Please include a short response to one of the 3 prompts below (250 words or fewer).

Why would you like to attend Brandeis?

I have always wanted to give people a tool to connect, to create a platform to which
everyone can contribute his or her own distinctive voice in a disciplined way, unlike
the chaotic reality of modern online environment. This thirst for equality in
contribution echoes Brandeis mission of honoring the pluralism of the world society
and giving each student a chance to express.
In addition, I love Brandeis open curriculum. Its freedom in course selection allows
students to discover his or her passion and find the best way to follow their dreams.
Moreover, Brandeis has a great entrepreneurial environment, with a web of alumni
and connections that enable students to innovate and move fast and break things
in the computer science world. I am also attracted to Brandeis diverse, unique and
intellectually curious body of students, which I hope to be able to learn from and
contribute to. Besides, Brandeis successful soccer team speaks to my passion of
playing a social sport. Im especially looking forward to study and, hopefully, to be a
teaching assistant for challenging yet applicable courses like COSI 11A 2
(Programming in Java and C), COSI 21A 1 (Data structures and the Fundamentals of
Computing) as well as COSI 180A 1 (Algorithms). These resources and opportunities
to push myself to full capacity would help me breakthrough in the field of computer
science. A stimulating education in Brandeis would give me the tools I need for a
satisfying professional life.

Brandeis attracts students from many corners of the world. As an international student at
Brandeis, how would you enrich the campus community? (250 words or fewer)

I was born in communist Vietnam. From my experience living here, I have developed
an unique point of view in communism. I believe communism is an honorable
idealism that could contribute to the world in a meaningful fashion, but I also realize
that its a combination of both communism and capitalism that will make the world
a better place. Since I was a child, I have realized that communism means equality
for everyone. If you share everything, if theres no ownership, then there would be
no conflict, no violence, but thats too extreme, you cant share everything. I have
seen first-hand what goes wrong when people try to share all materials and retain
no ownership. Food is scarce, basic utilities like phones and computers are hard to
come by. I have concluded, therefore, that communism needs a foil to succeed.
Communism needs capitalism. Workers should be treated in a communist fashion in
which the wages and time are fair, while the market should operate in a capitalist
fashion, in which efficiency and innovation reign supreme.
My deep understanding of the pros and cons of communism in the modern world
would enrich the experience of students in Brandeis and help them solidify their
own philosophies and idealisms. Although I intend to major in computer science, I
could help my classmates of all disciplines to understand the nuances of a
complicated subject such as communism and develop a productive dialogue in
campus about the its uniqueness and some solutions to improve Marxist philosophy.

Brandeis attracts students from many corners of the world. As an international student at
Brandeis, how would you enrich the campus community? (250 words or fewer)

I was born in communist Vietnam. My experience with communism has been both
positive and negative, and I believe I can contribute to the dialogue in Brandeis
about this sensitive subject in a meaningful fashion.
Possibly most students going to Brandeis have not experienced communism firsthand, so they cant understand the critics or the advantages of communism. I
believe in order to truly understand and utilize capitalism; you have to understand
the pros and cons of communism as well. In communism, workers are supposed to
be an important part of the system and treated well. However, the labor politics in
Vietnam is complicated. My government strongly restricts ownership. This lack of
ownership results in lack of responsibility and thus, rampant corruption. I witness
this corruption creating a disadvantageous environment for workers and leading to
inefficiency in goods distribution in the controlled market. My family used to
struggle to find enough food before Vietnam opened itself economically to the
world. Therefore, its the efficiency of capitalism and the humane treatment of
workers in communist idealism combined that enable a better future.
Not only do I hope to impart some of my knowledge on communism to the Brandeis
society, I also want to understand more about capitalism from other students. This
exchange of thought will benefit all students on campus and help everyone reach a
deeper philosophical understanding and solidify his or her own voice, through which
the Brandeis community will emerge a better place for students around the world.