Admissions Essay?
Asked by pumaI am a non-traditional student who is applying to finish my degree. I need to write an essay about who I am, what I do, why I want to go to school, etc. The problem is I can't seem to begin. Should I start with a quote, an example of my writing, a metaphor about my life? I want to get into a very competitive school. Any advice?
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Having been in the exact same place as you once, I'd say start writing about who you are and then go back to the beginning once you have the body. Something eyecatching but honest - not so it looks like you'e trying too hard or making things up. Here's some questions to help - what do you do when you're not involved with family? Any hobbies? What's driving you to return to school at this point in your life? What are your goals/reasons for getting said degree? Why are you a better risk than say, some 20 something without any life experience? (BTW, the best answer, having been friends with an admissions officer, is that you have a developed work ethic, you understand what it is to set and acheive goals, etc.) One of the big things that concerns a college about non trad students is commitment - are you going to be able to fulfill your obligations and still have a family? If you can convince them of that, plus your motivations as to why you want to go to that school, you'll be a shoe-in. (I used to be president of the non traditional students organization at my old college - these were the biggest two issues a college had with non trads) Good Luck! I think you'll do fine.
Having been in the exact same place as you once, I'd say start writing about who you are and then go back to the beginning once you have the body. Something eyecatching but honest - not so it looks like you'e trying too hard or making things up. Here's some questions to help - what do you do when you're not involved with family? Any hobbies? What's driving you to return to school at this point in your life? What are your goals/reasons for getting said degree? Why are you a better risk than say, some 20 something without any life experience? (BTW, the best answer, having been friends with an admissions officer, is that you have a developed work ethic, you understand what it is to set and acheive goals, etc.) One of the big things that concerns a college about non trad students is commitment - are you going to be able to fulfill your obligations and still have a family? If you can convince them of that, plus your motivations as to why you want to go to that school, you'll be a shoe-in. (I used to be president of the non traditional students organization at my old college - these were the biggest two issues a college had with non trads) Good Luck! I think you'll do fine.
