Montclair Essay

The college admissions and selection process is a very important one, perhaps one that will have the greatest impact on one's future. The college that a person will go to often influences his personality, views, and career. Therefore, when I hear people say that "it doesn't matter that much which college you go to. You can get a good education anywhere, if you are self-motivated," I tend to be rather doubtful. Perhaps, as far as actual knowledge is concerned, that statement is somewhat true. Physics and mathematics are the same, regardless of where they are taught. Knowledge, however, is only a small slice of the cake which is college, and it is in the rest of that cake that colleges differ. Cakes have different ingredients, as colleges have different characteristics. I've been to Montclair State University many times, for field trips and open houses. I have to say, Montclair is my favorite, similar to a favorite flavor of cake. I found a personal liking in how Montclair teach and interact with their students. That to me is the key ingredient in this cake.

Another aspect of Montclair State University that attracts me greatly is its student body, diverse and multicultural, as it is the same time equally strong academically. Since I grew up around racism and discrimination, multiculturalism and recognition of different groups are very important to me, not to mention that it allows me to meet people of different backgrounds and learn of their varying perspectives. And at last spring's National History Day and North Jersey Robotics Competition events in New Jersey, I experienced the thrill of working in a group where everyone is on the same, or higher, intellectual level as I. But as I participated in many clubs, including my mid year of high school, it really held my grades down. I'm not ashamed of how my grades turned out. Looking at letters on a piece of paper and knowing one's potential are two diverse subjects.

I've discovered that Montclair State University has chemistry courses which are the general area of study I intend to pursue. In high school, I've most enjoyed my mathematics and science courses, mainly chemistry and I have participated in three different chemistry classes. I participated in the Math Club and Science Club. Pursuing chemistry would be an obvious decision. However, my interests are not confined only to chemistry. I enjoy courses from all areas of the curriculum,