A couple of doubts...

See, I've been writing a series of graduate school admissions essays. I've revised them to death and the whole experience has drained the life out of me for the past few weeks.

I was thinking of posting the latest essay itself, but won't burden anyone with the whole thing; I'm almost done but have a few minor doubts....I'm so close to my essays I can't make anything out anymore, just want to get the damn things finished.

Any input will be tremendously appreciated!


1. Does this sentence need the "over" or not?
"As with any deep-rooted influence, these converging factors have spilled (over) into every area of my life, fueling..."

2. Is "that are" necessary at all?
"My continued link to the United States has enabled me to appreciate a wide variety of American contributions (that are) often disregarded in favor of local stereotypes"

3. Maybe I'm trying to be too fancy, but is it correct to say "single-minded focus"? I'm talking about work methods I witnessed in Germany. (I figured 'tremendous focus' was too blah, and "laser-like' focus was exaggerated and out there).

Thanks very much, I know the questions may seem silly, but I'm just so exhausted I can't figure anything out anymore.

Cheers! (and thanks)
J.