242-word version: History – All Schools (First Choice College)
History is extensive and influential, but every moment of that history is swift. Similarly, my decision to major in history was swift but will have lasting effects. Many of my peers enjoy instant gratifications, like fast food restaurants, high-speed Internet, and quick results. Consequently, they look for majors that will be instantaneously useful when they are looking for jobs...

 

242-word version: History – All Schools (Second Choice College)
...History is extensive and influential, but every moment of that history is swift. Similarly, my decision to major in history was swift but will have lasting effects. Many of my peers enjoy instant gratifications, like fast food restaurants, high-speed Internet, and quick results... Though their perspectives make perfect sense, I regard them to be rather provincial and materialistic...