Computing My Way Through Life

Please submit a one page, single-spaced essay that explains why you have chosen Carnegie Mellon and your particular major(s), department(s) or program(s). This essay should include the reasons why you’ve chosen the major(s), any goals or relevant work plans and any other information you would like us to know. For freshmen applying to more than one college or program, please mention each college or program to which you are applying. Because our admission committees review applicants by college and program, your essay can impact our final decision. Candidates applying for early decision or transfer may apply to only one college and department.


A semicolon, and a brace there. Done! I hit the “Compile and Run” button, my first ever computer program has printed out the famous “Hello World.”

When I was ten years old, I found a book on “Windows” operating system from my parents’ bookshelves. I started reading it without knowing anything about what is "Windows." As I read the book, there were many experiments that I could “try it out,” and I did it one by one. Following the instruction and see the computer performs what I tell it to do felt like a had control over that powerful machine. It did not take long before I believed that I was ready for more challenging tasks: developing my programs. I had always wondered how are these programs I used were made, so I decided to learn about how to make my program. Since I completed my first “Hello World” program, I have been spending hours every day sitting in front of a computer experimenting with different programming languages and techniques. Trying out different and known things are inspiring to me as I can see how the machine reacts to my different commands.

As I came to the U.S. for high school, I had my first formal computer science class. Taking a course for the first time further confirmed my passion for computer science....

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