Will! Thanks again for all the support and sharing! As said, I'd love to share my personal statement with you and I would appreciate any honest advice! Please be brutal -- I'd especially appreciate if you could challenge the core premise or flag any major flaws -- that would be a last-minute save. One more thing -- extremely spontaneous and unplanned, but I just realized yesterday I can invite a non-teacher recommender, and I'd like to ask if you are willing to give me a even bigger support and write a recommendation letter for me! I thought it could strengthen for my application -- especially because I feel like you've known me quite well, and probably better than most of my school teachers -- so you might be able to add some depth and provide new angles. That said, it really only depends on if you feel comfortable -- I don't want to it to be forced. Totally fine if this doesn't work for you -- I hadn't even considered asking anyone until yesterday, because I can't think of anyone whom I feel really knows me. I also understand that it's only half a month left and this is really short notice -- so don't hesitate if that is an issue! Let me know what you think! --- I was especially wondering if the essay felt cynical to you -- because that's what others accused me of my previous drafts. And I'm finding it quite hard to find a balance between explaining my drive and criticism (showing my depth) while not coming off as too cynical / arrogant.