sample admission essay

Education doesn’t come cheap, and now that times are especially tough, you might find it hard to get the funds you need in order to put yourself through college.  You’re lucky if your parents have already saved enough for your years in college, but if you find that you have to work or find financial aid through other means, then you might want to try getting a scholarship.  You have to keep in mind, though, that there are many students vying for scholarships nowadays, and you have to convince admissions officers that you’re good enough to be granted a scholarship.  The competition becomes more intense if you’re a home-schooled student.  As someone who studied at home for many years, you’re probably wondering how you’re going to do this.  Well, you get the chance to tell admissions officers all about yourself, your personal life, and your life as a home-schooled student when you write your scholarship essay.

Read the rest of this entry »

When putting together your college application package, you will probably be required to submit an application essay.  While your transcripts, resume, and SAT scores will probably be the first thing that schools look at, your college application essay may just be the x-factor that gets you into the school of your choice.  Because of the importance of the application essay, it’s important to think of topics that are interesting and relevant to your application.  If you have had job experience in high school, you may want to focus on that topic, because it shows a sense of responsibility, hard work, and independence.(1)  Read on to learn more about focusing on your high school job experiences in your college application essay or personal statement.

Why including high school job experiences in your application essay or personal statement is helpful

The main purpose of the application essay is to serve as an introduction.  You are introducing yourself to the admissions committee and the college or university that you want to study in.  Writing about your high school job experiences and how they have helped to develop your character is a good way of introducing yourself through your college application essay.  Even just the ability to balance school life and work life is a great advantage of those who worked through high school, which is why it can be favorable for you to write about such a topic.  Working while studying helps to build work ethic, responsibility, and character – three key traits that many admissions committees look for in applicants.(2)

How to discuss what you’ve learned from high school job experiences in your college application essay or college entrance essays

When writing your college admissions essay about your high school job experiences, the number one pitfall to avoid is listing and enumerating.  The resume and personal information that you submit along with your application package will already have the basic information on your achievements and practical experience.  Try to avoid merely listing the jobs or experiences that you have had as a working student and, instead, tell the story of how you have learned valuable lessons, developed important values, and practiced certain virtues.(3)  For example, instead of talking about the kind of work you did, try to single out an instance when you had to make an important decision that helped you learn a lot about yourself, your work, and your life in general.

Aside from the subject matter, you should also concern yourself with the mechanics of the essay and how you present yourself in the essay.  First, make sure that your essay does not have any typographical or grammatical errors.  Take time to edit your essay well and eliminate any and all technical mistakes.  Second, be as truthful and honest as you can.  If the admissions committee finds out that the information in your essay or your other records is not true, then you can forget about getting into the college, because they probably won’t accept you.  Finally, make sure to let your personality shine through.  Remember, you are trying to introduce yourself, so you should let your character and personality come through in your essay.(4)

How a sample application essay focusing on previous work experiences can help you write your personal statement

If you are having a hard time writing your personal statement, try taking a look at some sample application essays that also focus on work experience.  Reading sample essays is a great way to get ideas, inspiration, and motivation for your own essay.  Take note of the theme, tone, and format of the sample application essay so you can get an idea of how to go about your own essay.  Just make sure that you are using the sample admission essays to get inspiration and not to copy from.(5)  You may even want to use sample college admission essays to learn.  For example, you can critique certain sample essays to see what they did wrong and learn from their mistakes to make sure that the essay you write is better.(6)

Why comparing your personal statement draft with a sample application essay can be helpful

So you have finally finished your essay and you are looking for ways to improve on it.  One great way of editing your personal statement draft is to compare it with a sample application essay.  Read both of the papers side-by-side and see if there are any areas that you can edit to make your essay better.  Some of the changes you will make can be as simple as spelling corrections, while other changes may require you to rewrite an entire paragraph.  Make sure to go over your essay a few times until you are happy with it.  You may even want to have your essay read by a parent, teacher, advisor, or counselor to see if they have any helpful suggestions, corrections, or comments.  In the end, what you are aiming for is an excellent college application essay that will help get you a slot in the college of your choice.

(1) http://www.sampleadmissionessay.com/category/college-university-admissions/
(2)  http://www.sampleadmissionessay.com/category/college-university-admissions/
(3) http://collegeapps.about.com/od/essays/a/essay_tips.htm
(4) http://apps.carleton.edu/admissions/apply/essay_tips/
(5) http://businessmajors.about.com/od/applicationessays/Sample_Application_Essays.htm
(6) http://collegeapps.about.com/od/essays/a/EssayYouthBoard_3.htm

Whether you are planning to go into undergraduate studies or post-graduate studies, you will probably have to complete and submit an application package for the admissions committee.  The application package is more than just a requirement to get into schools, but it also serves as an introduction of yourself to the admissions committee of the schools that you apply to.  For this reason, it is essential that you do a great job on your application package if you wish to take up undergraduate college or post-graduate studies, especially for popular fields such as medicine.  This article will cover some of the basic differences between the college admissions process and the medical school admissions process.

The medical school admissions process vs.  the college admission or university admission process

The admissions processes for medical schools and undergraduate schools differ in a number of ways.  The most basic and obvious difference is that medical schools usually have more specific application requirements.  Colleges, universities, and medical schools will all ask for your personal information and transcripts, but medical schools usually also require applicants to have taken up specific courses that are related to medicine.  Sciences, such as Biology, Physics, and Chemistry are normally required for medical school admission.  For US schools or international schools, students may be required to have taken up at least one year of English.(1)

In truth, whether you are applying for college or medical school, the application requirements and admissions process will differ from school to school.  Fortunately, programs such as the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)(2) and The Common Application for Undergraduate College Admission(3) are making efforts to simplify the application process.  Basically, the AMCAS and the Common Application provide a primary application process that allows applicants to complete and submit a common application form with the basic information that most medical schools, colleges, and universities require.  The application forms are then sent to the schools that the applicant wants to apply to.  The costs for either the AMCAS or the Common Application will depend on the number of schools being applied to.  Applicants who have a chance of getting into the school applied for will be sent a secondary application form with more specific requirements, such as application essays.

Usual college admissions or university application requirements (4)

Application fee
Personal information or resume
Official transcripts
Recommendation letters
SAT or ACT scores
Admissions essay
Interview
Secondary application (if necessary)

Usual medical school requirements (5)

Application fee
Personal information or resume
Official transcripts
Recommendation letters or evaluation letters
DAT, MCAT, or GRE scores
Admissions essays
Interview
Secondary application (if necessary)

Preparing for the medical school admissions process

As can be seen in the lists above, the requirements for medical school and undergraduate schools are quite similar.  In most cases, however, medical schools are stricter when it comes to evaluating, assessing, and accepting students.  For many schools, the number of slots they have available are far fewer than the number of applicants, which is why medical schools normally have high standards.  To get ahead of the competition, try to follow some of the following tips for your medical school application:(6)

Make sure to complete and compile all of the requirements in a neat and organized manner.  Presentation surely isn’t everything, but a clean and neat application package is certainly more welcome than one that has a bunch of markings and crossed-out entries.
Make a schedule so you can keep track of submission deadlines and important meetings, such as interviews or meetings with those who are writing your evaluation and recommendation letters.  Always submit before the deadline, but make sure that you have put in enough time and effort to make the best application package you can.

Try reading some sample medical school admissions essays to get an idea of the questions asked, topics written about, the overall format, and the tone of the essays.  When writing your own essay, be sure to write more than just your achievements.  Tell the story of how your achievements have changed you and helped you develop virtues and values that are essential for medical school and medicine practice in general.(7)

Medical school interviews

One of the most important medical school requirements is the interview.  If you make it to the interview stage of the admissions process, then you are probably on track to getting into the school.  The fact that the school called you in for an interview means that you are actually worth their time and effort to interview.  Here are some tips on how to do a great job on your medical school admission interview:

Try to get to know the school that you are applying to.  Gather information on the history of the school, the courses offered at the school, and what makes it different from other schools.(8)  Take some time to read, understand and formulate answers to some of the commonly asked interview questions.(9)  Finally, try to be confident, but not arrogant.  If you know your goals and why you want to go to medical school, then you will probably do a great job on your interview.  Just relax and have confidence in yourself.

(1) http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/about/start.htm
(2) http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/
(3) https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/default.aspx
(4) http://www.sampleadmissionessay.com/category/college-university-admissions/
(5) http://www.sampleadmissionessay.com/category/medical-school-admissions/
(6) http://careers.dyc.edu/guide/sec5/med_and_law_school_app_tips.htm
(7) http://www.cmu.edu/hpp/achieve/pstips.html
(8) http://gradschool.about.com/od/medicalschool/f/InterviewMS.htm
(9) http://career.berkeley.edu/Health/MedInterview.stm

If you’re an aspiring lawyer or doctor, then you need to prepare yourself for going into medical school or law school. There are many schools offering pre-med and pre-law programs, but there are those that do not. If you find yourself wondering about what major to take up so that you’ll be prepared for graduate studies in either medicine or law, below are some suggestions on which majors you should take up.

What to major in when planning to go to medical school

Going to medical school will have you taking up many science classes. Some of the best majors that can help you have a smooth transition to medical school are those that include subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology. This is because the training, experience, and education you will gain in these majors will be useful in medical school. You can also choose to major in the social sciences or humanities if you plan to go to medical school.

What to major in when planning to go to law school

There are a wide variety of majors suitable for students who want to go to law school. Common majors taken up by aspiring lawyers include political science, philosophy, criminology, and psychology. What makes these majors good preparation for law school is that these focus on research and analysis, human behavior, and logical thought.

The choice is yours

Many majors include courses that are related to law or medicine, but remember that it’s still your choice. Keep in mind that your college education is not only about academics, it’s also important that you make something of it. Perhaps it would be better for you to take a course that fits your skills, interests, and experience. Doing so will add to your knowledge and hone your talents, as well as give you training in that field. Although the major you pursue may not be ideal for law school or medical school, most graduate schools still accept applicants that come from different academic backgrounds. It would be good for you to talk to your guidance counselor to discuss your career options.

Photo Credit : umjanedoan

One serious issue that many schools face is sexual harassment. Research done by the American Association for University Women (AAUW) finds that more than 60% of male and female college students have been sexually harassed during their stay at their college or university. Although sexual harassment is an occurrence that hasn’t been eliminated, you can prevent it from happening to you. Here’s how:

Be aware

In avoiding sexual harassment, you must first know more about it. Any unwelcome sexual behavior, be it nonverbal, verbal, or physical, can be considered as sexual harassment. In college, offenders may be friends, other students, strangers, and even teachers or other school employees. Do some research and understand the causes, effects, law, and policies that are related to sexual harassment. It’s also important for you to know where you should go and who you could talk to in case you become a victim of sexual harassment.

Take the necessary precautions to avoid sexual harassment

* Don’t provoke attention. Dress appropriately wherever you go.
* Be aware of where you are and stay alert. Make sure that you know the place you’re in. Don’t go to places you don’t know very well, especially during nighttime. If you have to go somewhere that you haven’t been to before, ask a friend to accompany you.
* Know that teasing and joking of a sexual nature also stands as sexual harassment. If you’re uncomfortable with this, make it known.
* In case you’re being sexually harassed in any way, let others know. Don’t be afraid to speak out and protect yourself.

Ask for help from your school

Most schools implement their own policies regarding sexual harassment. Make it a point to learn about these rules by reading your student handbook. You can also join a group or organization that aims to help students fight against sexual harassment.

Photo Credit : Annie Mole

If you’re not familiar with plagiarism, then you should know that this is an offense that can lead to expulsion from college. Plagiarism happens when a person claims another person’s words and ideas as his or her own. Keep in mind that you must avoid plagiarism. Not only is plagiarism an offense, it is also academic dishonesty and theft all in one. Below are some suggestions on how you can avoid committing plagiarism.

Make sure to know what you’re up against

To avoid plagiarism, you need to have a clear idea on what plagiarism is and why people do it. But you also have to understand that there are two kinds of plagiarism: unintentional and intentional. Intentional plagiarism is an unpardonable offense for many academicians. Unintentional plagiarism, on the other hand, happens when citations aren’t done correctly. You can avoid unintentional plagiarism by doing some research on how to do citations.

Learn more about the rules

There are many different types and forms of citation. Your professor will most likely specify a specific type when asking you to write a paper. In case the professor doesn’t specify what form of citation to use, cite your sources properly anyway. This is better than just turning in a paper without giving credit where credit is due. Do some research on how to put citations, where they are need, where you should put them, and how to format your paper with citations correctly.

Understand why it’s important to follow the rules

It’s difficult to follow rules if you don’t understand why these rules were made in the first place. Rules against plagiarism are there for various reasons. One is because these rules are intended to protect the author’s right to be credited for his or her ideas or words. Another reason why these rules are implemented is so that students will be encouraged to think for themselves and formulate their own ideas and words. It will be good for you to challenge yourself and explore your own mind to think up new ideas and present them in your own way. By doing so, you will be avoiding plagiarism. But more than that, you will be imparting new knowledge to readers and expanding your own intellectual horizons in the process.

Photo Credit : Bright Meadow

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.

Photo Credit : peigianlong

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.

Photo Credit : MGShelton

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

When you decide to pursue higher education, you have to choose between going to a university and enrolling in a community college. Assessing your choices is important; your choice of school can affect your future career. Below are several factors to consider when deciding between going to a university and going to a community college.

* Adapting to a new school

Community colleges are smaller and have less students than universities do, so it might be easier for you to adapt to a new life at a community college. But if you’re up for the challenge of going to a university, then perhaps going to one will be best for you. Even if you choose to go to a community college first, you can still enroll in a university to continue your education later on.

* Degrees and programs offered by the institution

Universities offer degrees in various fields. These degrees range from associate degrees to doctoral degrees. Community colleges, on the other hand, only offer bachelor’s degrees,. Some of these colleges only have programs that will earn you an Associate of Arts degree.

* Cost of education

Going to a community college will have you paying fees that are significantly less than those charged by universities. In case you want to go to a university but you don’t have enough funds for your education, make it a point to inquire about scholarships or obtain other forms of financial aid.

* Housing options and location of the school

If you want to go to a school that’s right near your home, you may want to consider enrolling in a community college. What’s great about being close to school is that you won’t have to look for an apartment or dorm– you can just live at home. This cuts down school expenses. But if you’ve decided to go to a university that’s far away from home, you have to assess various housing options located inside or around the school.

Whether you choose to enroll in a community college or a university, you will most likely be required to submit a admission essay. If you don’t know how to write one, you should consider look at a good sample  admission essay. A sample admission essay can give you ideas for topics and themes. When reading a sample admission essay, you can also get a concrete idea of what you should put in your own personal statement. Keep in mind that your admission essay must be interesting and well-written to increase your chances of getting accepted into your chosen school and program.

Photo Credit : freakapotimus