Sample Carnegie Mellon University Undergraduate Admissions Essay

As I type this essay, it is undoubted on a computer with a word processor. The computer has wound itself so deeply into our culture in such an unbelievably short span of time. It allows us to accomplish tasks far above human capacity. It is the medium of our creativity and the vehicle for our innovations. However, no matter how convenient the computer can be, it is naïve to throw away inhibitions and trust our technology completely.
The event that sparked my primary interest in the language of computers was the first time I saw raw computer code. Ever since then, my universe has changed. Objects became the new atoms, classes the new molecules. Loops are the compounds. Each time I open my computer, I see skyscrapers of code looming, each with an architect and a story. Though some may be taller than others, they collectively adorn the skyline.
I am inspired by the work that goes on at Carnegie Mellon's Computer Science departments. Not only are there 7 departments which lead critical fields in the program, it supports interdisciplinary programs such as Computational Biology. I first develop an interest in Carnegie Mellon after watching the Great Robot Race on Nova. I thought of all of the injuries and fatal car crashes this could prevent. If vehicles have more built in sensors that allow it to detect danger, we could prevent millions of car crashes, save billions of dollars, and avoid countless deaths each year. I firmly believe in developing computer systems that will better our lives demonstrated by the incredible abilities of the "Sandstorm" and "H1ghlander."
Along with the current developments being made, I also have my own ideas that could be made into reality through an education at Carnegie Mellon. I recognize the dire energy crisis around the world and our desperate need for sustainable development. I propose that we take all of our wasted free energy and channel it into productive means. By this, I mean installing generators into such things as revolving doors and allowing the change in flux induce an emf that becomes useful to us. Also, devices installed in the floor could convert the vibration of a footstep into useful energy for us. With the billions of people living on the earth, these ideas are completely practical. Installing them into buildings would allow those buildings to be self-sufficient. Ideas such as these would require an integration of my two favorite subjects, computer science and engineering.
I am a firm believer in the practical sciences. I believe in progress and am thoroughly convinced that Carnegie Mellon is the best fit for me. Surrounded with others bearing the same passion, I will lead a wave of innovation fueled by sharp minds and youthful energy. Today's world is a vastly different than the one a mere century ago and it is constantly changing. I will turn "science fiction" and stretch the boundaries of human imagination.