The Prereq is a website where you can find information on just about anything that has to do with colleges and college life. Geared toward college students, the blog is edited by the talented crew behind Unigo.com, a comprehensive site about everything college-related. Among the many topics that you will find on The Prereq are blog entries on The Stress of Moving Into a College Dorm, suggestions for books, health care, and more.
What’s good about The Prereq
One of the positive aspects of The Prereq blog is that the content is relevant. Students these days deal with a lot of subjects, issues, concerns, and problems. With the recession and health care problems adding to the everyday stresses of a college student, it can be very difficult for students to get by. Fortunately, blogs like The Prereq tackle these issues and the many other concerns of students, offering a place where students can come to learn, unwind, or just find a good book to read.
What needs improvement
My main problem with The Prereq blog is its layout and design. Even though the blog entries are categorized, the website doesn’t have a list of categories to make article browsing easier and more convenient. The only way to find more articles under a category is to find a blog entry under a specific category, then click on the link to that particular category. Other than manually searching for the blog categories, there is no way to tell what the other categories on the website are. Likewise, there’s no information about popular blog posts. In fact, the only navigation links on the page are “Home,” “About Us,” and the numerous links to other Unigo sites. Considering that the site has some good content, they could have done a much better job at making it more user-friendly.
Study Hall Notes features a wide variety of information to help students, alumni, and teachers with various aspects of college life. When you visit Study Hall Notes, you will be able to find topics on useful software, teacher advice, jobs and internships for students, school-related issues, professor ratings, and recent issues that affect college life. For example, you can find articles that aim at helping graduating high school and college seniors.
Study Hall Notes’ A+ features
What makes Study Hall Notes good is that the site seeks to reach out to a wide and diverse audience, while still staying within a relatively focused scope. Many of the “student help” sites out there are aimed at students. Study Hall Notes, however, seeks to provide a platform wherein students can communicate with teachers and alumni. What’s great about this perspective is that students can get advice and information from experienced individuals, while alumni and teachers can stay informed about pressing issues, concerns, and questions of the youth.
Study Hall Notes’ mediocrity
Although Study Hall Notes has the good concept of creating a community among teachers, students, and alumni, it does a mediocre job of promoting that community. In fact, when I first visited the site, I wasn’t very impressed. From the look of the site alone, you can tell that it was all created with a template. While automated and turnkey web design is very helpful, it doesn’t do much to make the site unique and distinct. I think Student Hall Notes needs a complete makeover, from head to toe. The site looks tacky, is hard to navigate, and is simply disorganized. On top of that, there isn’t much content, and there are no extra features that will entice visitors to return to the site.
The Sam Jackson College Experience is a blog created by Sam Jackson, who studied at Yale and will be attending Peking University in Beijing. Basically, this is a rather straightforward blog that discusses issues related to higher education marketing, college admissions, college application processes, and the author’s experiences as a Yale student. As such, you can find articles about the crime rates in the area around Yale, Yale admissions information, and general blogging information.
What’s good about Sam Jackson’s blog
What you’ll love about The Sam Jackson College Experience is that it is a no-frills blog site, where visitors can enjoy what the author has to say on various topics. The site is well-organized and very simple, making it easy to navigate to the various blog entries and sections on the site. Sam Jackson also has the advantage of having a rather unique voice and concept. A Yale student blogging about school life and marketing trends isn’t something that you find in every blog that you come across, which is why The Sam Jackson College Experience is distinct from some of the other blogs out there.
What’s not-so-good about Sam Jackson’s blog
On the other side of the scale, Sam Jackson’s blog does have a few faults. First of all, visitors have little to look forward to with the site. The author himself claims that The sad reality is that I now tweet more than I blog! It’s bad enough that the content on the site is rather limited, but having the author commit himself more to Twitter means that his blog readers can expect even fewer content on the blog. The blog entries could also use some pictures to help improve the look of the site.
The application process in different schools is more or less the same. There are exams to take and essays to make. However, there are usually two categories of admission essay questions that you should know and be prepared for.
Direct (the essay question or prompt is given)
When specific questions are already given or specific information is asked for, then all you have to do is find a way to relate it with your experiences. Make sure to read the instructions and take note of the required number of word count, if any. When everyone is given the same topic to work with, it would need much thought and originality in style and content in order to stand out.
Indirect (the applicant is asked to choose a topic)
When you, as an applicant, are given the liberty of choosing your own topic, you have the advantage of being able to select and write down what is truly important to you. Sometimes though, this poses the disadvantage of having to rack your brain for a topic or theme that would be different from the rest. You have to make a list of your strengths and find a topic that would reflect this in a dynamic way.
Tips to tackle admission essay questions
In order to do well in answering admission essay questions, whether direct or indirect, you have to remain focused. Make sure you know what you really want to write about. Do not put in information that may be too broad or general. Especially for direct essay questions, you have to stick to your point and keep it relevant. Add just enough details to enhance what you are trying to say. In both categories, it is important to be creative, clear, and concise. You also have to make sure that the whole package you are trying to present is organized and error-free. To do this, you have to go back and look through it a couple of times. Make sure it’s impressive, but that it gets to reflect who you really are.
Related links:
Essay tips – About the importance of a good application essay
College essay – Tips for college application essays
Thesis statement – Tips on writing college admission essays
Achievements in essay – Writing down notable achievements in your essay
College essays – Guide to writing effective essays
Preparation is an important part in any endeavor. This is something that you can’t do without when writing your application essay. One of the most important preparations that you have do is to look back at what has happened in your life and introspect.
Assessing yourself as preparation before writing your essay
The essay that you are going to write is about the totality of you. You are supposed to sum up your life’s achievements and experiences, re-evaluate your goals, and tie it up with your chosen field of study and those of the schools you are applying to. Thus, it is very important for you to have a clear picture of everything. Think about the situations that made you who you are and who you want to be.
What to ask yourself when writing your essay
Before asking yourself any questions, make sure that you first do your research on the school and the course that you are applying for. After you have done so, the most important question that you have to ask yourself is “Do my interests, experiences, and values coincide with those of the college I’m applying to as well as with my chosen field of expertise?” Next, ask yourself what makes you special. Recall specific instances or
personal incidences when you have felt that you were totally you, when you felt you were doing what you know you would most likely want to keep doing for the rest of your life. Remember, what the admissions panel would like to see is the genuine you.
Organizing your answers into an outline
After you have listed down your answers to the questions above, the next thing you have to do is to organize the information. You can it list it down like a student resume at first. Next, look for patterns and similarities. Then, make it more specific. Highlight an activity or two that you’ve joined and which made the most impact on you, and then write your part in it. Indicate the key points you’ve learned. Focus on a single point in each paragraph and expound on it. Make sure that all the important points are included and that you are comfortable with the tone. Do not forget to edit and re-write. No one gets it perfect the first time.
Related links:
College admission essay – Tips on writing college admission essays
Thesis statement – Tips on writing college admission essays
University admission essay – Putting together an attractive admission essay
Achievements in essay – Writing down notable achievements in your essay
College essays – Tips on writing college essays
You want your essay to come out strong so that the evaluators will get to take notice of it among the hundreds or thousands that they have to read. In order to do so, you have to find out the approach that’s best for you.
Use an angle that highlights your personality
Some people who write essays give strength to their work by showing some humor through carefully placed remarks or witty anecdotes. Some may use their flawless logic and organization. Others show it through their philosophical and reflective style. Their approaches may differ, but their essays would still be noteworthy as long as these reflect and highlight who they are. So first, you have to discover your style by delving into your strengths. Next, brainstorm on your experiences that led to who you are. Lastly, combine these ideas in a manner that would best allow you to reach out to others.
Use an angle that will hook your readers
Ultimately, the essay is about impressing your readers. It’s not just a venue for narcissistic self-expression. Thus, you also have to consider what would grab your readers? attention. It is a good thing that what usually makes others feel more connected to essays is its emotional content. This happens when what you write makes others feel and see your character come alive with the uniqueness of identity and purpose. Draw them in with reflections, stories, and experiences that are relevant to your objective. Then, organize and bring these all together in a dynamic way.
Other tips when finding an angle for your essay
Knowing yourself is one way to find a good angle for your essay. Another way is also by doing some research and checking out some sample essays that you can find on the Internet or in your library. By looking at these, you would be able to see different
writing styles and perspectives. You can then choose and see what works for you and tailor it according to your unique attributes and general writing technique.
Related links:
Achievements in essay – Writing down notable achievements in your essay
Successful essays – Tips for writing effective essays
College admission essay – Tips on writing college application essays
Thesis statement – Tips on writing college admission essays
Writing application essays – Tips on writing college essays
In writing a college application essay, it is important to be able to share relevant information as well as good insight in order to make it appealing and interesting. If you put too much information, you run the risk of making it tiresome for your readers. On the other hand, well-thought of essays are always remarkable reads.
Characteristics of an essay with depth
Depth requires a certain level of intensity that would only come from being able to share what is actually important and meaningful to you. It is honest, astute, and very much alive with your passion and commitment to the things that interest you.
Why depth is more important than breadth
While you may have won many outstanding awards or been a part of numerous activities, simply listing these down doesn?t really tell anyone who you are or what you?ve learned. It may tell people that you?re talented and smart, but other applicants may be so as well. If so, your list wouldn?t really give you any edge. On the other hand, mentioning your awards and experiences in passing and just focusing on a few that actually made an impact on you helps to show who you really are and what you value. This, in turn, would help whoever reads your essay feel more connected and get a better understanding of you as a person and not just as another applicant. Thus, the quality of your statement has more bearing than its scope.
More tips on writing an essay with depth
If want your essay to have depth, make sure to focus on some important aspects. First, find out the thing about you that you would like to impart and one that shows you are most suitable to the school you are applying to and your chosen field of specialization. Second, forego cliches. There is more profundity in originality. Third, write with clarity and conviction. Do not clutter your essay with non-essentials and make sure that you maintain a smooth flow of thought. Lastly, though your mind is an important tool in the writing process, do not forget to pour out your heart and display
some emotion. You get to share what it is that makes you unique in the process.
Related links:
Admission essay – How to put together attractive essays
University requirements – About what top universities are looking for
Great admission essays – All about writing college admission essays
Sample personal statement – How a sample personal statement essay can be useful
Organizing pezing your essay
Competition exists in many aspects of life whether you like it or not. In order to win, you have to make sure that you stand out. What does it take to stand out when writing an application essay?
Why a personal touch is important
What is the purpose of this essay? This is the question you ultimately have to answer. Colleges often use the essays that you make to judge your fluency, intellectual maturity, and readiness to enter in your chosen field of specialization. Remember, an application essay is not a resume. If you merely write your qualifications, then you may easily be bested by others who have more experience than you. Plus, you can hardly paint an accurate picture of yourself that would convince the admissions panel that you are fit to be part of the college by using general information that everyone would most likely have already included.
DOs when putting a personal touch in your essay
In order to make others see a clearer picture of what makes you different from the rest, you have to be able to convey what you really want and what makes you deserving to get into the program. One way to do this is by knowing what to include. Your short-term and long-term goals, relevant community and academic experiences in your chosen field, and the possible contributions you can offer to the department, as well as your reasons for choosing the particular college that you?re applying to are all part of the necessary framework.
Aside from the content, though, the way it?s written is also most important. Make it concise and interesting. Rather than telling about your experience in general, it is important to be unique. Tell a story, and offer your insights. Put into it some creativity and thought and make sure that your honesty and integrity, or whatever value you deem important, shows. You may also use a sample personal statement essay to help you find a writing technique that best suits you.
DON’Ts when putting a personal touch in your essay
As important as knowing what to put in your essay is also knowing what should be excluded. It is a definite no-no to just place things that half of the applicants would also probably write. Making your essay too creative or using unnecessary jargon may also distance you from the readers. Also, it is good to write down your achievements, but do keep it balanced so that you won?t sound too pompous.
Related links:
Essay tips – About the importance of a good application essay
College essay – Tips for college application essays
Sample personal statement – How a sample personal statement essay can be useful
Application essay writing – Tips on writing college essays
University requirements – About what top universities are looking for
Aside from preparing your academic transcripts, requesting people to write your reference or recommendation letters, and doing well in admission tests by obtaining high scores, there is one more requirement in your college application that you should never disregard ? your college essay.
The college essay is not merely a proof of your writing prowess. More importantly, it is your tool to introduce yourself to the admission committee and let them see your character, your personal side that cannot be gleaned through the other application requirements. Those who would read your essay want to see your writing ability and insight into who you are.
Introducing yourself to your readers
Indeed, writing the college essay could be a stressful and exhaustive process, but you must view the essay as an opportunity rather than a chore. In doing so, you are more likely to come up with a good essay. Remember too that of all the application requirements, the college essay is one where you?ve got complete control over.
Letting them discover your unique characteristics
You need to do a little brainstorming prior to writing your essay. You must take time to reflect on your life. What are your interests, motivations, and your strengths? You can play up with these and relate it to your choice of university and course. You should be able to “sell” yourself to the admission officers and convince them that you are worthy to be part of their college.
For example, if you want to enter med school, one possible theme of your essay can be “why I want to be a doctor.” From here, you can relate your experiences and inspiration that led you to decide to become a doctor. You can also highlight some of your skills and interests which you deem helpful in becoming a good med student.
Other effective tips in revealing yourself through your essay
Other essay tips include being yourself and being different so you will stand out from the rest of the applicants. You should have a focus and a thesis statement that is clear to your readers. Write from the heart and write about topics that are truly significant to you.
Related links:
Personal Statements – Personal statement writing tips and guides
Notable Achievements – Achievements you should include in personal statements
Personal Statement Essay – How to use a personal statement essay sample
Sample Essays – Where to get good sample essay sources
Essay and Resume – Similarities and differences of a personal statement and a resume
Writing Personal Statements – Steps in writing personal statements
Good Story – Using a story in personal statement essays
Effective Personal Statements – Tips in writing effective personal statements
Good Essay Examples – How to write personal essays with the aid of good essay examples
Personal Statement – Tips on making your personal statement reveal more about you
You’ve probably imagined college life to take place in one of the top universities in town. You have an above-average GPA and even scored high on your SAT. Unfortunately, so did other applicants. With the sea of candidates competing for the limited slot, you can secure your entry to your chosen university by submitting an admission essay that will set you apart from them. Just how can you do just that, here are some practical tips:
Write as you speak
The common mistake in writing an application essay is making it seem like it’s written by another person. Some essays barely make any impression at all because the writing seems detached. It’s as if the applicant is merely listing down all good reasons to get accepted to the college program. These are not enough to convince the admissions panel, since almost everybody has the same good reasons as yours.
When you write as you speak, it’s as if you’re letting the panel view the world through your own eyes. Give a fresh take on a topic that’s been discussed a million times before by citing personal experiences. You can illustrate the kind of person you are through this style of writing.
Although your personal statement for college is a matter that should be taken seriously, it shouldn’t stop you from being creative with the way you relay your thoughts. Write as if you’re just telling a story to a friend. This writing style will make your essay sound more original and truly personal. You can easily connect with your audience this way.
Be more introspective
Don’t just offer a summary of your accomplishments. The purpose of the essay is not to rewrite your resume. You should provide details about yourself that are not found in other application requirements such as your recommendation letter.
Because of the word limit, you should be more selective of the experiences you will share. You can also cite personal anecdotes that can best describe as who you are, or quotes that will serve as starting points in discussing your application. Others also pose rhetorical questions to best exhbit their logical reasoning and communication skills.
You need to be more introspective and think about situations in your life that made you who you are and who you want to be. These kinds of stories will appeal more to your audience.
Make it a fun read
Keep it short but entertaining. If you want to get your readers hooked, don’t start lamely. Have an attention-grabbing intro to keep them going. The details you provide in the body should support the thesis of your personal statement; the subtopics should also be well connected.
Make the time spent in going over your essay worthwhile for your readers. Don’t make them cringe because of the big words you’re using or trite expressions they’ve heard for the nth time. Write as if you’re talking to them directly. This will surely keep their interest. You can use a sample personal statement essay as a guide.
