2008 Woodie Awards
College application time
Time to apply to that four year college
Natalie Elder
Issue date: 10/23/06 Section: Features
Monday, October 23, 2006
On October 11, The Writing and Reading Center hosted a college application writing workshop that helped prepare De Anza College students for writing their personal statements. A few tips to help a student that is interested in transferring next year:
1. Start early - NOW!
2. Answer the question: Know the purpose of the essay and consider your audience.
3. Tell a story only you can tell and tell it in your own voice.
4. Reflect on the meaning of your story (see essay prompt).
5. Write about the specific rather than the general.
During the workshop a resource packet was handed out, explaining what a personal statement should contain as well as providing sample essays from people who were accepted to University of California (UC) schools as well as other private universities.
Marc Coronado, a former admissions officer at UC Santa Barbara gave some useful suggestions when writing an application essay, "The person who reads your application has a sense of the field you are interested in getting into, therefore be sure to use terms that are related to your intended major."
Marilyn Patton, an English Literature professor at De Anza, gave some pointers regarding private universities, "You must sound knowledgeable about your intended major.
Your reader wants to read about what you having been doing lately, what you are doing now, and how it all ties in with how you will be a perfect fit for their school."
Patton also pointed out that in private universities class sizes are much smaller than those of a UC; therefore, one can increase his or her chances of getting good grades and being accepted to graduate school.
Of course, always make sure to proofread your essays and have correct grammar and punctuation, interesting style, and a sense of humor (sarcasm is not recommended).
In summary, admissions officers are mostly looking for "people with a story to tell, who have a unique background," Patton said.
If you need help preparing your personal statement don't hesitate to stop by the transfer center, located in the student services building, or at the WRC, located in ATC 309.
Also, don't hesitate to contact your English professor; he or she can be very useful in helping you put the final touches.
On October 11, The Writing and Reading Center hosted a college application writing workshop that helped prepare De Anza College students for writing their personal statements. A few tips to help a student that is interested in transferring next year:
1. Start early - NOW!
2. Answer the question: Know the purpose of the essay and consider your audience.
3. Tell a story only you can tell and tell it in your own voice.
4. Reflect on the meaning of your story (see essay prompt).
5. Write about the specific rather than the general.
During the workshop a resource packet was handed out, explaining what a personal statement should contain as well as providing sample essays from people who were accepted to University of California (UC) schools as well as other private universities.
Marc Coronado, a former admissions officer at UC Santa Barbara gave some useful suggestions when writing an application essay, "The person who reads your application has a sense of the field you are interested in getting into, therefore be sure to use terms that are related to your intended major."
Marilyn Patton, an English Literature professor at De Anza, gave some pointers regarding private universities, "You must sound knowledgeable about your intended major.
Your reader wants to read about what you having been doing lately, what you are doing now, and how it all ties in with how you will be a perfect fit for their school."
Patton also pointed out that in private universities class sizes are much smaller than those of a UC; therefore, one can increase his or her chances of getting good grades and being accepted to graduate school.
Of course, always make sure to proofread your essays and have correct grammar and punctuation, interesting style, and a sense of humor (sarcasm is not recommended).
In summary, admissions officers are mostly looking for "people with a story to tell, who have a unique background," Patton said.
If you need help preparing your personal statement don't hesitate to stop by the transfer center, located in the student services building, or at the WRC, located in ATC 309.
Also, don't hesitate to contact your English professor; he or she can be very useful in helping you put the final touches.
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