sample admission essay

Entering college will most likely have you leaving things you’ve known all your life: your home, your friends, and your family. Not only will you be in a completely new environment, but you’ll also have to deal with new challenges on your own. Trying to fit in may be challenging, but it can also be a fun and rewarding experience. In fact, you may even meet some friends in college that will last a lifetime. Below are some tips on how you can get along well with others in college, fit in, and make some friends.

* Join activities

To make some friends and get along well with others in college, it will do you good to mingle and join activities that your peers are involved in. Check out various organizations that fit your interests. This would be a good way for you to meet people who enjoy the same things as you do. Make time for these activities and go out with other people. Make yourself available to meet new people so that you can make new friends.

* Exert effort

Don’t just sit in a corner and take down notes during class. If you want to make new friends, you have to be willing to act on it. Talk to your classmates and join them during lunch time. You might even consider going with your classmates to a sports game or to a party so you can meet new acquaintances. It’s essential to find time to get to know your peers and bond with them, just make sure that you don’t neglect your academics in the process.

* Don’t be scared to take chances

Being in college and making friends with your peers will most likely have you trying new things. In case someone invites you to do something you haven’t tried before, go and say yes, but only if it isn’t wrong and doesn’t go against your principles. After all, friendship is filled with excitement and fun, but keep in mind that you should be able to just be yourself when you’re with your friends.

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Students have to deal with taking down notes in class every day. These notes are important because they do more than just provide you with information to study. They also help you in understanding, analyzing, and interpreting your lessons and keeping them in mind so that you can answer test questions correctly and participate in class recitations. Taking down notes effectively can help you do better in your academics. This article provides you with note-taking tips that can help you in class.

Start preparing before you get to class

You can enhance your note-taking skills even before you get to the classroom. You can do this by readying your things and making sure that you have them in your bag when you get to class. Make sure that yo have your papers, notebooks, pens, highlighters, pencils, and books with you. It’s also advisable for you to read your lessons in advance and familiarize yourself with the terms so that it would be easier for you to understand class lectures and take down notes.

What to do during class

Once you’ve read about your next lesson, you will be prepared to listen in class. This is important because listening helps you understand and remember various information that your professors will teach you. When you’ve already read about the lesson in advance, you don’t have to write down all the things your teacher says. You can just take note of important information and listen to what your teacher has to say. In case your teacher says something that can’t be found in your textbooks or other reference materials, then you should definitely take note of these information.

Tips on taking down notes

It would be easier for you to understand your notes if you keep them organized. A good way to do this is to make lists by using bullet points and numbers. This will help you remember numerous but short pieces of information. You can also make use of signs and symbols such as lines, stars, and letter size to mark important points in your notes. It might also be good for you to leave some extra space so that you can add notes later on when you learn new information about a particular topic.

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Knowing how to deal with interviews is important because you’re going to encounter this at some points in your life. College, graduate schools, and potential employers will most likely ask you to come for an interview and it is then that they will decide whether they should accept you or not. Aside from your personal statement, the interview is another component of your application that will let the admissions committee know more about you. Below are some tips on how you can make a good impression during admissions interviews.

Gather important information

One of the first things you need to do to make sure that you’re going to have a successful admissions interview is to get all the information you need. You should know your interview schedule and make sure that you don’t have any other activities scheduled for that time. It’s also important that you learn more about the institution and program you’re applying to. Knowing these information will help you give clear answers to various questions.

Prepare for the interview

Just as using sample admission essay can help you write your essay, using examples of interview questions to prep you for your interview is a good thing to do. There are various websites offering lists of questions typically asked by admissions committees during interviews. It’s advisable for you to read these questions and some sample answers to that you’ll get insights regarding the style, tone, and quality of the answers made by other applicants. Doing this is similar to using sample admission essay to get ideas for your own essay as to the theme or topic for your essay.

Keep in mind that it’s important to be attentive during the interview and to answer with complete sentences that are clear and concise. Relax and believe in yourself. Appear confident in front of admissions officers as you answer their questions politely. Don’t be intimidated and remember that doing well during the interview will increase your chances of getting accepted.

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One of the first things that admissions committees and potential employers will see when you submit an application is your resume. A resume contains various information about you and gives readers an outline of your credentials such as your educational background and work experience that are relevant to the program you wish to enter or career you choose to pursue. As a vital part of your application package, it’s essential that you know how to write an excellent resume. Below are some tips that will help you out.

Make it concise

You might get the urge to write down all of your professional and academic accomplishments when making your resume, but keep in mind that employers and admissions officers go through many resumes on almost any day. Make your resume concise by keeping it short, just one to two pages detailing important information. Put all your recent and relevant work experiences at the first page or top part of your resume so that readers will see this first. You can also make use of bullet points for listing down your accomplishments. You don’t have to write long explanations because any questions readers may have can be answered when you get interviewed.

Assess your resume, proofread, and edit it

When you’re done writing your resume, read it a few times. Make sure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Go over all the details and make sure that what you’ve written are all factual and relevant to the position or program you’re applying for. It’s also important that you appear confident in your resume but don’t sound boastful because this can turn off admissions officers and potential employers.

Once you’ve read and edited your resume, you can then have other people read it and give you their advice and suggestions. You can approach your friends, relatives, teachers, or guidance counselors to seek help. After that, take their opinions into consideration and make the necessary changes to your resume.

Compile your resume along with other documents in your application package

When you’ve already finished doing your resume, you can then compile it with other documents in your application package. If you’re applying for college or graduate school, this may mean having to submit a personal statement. You can use a sample admission essay to see how you can write an interesting personal statement. This sample admission essay can help you think of topics for your own personal statement.

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Asian students may have a hard time trying to apply for student loans because federal loans are typically for United States citizens only. If you’re Asian and want to pursue higher education but don’t have enough funds to do so, then you should know about the various organizations offering financial aid for Asians and other minority groups. Below are just some institutions offering financial aid options for Asian students.

International organizations offering financial aid programs

There are various organizations offering financial aid to students from all over the world, and one of them is The Gates Millennium Scholars program, which is a program established by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This program offers financial aid options for high school seniors, college students, and graduate school students enrolling in specializations such as science, mathematics, and computer science.

School-specific financial aid options for Asian students

There are a number of universities and schools that offer financial aid options for Asians and other students belonging to minority groups. One such university is the Northwestern University, which offers financial aid solutions for permanent US residents and even other eligible students that are non-US citizens. You might want to consider inquiring at various schools to see if they have programs offering financial aid to Asian students.

Other financial aid options for Asian students

You can also look for other financial aid options offered to Asian students by searching on the Internet. It’s also advisable for you to see if you can get financial aid from organizations from your country of origin. Various countries offer financial support to students studying in the United States and it’s certainly worth a try to seek out these organizations and see if you’re eligible for financial help. Before getting just any financial aid, you should learn as much as you can about the organization and the financial aid programs they offer. Apply for several of these so that you have a back-up plan in case a certain organization doesn’t grant your application.

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Going to college can open up many doors of opportunities for you, but it can also drain your bank account. If you’re a female who wants to go to college but don’t have enough money to fund your education, then you should know that there are many organizations offering financial aid to female students. These financial aid options include grants, scholarships, fellowships, and awards. Below are some institutions that offer these kinds of financial aid for female students.

American Association of University Women (AAUW)

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is an institution seeking to help women by promoting equity and education for females. For several years now, the AAUW Educational Foundation has been allotting $3.5 to $4 million for women in need of financial aid. Financial aid offered by this organization include awards for community projects, grants, and fellowships.

HORIZONS Scholarship Foundation

Established by Women In Defense, the HORIZONS Scholarship Foundation aims to help women who plan to go into national security. There are many different financial aid options available, starting with amounts of just $500. Those who wish to apply for these scholarships must have a GPA of at least 3.25 and be American citizens. Other specializations that HORIZONS Scholarship Foundation supports are mathematics, law, and international relations.

Other forms of financial aid for women

The two organizations mentioned above are not the only ones offering financial aid programs for women. Other institutions seeking to help women pursue higher education despite financial constraints are the AEI Scholarship Fund, P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund, Talbots Women’s Scholarship Fund, and Business and Professional Women’s Foundation.

What you have to consider before applying for financial aid

Before you apply for a scholarship or financial aid program, do your own research first. Get some background information about the organization and take note of the requirements needed for application. Assess various financial aid programs that you are eligible for and apply for several of them so that you still have some options in case your application gets rejected by a particular organization. With a little research and perseverance in sending out applications, you can get the help you need so that you can go to school and broaden your intellectual and social horizons.

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If you’re Hispanic and don’t have enough money to fund your education, then you can take advantage of financial aid options provided to Hispanic students. Some financial aid programs for Hispanics also cater to students that are considered as minorities, but there are also programs that provide financial aid to Hispanics only. Below are some organizations and programs offering financial aid specifically for Hispanic students.

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

One of the largest and oldest Hispanic organizations in the United States, the LULAC offers financial aid options of varying amounts to deserving students. Some financial aid options offered by this institution only cater to students who go into a particular field of study. It’s advisable for you to inquire about these options to learn how to apply and if you are eligible.

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund not only provides financial aid to Hispanic college students, but also to high school students as well. It is affiliated with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute (HSFI) and offers a wide variety of financial aid options to Hispanic students who yearn to go to school but are experiencing financial difficulties.

Other options

Aside from the organizations mentioned above, there are also other institutions offering financial help to Hispanic students. These include The Hispanic National Bar Association (for Hispanic law students), The National Society of Hispanic MBAs, and The Hispanic College Fund.

You can also apply for in-house financial aid programs offered by your school or see if you are eligible for state-based scholarships. In case you’re already working, you should inquire at your company to see if they offer any tuition reimbursement programs. Before getting any financial aid, it’s important for you to read the contract first and make sure that you know all the terms and conditions.

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If you want to go to college or graduate school but don’t have enough money to fund your education, you can apply for student loans. But you have to keep in mind that student loans, although helpful, can leave you with a large debt to pay off once you finish your studies. Below are some suggestions on how you can make it easier for yourself to pay off student loans.

* Plan your course of action

Before you apply for student loans, you have to consider various factors. Take into account the interest rates of these loans and how much you’ll have to pay off once you graduate. Be thrifty and save as much as possible during college or while you’re in graduate school so you won’t have to get many loans. If you’ve already graduated, planning can still help you in paying off your loans. Calculate your expenses and see how much of your income can be put into paying off your loans. It’s advisable for you to pay off your loans as soon as possible so that you’ll save on interest and you won’t have to worry about your student debts.

* Assess your options

Most organizations offering student loans also provide you with flexible repayment plans. There are standard repayment plans that require you to repay your loans by paying a fixed amount for a set period of time. Extended repayment plans, on the other hand, give you more time to repay your loans, but will have you paying more on interest. Another repayment plan is the income-contingent plan, which is based on costs that are calculated based on factors such as your tax return, income, and family size. What you need to do is choose the plan that fits your needs and financial capacity.

* Inquire and ask for help

It’s also advisable for you to talk to your lender and ask about how you can deal with or perhaps lower your repayment costs. You can also consider loan consolidation programs that will put all your student loans into just one loan so that you’ll only have one loan to pay off. Keep in mind, though, that you must take note of interest rates and if consolidating your loan will help you save more in the long run. You can also consider asking for opinions from relatives or get tips from those who have already paid off their student loans.

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Pursuing higher education can provide you better opportunities and a more rewarding career, but it can also be expensive. In fact, the cost of tuition and other expenses is among the major factors that keep others from going to college or graduate school. Fortunately, there are ways by which you can still go to school without having to pay for all the expenses with your own money. Below are just some types of student loans that can help you deal with the financial demands of going to school.

* Federal loans

The government offers different types of loans, such as Stafford loans, Perkins loans, and federal Plus loans. You can get Stafford loans from financial institutions such as credit unions or banks. You can also obtain this kind of loan directly from the government. Depending on your financial need, Stafford loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized. The federal Perkins loan, on the other hand, aims to provide financial assistance to students who exhibit extreme financial need. This kind of loan has very low interest rates. Another type of federal loan is the federal Plus loan, which is offered to parents of students entering college. The credit history of the parents is taken into account when giving Plus loans.

* In-house loans

Many colleges and universities offer in-house loan programs that you can apply for. These student loans are often granted based on the student’s academic performance and financial need. Inquire about  different sources of financial aid and ask about the requirements for the program.

* Other forms of student loans

Private lenders also offer students with many financial aid options. Although loans from private lenders typically have higher interest rates than federal loans, these are still a good way for you to pursue your education. If you’re already working, you may also inquire at your company’s HR department whether or not they have tuition reimbursement programs.

What to keep in mind when getting student loans

Be sure to read all the terms and conditions stated on the agreement before getting a student loan. Take note of interest rates and loan limitations. You should also get the contact information of individuals whom you can call or ask help from in case you need to ask questions or encounter financial aid issues.

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May you be in college, medical school, law school, or an aspiring MBA degree holder, still, you will have to deal with stress and pressure from academics and other school activities. Striving to meet deadlines may be part of your everyday life and can make you feel stressed out and frustrated. Nowadays, stress is practically inescapable. You need to know how to manage it so you can become successful. Being stressed can make you less productive; it’s important that you know the factors that cause stress so how you can cope with it. Factors causing stress Individuals get stressed because of different reasons. If you have so many things to do but don’t think you have enough time, you may find yourself getting stressed. Thinking about your expenses and trying to balance your studies with your personal life may also cause frustration that can lead to stress. Inadequate sleep and unhealthy eating habits because of dealing with academics are also some stress-causing factors. Coping with stress When you find yourself feeling stressed, the best thing to do is to give yourself some rest. You may think that you’re going to lose time when you rest, but keep in mind that you won’t work efficiently when you’re stressed. If you feel the need to rest, perhaps your mind and body are just tired and need to be refreshed. Remember that you need to have adequate time for relaxation and rest because these are important for you to function at your best while in school. You can also find a hobby, sport, or activity that interests you. Doing physical activities can rev up your body and keep you in good shape so that you can deal with the physical and mental demands of going to school. Doing other activities can also make you happy and eradicate your feelings of frustration.

When you’re stressed, you might feel inadequate and get angry at yourself for not accomplishing as much as you need to. What you have to do is believe that you can succeed in your endeavors and be able to do your tasks well. After all, your school accepted you into their program because admission officers believed that you have what it takes to succeed. It would do you a world of good to believe this, too. Photo Credit : Jacob Botter