Help with a College Essay

[Agrus Kos, Enforcer of Truth]

Hi all, I have been accepted to Westminster University to study financial economics with a scholarship of $80,000, but I have the opportunity to increase it to a full tuition if I send in an essay. Of the three prompts, the one that interests me the most is this, but I need some perspective, "Harold Shapiro once wrote that the purpose of a liberal arts education is to free our minds and hearts from the unexamined commitments and to prepare us for an independent and responsible life of choice. What does it mean to be free of unexamined commitments and prepared for a life of choice? How can a college education help to achieve those goals?"

My interpretation of this is, "We need to drop all of our preconceived notions, such as morality and religion, and reexamine the world logically in order to have a life in which we are responsible and make unbiased and logical decisions." Am I completely off base here? How do you interpret "unexamined commitments?" Also, how do I write about his, because Westminster is a Christian college, meaning I can't send in a rant about the brainwashing characteristics of organized religions? HALP! I would especially appreciate the comments of Taysby and Piotr, because I know they will likely have a very different interpretation from me, but all ideas are welcome.

[LinkCelestrial]

Unexamined commitments could mean a variety of things. Part of me agrees that it's supposed to mean bias however another part of me feels like it's talking about destiny. Like say you're committed to being a father one day but you've never truly thought about that.

On another note, some say dropping morality and religion is virtually impossible. It's the foundation of their beliefs and how they see the world. It's like taking off somebody's glasses and telling them to read far away signs. An unbiased opinion is nyimpossible, however a clearly shown bias is appreciated. Like me right now telling you I'm a Christian and above by some people I also meant myself.

Maybe that's his meaning? Be free from unexamined commitments by revealing and examining the bias of yourself and those around you?

As for writing with this being a Christian university. Be factual and kind. Not opinionated and rude. Write it as how you see it, not as how it is. I know that sounds silly but think about it. How you see it respects their opinions though still disagreeing. How it is implies that their opinions are false and that doesn't win anybody over. It sounds more open minded and will be much less likely to tick people off if you don't tell them they're wrong, but instead tell them that you disagree. (I know they mean basically the same thing but it's what's implied that counts. Respect is key.)

I hope at least part of this was helpful. I'm sick and for all I know I'm writing fevered gibberish. 😜

[Agrus Kos, Enforcer of Truth]

Unexamined commitments could mean a variety of things. Part of me agrees that it's supposed to mean bias however another part of me feels like it's talking about destiny. Like say you're committed to being a father one day but you've never truly thought about that.

On another note, some say dropping morality and religion is virtually impossible. It's the foundation of their beliefs and how they see the world. It's like taking off somebody's glasses and telling them to read far away signs. An unbiased opinion is nyimpossible, however a clearly shown bias is appreciated. Like me right now telling you I'm a Christian and above by some people I also meant myself.

Maybe that's his meaning? Be free from unexamined commitments by revealing and examining the bias of yourself and those around you?

As for writing with this being a Christian university. Be factual and kind. Not opinionated and rude. Write it as how you see it, not as how it is. I know that sounds silly but think about it. How you see it respects their opinions though still disagreeing. How it is implies that their opinions are false and that doesn't win anybody over. It sounds more open minded and will be much less likely to tick people off if you don't tell them they're wrong, but instead tell them that you disagree. (I know they mean basically the same thing but it's what's implied that counts. Respect is key.)

I hope at least part of this was helpful. I'm sick and for all I know I'm writing fevered gibberish. 😜

Very helpful, thank you and +1

[MuggyWuggy]

Whatever you do
Don't write about magic

[Agrus Kos, Enforcer of Truth]

Whatever you do
Don't write about magic

"Well this quote reminds me of when I had to explain to my friend the difference between card advantage and card selection. He first had to free his mind of the preconceived conception that they were one and the same, so that I could help him examine the two concepts independently and critically."

[LinkCelestrial]

"He remained attached to his clearly flawed opinion. Like a noob that still thinks {lava axe} is good, I could not convince him. Not with {Beacon of Destruction} nor mathematical breakdowns of how 5 for 5 is clearly bad when there's such cards as the legendary {Lightning Bolt} at 3 for 1."

Protip: tangents are usually bad.

[Kaworu, the Fifth Child]

Begin with: "Drop all your preconceived emotions, and notions, unless you're nova scotions and watch my essay come alive."