolled in the South American University of Engineering during the collapse of the
Brazilian government, when the country underwent unprecedented economic turmoil and uncertainty. In a
short period of time, my country experienced hyperinflation, millions lost their jobs and the cost of living
skyrocketed. My family and I lost our life savings. Rather than focusing on school, I found myself struggling
for survival.
I'm proud that I was able to exercise the enormous energy required to balance my schoolwork and part-time
employment. Yet the stress of the economic overhaul made it impossible to concentrate on my studies.
Many days, rather than preparing for exams, I stood in line for hours to buy food. My grades from the South
American University of Engineering reflect the stress of these dire circumstances, rather than my actual
ability. Yet the stressful situation helped me to re-evaluate my beliefs, aspirations and plans. Although my
grades suffered, surviving such a traumatic experience clarified my goals, challenged my time-management
skills and provided the strength to overcome future obstacles.
Do you feel that your academic record (I.e. grades, course load, etc.) is an accurate reflection of your
ability and potential? In comparison to your college friends and classmates, do you feel that you
were particularly advantaged or disadvantaged?
My 4.0 GPA reflects both my mastery of Chemistry and my strong enthusiasm for science. In addition to
achieving a perfect grade point average, I also conducted independent research during my junior and senior
years, culminating in two publications in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. During my senior
year, I presented my research at the annual meeting of the ACS in Phoenix, winning first prize in the
undergraduate paper competition.
My chief advantages are my natural affinity for the field and my willingness to take summer and evening
classes. I completed a full course load throughout each traditional academic year, and graduated a
semester early, due to my accelerated coursework.
What do you feel makes a person a good leader?
Since early childhood, I have taken several calculated risks that have made me an excellent leader.
While others were paralyzed by a fear of failure, I demonstrated a venturesome spirit and incomparable
drive to succeed. At age sixteen, I launched my first home business, selling hand-painted T-shirts in a local
mall. My success inspired other entrepreneurial ventures, including the sale of OVB (on-line venue booking
system for lectures) over the internet. Many people thought I was too young to run my own company, citing
a lack of credibility and experience. Yet my research, commitment and networking skills more than
compensated for my youthfulness. With each small success, I learned valuable lessons about marketing my
products and working with people.
My venturesome spirit also extends to academia. After spending eighteen years in Germany
(where I was an excellent student), I accepted a scholarship to study in Beijing. In addition to leaving my
family, friends and homeland, I had to quickly master English, in which all of my classes would be taught.
Despite the formidable challenge, I was passionate to succeed. For two years, I immersed myself in
classical literature, modern science fiction, historical novels and business periodicals. Within two years, I
was named Best Student of the Year on my college graduation day.
In all areas of life, my passionate nature forces me to aim high. Whenever I feel ill-prepared to
accept a challenge, I consider the words of Michelangelo. The greatest danger for most of us is not that
our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it. By embracing each day with an
open heart and committed mind, I am determined to produce my own masterpieces. Living with passion
brings me great creative joy, through the ecstasy of writing, starting a business, and acting in a school
play.
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