The document discusses the author's reasons for choosing to study economics. The author was born into a wealthy family in China and studied previously at New York University. The author believes that economic development in China has helped lift people out of poverty and that studying economics can help further develop their family's wind power business and help less fortunate people. The author wishes to continue studying economics at the University of Southern California to gain knowledge and experience to help their father's new wind power company in China and to make friends with similar goals.

1. Some people think that economic studies are a tool for a higher paycheck since students
learn how to make money. However, after several years of college study, some students
might be disappointed to discover that college economics are fundamental theory teachings
that do not necessarily provide better job opportunities or higher paycheck.
I chose economics as my major not because I am money-driven. I was born with a silver
spoon in my mouth. My family chose expensive courses in New York University to shape me
into a well-rounded individual.
I like economics because they make me optimistic. When I look at developing countries,
especially my home country China, I see that people have been lifted out of poverty since
1978 because China moved towards the market-based economy. This far, it played in
country’s favor. Capitalism has produced the highest standard of living in the history of
China. Application of advanced economic theories enriched Chinese people’s knowledge and
made my country’s GDP and GNP escalate at an amazing rate. Because economy developed
so well my family became wealthy and gave me the opportunity to go abroad to the other
continent. I believe that I should be equipped with advanced and modern knowledge to keep
on developing my family’s business and help those who are less fortunate.
Subject of economics interests me because it teaches me to respect and appreciate
diversity. Economics have something valuable for everyone who wants to study. People
around the world hold different values and have different outlooks. Poor students can become
knowledgeable and build a better life that will enable them to afford things that they were
deprived of during their childhood. Rich people and dream-seekers learn abut economics to
quench curiosity and broaden their horizons with new ideas and experiences. Discussions
with my classmates inspire me and give me a lot of new ideas. I think this is very important
for a student’s development. The reason I chose University of Southern California is that it is

2. ADMISSION ESSAY 2
a private University located in a metropolitan city, like New York University where I studied
previously. I think that there are many intelligent students in USC, and I can find friends to
study together and learn from each other. Conducive environment and high quality of
teaching are important for me. I studied for one year in public school that was located far
from the big city. It was a quiet place with limited opportunities for students’ studies and
making new friends. I believe that life in a big city like New York or Los Angeles is more
suitable for me.
I am a big admirer of Steve Jobs. His Apple enterprise is changing the world. Some
Chinese entrepreneurs and investors try to make money without thinking about greater good.
Some Chinese people become rich because they give bribes; do illegal operations with real
estate or on the stock market. I do not envy them. To the contrary, Steve Jobs invented and
produced products and different gadgets of a superior quality. He built his business because
he worked smart and diligent. Also, he knew how to develop people’s talents for the benefit
of the company. I want to become like Steve Jobs.
My future career’s goal is to help my father to develop a wind power generation
company in Xin Jiang. I visited his company plants in Urumqi. I saw giant aero vanes that
measure speed of the wind and generate electricity. Special cables transmit electricity from
West China to East China. Xin Jiang area is rich with oil, gas and electricity. Some resources
are unsustainable. For example, oil is depleting, and one day it will run out. My father is a
person who thinks long term and appreciates the value of things that can stand the test of
time. Hence, he did not choose to invest into developing unsustainable resources. Wind
power is a sustainable resource and source of energy. Once aero vanes are in place, unlimited
wind power will produce unlimited electricity. The Eastern part of China is more densely
populated than Western part. However, Eastern China has much fewer resources than the
Western part. Certainly, my father’s efforts will help alleviate the energy imbalance between

3. ADMISSION ESSAY 3
different parts of China and decrease further pollution caused by extraction of oil and burning
of coal. My father and I are very enthusiastic about his company, and I wish to continue my
study of economics at USC to make friends with people who have a similar vision and goals.
I believe it will equip me better with knowledge and experience. I know that there will be
obstacles to overcome since the company just started operating a year ago. Nevertheless, I am
confident that I will succeed in building my career and making my father’s and my dream
come true.