Getting into your dream school after high school can be quite tough, especially if you’re planning on enrolling into one of the top colleges or universities. However, with the right admissions essay, you can effectively market yourself and land that spot in your dream school.
Your essay as a form of self-advertisement
Grades are just mere numbers that say how good or bad you are in terms of academics, but your essay is an extension of who you are, the real person behind those grades. Through your essay, you will be able to make a distinction among other applicants. As a major form of self-advertisement, you should focus on your strengths and on the essential characteristics that are unique to you.(1) Just remember that you are not the only one aspiring to enter your dream school, it is a competition. A competition that needs your best foot forward. Acknowledging your weaknesses is a good thing but you should focus more on your potentials and how you struggle to overcome every weak bone in your system. In this manner, you can leave an impression of a confident individual who knows how to use his or her strengths and who is an open-minded person who knows how to concede his or her flaws and learn from it. The following are some tips on how to make your “myself essay” an effective marketing tool.
Writing an essay on myself: catch the readers’ attention
As you are writing your “myself essay,” you should bear in mind that you are aiming to write a memorable work. You have to captivate your readers’ attention by creating a catchy and ingenious introduction. The first two lines should be written in an inviting and intriguing manner which encourages the reader to know what will happen next. A choice of topic is also of utmost importance. Think of the topic that you are most interested to and discuss it in a way that your enthusiasm will radiate through them. Better yet, have another family member or friends read your essay, and see if they are compelled with your topic and manner of writing.(2)
Writing an essay about my self: keep the reader’s interest throughout the essay
A memorable essay does not end in having a remarkable topic and excellent use of words. Keep in mind that the admission officers read numerous essays, thus, catching their attention is as vital as keeping their attention. After the compelling introduction, you have to continuously write it in a way that will surely stimulate the readers’ imagination and have their curious minds working. It is vital to write your essay in a way that the reader will be able to relate to it, not necessarily to the detailed accounts but to the feelings conveyed. Remember, your primary goal is to write an essay that will make your readers decide if you deserve to be a part of their incoming freshman batch.(3)
(1) www.depauw.edu/admission/documents/college-essay.pdf
(2) http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/642/01/
(3) http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/apessay_overview.html
A personal statement for the medical school that you are applying for may be cumbersome to work out, but remember that it is one of the most important requirements for admission. Your “myself essay” will tell the admissions committee something about you that cannot be seen on your other credentials, such as your undergraduate records and your Medical School Admission Test or MCAT scores. It is practically your voice in the admissions process when the interview is not yet on the way. To help you come up with an excellent “myself essay,” here are some “essay on myself” writing tips.
Focus on your strengths
The admission process for medical school is usually a very competitive one. Do not forget that you will be competing with people with similar or even higher undergraduate grades or MCAT scores. Therefore, like in any other competitions, you should always put the best foot forward. While stating your weaknesses is not entirely discouraged, it would preferable if you focus and “advertise” your strengths and other achievements in your “essay about myself.” Write about your skills and talents, particularly those that you deem are important characteristics for a medical professional to have.(1)
Show your unique side
Always remember that you are not the only applicant for admission to a particular medical school. Most schools have limited slots for admission, but they also more often than not receive hundreds, if not thousands, of applicants yearly for those slots. And yes, all of those applicants try to offer their best foot forward. The best way to get noticed among the other applicants is to make a good first impression by showing that you are unique. You can do this by discussing out-of-this-world things that you have done in the past, even your plans in the future. Just tell them something about you that will set you apart from the others.(2)
Show your excellent writing skills
One other sure way to get noticed and be unique is an excellent essay. While most schools have limited word count for each personal statement, the number of applicants still means that the admissions committee will have to endure reading lots of essays. Boring them with your writing style may of course jeopardize your admission. You must make sure that your essay is finely written with no technical or grammar errors. And you can do it with lots of practice.(3)
(1) http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/personal_statement.shtml
(2) http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:Dcf7aulqS78J:www.wpi.edu/Academics/FS/personal.pdf+personal+statement&cd=10&hl=tl&ct=clnk&gl=ph
(3) http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/undergrad_adm/apply/how_apply/personal_statement.html
The law school application process can be a lot tougher as the decision-making itself. After evaluating yourself that you are indeed decided to enter law school, the application process begins. And it all boils down to a single crucial step — writing your admissions “essay on myself.”(1)
Essay about myself: goals or reasons for becoming a lawyer
It is imperative to discuss in any admission essay the main reasons for your decision. Is being a lawyer your passion? Definitely, since it seems impossible for a student dreaming of becoming a lawyer who does not have passion for justice. Then, you can discuss how you find genuine happiness in doing the things that you really want to do. You can also elaborate by stating that you see yourself being more productive in this field. If you’re planning on going to law school just because you don’t really know what to do after college, then you’re probably not meant for a career in this field. So on your essay, it is important to convince the readers that after long years of studying, when someone asks you whether or not you regret going to law school, you can give them a proud “no” for an answer.(2)
Essay about myself: determine how to reach the goals
In reality, law practice isn’t always intellectually stimulating and exciting. There are times wherein the student will get bored and stressed. This is why it’s very important that before you apply for law school, you really know what you are getting into.
The journey towards the achievement of your goal to become a lawyer is not that easy. It is vital to make the evaluators realize that you are entirely aware of how difficult and challenging law school can be, as well as the profession itself. This can give them the impression that you are more than willing to surpass all of them.(3)
Essay about myself: What you can contribute to the law school community
As a prospective law student, describe what you can share to the school community in terms of your participation in meaningful school activities other than focusing all your attention to your academics. You must point out that you are a well-rounded individual who knows how to value the essence of camaraderie.
(1) http://www.yale.edu/visvi/students/gradprof/lawschool/lawapply.html
(2) http://www.100megsfree3.com/wordsmith/2bornot2.html
(3) http://www.abanet.org/yld/chooselaw/frink.shtml
As children, many people dream of becoming a doctor or they play doctor for fun. As teenagers, students often think of becoming a doctor because of the prestige and wealth that is usually associated with the profession. As adults, people often look up to doctors because of their vast knowledge and expertise. It’s no wonder why so many people want to get into medical school. The truth is, though, medical school isn’t as great as people fantasize it to be. For those who have recently been rejected by a medical school or those who have decided not to pursue a medical education, here are some great reasons not to be in medical school:
Bodily secretions
The phrase alone, “bodily secretions,” makes some people squirm. The thing with medical school is you’ll be dealing with all types of weird, gross, and downright disgusting bodily secretions, because it is part of the curriculum.(1) The good part is, if you forgot what you had for breakfast, you’ll probably get a quick reminder when you puke after your professor carefully performs an autopsy before your eyes. Not everyone is cut out for the putrid smells, weird textures, and horrifying sights that one is likely to see in medical school and throughout the medical career.
Round-the-clock stress
Another problem with medical school is that they work you like a dog. Because your career as a physician may require 24/7-on-call duty,(2) medical schools often train their students to be able to work around the clock. The trouble with this is that it can get in the way of your relationships with other people, including friends, family, and loved ones.(3) Aside from your relationships, you may just lose your sanity working such long hours under tremendous stress.
The “god” mentality
Every once in a while, you meet a medical student or doctor who has what’s called the “god” mentality. These are the people who feel as though they have the “power” to extend people’s lives, heal them from sickness and injury, and cure them from diseases. The problem is that, when this mentality gets into someone’s head, that person can end up being very arrogant and proud.(4)
Incurring debt
Going to medical school is a huge investment, which will likely have you borrowing money for your tuition, residency, and other student expenses. With the number of years that medical school takes, you will probably incur a pretty big debt. As a result, the first few years of your medical career will probably be about working insane hours at a low wage in order to pay your debts off. And, once you start making your own money, you’ll be probably be buying the nicest cars, best gadgets, and biggest houses. Whatever happened to that childhood dream of helping those in need?
(1) http://www.deathreference.com/Bl-Ce/Cadaver-Experiences.html
(2) http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/reporter/oct2000/well.htm
(3) http://gradschool.about.com/od/medicalschool/a/should.htm
(4) http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=479625
Choosing which college or university to go to is one of the most important and most difficult decisions that students have to make. Some students decide to go to a certain school because it is near home, making it an easy commute. Others make their decision depending on the types of courses offered at the institution. Another important consideration to think of when choosing schools is reputation. Entering into a reputable school has numerous advantages, and here are some of them:
Reputable schools and school life
One of the biggest advantages of reputable schools is the type of school life these institutions provide. Most prestigious schools have great campuses with top notch facilities and education. Prestigious schools usually get their good reputations through the quality of education provided at the institutions. In fact, many reputable schools have faculty members that have gained a good reputation in their field of study. Aside f
For some people, the ultimate academic pursuit is to get into law or medical school. A sample essay about myself may help you get your foot in the door. Beyond a sample essay about myself, there are specific college degree courses, which may help you get into your law or medical school of choice.
Getting into law or medical school takes some preparation. You would do good with a sample essay about myself. You also need to prepare academically. It will help to have gained undergraduate degrees in courses that can help you in the fields of medicine or law. While some schools offer pre-law or pre-med, others may not.
For medical school, you will need to be in courses that are heavy on science. Those with degrees in Biology, chemistry and physics often do well. Their transition from their college course to medical school isn’t as hard. Others come from Humanities and Social Science courses.
For law school, many qualify with just about any degree to their credit. Law school just requires diligence, logic, analytical skills and a lot of patience. However, there are courses that best prepare prospective law students. This includes Psychology, Political Science, Philosophy and Criminology. If you plan to go into law, choose courses that focus on research, analysis, logic and human behavior.
But then again, while you need to prepare for medical or law school (if this is your ultimate goal), college should also be about the exploration of possibilities. You may have other interests that you want to explore. At the same time, your skills may fit another degree course. Follow your desires. Doing so does not mean you cannot qualify to medical or law school in the future. This may only help you focus and realize what you really want. If law or medicine is what you really want, then you can still qualify for it, regardless of what you took in college.
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Wherever you may be at – med school, law school, college – you would be dealing with a lot of stress. Deadlines here and there, an early-morning class, part-time jobs, and this does not even include personal problems such as a non-existent social life. Stress is a reality, and it would always be around you. The true successful student is one who copes with all the stress factors. Here are some things you should read, if you are at your wits’ end.
Sources of stress
It’s important that you identify the things around you that cause stress. Find out if any of the following bring about a stressful day: so many requirements to complete, financial worries, bad eating habits, bad sleeping habits (including insomnia), and problems balancing family life and studies.
What to do when you’re stressed out
The number one answer to relieve oneself from stress is to rest. By resting, I do not mean cutting classes so that you could sleep for 18 hours in the dorm. Between classes and your personal study time, schedule time to rest. Think of power naps, that or a half-hour recess in the cafeteria doing nothing could rejuvenate you.
When your migraine is acting up, it is probably your body’s way of saying that it needs a breather. So why not take a lazy stroll on the college grounds. Another way to beat stress is to find a hobby. It could be any of the following (these are just examples from a million possiblities): an exercise routing, being part of the varsity chess team, taking up painting, doing jigsaw puzzles. Doing these things may not erase your deadlines for the academic papers, but it keep you from worrying too much. This way, you feel refreshed and prepared to do the looming tasks. Just make sure that your academic requirements do not suffer because you are spending too much time in that hobby.
Feelings of inadequacy result from stress; check yourself that it is not happening to you. Be confident. You may not be an Einstein, but remember that you have been accepted in your college or university by a group of discerning admissions officers. They believe that you can do it (being a responsible student notwithstanding all pressures), and if they believe in you, you should have faith in yourself.
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Indeed, vocational schools and colleges possess differing educational rationales or ends. Here are some advice that should help you in making the practical and correct decision.
Within the classrooms
College courses are usually anchored on the humanities, sciences, math, logic, literature, history, philosophy and arts. In the liberal arts department, education is based on the premise that an education must help in making the person a contributing member of society. Education in the liberal arts given by the college has the aim of developing the student toward a big array of studies. These studies would dwell on man’s place in society. If this is your passion, then the choice is clear and easy to make.
The courses focused on the sciences, on the other hand, expose the student to various disciplines, investigations, and trends. Pure sciences cover physics, chemistry, and biology, while engineering is part of the applied sciences.
The vocational schools hold the objective of training their students using a profession-linked focus. The graduates of this kind of school get the knowledge for a particular trade; examples of trades are funeral services, travel, and cottage industries.
Take note that an owner of a restaurant would choose somebody who went through a vocational college, one who focused on cooking courses, as part of his or her kitchen staff. As far as corporate entities are concerned, college graduates usually hold the edge.
Besides the lessons
Assuming you feel that your aptitude is for the trade sciences or the technical course, get into the vocational school setting. These institutions would give you experience and knowledge that shoud prepare you. If it’s a career you are after, one that has variety, the college is the stronger option. Be it the vocational or the college, make good in the application process. Prepare the recommendation letters, essays, and others.
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Having a part-time job at the same time that one is enrolled in classes can be a herculean circumstance in life. This is no longer a rarity nowadays, for so many parties have to depend on the salary to get them through up to graduation. Let me give some tips to make your life easier:
Prior to actual enrollment, have a firm idea on the kind of chores you would be asked to do. Plus, think of the job hours you could actually offer. If the 7-Eleven you would be working for would demand a double shift every other day, and your college course is law, then chances are, you would get burned out before the middle of the semester. Either you’d have to drop out from school, or be forced to resign from the job.
When you are going to get a day job, then enrolling in evening classes are the ideal choice. Check that schedules do not overlap, for it would produce many kinds of crises later on. Think also of commuting time from the school to work, or from home to school then to work, etc.
Attempt to get work that really interests you, and find one that jibes with your lifestyle. The better thing is to get that job in an industry directly linked to your course. Have a chat with your boss, and assuming he or she is accommodating enough, negotiate timetables and conflicts of scheduling, if any. Tell him or her that you are serious with work, while assuring your boss that you would be professional on the job – not just in terms of punctuality, but in all aspects. There are so many employers who would be glad when they learn that their employees are working students. (Some of these employers probably went through the same path.)
Maximize your time; do not let downtime pass by. Indulge in productive tasks; for example, if you take a bus going to the job, you could use that half-hour trip to read your college textbooks. If you say, “I am not used to reading while in transit,” give it a try first. Before you knew it, you’ve already been doing it.
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The one thing that separates college graduates from drop-outs, aside from the diploma of course, is motivation. Regardless of how enthusiastic you are during the first days of classes, you will eventually lose interest in studying. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated:
* Imagine the glory of reaching the finish line.
One effective way of motivating yourself to study is to picture yourself at the finish line. Yes, that shining moment when you can finally tell the world that “I did it!” Graduating from college is one of the best things that could happen to your life and the only way to get hold of that much coveted diploma is pass all your subjects. Think about it, would you rather be a college drop-out who changes jobs every three months or a college degree holder who changes cars every three years?
There are times when even reasons for studying a graduate or post-graduate program cannot motivate you anymore. When that happens, immediately think about your goals and how you want yourself to be after graduation. You can think of yourself on the graduation stage receiving your diploma and being applauded by everyone. Or, see yourself contentedly sitting by your dream office on a high-rise building and being served coffee by your assistant.
* Reward yourself with little treats.
Another way of keeping yourself motivated is to incorporate things that make you happy into your study habits. If you read faster with music, put on those earphones while flipping those pages. If you are a certified chocoholic, reward yourself with a chocolate truffle for every assignment you finish. Rewarding yourself with a sweet treat for every work done will make studying less stressful and more enjoyable.
* Take time to relax and unwind.
Never force yourself to work if your mind is too tired to function. Whenever you feel the need to take a break from studying, put your books aside and rest. To keep yourself motivated in your studies, reward yourself with self-pampering after every test. Go for a swim, get a massage. You may even drop by a nearby salon for a manicure or pedicure. Just sit down and relax, you deserve it.
* Stay as healthy as you can.
Health is wealth, and the same thing applies to studying. Good health is a great investment for academic wealth. Avoid salty, greasy, and sugary food and stack up on fresh fruits and vegetables instead. Exercise daily and try to get at least eight hours of sleep each day. By committing to a healthy lifestyle, you get enough energy and nutrients to keep you going.
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