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Chapter 20: Wait List Letter
For a student to do these things in Taiwan’s test-score-oriented cul-
ture is considered a highly risky venture. My science project didn’t win
for several years in a row; I was warned to either stick to the tradi-
tional path of cramming and testing, or “face the consequences.” Under
tremendous social pressure,
I persisted, having faith that the skills I
gained are more important. I like the apprehension of waiting for data
to collect and the eventual thrill of seeing things finally turn out right,
especially an experiment you labored on for countless nights. I like the
satisfaction that what you are doing is making a difference in the world,
such as the life changing experience of participating in Taipei Wetnet’s
activities. Last year, my work was finally recognized in the world’s larg-
est scientific gathering, the Intel ISEF. They even named a celestial ob-
ject after me, the “minor planet”
Hsingpenyuan, with others like
Einstein
and
Cleopatra. While gratifying, this experience
only made me more
humble and dedicated. The average lifespan of a Taiwanese male is
around 70 years. Almost through one-third of it,
I do not want to waste
the rest trying to be someone else. This is why my first choice is Duke.
What first caught my eye was the Focus Program, with its inter-
disciplinary education and service learning opportunities. In fact, the
first paper I co-authored and presented was about Taipei Wetnet’s ex-
perience in environmental service learning. A course in Duke’s special
research Service-Learning program will definitely be one I plan to take.
I am also very interested in Duke’s environmental science major. In
many schools, it would be great if it even has a minor in environmental
science or policy. In that case, they often lack actual hands-on training
and accumulation of field experience. However, the nicholas School’s
course and curriculum not only offers a solid education in basic sci-
ence, it also provides ample opportunity for field study through unique
facilities such as the Marine Lab and the Duke Forest. This is exactly
what I think how we should
learn about the environment, by actually
doing something and seeing change. With Duke’s unique opportuni-
ties, I can continue to do research starting from my first year. (Also
worth mentioning is the mild weather, definitely a plus for a Taiwanese
student like me!)
I look forward to becoming a Blue Devils fan, and perhaps even get
a Kville experience. I also love reading science fiction and playing the
piano. One great story I read was
The Days Between by Allen Steele,
it’s about a man who suddenly woke up alone on a spacecraft that is
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50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays
still 200 years from its destination. Steele’s
vivid description of how
the character coped with loneliness and his determination to survive
resonated within me. This also happens when I listen to Chopin. I try
to rush home before 10 each night, the unofficial time limit for playing
music in our apartment, to play the piano. Chopin’s music, torn with
great strife and conflict, yet with a romantically optimistic touch, is
something I could relate to, that I can share my feelings with. I would
love to take a Piano Course if I may come to Duke.
My unique qualities and experiences, so
diverse yet intrinsically
intertwined, allowed me to become the first Taiwanese student ever
to receive the Ministry of Education’s full scholarship award to study
abroad. With full backing of this scholarship, I strongly believe that
armed with a strong Duke education, I will be able to make a difference
in the world.
Finally, I would like to express my deepest thanks for all the time
and effort you have placed in the application process. My mother is a
professor at the national Taiwan University who is agonizing right now
over their undergraduate applications. This, along with my own back-
ground and experience helped me understand how difficult it must be
to
make an admission decision, as it has the potential to change the
future of the world.
Sincerely yours,
Pen-Yuan Hsing
cc: Ms. ______________
Coordinator of International Admissions