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How To Write the College Application Essay

Administrator — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 13:07:19 +0000

Are you applying to different colleges and universities? Many schools require you to submit a college essay (or several college essays) along with the rest of your forms and support documents.

Colleges and universities receive thousands of essays every year. How do you make yours memorable? Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t have to be an exceptional writer. You just have to submit something that is very personal and sincere, intelligent and well thought out, and uses examples and organizes information well. In other words, it’s not about style but substance and logic.
How do you accomplish that? First of all avoid being too general with your ideas. Keep the focus very specific. For example, if you want to be a Biology major, instead of writing about “my childhood” talk about “the summer I discovered my love for animals”. The more narrow a topic is, the more arguments or examples you can give to illustrate your point. If you’re too general, you’ll have the dilemma of trying to say a lot of things and end up not saying anything at all.

Common mistakes include using too many cliches, or trying to sound smart by using long words. It’s not about being high faluting, but using the appropriate words. Randomly using the thesaurus to pick put a word, when it does not have that specific meaning, will just make you look ridiculous and pretentious.

Organize your ideas well. Make an outline first, and decide what main points you want to make and the minor examples or statements you will have to place under each one. Be as logical as possible. Remember that the people who are par of the college admissions boards have several essays to read, and if your essay is very vague or confusing, they will just move on to the next one.

Ask someone to read your essay when you’re done. They should be able to grasp your point right away. Edit it according to their comments. Check for grammar, spelling, logic, and comprehension.

Writing the College Essay

Administrator — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 12:55:15 +0000

When you are preparing the essay to submit for your college application, there is one very important point: make it personal but don’t turn it into a personal diary.

Some students think that just because it’s a personal essay, then they have the license to indulge in a long and rambling account of their life. It becomes a stream of consciousness, with no clear idea of the kind of point you want to make. This is very dull and annoying, even arrogant.

Remember, your essay must make a thesis statement: a very specific idea that you want to present. For example, if you are being asked about why you chose a particular course, then chose only the most important details in your life that led you to your decision. Don’t tell them everything. Let’s say that you were moved to become a doctor after the summer you took a job working at a nursing home. Stick to that anecdote. You don’t have to go on and on about your pay, the schedule, or even a long narrative about the people who were there. Just pick one very meaningful conversation, one insight, and then develop it.

Others don’t share any personal information at all, so their writing sounds so insincere and generic. They use very big concepts like “Medicine can change the lives of the people.” Of course that’s true, but it says nothing about why you want to take it as a course. Compare it to this statement. “Meeting the people at the nursing home showed me how important it was to have a quality of life and a dignified death. Medicine can give them that.”

Not sure what experiences you can use in your essay?

You don’t have to have very dramatic anecdotes in your essay. You can talk about your interests and hobbies, and the things that you enjoy doing. If you are very passionate about something then the excitement will show, and you will sound sincere. You can also talk about someone who influenced you profoundly, or an experience that had a great impact on your community.

Preparing for your College Financial Aid Application

Administrator — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 12:54:35 +0000

The cost of education is a major consideration for those who are applying for college. Luckily, it is possible to get financial aid from a number of institutions.

These institutions will look at a number of factors. First of all, you need to be personally eligible for financial aid, b) your course is part of their list, and c) they are affiliated to the school you are applying to.

Some financial institutions only accept students from a particular geographical area. For example, many UK organizations will require you to be a resident of England, the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and the Island of Man.

Others will limit their funding to those with a particular educational background. Some organizations will not accept you if you have already enrolled in college courses. Some will have a minimum grade point average, or will look for excellence in a particular field (like science or English, depending on your course).

They will also have requirements for age, or will look at whether or not you have received any kind of financial aid from other groups, such as the government. Because of the large number of applications, naturally they were prioritize those who have no other form of help.

Being a full time or part time student does not affect the success of your application. Nor will it be a factor if you are completing a foundation degree, a higher national diploma, a higher national certificate, or a Bachelor of Arts, Science or education. You can also get financial aid if you are taking a vocational course.

Government institutions are a little stricter about granting financial aid, since they will require that you take your course at a school is also one that it is affiliated with, and receives some sort of funding. However, don’t be discouraged about the fact that institutions have requirements. If you do not meet the criteria of one institution, there are others which will fit you to a T. It is simply a matter of going out there and finding as much information as you can about the organizations. You can ask for advice from a school’s guidance office or financial aid office. You can also go on the Internet, and run a google search with your profile (age, citizenship, area of residence) as part of the key words.

The Importance of a University Degree

Administrator — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 12:50:35 +0000

Going to college can be one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. It is true that it will require some sacrifice. You will need to study for at least four more years. You will need to find money for tuition, or even relocate to another area. You may possibly have to turn down a job offer that’s too time consuming to allow you to study even part-time. But the rewards are great.
Studies show that those who have a university degree earn significantly more. Some companies will demand that their employees have completed their college education; others see it as a minimum requirement to be considered for promotion. There is also a significant difference in the amount of money that you can earn. Companies are wiling to pay for an educated, skilled workforce.

But if college is so important, why do people put it off? Some say that they can’t afford it. But they can, with the proper financial aid. There are institutions that provide scholarships and grants; there are work-study programs; there are places where you can get a student loan, which you only start paying once you graduate. And the cost of going to college is nothing compared to the money you lose out on when you don’t have a degree—because of the jobs you can’t apply to, or the promotions for which you are passed over.

Others say that they’re not interested in college. But they may not be aware of the different college courses, or the extra curricular activities, or the very interactive classroom set ups. Some colleges also have internship programs that let students earn units while working for a company.

Some think that they’re too old for college. They took a job after graduating from high school, and feel that they won’t fit in a classroom full of teenagers. But there are many people who do return to college after several years (sometimes several decades). Furthermore, they always have the option to enroll in a distance learning institution (or what is called online university).

So whatever reasons people have for not going to college…there’s always a way. They just have to make that choice.

FAQ

Administrator — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 12:27:52 +0000

1. What can I expect from the application form?

Application forms are very general and just help the school get an idea of your educational background. They will ask for a list of the subjects you took and your academic average. They will also review the extra curricular activities you participated in, the hobbies and interests you pursue in your free time, and the work you do in your community. You may also be asked to submit an essay which can describe aspects of your personality not seen in your transcript of records.

2. Who reviews my application?

All submitted documents are carefully studied by a review board. The will rank you according to your academic performance, how well you did on the entrance exams, and then look at your essays to help them weigh your case versus students with similar scores.

3. What happens if I’m not accepted?

It’s always a possibility. Even if you have a very good academic record, you may be competing against several other students for limited slots. That’s why it’s advisable that you apply to several schools. That way, even if you’re not accepted, you have a backup.

It is also possible to appeal to the college to review your application. You may be asked to submit additional proof of your abilities, or be placed on academic probation. Some schools may also consider re-accepting your application if they have new open slots. It is worth a try.

4. What’s the secret to a good essay?

The essay is not a creative novel. You don’t have to be a very good writer, you just have to give a clear idea of your personality and present whatever qualities or strengths that aren’t immediately seen in yourtranscript of records (i.e. your creativity or your commitment to serving your community).

University Preparation

Administrator — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 13:20:37 +0000

THE RIGHT ATTITUDE

Many people go to college because their parents make them do it…or don’t go to college because nobody else in the family has. That’s not the point. Going to college opens opportunities for yourself. It’s something you do for your future. It is a completely free and independent choice that you take simply because you know you deserve it.

So shake off that emotional baggage about how your parents are forcing you to do it or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, aren’t supportive of your decision to go. The choice is completely yours… and it is one of the best choices you will make in your life.

ADMISSION AND ACADEMIC RECORDS

Some colleges require very high grades for you to even be considered for entry. But that’s only some. You don’t have to go to an Ivy League school, or take a quota . There are thousands of universities and colleges all over the world, and even more that are “located” on the Internet (called distance learning, or online education). Not only that, you can easily go to a smaller college first, and then bring up your academic standing, before applying for a more prestigious and school with stricter entrance requirements.

GETTING A COLLEGE LOAN

College can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean it’s an option only for those with trust funds. You can get financial aid, apply for scholarships, take out a loan, or opt for a lighter course load and work while you put yourself through school.

CHOOSING A COURSE

Most teenagers don’t have clearcut career goals by the time they from high school. Fortunately, you don’t have to select a course immediately. It’s possible to enroll in general subjects first, then choose a major after two years. Others enroll in an online program and work for a few years, just to get an idea of what kind of work they will enjoy, and then go to a bigger university when they feel ready (at least, by then, they’ve gotten some of the general credits out of the way). And remember, you can always shift majors in the middle of your university stay. If you want to study abroad, it may be a good idea to attend language classes first: sprachschule englisch Cork.

Choosing a University

Administrator — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 13:18:31 +0000

You should put a lot of serious thought into what college you will attend. This is a very monumental decision. You will be spending several years there—and what happens in its walls, and the direction you will take, will affect your life for decades to come. Make the wrong decision—follow a whim, or do it for the wrong reasons—and you will lose out on many opportunities, and waste many years.

Unfortunately people choose the often with short-term goals in mind. For example, some decide to study in a college in a home town just so they can be near friends, or even worse, a boyfriend. The thought of leaving him behind seems more painful than risking the end of the relationship by going far away. However, even if the two of you are in love today, at the tender age of eighteen, it’s impossible to guess where the relationship will lead. There are many instances of couples breaking up in college simply because their personality or perspective of life evolves. They drift apart. They realize, even if they’re in the same town, or even the same , that they are no longer compatible. That’s just the way life goes. That’s what growing up does to you. So don’t base your college choices on your romantic relationships. You don’t want to be tied down when you’re in college. Nor do you want to make any promises you’re not able to keep.

Others choose a college because it’s far away from home—“anywhere but here” they say. They feel that as long as they’re not in their parents’ home they can do anything they want. That may be true, but don’t see it as a license to party. Take your studies to heart. You should aim to get good grades, form solid business or career connections, and take full advantage of your education and the opportunities it presents.

And many make the mistake of choosing a college because other people said it was good. Maybe their parents went there, or the guidance counselor says that it had a good ranking. While those are factors in a choice, also look at the course you are taking, and your own learning style. Just because a school was good for other people doesn’t mean it will be good for you.

The Benefits of a Campus Tour

Administrator — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 13:16:54 +0000

Before you enroll in any school, it’s advisable to take a tour of the campus to give you a first-hand idea of the atmosphere, environment and the type of classes offered. Photos can be deceptive, and any marketing brochure will hype the strengths of a school. To get an accurate picture, you’ve got to see if the reality meets your expectations—before you fork over your money, and your future.

Taking a campus tour can also give you the opportunity to talk to , faculty members and administrators. You can ask them questions, and actually have a conversation about it, instead of the standard FAQS on a website. You can also ask for more detailed information about classes or courses. You may even be able to sit in a class!

However, it’s logistically impossible and very cost prohibitive to go on a campus tour of every college you’re “thinking” about joining. While you can apply to several schools, just visit those that you feel you have a) a high probability of being accepted, and b) would be happy to attend if given a chance. This means a lot of discernment and research even before you take your first step on to the campus. And actually, you can only get the best out of a campus tour if you have done this preliminary work. You wouldn’t know what features to ask about, or what questions to ask, if you didn’t have the background information on the school to begin with. You can get a lot of this data from the web or from your school guidance counselor.

If you feel stuck and don’t know what college you’d be most interested in—many students feel this initial sense of being overwhelmed, so don’t be embarrassed about that—then you have several options. The first one is to pick completely different schools, like a small community school, a sprawling university, just to get a clearer idea of what you’re most comfortable in. Or you could visit your guidance counselor to ask for her initial advice on the kind of learning style suited to your personality, and which schools excel in the area of study you’re most interested in.

What College Should you Attend?

Administrator — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 13:14:04 +0000

For many people, choosing a college course, or even which college they should attend, is the first major decision that they will make on their own. For years they had been told what to do, following nationally mandated curriculums or obeying parents’ rules. Suddenly, they’re told that they not only can choose what they want, but that they have dozens, even hundreds, of options. That can be a pretty scary decision. Here are some ways to help you narrow down your list of colleges.

The first step you can take is…towards the library. Or even the biggest library in the world, the Internet. Find out as much as you can about a school’s history, the thrust of its curriculum, the number of people in each class, and the teaching methods it employs. You can also google for alumni of the school, or search for awards or citations that the school has received.

You can print the school’s materials (the web pages itself or any pdf documents it may have) or collect brochures from the library. Another great source of information is the school guidance counselor.
The second step is organizing the material. It’s much better to keep your information in one place, like an expandable folder or a box of folders. Assign one folder or divider per school, so that you have a handy reference point when you go on a campus tour.

The third step is to get a first hand, personal idea of how a school works. Remember that marketing materials are still geared towards “selling” the idea of going to a school. Naturally they would build the hype, and smooth over the negatives. And much of the information is simply too general—just because something works for another person, doesn’t mean it’ll work for you.

To get this complete picture, you should ideally go on a campus tour of the top three schools you feel that you are most likely to be accepted in, and which you can see yourself attending. And when you do go on the tour, don’t just passively wander around the school grounds. Do your best to meet as many people as you can, from teachers to janitors to the students sitting on the library steps.

The Search for an Online University

Administrator — Sat, 28 Jan 2006 13:11:24 +0000

Aah, if finding the best online university were only as simple as googling it! Unfortunately, web spiders can find the online schools (and there are thousands) but they can’t tell you which ones are actually good. Search engine ranking does not equal academic ranking. So how do you separate the qualified schools from the quacks?

There are several factors to consider before deciding which school to invest your money and your time in. The first, naturally, is the university’s regional accreditation. You would never go to a lawyer who had never passed his bar exam, would you? Nor would you see a doctor whose credits are limited to reading “Medicine for Dummies.”

In much the same way you should check if the school’s curriculum, teaching method and overall quality of education has met the standards and requirements of your country’s educational board, and that they have been given the proper accreditation. It doesn’t matter if a school is cheap—if it’s not going to be recognized by other schools, or will generally send you useless material and provide unreliable service, then you have thrown that money away.

Aside from verifying whether or not a college has been accredited, you also have to weigh which program is better. “Better” is relative; some schools have specialized in some courses. They are good at that particular field, and noticeably weak in others. You should also look at the quality of the faculty. How many years of experience have they had in that area? Do they have teaching credits? Are they available to he students and actively participate in discussion groups or consultations, or are they difficult to contact?

This doesn’t mean to belittle the issue of cost. Naturally you need to stick to a budget, and if a school is too expensive, then you may find yourself struggling more on paying the bills than actually studying. Luckily online education is, by nature, less expensive than traditional programs. And you can enjoy a flexibility of study hours that lets you continue to work at the same time. You can also get a student loan.