Admission Essay Sample: University of Waterloo

When I stepped out of the airplane at the JFK Airport in New York, I had two goals in mind. I wanted to have the best form of education, and I wanted to change the world. Following these two goals, two questions aligned themselves: How? And where? Six years after that day, I managed to find the answers. How did I want to change the world? I wanted to become an electrical engineer. A person who delves into the world of electronics to solve the stigmas standing in the path towards exceptional technological advancements. Where would I have the best form of education? At the University of Waterloo, one of Canada’s leading universities. Pursuing my passion for engineering in the universe of electricity at Canada’s largest engineering school will allow me to achieve my dream of being part of a community that finds creative solutions for the world’s most pressing problems.

For an engineer to be successful, they must acquire adequate communication skills. My membership in extracurricular activities such as the Mac Fabrication Lab has provided me with a priceless experience that developed my personality and taught me how to find creative solutions with a team. An important project that I took part in this year was the Mac Toy Factory Sale, in which we sold 3D printed toys and donated half of our revenue to a non-profit organization. My responsibility was managing the selling stand along with two other students. By taking part in this project, I was introduced to the satisfaction that working in a team fosters. The feeling of many different people from many different backgrounds uniting together to achieve a common goal using science and technology was truly exceptional. This project has improved my organization and planning skills, along with the ability to communicate and collaborate with others. To develop these skills, I hope to become a member of the University of Waterloo Robotics Team, which is known for its student-driven and innovative projects.

Engineering is the skill of finding creative solutions for the problems we face today or will face tomorrow. Through my experience in the Introduction to Engineering and Design course in my first year of high school, and the Computer Engineering course this year, my passion for engineering evolved. In both of these courses, I sharpened my problem-solving skills. For instance, by enrolling in the Computer Engineering course I developed skills helpful for an electrical engineer to solve problems such as programming and wiring Arduino Boards or configuring problems in the internet network. Also, as a student in the introduction to engineering and design course, I had to create a product that solves an everyday problem for students and market it. I created a product that helps students store their phones in their lockers safely. Through these courses I learned that an engineer must be in touch with reality, or in other words, to be “In harmony with truth” when solving a problem. As engineers, we must be aware of the challenges facing individuals in our communities and when an issue appears, we must take action and use our problem-solving skills to help. 

Furthermore, engineers must have a strong sense of involvement in the community and always help others in need. Spreading the importance of education is a demonstration of being involved in the community. Through the Peer tutoring program, I helped others overcome the challenges they had academically. As an aspiring engineer, this experience made me understand the value of spreading the knowledge I acquire. My involvement in the peer tutoring program has taught me that teaching is another way for learning. I hope to become a Peer Success Coach at the University of Waterloo to continue helping those who might face academic struggles as much as I can.

In brief, my strong communication skills, creativity in solving problems and involvement in my community make me a suitable nominee for a place in the Electrical Engineering program at the University of Waterloo. With its world-class education and labs, the University of Waterloo provides its students with many opportunities, making it a unique and great place to start my academic expedition. One of my goals as an electrical engineer at the University of Waterloo would be to find new ways to maximize the use of renewable energy in the daily lives of citizens worldwide, despite their financial situation. Engineering the solution to problems that will face the next generation of humans on Earth is what engineers do, and it is my goal.