3 Ways to Write a Great Personal Statement for College!

3 Ways to Write a Great Personal Statement for College! (This article has been updated to reflect the new 650-word limit for the Common Application) The New York Times has been rife this season with articles about the college application essay.   The Common Application’s newly reinstated 650-word guideline is the topic of much conversation, as are general themes and strategies for the personal statement. It is now early November.   Some early application deadlines have come and gone, and November 15 deadlines are around the corner.   Is your high school senior still stuck or struggling with his or her personal statement? Many people, not just college applicants, have a hard time writing about themselves.   Yet that’s exactly what you need to do when writing a personal statement.   No matter how much you might not like it, your personal statement is about you.   There’s really no way around it. Today I will provide some assistance and resources to help any college applicant to get those 650 words written. 1.   Relax!   Have fun! â€Å"It’s all about loosening up,†Ã‚   says a California college professor in Crafting an Application Essay That ‘Pops’, a New York Times article which reported on the recommendations of 5,000 admissions officers and counselors who gathered at the latest NACAC conference.   I couldn’t agree more. To help students have fun with their personal statements, Stanford University has come up with an interesting twist:   They ask applicants to write a letter to their future freshman roommates. Here are some samples, quoted in the article, of how students approached the essay: â€Å"If you want to borrow my music, just ask. If you want to borrow my underwear, just take them.† â€Å"I eat ice cream with a fork, and I drink orange juice right after I brush my teeth just for the sour taste.† â€Å"If you have anything other than a Dodgers poster on the wall, I will tear it down.† Note that all these lines are written in the first person – unfortunately to some, a required element of writing about yourself.   And note that all the lines are unique.   It’s unlikely that two applicants would have written the same thing. Here’s the key to writing a great essay:   Write something no one else could have written. If that sounds like a daunting task, loosen up!   Take a cue from Stanford’s essay question, no matter what topic you choose to write about.   All you have to do is tell stories about yourself. 2. How NOT to Start your College Application Essay One common pitfall students fall into is trying to write an essay about their reasons for applying to school, instead of simply telling a story.   One of my recent clients started her essay to graduate school with, â€Å"I am applying to the XX school for several reasons.†   I coached her to simply start telling her story.   This approach made the project a lot easier, and made her essay a lot more interesting! Here’s the start of an essay that meets this requirement: When I went to Fall Out Boy’s Chicago radio show, there was the comment from the drummer, â€Å"The girl from New York is here.†Ã‚   When I fought my way to the front of the crowd in Florida, there was the bassist’s point of his finger at me as he mouthed one of my favorite lyrics: â€Å"I still hate you.† This opening line works because it tells a story no one else could tell.   It brings us into a world unique to the applicant.   And it sets us up to think something interesting is going to happen in this essay.   The reader is compelled to read the next line. Contrast this to an alternate version of the essay that might have read, â€Å"Music is one of my passions, and because of that I attend a lot of rock concerts.   My favorite band is Fall Out Boy.† You might laugh, but version two is the way many college essays read.   Or, to avoid boring the committee, applicants swing the other way:   â€Å"Raindrops heated by the flashing lights above, falling abundantly and without end, singeing my hair, my skin, my eyes†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Here’s a tip:   If you are not a brilliant creative writer, just stick to the facts.   They will set you free. 3. Doing it in 650 Words The Common Application now sets a 650-word limit for a college application essay.   The more you stick to a story – a story that is directly linked to the point you want to make in your essay – the easier it will be to stay within that limit and to knock the socks off the admissions committee! The New York Times’ â€Å"The Choice† blog provides spot-on advice for how to stay succinct in Advice on Whittling Your Admissions Essay.   Read this article immediately if you are over the limit and unsure of how to cut your writing down to size! You might also gain some breathing room from Matt Flegenheimer’s October 28, 2011 article, College Application Essay as Haiku?   For Some, 500 Words Aren’t Enough. Need Help with your Personal Statement for College? If you’re still stuck, panicked, or unsure, consider getting some help.   The Essay Expert’s Ivy-educated consultants are skilled in working with students to craft essays that say more than you might even imagine can be said in 650 words.   Just try us!

Free Essays on Community Based Instruction

Running head: COMMUNITY-BASED INSTRUCTION FOR STUDENTS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION The Value of Community-Based Instruction for Students with Mental Retardation Community-based instruction is â€Å"teaching a skill to a student in the actual environment as opposed to teaching the skill in a classroom with the expectation of transference, generalization, and application of knowledge when skill use is required† (Beirne-Smith, Ittenbach, & Patton, 2002). The five major areas of community-referenced curriculum are work, leisure and play, consumer, education and rehabilitation, and transportation. Normalization is â€Å"the process of providing for, and to the maximum extent possible, treating an individual with special needs in the mainstream of society as if the individual has no special needs† (Beirne-Smith et al ., 2002). According to Beck, Broers, Hogue, Shipstead, and Knowlton (1994) normalization stresses environments and circumstances that are as culturally normal as possible to enhance behaviors that are culturally normal as possible. An example would be teaching the skills needed for daily living in the community. Practicing skills in the environment in which the skills are to be used gives the students with mental retardation a greater chance these skills will be remembered when it comes time to use them. Community-based instruction is most widely used by special education students with severe mental retardation. As reflected in Chapter 8 of Mental Retardation, students with mental retardation do not benefit from wasted time in the classroom learning unnecessary skills. The most useful learning activities are both functional and age appropriate. Learning for these students is most greatly enhanced through direct experience. According to Beirne-Smith et al. (2002) typically curriculum for students with severe mental retardation includes skill in the domains of self-help, domestic, leisure, communication, vocational,... Free Essays on Community Based Instruction Free Essays on Community Based Instruction Running head: COMMUNITY-BASED INSTRUCTION FOR STUDENTS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION The Value of Community-Based Instruction for Students with Mental Retardation Community-based instruction is â€Å"teaching a skill to a student in the actual environment as opposed to teaching the skill in a classroom with the expectation of transference, generalization, and application of knowledge when skill use is required† (Beirne-Smith, Ittenbach, & Patton, 2002). The five major areas of community-referenced curriculum are work, leisure and play, consumer, education and rehabilitation, and transportation. Normalization is â€Å"the process of providing for, and to the maximum extent possible, treating an individual with special needs in the mainstream of society as if the individual has no special needs† (Beirne-Smith et al ., 2002). According to Beck, Broers, Hogue, Shipstead, and Knowlton (1994) normalization stresses environments and circumstances that are as culturally normal as possible to enhance behaviors that are culturally normal as possible. An example would be teaching the skills needed for daily living in the community. Practicing skills in the environment in which the skills are to be used gives the students with mental retardation a greater chance these skills will be remembered when it comes time to use them. Community-based instruction is most widely used by special education students with severe mental retardation. As reflected in Chapter 8 of Mental Retardation, students with mental retardation do not benefit from wasted time in the classroom learning unnecessary skills. The most useful learning activities are both functional and age appropriate. Learning for these students is most greatly enhanced through direct experience. According to Beirne-Smith et al. (2002) typically curriculum for students with severe mental retardation includes skill in the domains of self-help, domestic, leisure, communication, vocational,...

Legalizing Marijuana essays

Legalizing Marijuana essays The earliest knowledge we have of marijuana comes from the Chinese around 3750 B.C. (A Brief History of Marijuana Prohibition par 1). A philosopher and farmer by the name of Shen Nung showed the Chinese how to use the oil and seeds for food and how to make rope and clothing from hemp. When Shen Nung became a mighty emperor, he created a book of medical knowledge. For thousands of years later, resinous cannabis extracts were used as real medicines. The idea of prohibiting marijuana is an ancient idea as well. The catholic empire saw the medical treatment as witchcraft and anyone who betrayed the law was put at risk to be burnt at the stake. Since 1937, the entire cannabis hemp plant has been illegal in the United States. In the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, medical marijuana was fairly common. It was the second and third most used medicine in America by those just born to those in their old age (A Brief History of Marijuana Prohibition par 5). In 1937, the treasury department sent a draft of the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 to congress. All cannabis plant substances were made illegal for social use. Marijuana was still recognized for its medical value; it just requited physicians, dentists, and other doctors to pay one dollar per year to continue prescribing the medicine. The pharmacists who dispensed the drug had to pay fifteen dollars, the growers twenty-five dollars, and the importers fifty dollars per year. Marijuana gained a reputation as an awful intoxicant by the government and was seen as a plant that was smuggled by violent immigrants (Why Legalize? par 3). Commissioner Anslinger said Marijuana is an addictive drug which produces in its users insanity, criminality, and death (History of the Non-Medical Use of Drugs in the United States). More laws were passed making the penalty harsher for those with the drug in their possession. Consideration for re-legalizing the drug was denie...

Analysis of Seventh-day Adventists Website Assignment - 1

Analysis of Seventh-day Adventists Website - Assignment Example In addition, both websites offer information on the types of assistance that are offered, such as health care and provide publications. I learned that Seventh-day Adventists has global influences with churches, educational programs, health ministries and publications all over the world. The Seventh-day Adventists is a renowned organization, which has set up Bible study groups all over the world known as Sabbath School. It also develops its own materials for use. It has several departments to provide support to the organization, including auditing that ensures financial statements are true and fair and policies compliance are met. As for Jehovahs Witnesses, it also has similar global influences with its members increasing tremendously over the years as more people convert to the religion and become baptized. Even the website is available in hundreds of different languages to cater for different nationalities that share the same belief. Its Bible study can be arranged and conducted at the convenience of your own home. It has branches in several countries that manage resources, memorials, baptism, and congregations. I a lso learned that the topics provided allows one to relate the day-to-day affairs to the teachings of the Bible and by doing so, one can have more spiritual growth. This is especially so for those that are particularly at the lowest points in their lives, in times of crisis, when death occurs to someone dear to them, and even the approach of our own death. As Seventh-day Adventists operates educational facilities in many countries, they believe that church-run schools are equally capable of providing the necessary curriculum. It is said that many parents see a favorable change in their children upon joining such institutions and the group hopes to create more impact on society. On a separate note, Jehovahs Witnesses believe that current events; for instance, the worsening crimes and even global warming that instil fear in many about safety and  the future, are caused by the imperfections of human beings and how governments, by implementing legislation, believe they can address these imperfections and thus, make the world a better place to live in.  

UK Shouldn't leave European union Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

UK Shouldn't leave European union - Essay Example British are of the fact that the weak stance of the Euro zone due to the economic hardships is burdening UK. They are paying for the stability of other countries which are the members of the EU. The cost of this union is very high and the heritage of UK is at stake due to the policies which have been enforced on Britain by EU. This report suggests that UK should remain a part of the EU to ensure a more stable future and dominance on the Euro Zone. This will improve its economic strength and the power of dominance which has been a part of the heritage of UK. INTRODUCTION EUROPEAN UNION (EU) The European Union is an alliance between some of the European nations to support each other in maintaining the stability which arise due to the economic or the social / societal hardships in an economy. The European Union came into existence in the year 1993. A treaty was signed by the members called the Treaty of Maastricht. The base of this alliance was formed in 1958 by European Economic Commun ity (EEC) which was the result of signing of the Treaty of Rome. A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH AND THE EUROPEAN NATION United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) have a history which goes back in time. Both the regions have their own significant importance with respect to the business situations. UK operates under the currency of British Pound and the EU states use the standardised currency Euro all across the nation. The history of these states has always been complicated. The current scenario of the states is making problems for the strategic alliance between both the countries. The economic turmoil and the period of recession are forcing a strategic alliance between both the nations. UK has always been on the stronger side due to the British reign and the supremacy of the queen. The strategic personnel of UK and the think tanks which make the strategic decision of the countries progress are of the view of breaking the strategic alliance with the EU. In this report the areas emphasising on the importance of this alliance have been discussed. The current economic factors which are the main detrimental factors of the problems will also be discussed in this report. The economic recession has brought hardship on many nations. We will see that what strategies have been adopted by the UK & EU states. UK wants to break the alliance which has been developed. The factors which have led behind this decision and the study that whether this decision will be or will not be feasible for the states of this region or not. Breaking an alliance at this point may cause a disruption in the complete system and may require the re-establishing of the strategic goals which the region wants to implement. Whether Britain should or should not leave the European Union. If not then what are the factors which will affect the states if this alliance breaks. The alliance would have brought some sort of advantage to the UK and EU nation both. The recommendations should be analysed aft er the detailed study of the topic to present a best possibly applicable conclusion. A POLICY POSITION- UK SHOULDN’T LEAVE EU The votes in the Parliament have emphasised on the point that Britain does not plan to stay a part of the European Union. The current course of action of the representative is showing a trend that Britain will leave the EU by the time the next parliamentarian

Extended Essay in Business and Management for the IB diploma

Extended in Business and Management for the IB diploma - Essay Example . The moÃ'•t critical iÃ'•Ã'•ue facing adidaÃ'• iÃ'• itÃ'• effort to turn around Reebok. The company bought Reebok for $3.8 billion 2006, a move criticized by many analyÃ'•tÃ'• aÃ'• being too expenÃ'•ive. The company iÃ'• working to change cuÃ'•tomerÃ'• perception Reebok from that of a diÃ'•count Ã'•hoe brand to a premium brand. AÃ'• part of theÃ'•e effortÃ'•, the company haÃ'• Ã'•witched the Reebok wholeÃ'•ale model from bulk pre-order to pay aÃ'• you go. WholeÃ'•ale cuÃ'•tomerÃ'• like Footlocker now order Reebok Ã'•hoeÃ'• aÃ'• they need them rather than ordering them in bulk. ThiÃ'• makeÃ'• it leÃ'•Ã'• likely that larger retailerÃ'• will diÃ'•count Reebok Ã'•hoeÃ'• in order to clear their inventorieÃ'•. AdidaÃ'• iÃ'•, at itÃ'• core, an international company with only 30% of itÃ'• 2007 Ã'•aleÃ'• coming from North America. Moreover, it iÃ'• rapidly expanding itÃ'• preÃ'•ence in emerging marketÃ'• like AÃ'•ia and Latin America. BecauÃ'•e it targetÃ'• the wealthieÃ'•t Ã'•egmentÃ'• of the market the company leadÃ'• itÃ'• competitorÃ'• in Ã'•aleÃ'• in Japan, Korea, India, Thailand, IndoneÃ'•ia, and New Zealand; Ã'•aleÃ'• growth in itÃ'• core emerging marketÃ'• in Latin America and AÃ'•ia have haÃ'• topped 24% in the laÃ'•t Ã'•everal yearÃ'•. By 2010, management expectÃ'• China to be itÃ'• Ã'•econd biggeÃ'•t market. (CooperÃ'• and Lybrand, 2004, 77-84) AdidaÃ'• Group generateÃ'• revenue by Ã'•elling itÃ'• productÃ'• to retail Ã'•toreÃ'• or directly to the cuÃ'•tomer via one of the brandÃ'• concept Ã'•toreÃ'•, factory outletÃ'•, conceÃ'•Ã'•ion cornerÃ'•, or online Ã'•toreÃ'•. Of thiÃ'• revenue, 46% iÃ'• from footwear, 42% from apparel, and 12% from hardware. In 2007 the company had â‚ ¬10.3 billion in revenue ($13.7 billion baÃ'•ed on the average 2007 exchange rate), which waÃ'• a 7% currency-neutral increaÃ'•e over 2006Ã'• revenueÃ'• of â‚ ¬10.084 billion ($12.557 billion). While operating margin haÃ'• dropped overall Ã'•ince 2005, thiÃ'• can be attributed to the coÃ'•tÃ'• aÃ'•Ã'•ociated with integrating Reebok, which haÃ'•

Second Life Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Second Life - Research Paper Example On the other hand this application cannot be separated from the lives of individuals because it has proved to play an essential part in people’s lives. Any person who is not aware or is not using the application should reconsider his or her or her priorities in social life. Many companies are using this application to conduct a variety of activities ranging from internal communication, conducting meetings, product testing, corporate communication among others. It presents the companies with an added advantage as they are able to conduct various activities using this application in a cost effective manner. Meetings are easily conducted with people in various regions; products are easily tested before they are released to the mass market to assess the impact they will have on the target consumers. An organization is also able to publicize its activities not only to the people in the region where it exists but also to many other people from different parts of the world. Individua ls using second life live a very different and interesting life as compared to others who are not using it. They learn entrepreneurial skills through the various business activities that are available on second life. Secondly people are able to socialize and get to know each other in the virtual world. Instead of having friends within the same regions individuals can extend their network of friends and enjoy themselves in the various islands that are available on second life. Another important thing about this application is its use is therapy especially treating people with certain disorders or those who have been abused. It is evident from the above points that second life is an important application that has changed the way people and organizations conduct their activities, ranging from communications, product testing, meetings and PR activities to socializing and entrepreneurial activities. This is done without incurring any costs for any of the parties involved. They can use th e application to conduct their activities whenever they are whether for organizational or personal benefit. It can thus be concluded that second life actually plays an integral part in organizations and in peoples’ lives. It is an application that is essential for everyday activities and helps people and organizations in doing a variety of things that would actually not have been possible in the real world. 1. SECOND LIFE Second life as popularly known is the largest 3D online virtual world that was developed by Phillip linden of the Linden Laboratories in San Francisco in the United States of America1. It has tens of millions of Square meters of land considered virtual and more than thirteen million numbers of registered members or users also called residents and a very active economy2. It was launched in 2003 by the Linden Laboratories and has changed many aspects of the virtual world industry. Since it was launched way back in 2003 its developers have continued to improve on many aspects of its functionality adding features such as the VoIP that allows various users to speak to one another in the virtual world3. They have also improved on features such as environmental features that imitate the real environment for example the flowing water, wind and tree movements. Figure 1. Number of user hours from 2009- 2011 on second life Year 2009 2010 2010 2010 2010 2011 Months (Quarterly) Oct- Dec Jan- March April-June July-Sept Oct-Dec Jan-March User hours In millions 113 116 109 105 105 104 Source: http://www.metaversejournal.com/2011/05/12/first-quarter-2011-results-for-second-life-steady-sailing/