I don't know whether this is the right way of answering the "write about your summer" prompt. Any suggestions?
After finishing my sophomore year in Turkey, I've visited Tunis to meet my father who had to stay in Tunisia to complete his tour of duty. Because I've seen the ramifications of war in Libya, I expected Tunis to be somewhat similar to Tripoli.
Surprisingly, Tunisia was very different from Libya. I saw no riots or violence. Streets were bustling with tourists and citizens of Tunis, and men were at bars smoking shisha while drinking their traditional mint tea; however, the remnants of the Arab Spring were evident. Tanks and armored cars were parked near government buildings on the main streets. People did not dare move close to the armed forces, as if the police had warned that anyone who came closer than few meters would be arrested and restrained.
After visiting my father in Tunis, my mother, sister, and I visited Carthage. I've always fantasized about Carthage ever since I learned about the development of the Mediterranean civilizations. Despite the unfair treaties made with Rome after the Punic Wars, Carthage was still able to hold off the Romans for a long time. During my research on Carthage, I came across a hypothesis that stated that the Carthaginians had great technological advances in irrigation, allowing them prevent the desertification of the Sahara regionn. As a result, I've admired the hardy yet wise nature of these people. It was an honor to stand in the homeland of the Carthaginians and see the vast, blue Mediterranean Sea.
When I came back, I spent most of my time studying for Korean universities. I studied math and Korean based on the Korean curriculum. Despite all the time studying, I went to the gym for two hours a day to build stamina and strength for a new season of sports.
My father was transferred to Qingdao, China at the end of July. After living with my mother for five months in Turkey, I was able to live with my father as well in Qingdao.
Contrary to the energizing summer of 2011, I focused on academics during this summer. This January, my father finally approved of my plan to study at a university in the States. Therefore, I had to redirect my efforts and change my focus from the Korean curriculum to devote my summer to prepare for universities in the States.
Glancing over the essence of your essay, from my honest opinion, you're answering the prompt correctly; personally, I believe that Princeton's purpose of giving this essay is to give them an opportunity to see how you value your time and see what exactly is it that you do; in other words, this essay is meant to paint a portray of your favored activities, passions, personal thoughts, interests, etc. Looking at your journeys, your academic interests (researching on Carthage, studying for Korean universities, etc), and so on, you essentially answered the prompt well. :) I have problems myself with this prompt hahaha (shortening problems >.<) but in your case, you seem fine to me. I'll scan over the essay a second time to check for any grammatical improvements. All-in-all, good job. :)
