Hey EM, I'm going to be applying to colleges soon, and because my GPA sucks (3.28) I have to do phenomenal on the SAT and write a fantastic college essay if Im going to apply and actually be considered. While I've already taken the SAT, I still need help writing the personal statements and essays. Do you have suggestions? How personal should it be? Thanks for your imput!
(The schools I'm applying to UC Santa Cruz, Riverside, and Merced, UW Seattle, UoArizona, UNLV, and UL - Chicago)
This is a very viable option. A lot of my friends are doing community for 2 years then transferring. Ultimately, it depends on their financial status and how mentally prepared they are for living away from home.
go to a community college which generally doesn't require an essay and then transfer to a four year school - it'll cut out all of the "this is why i want to go to your school" and you'll save an assload of money
Think of it like a job interview, make yourself look good without making yourself look like a narcissist. Reflect on your high school career and mention the parts that make you sound like a student that they would like to have.
Think about it from the perspective of an admissions team. They're considering whether they want to make an investment in you. You want to demonstrate that you'll contribute to the community on campus and get a good job and either become famous or send them donations after you graduate. If you look like someone who has real career-oriented passion and who's driven to achieve the associated goals then you will be 100% more appealing than the average applicant.
Am I missing something, cuz google says it's more than 50% acceptance rate, and that is totally doable with a 3.2 provided strong course load. Unless Udub has crazy differences in acceptance rate for out of state.
Back on topic: for a good essay just try to not be generic. They hear 1000 times a day about how they're school is the best and perfect for each applicant. Write about something that interests you
It's also about the quality of the university as well. With a 3.2 and from out of state (or country in this case,) I don't think it's very likely that Smor will get into Udub.
i would open the essay with the standard "cop here i have UC Sata Cruz inno" that should get you on their good side.
you can also try roleswapping. Like saying "So i think you UNLV should join my univesity because its awesome and stuff" that will get them confused wich can go both ways might be real good or real bad for you.
DISCLAIMER: i have no idea how this stuff works. side effects might include working at macdonalds forever. Having trouble paying rent and eating on the same month. And unlearning what you already know-
nobody cares about the essay. just make sure you get it proof read for grammar/spelling by multiple people. good grammar is a better indicator for them than your ability to waffle on about your white, middle class background.
write about what made you who you are and what will drive you to do well in the future.
deletedover 10 years
honestly it doesn't have to be "top quality", the purpose is to get through to them what you're burning for and why you're interested
"We hope these essays inspire you as you prepare to compose your own personal statements. The most important thing to remember is to be original and creative as you share your own story with us."
deletedover 10 years
lol there's already another topic like this I just saw.