Sample Essays for Writing about Technology

June 14th, 2009

Using a Sample Essay About Myself in Writing an Essay on Being Technologically Updated

In this day and age, the Internet, computers, and other technologies are more accessible than ever before.  With cell phones, laptops, computer software, and all the other gizmos and gadgets being developed and released practically every day, it’s easy to get left behind by the fast-paced advancement of technology.  Still, people recognize the great benefits of these technological developments, especially when it comes to productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness.  For this reason, people who are up-to-date with technology often have a competitive edge over others in the job market and in other aspects of life.  Did you know that being technologically updated can also help you get accepted into college?

How cane being tech-savvy help you get into college?

While being tech-savvy won’t necessarily score you points when it comes to your transcripts, it can help when composing your resume and admission essays.  This is especially the case if you plan on taking up a course that is heavy on technology and computer software, such as Computer Sciences, Information Technologies, Architecture, or Engineering.  Colleges and universities that specialize in such courses often expect students to be technologically updated with the latest software and hardware.  Being up-to-date with technology is about knowing, understanding, and being able to manipulate the latest technologies to your advantage.  For this reason, many colleges and universities consider it a bonus when applicants are knowledgeable on the latest technologies.

What makes you technologically updated?

Now that you know what being tech-savvy is all about, it’s time to learn about what gives you a technological edge over other applicants.  First, you should start by making a list of all of the types of software and hardware that you are familiar with.  You don’t have to be too specific, but be sure to note the types of operating systems, relevant software, and computer systems you are comfortable with using.  Next, try to think of what drives you to stay updated with the latest technologies.  Are you truly interested in technology?  Do you plan on applying to a technology-heavy course?  Is your dream job technology related?  All of these questions and their answers will help you when writing your admissions essay.

How to write an admissions essay focused on being technologically update?

One of the first steps to writing an excellent admission essay is to get a sample essay about myself or other examples of personal statements.  A sample essay about myself can help you tackle issues like how to write about being tech-savvy, how to relate your skills and your personality developments, and how to write an effective essay.  It’s essential to keep you main goal in mind when writing your essay, and this goal is to introduce yourself to the admissions committee.  Your ultimate goal with the admissions essay to tell the admissions committee why you belong in their college and why you have what it takes to succeed in their institution and beyond.  Avoid writing a long list of the software and hardware that you know how to use and, instead, focus on how being technologically updated has changed you for the better.

Photo Credit : tnarik

Sample Essays for Writing about Experiences

June 14th, 2009

Using a Sample Essay About Myself in Writing an Essay Focusing on Your Experiences as a Teaching Assistant

Being a teaching assistant has lots of benefits and advantages.  Not only do you get to build close relationship with your teacher, but you can also learn valuable lessons in and out of the classroom from the experience.  The benefits of being a teaching assistant go well beyond the boundaries of your high school, though.  When you apply to a college or university, you experience as a teaching assistant can be an invaluable asset that will help you get into the college of your choice.  Read on to learn how.

Reflecting on your experiences

The first step to making use of your experience as a teaching assistant to get into college is to reflect on your life and your role as an assistant.  Think back to the times that really challenged you and pushed you to the limits as a student, assistant, and person.  Realizing the hardships that you have been through is the first step to realizing just how much you have developed as a person.  Reflect on the relationships that you formed with the faculty members and the student body.  Taking the time to think about your experiences will greatly help when the time comes to write your own admission essay.

Reflect on your personality and character

Upon reflecting about your experiences as a teaching assistant, you will probably come to a number of realizations about yourself and how you have developed as a person throughout the years.  Teaching assistants are often chosen for being responsible, diligent, and helpful – all of which are admirable traits.  Aside from thinking about why you were chosen to be an assistant, you should focus on how being a teaching assistant has helped you grow into an even more reliable and hard-working person.  Ask yourself the following questions:

*  What are the virtues and values that I have learned from being a teaching assistant?
*  How has my experience as a teaching assistant prepared me for college?
*  Why am I a better person as a result of the challenges that I faced as a teaching assistant?

Using a sample essay about myself to write your own essay

Now that you have taken the time and effort to think about your past experiences and your current situation, it’s time to put into action the realizations that you have come to through your thinking processes.  If you are having a difficult time getting started on your essay, it would be best to get a sample essay about myself to familiarize yourself with how admissions essays are written and how you should go about writing your own.  It’s important to avoid plagiarism of any sort as plagiarism offenses are a sure-fire red flag for admissions committees.  Instead, use the sample essay about myself to get inspiration and guidance.  Remember, although you are discussing your experience as a teaching assistant, the main focus of your essay should still be you as a person and not just as a teaching assistant.  Focus on your personality, character, and other facets that make you unique so you can charm the committee with your individuality.

Photo Credit : aresauburn

Focusing on Self-discipline on Your Essay

June 14th, 2009

Using a Sample Essay About Myself in Writing an Essay Focusing on Self-discipline

Self-discipline is a highly respected trait in education, work, and life, in general.  In fact, self-discipline is often regarded as one of the necessary ingredients for success.  If you feel that you have a good level of self-discipline, you may want to consider writing your admission essay on the topic.  Not only is it an admirable trait that has obvious ties to success, but displays of self-discipline are also a great subject for an essay that is moving and powerful.  In the following article, you will learn about how to write a successful admission essay on the topic of self-discipline.

Recognizing self-discipline

Before you can write a personal statement on a topic, you have to explore all aspects of the topic.  In this case, it’s important to know what self-discipline is and how you can recognize it.  Basically, self-discipline is a character trait that has firm roots in fortitude and temperance.  Recognizing self-discipline, means understanding associated actions and traits, like being hardworking, showing responsibility, and having self-control.  Try to reflect on your character and what makes you such a self-disciplined person.  You should also think of times when your discipline was tested to the limits, but you were able to prevail by sticking to your guns.

Getting a sample essay about myself to help you

So now you have a clear picture of what self-discipline is and why it is one of your personal traits.  The next step to writing a successful admission essay is to get a sample essay about myself to guide you along your own writing assignment.  Sample essays can be a great help, if you know how to use them.  Here is some of the information that you get from a sample essay about myself:

*  Get a clear picture of the format and tone of the essay.
*  Understand how to develop themes and subjects.
*  Get inspiration and motivation to write your own essay.
*  See how the topic of self-discipline was discussed by other writers.
*  Know the types of questions or topics that the admissions committees are expecting from you.

When using a sample essay about myself, remember that you are only using it as a guide and not as an essay to copy.  Admissions committees are very experienced and they can probably tell if you are telling the truth or if you aren’t being sincere in your essay.  Use these sample essays to help you write an essay that is a true, accurate, and interesting introduction of who you are and why you have what it takes to succeed in the school you are applying to.

Continue your practice of self-discipline

It can take a while to come up with an admission essay that you are completely satisfied with, so make sure to practice self-discipline and patience throughout the process.  You may be required to write, edit, and re-write your essay before it comes out the way you want it to.  Also, make sure to ask others to check your essay for errors or any other improvements that you can make.  Finally, remember that your mission for success and self-discipline does not end with getting accepted to your school of choice.  Make the conscious decision to continue your dedication to self-discipline so you can succeed not only in college but in all aspects of your life.

Photo Credit : DRB62

Signs that an Online Sample College Application Essay Is Not Worth Your Time

June 3rd, 2009

As a prospective college student who is going into the process of writing your “about myself” essay, it is  common that you will browse the net to search for a sample “essay about myself” that will guide you and give you ideas on how to write an effective essay.  But not all sample essays are worth your time.  The following are just to site a few characteristics of a sample essay that you should be wary of.

The sample essay contains unforgivable grammar errors

It is imperative to note that in an “essay about myself,”  there should have no room for grammatical errors.  One of the objectives of writing this essay is to show the admissions panel that you know how to write well.  So why will you waste time looking at sample essays full of grammatical errors? Well-written essays contain no errors whether grammatical or typographical.  Knowing this one common mistake in writing an essay can help you in avoiding such lapses when making your own.(1)

The flow of ideas is not that clear or logical

When you notice that the sample “essay about myself” that you are reading seems to be too redundant and pointless, then it is definitely not a good example.  Essays should be vivid and rational in presenting the topics that are being discussed.  The essay’s structure should have a coherent flow of arguments, experiences, and accounts so the correct message will be conveyed to the readers.  To develop a sense of spontaneity, thoughts should be organized properly in a narrative form to keep hold of the readers’ attention.(2)

You lost interest in it after reading the first paragraph

The introduction part of the admission essay is the most crucial part.  Time and effort should be devoted in creating an introduction that will capture the attention of the readers.  As you read those sample essays with dragging first paragraphs, try to put yourself in the shoes of the application committee.  How will you find the interest to read further when the introductory part displeased you already? It is only then that you will be able to appreciate the value of the introduction and for sure, you are not going to repeat the same mistake in your own essay.(3)

(1)  http://www.acm.edu/uploads/cms/documents/acm-writing-essay.pdf
(2)  http://www.gradschools.com/Article/essay-writing-lesson4-transition/989.html
(3)  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14347374/

Show the Admissions Panel Why You Deserve that Scholarship Through Your Essay

May 30th, 2009

Looking for a scholarships is just half of the whole college application process.  A winning application package is needed to get that scholarship you want.  This process entails lots of dedication and patience so you need to invest your precious time in preparing for a good scholarship essay.

How an essay can help you land that scholarship

Like the usual “essay about myself” for college admissions, scholarship “about myself” essays are a crucial part in the application process.  Writing the essay is another way for the admissions panel to know you better in a more personal way.  This is to assure the panel members that the scholarship will be given to the most deserving students.  In reality, most of the applicants really deserve to have a scholarship so it is important to make your scholarship essay appealing to the admissions panel.  Check the Internet for a sample essay about myself that can help you write your own.(1)

Express your situation without resulting to pity

In writing your “about myself” essay, it is very important to choose the topic that will emphasize your personality, values, and experiences coherently.  If you are going to write about a depressing experience such as a death of a relative, your debts and financial incapability, or a parent who is suffering from a serious injury, you should always bear in mind that your primary purpose is to highlight your qualities.(2)  It doesn’t follow that just because something bad has happened to you, the scholarship will be yours.  Nobody wants to sound like a pathetic applicant who uses merely emotions to capture the sympathy of the panel members.  It is best if you will be remembered as the applicant who showed the willpower and strength to surpass all the negative things that happened to him or her.(3)

Discuss what you can contribute to the school community or to the organization behind the financial aid

Writing about your possible contributions is also an essential part of the essay.  Behind every scholarship program lies an unwritten “social contract” wherein you will extend the most possible effort that you can give for the benefit of the institution behind your scholarship.  You have to write your intentions in such a way that the administration panel will see your willingness to contribute something to the organization behind the scholarship program without being obligated.

(1)  http://www.k-state.edu/artsci/scholarship/essay.shtml
(2)  http://www.med.ufl.edu/oea/finaid/sgfl-writingtheessay.shtml
(3)  http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/scholarship/essay-tips.html

Community Colleges Versus Universities

May 27th, 2009

Choosing the right college or university is a very important decision.  If you don’t know where to apply to, the following can help you figure out which is better — a community college or a university.

Pros and cons of studying at community colleges

When you are the type of student who wants easy access to your instructors so you can easily consult any problems you have in your subject, then a community college is for you.  This type of school tends to have fewer students in a class so there is a greater teacher to student ratio leading to more interaction.  However, a community college may only offer an Associate of Arts degree and not a full four years degree that’s offered at universities.  But these associate degrees are extremely useful for those who will eventually decide to go to a university.

In terms of the transition period from high school to the next level, a community college is easier though you are going to miss the independence part – living away from home - since most community colleges rarely offer housing inside the campus.  But the best part is that this type of school will surely shed less of your money saved for college education since it has lower tuition rates.(1)

Pros and cons of studying at universities

Universities offer higher degrees such as the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctorates.  But due to the high number of students, many classes in big universities are conducted at huge auditoriums full of students, each one trying to comprehend the lecture.  Students are more often burdened by their tiresome experiences in trying to fit in to the schedule of their busy professors who are devoted to their whole publish-or-perish game.   However, it can’t be denied that some university professors are some of the best among their chosen fields and once they are inside the classroom, no one can refute their excellence.  The university environment requires a lot of adjustments.  But this can be a proper training ground before you enter the real world.  Just keep in mind that a university education is more expensive than any other community college education.(2)

About myself: what would suit you

Even before your write your “about myself” essay or admissions essay which is a common requirement for both institutions, you have to be aware of what you really want, and that includes whether you like to study in a community college or in a university.  The right decision for your school of choice basically depends on your personality, and the type of environment that you find to be more conducive for learning and where you will be more productive.  Basically, your “about my self” essay should have an explanation on why you want to study in a certain institution.  So be sure that you write an honest “essay on myself” to land that spot in your dream school.(3)

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_college
(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University
(3) http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-07-12-college-essays_N.htm

Shopping for College Financial Aid is Like Shopping for the Best Pair of Jeans

May 24th, 2009

You have been preparing for it ever since you started school.  You had worked yourself off to obtain the highest grades that you can.  Your parents did their part by saving for it.  But college is just too expensive.  Fortunately, there are several financial aid and scholarship programs available in each college and university to help in fulfilling your dream.(1)  However, the financial aid system of the country varies from district to
district or even school to school.  So, the question now is how can you be able to get the best financial aid deal that will really suit you?

It should suit your current financial status

Just like looking for a pair of jeans that suits your current size, a financial aid program should meet your current financial status.  If you or your parents have savings to provide for your tertiary education, then you do not necessarily need a full scholarship with other benefits.  On the other hand, if you are in dire need of money and are sure that you can’t pursue your studies without financial aid, then go for full scholarships instead of the partial ones.

It should be flexible in terms of payment

Like a pair of jeans that can be worn comfortably anywhere, a financial aid program, particularly for student loans, should have flexible payment terms.  You wouldn’t want a student loan which would practically hold you on your neck immediately after graduation.  Stick to study grants and student loans from the government that can be deductable from your salary after graduation without totally compromising your income.(2)

It should be from a trusted agency or organization

Just like a pair of jeans from a trusted brand or retailer, your scholarship should be from a trusted agency or institution.  After all, it’s money that you are dealing with.  There are different kinds of reliable financial aids and scholarships available, such as grants and bursaries from the government, federal student loans,  financial assistance programs from provincial aid organizations, and scholarships from private
institutions.(3)

To be able to get that scholarship, make sure that you come up with an excellent scholarship essay.  Just like an admissions “essay on myself,” the scholarship essay should convince the readers that you deserve a slot.  To help you write that scholarship essay on myself, try to read a sample essay about myself online.  A well-written scholarship “myself essay” is clear, engaging, direct to the point, and is a reflection of your personality.

(1) http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/2007/12.13/99-finaid.html
(2) http://www.yale.edu/admit/freshmen/financial_aid/index.html
(3) http://www.college.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/c1/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os_jgoGDnQG8nY0MDFws3AyPz0BB_Q2cfQwMDM_3g1Dz9cJAuPKoMIPIGOICjgb6fR35uqn6kfpQ5whSLEHdTA0-D0BBXd0M3A5BdkTmp6YnJlfoF2V4e5fmOigATc04e/dl2/d1/L0lJSklna2shL0lCakFBQ3lBQkVSQ0lBISEvWUZOQTFOSTUwLXchLzdfU1JTQ1FLQjMxOFRHNTBJMFVURUcxRjAwMDY!/?WCM_PORTLET=PC_7_SRSCQKB318TG50I0UTEG1F0006_WCM&WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wps/wcm/connect/college/college/howtopay/learnwhatsavailable

You’re Definitely Meant to Study at a Nursing School If…

May 21st, 2009

Let’s face it, the doctors almost always take the credit.  When somebody is treated in a hospital or a clinic, it’s always because of the good doctor.  But it is also a fact that there are other people who have helped a lot in the process—particularly the nurses.  As independent, allied medical health professionals, nurses are not a doctor’s assistants; they have an entirely different and important function in patient care.  After all, it’s the nurses who are almost always at the patients’ side.  Nursing schools have the noble and difficult task to mold students to be the professionals who are truly fit for a nursing career.(1)  Want to know if you’re meant for this career?  If you can deal with the following issues aside from having the passion to help patients, then a nursing career may be perfect for you.

Dealing With bodily parts and secretions

The nurse is the first to assess the physical and emotional condition of the patient at his or her bed before the doctor comes.  The nurse also sometimes assists by helping the patient clean himself or herself or his or her wounds.  It is therefore inevitable that a nurse would be exposed to bodily parts which are often times, well, not on their perfect conditions.  The nurse will have to endure blood, pus, urine, stool, and other bodily fluids and secretions on the job.(2)

Working on graveyard shifts

Taking care of a patient requires a 24-hour watch.  After all, emergencies do not select a particular time of the day when they occur.  Medical facilities have interns and more junior residents to fill in for the attending physicians at night, but nurses have to rotate among themselves.  The nursing career entails sacrifices, especially in terms of working schedules.

Stubborn patients

As mentioned before, it’s the nurses who first face the patient at his or her bedside to assess his or her conditions before the doctor starts the rounds.  Furthermore, it is also the nurses who implement the doctor’s treatment plan to the patient, such as the giving of medications.  So as a nurse, you should be prepared with patients who will not cooperate during the physical assessment or who will not take their medicine.  Just remember that however stubborn they are, they are still your patients and it’s your job to enforce the treatment plan on them.(3)

Aside from preparing yourself to face these challenges, you can start preparing for your admissions essay or “essay about myself.” The “essay about myself” is your tool to land that spot in your dream school.  When writing your essay “about my self,” you can read an online sample essay about myself to get an idea on how to begin yours.

(1)  http://www.nursingsociety.org/Education/SchoolsOfNursing/Pages/schools.aspx
(2)  http://stats.bls.gov/OCO/OCOS083.HTM
(3)  http://www.marylandhealthcareers.org/html/student/nursing.html

The Pros and Cons of Going to Med School

May 18th, 2009

Going into medical school is not an easy decision to make.  There are several factors you have to consider.  Plus, making sacrifices is part of pursuing a career in the medical field.  To help you make the right decision, the following are the advantages and disadvantages of getting into med school.

Pros

Most of the people who became medical doctors or are currently medical students have been dreaming about it ever since they were young.  As a very prestigious, rewarding, and established profession, a medical career surely is one of the best careers out there.(1) Furthermore, you will have the capacity to serve humanity by providing good medical services to your community.  Pursuing a medical career also entails continuous learning, which means that your mind will not deteriorate.  As a medical doctor, you will invariably be a leader and teacher of health in your community.  And of course, once you are established, you can expect financial gains.  Furthermore, it may be the most gratifying endeavour that you will do in your life.

Cons

Do not forget that as a medical doctor, you will literally be handling people’s lives.  That is why studying medicine is one of the most gruelling, demanding, and extremely difficult academic paths you can ever take.   The medical school will get the best out of you, and it will be very stressful.(2)  It will also take much time to reach your goal, which is an established, high-earning practice of course.  Usual attendance to a medical school would be four years of undergraduate studies, plus several years of internship, residency, and fellowships depending on your specialty.  You will also be sacrificing much when you are in medical school, such as spending time with family and other affairs.  Lastly, in the absence of a good scholarship aid, it is financially draining.

Do you really want to?

With the advantages and disadvantages of both studying in medical school and eventually practicing a medical career, you might think twice before pursuing it.  If it is really your passion, and if you really believe that it is your calling, then it will be worthwhile.  Just imagine yourself in other careers and if you still think that it’s medicine, then so be it.  Just prepare yourself, physically and emotionally.(3)  Another preparation you can do is to come up with a good essay about myself or admissions essay.  To help you out, read a sample essay about myself online.  A reliable sample essay about myself should help you come up with a concise and engaging med school admissions essay about myself.

(1) http://gradschool.about.com/od/medicalschool/f/advdoc.htm
(2) http://fmignet.aafp.org/online/fmig/index/medical-school/surviving.html
(3) http://www.phd-survey.org/advice/advice.htm

Do movies realistically portray college life?

May 15th, 2009

College flicks have definitely been part of pop culture.  These movies usually depict stereotypical cliques that rule the college campus set against crazy frat parties, wild nights, and exciting romance.  But are these portrayals realistic?

How college life is portrayed in the movies

Future college students who have watched Hollywood college movies will surely, to some extent, form a conclusion about the nature of college life.  Through the influence of media, young people, particularly those in college, are being portrayed as irresponsible and selfish students who devote their time to endless partying, drinking, engaging in pre-marital sex, and the like.  There are students who ridicule their diligent classmates and brand them as “geeks” and “nerds” who do not belong to their group.  Movies tend to focus on the negative habits and characters of the students.  This kind of image among college students as showed by the media seems to cause an alarm for parents and prospective college students.

The real college life

It seems unfair that college students are being stereotyped in such a downbeat manner.  Because in reality, majority of the young people in college are hardworking, and diligent in preparing for their midterms and finals and working on their class requirements.  Most college students value their education a lot.  Partying is part of college life but studies still remain to be the top priority of many.  After all, going through the challenging college admissions process which includes writing an “essay on myself” will seem like a waste of time if partying and drinking all night is the real goal of many applicants.  As a matter fact, many applicants spend months just to come up with a winning myself essay so as to land a spot in their dream school.

According to Dr.  Myron Lounsbury, director of American Studies at the University of Maryland, ”There is no such thing as a movie that will give you a 100 percent portrayal of college life.”(1)  It’s really unjust to label all college students with such indifference and apathy, which in reality only reflects a small portion of the actual students’ population.(2)

Making the best of your college life

Going to college doesn’t mean you have to hit the books every night and avoid having a social life.  As a matter of fact, having a tight-knit social circle can help you get through difficult times.(3)

The secret in getting the best out of your college life is having a sense of balance.  Balance between academics and social life.  Nobody wants to spend four years or more of his or her life reading books alone; everybody deserves a break.  Go out and meet people.  Do not confine yourself between the walls of your room or the library.  Learn to prioritize.  Just always bear in mind the main purpose of your stay in college, which is to get a degree and expand your horizons.

(1) http://media.www.clarksonintegrator.com/media/storage/paper280/news/2002/03/04/Opinion/Students.Say.Hollywood.Fails.To.Portray.College.Realistically-204729.shtml
(2) http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,928628,00.html
(3) http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/content/feb2007/bs20070213_189035.htm