RALFFERS 0 #1 May 30, 2009 I need ideas of how to write a personal statement on a college application. I've never written 1, so I have no idea what to write. The thing with me is, once I get rolling I'm good to go. The thing about this 1st app that I'm doing is that the college isn't asking anything in particular; it's opened; you just got a white box titled "personal statement". All I need is a rough idea of what the admissions committee is looking for. Help brainstorming or a bullet point outline would be grat. Thanks! Edited to add: My G.P.A. is far from the greatest (C average - 2.20). I have an AA degree from a community college So whatever I write in this essay, I need to make sure that it sets me apart. I know I didn't always care about school & am thus reaping the consequences of that now, however, I'm not the same person I was 4 years ago. The harsh realities of life without a college education has schooled my quite well. I now know 2 things: 1) I need school, & 2) I genuinely want to go back. I'd like to think that my situation is not a "day late & dollar short" situation.Dialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself - "from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #2 May 30, 2009 Quote All I need is a rough idea of what the admissions committee is looking for. Maybe they're after people who can think for themselves - Just sayin' (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RALFFERS 0 #3 May 30, 2009 Quote Quote All I need is a rough idea of what the admissions committee is looking for. Maybe they're after people who can think for themselves - Just sayin' That makes completely sense, & I likewise completely agree with your conclusion. All I'm saying is I haven't written an essay in 4 years & would appreciate a rough idea of how to approach this task.Dialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself - "from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #4 May 30, 2009 I was just playing with you... As I've not been to college, let alone one in the US of A, I have no sensible input .... only a half arsed attempt at humourHey, Good luck. (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #5 May 30, 2009 Quote Help brainstorming or a bullet point outline would be great. "Professional Pillow Biter" ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RALFFERS 0 #6 May 30, 2009 Quote I was just playing with you... As I've not been to college, let alone one in the US of A, I have no sensible input .... only a half arsed attempt at humourHey, Good luck. Thanks man, 1 could always use a little humor to make the day that much better. Dialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself - "from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RALFFERS 0 #7 May 30, 2009 Quote Quote Help brainstorming or a bullet point outline would be great. "Professional Pillow Biter" And let me guess - Divot should be the 1 to write me a letter of recommendation, right?... Dialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself - "from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #8 May 30, 2009 Quote Quote Quote Help brainstorming or a bullet point outline would be great. "Professional Pillow Biter" And let me guess - Divot should be the 1 to write me a letter of recommendation, right?... You know Divot and the way HE travels around... I wouldn't doubt ya can pull a name outta any phone book anyplace in the country and somewhere-sometime, he's either fed 'em, fought 'em or fucked 'em! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RALFFERS 0 #9 May 30, 2009 Quote Quote Quote Quote Help brainstorming or a bullet point outline would be great. "Professional Pillow Biter" And let me guess - Divot should be the 1 to write me a letter of recommendation, right?... You know Divot and the way HE travels around... I wouldn't doubt ya can pull a name outta any phone book anyplace in the country and somewhere-sometime, he's either fed 'em, fought 'em or fucked 'em! Jim, I love you and your brand of humor. Dialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself - "from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpingjunkie09 0 #10 May 30, 2009 Quote I need ideas of how to write a personal statement on a college application. I've never written 1, so I have no idea what to write. The thing with me is, once I get rolling I'm good to go. The thing about this 1st app that I'm doing is that the college isn't asking anything in particular; it's opened; you just got a white box titled "personal statement". All I need is a rough idea of what the admissions committee is looking for. Help brainstorming or a bullet point outline would be grat. Thanks! Edited to add: My G.P.A. is far from the greatest (C average - 2.20). I have an AA degree from a community college So whatever I write in this essay, I need to make sure that it sets me apart. I know I didn't always care about school & am thus reaping the consequences of that now, however, I'm not the same person I was 4 years ago. The harsh realities of life without a college education has schooled my quite well. I now know 2 things: 1) I need school, & 2) I genuinely want to go back. I'd like to think that my situation is not a "day late & dollar short" situation. 1. if you remember last night you didnt drink enough 2. half of all people are below average 3. drinking in moderation defeats the purpose 4. if its not on video it never happened 5. you didnt do it, unless you got caught! I am "ROGUE" (III Degree Smutsketeer) Official "poster above you" thread starter "And don't forget we like men with balls and no needle dicks. So, basically, you're out." ~LuckyMcSwervy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #11 May 30, 2009 Well, what are your goals with whatever degree you're going back to college for?She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,590 #12 May 30, 2009 Quote Edited to add: My G.P.A. is far from the greatest (C average - 2.20). I have an AA degree from a community college So whatever I write in this essay, I need to make sure that it sets me apart. Write a full confession to being the Zodiac Killer. That will set you apart, and they will definitely remember you!"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #13 May 30, 2009 Have you looked on the college website for guidelines? If they aren't there, contact the counseling and/or admissions departments at the school you are applying to and your local community college. Can almost guarantee that one of the two will have some form of workshop scheduled to help people write their personal statements. As far as writing an essay... Remember the three parts - introduction, body, conclusion. Say what you're gonna say in the intro, say it again in more detail in the body, say it again to sum it all up in the conclusion. QuoteI know I didn't always care about school & am thus reaping the consequences of that now, however, I'm not the same person I was 4 years ago. The harsh realities of life without a college education has schooled my quite well. I now know 2 things: 1) I need school, & 2) I genuinely want to go back. Personally, I'd emphasize all that in your statement but I've never written one either so take that for what it's worth (exactly nuthin'). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
futuredivot 0 #14 May 30, 2009 Quote Quote Help brainstorming or a bullet point outline would be great. "Professional Pillow Biter" Nobody told me he was supposed to be paidYou are only as strong as the prey you devour Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SarahC07 0 #15 May 30, 2009 What kind of school are we talking about? How competitive is the application process? I'm assuming this is for a 4 year public university, yes? What all is included in your application/portfolio? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RALFFERS 0 #16 May 30, 2009 QuoteWell, what are your goals with whatever degree you're going back to college for? My Goal is to go to pharmacy school. Hover, because my current G.P.A. may hinder acceptance right away my goal is to get a B.S. in molecular biology & then transfer to pharmacy school for the remaining 4 years of the Graduate program. Yes, it'll be a difficult 6-7 years, but I will have attained a PhD thus be very marketable. Why pharmacy? - because enjoy science, & particularly like the subject matter that someone with a pharmD degree has to study. Furthermore, I thoroughly enjoy working with people. Pharmacy also pays very well. A Bachelors degree doesn't really do as much as it used to, especially for me in having a disability & therefore needing to prove myself valuable in the workplace. I need the maximum amount of education that one can get. If my plans change I can always fallback on my B.S. degree and pursue higher levels of education in the various fields of biology.Dialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself - "from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,590 #17 May 30, 2009 Quote My Goal is to go to pharmacy school. I foresee Ralffers making many new friends."There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RALFFERS 0 #18 May 30, 2009 QuoteWhat kind of school are we talking about? How competitive is the application process? I'm assuming this is for a 4 year public university, yes? What all is included in your application/portfolio? Lets just say I will have no social life whatsoever the next 6-7 years. The application process really isn't all that demanding; the G.P.A. requirement is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. But you have to do your absolute best in order to get into the graduate pharmacy program. Hence why I'm not going to have a life outside of school for a long time starting soon.Dialogue/commentary between Divot, Twardo & myself - "from your first Oshkosh when the three of us were riding to or from one of Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Superman32 0 #19 May 31, 2009 Quote I need to make sure that it sets me apart. I know I didn't always care about school & am thus reaping the consequences of that now, however, I'm not the same person I was 4 years ago. The harsh realities of life without a college education has schooled my quite well. I now know 2 things: 1) I need school, & 2) I genuinely want to go back. I'd like to think that my situation is not a "day late & dollar short" situation. There is your assay my friend. These f'ing personal statements are the bane of my existence. I think I've written at least 3 (college, grad, med schools) and I have to write another one. I hate my life Anyway, how I have always done it, is I start with a scenario that is unique, interesting and highlights what ever you want portrayed (change, characteristic, what ever), that should make a short first paragraph. The hope is that the reader is going to want to read more about your interesting experience. The next few paragraphs are used to illustrate whatever you are trying to portray, hopefully using examples of how your life is already leading in that desired direction and how you have changed. Last paragraph brings everything together. A quick reference to your opening scenario, you mention how you are perfect for the spot. Last sentence should be somewhat nice sounding and memorable. *Keep it to ONE page *Have someone (well educated, not your HS brother) read it, make comments and suggest changes. *Make it sound impressive but NEVER LIE OR MAKE SHIT UP. People will read hundreds if not thousands, they will mainly remember the begining and the end, the middle is kinda fluff (important but fluff - that should be somewhere else in your application) Good Luck Inveniam Viam aut Faciam I'm back biatches! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Superman32 0 #20 May 31, 2009 Btw, nice choice with pharmacy. Nice money, nice lifestyle, lots of opportunities. Having a life is highly overated. I don't even remember having anything that comes close to resembling a life. Only 4 to 8 years left Yaay Inveniam Viam aut Faciam I'm back biatches! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy9o8 2 #21 May 31, 2009 Of course substance is very important, but so is form. Good structure, clarity of expression, and impeccable grammar and spelling are absolutely crucial. Any sloppiness in that regard will kill you. I really cannot stress that enough. For example, you use "1" instead of "one" in these posts. Fine for a blog, but break that habit with formal writing. Another example: "hover" is a real word, so it won't trigger a hit on a spell-checker. However, it is not the correct spelling of ... "however". Not a natural writer? That's ok. But have a good writer carefully edit your final version before you send it out. It's no less honorable (or sensible) than, say, having a friend who's good in math check your math. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #22 May 31, 2009 My name is Ralffer and I needs me some more of that fancy book learnin' My Goal is to go to pharmacy school. I've been an armature pharmacologist for years. I will be up for parole in August. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #23 May 31, 2009 QuoteAs far as writing an essay... Remember the three parts - introduction, body, conclusion. Say what you're gonna say in the intro, say it again in more detail in the body, say it again to sum it all up in the conclusion. When my kids were young, the teachers called that the "hamburger"; the buns were the into and conclusion and the body was the filling. My son just finished up an AP writing class and he told me they're teaching them to not include a conclusion anymore because it's redundant. The only thing I know is that I'm glad it's not me writing these essays!She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnRich 4 #24 May 31, 2009 QuoteEdited to add: My G.P.A. is far from the greatest (C average - 2.20). I have an AA degree from a community college So whatever I write in this essay, I need to make sure that it sets me apart. I know I didn't always care about school & am thus reaping the consequences of that now, however, I'm not the same person I was 4 years ago. The harsh realities of life without a college education has schooled my quite well. I now know 2 things: 1) I need school, & 2) I genuinely want to go back. I'd like to think that my situation is not a "day late & dollar short" situation. Your "edited to add" statement above sounds perfect to me. Just clean it up and make it a bit more professional. It shows that you acknowledge your previous weaknesses, and show a genuine desire to continue, work hard, and succeed. I would hope that they want students like you, over the kids that they have to babysit just because mommy and daddy want them there. Good luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lauraliscious 0 #25 May 31, 2009 QuoteQuoteEdited to add: My G.P.A. is far from the greatest (C average - 2.20). I have an AA degree from a community college So whatever I write in this essay, I need to make sure that it sets me apart. I know I didn't always care about school & am thus reaping the consequences of that now, however, I'm not the same person I was 4 years ago. The harsh realities of life without a college education has schooled my quite well. I now know 2 things: 1) I need school, & 2) I genuinely want to go back. I'd like to think that my situation is not a "day late & dollar short" situation. Your "edited to add" statement above sounds perfect to me. Just clean it up and make it a bit more professional. It shows that you acknowledge your previous weaknesses, and show a genuine desire to continue, work hard, and succeed. I would hope that they want students like you, over the kids that they have to babysit just because mommy and daddy want them there. Good luck! +1 Sounds like a good Personal Statement topic right there. You say you're not the same person you were 4 years ago...talk about why & what happened in those 4 years that caused you to change. Enemiga Rodriguez, PMS #369, OrFun #25, Team Dirty Sanchez #116, Pelt Head #29, Muff #4091 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
