sample admission essay

Effective note taking is almost always a bane among college students. In fact, students who get low test scores or, worse, fail the entire course has one naughty monkey on the back – finding the best way to digest all the information that spirals around a particular college classroom.

This difficulty can be attributed to the early years, when youngsters in K-level to even junior college are inadequately trained to put the teacher’s words into paper. We can notice poor thought organization skills or, more appropriate to this generation, breakneck attention spans that leave professors and teachers thinking, am I in a school or a mall?

As these students enter the august halls of college, he or she is dumbfounded and shocked to see how past misgivings are taking their toll.

What can the beleaguered student do amidst all the chaos? Start with effective note-taking. Before the term papers, reports and exams, students should know how to take notes. Without it, the battle is lost before it even began.

Effective note taking starts with listening. Active listening, that is. You don’t attend class just to listen to teachers or lecturers in a way akin to going to a theater or a family reunion, or passive listening. In active listening, you listen to understand and understand really well.

When the teacher starts the lecture, turn off the iPod, ditch the PSP, or forget how your seatmate looks like. Listen intently.

As you carefully listen to what the lecturer is saying, first check for cues about the lecture’s purpose. What is the teacher talking about? If you get the main point, then your further travails will be a lot smoother because as you listen further, you would only relate the subsequent utterances to this grand purpose.

Then check for the way the teacher organizes the lecture. Watch for the big introduction, like “Today’s lecture is about the masters of Renaissance art.” This will provide the best guide on how your notes should be organized. Look for statements of emphasis, especially those that start with “remember” or “don’t forget,” enumerations, starting with “number one, number two” or “first, second,” and transitions, with “next” and “finally”. Almost always, these should reflect on your notes.

When you write, you must also be organized. Follow the cues and the keywords uttered. Start with the date and topic on top. Follow on with subtopics at the bottom with terms that you should define, names that should be introduced under that particular heading. As you hear all the words or sentences the lecturer emphasizes, mark it down right away and make sure you understand what you wrote. If you did not understand what the lecturer said, call his or her attention and have it repeated. Of course, try to learn how to write faster.

The most crucial part of effective note taking is reviewing what you wrote. Do it after class. It allows you to clearly understand the lecture. If not, the lecturer is always at hand.

photo credit: Paul Worthington

Deciding to enroll in an MBA program is an important decision, but even more significant is your decision of which program to take up. Some people choose to look at rankings to guide their decision. In truth, there is much more to consider when choosing the MBA program that is right for you.

Committing to Commitments

One thing that you have to be cautious of when choosing your MBA program is commitment. Not only do you have to mind your commitment to your program, but you must also be mindful of any prior commitments that you’ve made – such as a job or your family. Depending on your situation this factor has the potential to hold the most weight in deciding which MBA program you take. Luckily, there are many kinds of program types to choose from:

Part time vs Full time
One year vs Two years
MBA vs Executive MBA
Specialty degree vs Joint degrees

Although your commitments play a central role in this decision, there are other factors that will help you hone in on what is just right for you.

Key Elements

There are a number of key factors that will help you narrow down your choices. Most of these elements have to do with MBA schools and their accommodations.

Location – this will have an effect on where you live, what kind of people you will deal with, and the culture that you will encounter
Students and Faculty – a program that is culturally diverse and intellectually stimulating can broaden your view of business and challenge you to higher achievements
Networking – the people you work with will determine much about your comfort level and your future network
Accreditation – which of your subjects will be accredited when you enter your program of choice?
Cost – be sure to look into tuition, scholarships, and any other costs that may come about like living quarters

Choosing Success

Choosing a program that you find interesting, achievable, and beneficial to your future plans will greatly increase your chances of success. Talk to people who have taken the programs that you’re interested and try to discern whether or not the course is right for you. Ask for opinions, insights, and suggestions as to what school to choose, which program to take, and what program types to consider. There are many ways of determining what is right for you, it is just a matter of choosing success.

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Year after year, thousands of students dream of entering Brown University, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in America and in the world and a member of the elite Ivy League. Being a part of the crème de la crème of the academic world, studying at Brown University is definitely the ultimate goal of many individuals who wants to live and breathe their chosen courses and disciplines with greatness and liberty.

Brown University is located in the city of Providence in Rhode Island, embracing almost 8,000 students in its Undergraduate College, Graduate School, and Medical School. Brown offers more than 90 programs which allow students from all over the world to design and mold their curriculum with the help of the university’s faculty which has more than 620 members.

History of Brown University

Founded as the College of Rhode Island in 1764 in Warren, Rhode Island, it accepted students a year later and moved to College Hill in the city of Providence five years later.

In 1804, the name College of Rhode Island was changed to Brown University in honor of a gift from Nicholas Brown, a businessman, philanthropist, and graduate of the institution.

The university was the first in America to accept students of different religions. In 1891, women were admitted in the university for the first time when the Women’s College, which was renamed Pembroke College, was founded and then united with Brown in 1971.

In 1811, a medical program was put up but was put on hold in 1827. Medical degrees were again awarded to a graduating class in 1975. In 1850, Graduate studies were welcomed in Brown, stopped in 1857, and was strengthened during the years of 1887 to 1889.

The opportunity for the students to craft their studies and have access to the formation of their curricula were started in 1970, inspired by the belief of the University President Francs Wayland that students should only focus and concentrate on the field of study that they chose.

Brown’s Prestige

What makes young people to work hard and fight just to have a slot in Brown? Those who have the guts and wits to enter Brown are given the opportunity to explore the best for them. Brown guides students to the new ways of learning through their open curriculum system which gives the students the chance to have a say when it comes to their academics. The teachers and administrators guide the students in shaping their education.

Of course, there are the famous graduates and alumni who prove the greatness of Brown University. These people contributed their wisdom and talents to different fields like government, public service and law (like Theodore Francis Green, former US Senator; William Marcy, former Justice and Governor of New York, John Hay, former Secretary of State), literature, journalism, business, technology, sports, music and film and television.

Some members of royal families from around the world also studied in Brown, like Leila Pahlavi, Princess of Iran and youngest daughter of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Prince Faisal Ben Al Hussein, son of the late King Hussein of Jordan, Prince Nikolaos of Greece and Denmark, Lady Gabriella Windsor, member of the British Royal Family; daughter of the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

Admissions to Brown University

The first important and official step to apply at Brown is the completion of an application form which will have all important information about you. After the application for admission forms, you will have to submit necessary documents such as your secondary school report and mid-year school report.

You also have to submit a personal admission essay , this is the primary way to introduce yourself to and make an impression on the Admission Committee. You may also need to write an essay with regard to your chosen course or program.

Also, you need to submit the results of your SAT tests (reasoning test and any two subject tests). For foreigners, it is required to submit the result of your TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

There are also interviews, and for some areas of study, you may need to have a portfolio and show the Admission Committee samples of your work.

You may visit the official website of Brown University at http://www.brown.edu or call (401) 863-1000 for information and inquiries.

photo credit: losiek

When choosing a law school, the best school is not always the right school for you. Although ratings do matter when making your decision, there are many other considerations to keep in mind. Deciding which law school to go to is a daunting task. However, with a little organization, guidance, and perseverance, you’ll be happily on your way to law school in no time.

First Things First

Your first step in making a choice is determining what your choices are. Start by acquiring a list of law schools and get information on each candidate. The Internet can provide you with a list of schools in the country or area that you intend on studying in. Helpful catalogs and handouts can be found on nearly any campus – and they’re free! At this point, narrow down your list depending on location, and any and all information you can find on the schools’ websites.

When applying to any law school, numbers matter. So when you’re looking for information on school websites, be sure to check things like deadlines for application, tuition ranges, LSAT score requirements, and GPA ranges
These factors will give you a good idea on where to start and how to conduct your search for the right law school.

Self-Evaluation
Perhaps the most crucial factor in deciding which college is right for you is determining what your goals are. Evaluate yourself on what inspired you to go to law school and why you want the profession for your future. Does the law school you’re looking into support the goals that you’ve set for yourself? Does the school’s ideology of law and education coincide with your own? Your purpose and goals will greatly impact your decision.

Other Important Factors
Although some people tend to think that these factors are secondary or unimportant, you should still give them some consideration.

Location – Does the school’s location fit your needs or expectations?
Current Lawyers – consult with lawyers who graduated from the schools you’re considering, to get a more in-depth view of the school
Specialty – does the school offer your target specialization?
Practice – where are you planning to practice? Are the schools on your list esteemed by employers in that area?

Get Out There and Explore

After doing all of the research and deliberation, it’s time to get up and get out. Campus visits are the best way of finding the right law school for you. During your visit, keep an eye out for the following:

Atmosphere – are you happy with the campus and its students? Is it competitive? Cooperative?
Faculty – does the faculty cater to your needs as a law student?
Student body – what are your colleagues like? Are there organizations that might interest or offend you?

Remember that when choosing the law school that is right for you, the most important consideration is your own needs and wellbeing.

Here’s a great article from the Los Angeles Times on student’s options and alternatives in case they get rejected by their first choice colleges:

With nearly perfect grades at a prestigious Los Angeles prep school and high SAT scores, Emily Podany should have nailed a spot at Stanford. But when she applied early to study astrophysics at her dream school, the Palo Alto university flat-out rejected her. Podany was crushed.

“When you see the small envelope, you just know it’s not good news,” said Podany, 18. “I just felt very sad for a couple days. Then that turned into anger at myself for not doing better.

Click Here for the Full Story

Many students dream of going to law school . While some may see nothing preventing them from realizing this dream, others may be faced with great obstacles just thinking how they can finance their studies.

photo credit: Tracy O

Fortunately, the United States Department of Education has a program that helps students with financial difficulties pursue graduate studies such as law through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To apply for this federal financial aid, students should accomplish the FAFSA application form as early as January 1. It is advised that students start the process even before they receive admission offers from prospective law schools. FAFSA forms are available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or from the financial aid office of the college or university where the students graduated or the law schools they are applying for.

Only US citizens and permanent residents are qualified for FAFSA. Hence, the federal processor may require applicants to provide supporting documents such as: (a) Proof of Citizenship; (b) Proof of Selective Service Registration; (c) Social Security Card; and/or (d) Proof of Default Clearance.

In filling up the FAFSA form, applicants will be asked to list down up to six law schools where they want to enroll and indicate their respective school codes, which can also be obtained from the FAFSA website or the financial aid office. There are no fees involved in the processing of applications.

Since FAFSA is a need-analysis tool, applicants will be asked about their income, assets, and other financial resources. For this financial program, graduate and professional students are considered independent of their parents. Information from the applicants’ federal income tax returns are also needed, but those who have yet to accomplish their income tax return may use estimated income figures.

The processed FAFSA will be transmitted to the law schools the applicants chose for them to determine who are eligible for federal financial aid. Some law schools based their decisions on the potential of applicants to succeed in law school.

The amount of financial aid awarded to students will depend on the costs involved in enrolling at the particular law school where they were applied. The law schools will give an Estimated Award Letter to the applicants informing them what type and amount of financial aid they may receive. Additional documents may also be requested from the applicants at this stage.

When the requirements are all fulfilled, the applicants will receive an Official Award Letter and may start processing their federal loan application. Those with good credit history are more likely to get approval for their Graduate PLUS and private loan applications.

Law schools also offer institutional aids to students. This kind of financial aid, however, may require submission of other information aside from the FAFSA. Students applying for institutional aid should contact or visit the website of a particular law school’s financial aid office for further details.

Alternatively, students may apply for scholarships from private sources. A wide variety of non-university and external scholarships are available. Students can research about these scholarships in the internet using search engines.

Applying to a prestigious Ivy League school vs. applying to a state school

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The words “Ivy League school” connote a certain prestige among people, not just in the US but in the global community as well. After all, who wouldn’t want to receive a diploma from any of the eight places of higher learning comprising the so-called Ivy League—Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard , Penn, Princeton, and Yale. It has also been the tradition of parents who have an Ivy League degree to encourage their children to also enroll in an Ivy League university. Further, the prestige associated with these schools come from the fact that Ivy League schools have much higher college fees (and endowments) than other schools such as, say, state schools or universities.

Think of the prep school boys in the movie “Dead Poets’ Society.” In the movie, most of these boys have affluent parents—specifically fathers—who came from Ivy League schools and who were pressuring their sons into joining the same university as theirs. You may ask yourself why the predominance of male Ivy League degree holders in the previous century. Well, Ivy League schools did not open their doors to women until the mid-20th century; Harvard, for example, officially allowed women into its classrooms only in 1943.

There’s also a certain romanticism and nostalgia associated with Ivy League schools. After all, the classic romantic movie, “A Love Story,” was set in Harvard. It was also written by an Ivy Leaguer, Eric Segal, who graduated from Harvard. The founders of “Time” magazine all came from Yale. A good number of Nobel Prize winners in the past century came from Ivy League schools.

So, is having an Ivy League degree the only option for high school graduates? Will success be not far behind after you receive your diploma from Yale or Princeton? Do Ivy League schools have superior programs than state schools or universities? Well, perhaps state schools are worth looking into.

Top State Schools

In any survey of the top universities of the world, the University of California – Berkeley, the University of Chicago, the University of Pennsylvania, and the New York University are usually found at the top of the list (side by side with some of the Ivy League schools). Yes, these schools are state schools or state universities. Yes, these schools have outstanding programs which are considered the best in the field. NYU has been known to to have excellent creative writing and film programs. The University of Chicago has one of the best medical programs in the US. Also, a good number of University of Chicago alumni have won the Nobel Prize in the latter part of the previous century. In the last decade, 13 Nobel Prize winners came from the University of Chicago.

State Schools: Good, Perhaps Better, Alternatives

While state schools may not have the same level of historical relevance as Ivy League schools, they are worth looking into. Of course, state schools charge less fees to their students, as compared to Ivy League schools. Perhaps it may not be a question of choosing a school first and then choosing your major next. Maybe the more logical thing to do is to choose a program first and then look at the schools that offer excellent courses on your chosen program—whether they are state schools or Ivy League. Ask yourself: is prestige really important? Would the place where I got my diploma matter in the real world? Or, would the experience I will be getting from the top state schools in the country far outweigh the advantages concerning the prestige of an Ivy League diploma?