Posts by andrea31

andrea31

Aug 30, 2012

Undergraduate / 'a better life for myself' - University of Florida essay [3]

Essay Topic
In the space provided, please write a concise narrative in which you describe a meaningful event, experience or accomplishment in your life and how it will affect your college experience or your contribution to the UF campus community. You may want to reflect on your ideas about student responsibility, academic integrity, campus citizenship or a call to service.

It was a sunny afternoon as I sat next to my sister on the bus ride home from school. I had this habit of looking out the window to view my house as the bus passed it and came to a stop at the end of the block. This time, however, was different. I looked out the window only to see a for-sale sign standing tall in the middle of our lawn. My jaw dropped and my heart raced, I could not believe what I was seeing. I knew this day would come but I had no idea it would be so soon. Not to mention so close to me finishing high school.

I was in the middle of my challenging junior year and now I had to worry about losing my house. The first thing that went through my mind was that I only had a few months until I took my AP Statistics test, the SAT, and the NYS Regents exams. Unfortunately, this house was up for a short-sale and was expected to sell within ninety days. There was no way I was going to let all this stress affect my grades. I knew that most kids in my situation would give up, would feel like school is not as important as a home, and would stress themselves out to the point where they did not care anymore. I did not want to develop that mindset. I had a future to prepare myself for and I had no desire to give up on my dreams. In fact, this obstacle aspired me to work harder.

I have always been a dedicated worker and for some odd reason, no matter what is going on in my life, I never let my school work slip. I live in a single parent household with my mom being the soul source of income. Money was always tight but there was no logical way she could run a whole house by herself. Occasionally, we experienced the electricity or the cable being turned off. It was never a pleasant time but we managed to make it through.

Throughout all this I have decided that I want to make a better life for myself. That whole time I maintained my A average, received perfect attendance, and scored a 4 on my AP exam. I am honestly proud of what I have accomplished. Fortunately, the house has not been sold yet, but could at any moment. However, what I have learned most of all is that you cannot rely on anyone. If I want something I have to do it myself, and cannot let anything stand in my way. This is why I would love to attend the University of Florida. I have no problem keeping my grades up and living on campus would give me that feeling of independence. I imagine college as an opportunity to start my life over and be the successful individual I dream of being.

This essay has 493 words. Do you think it's good enough? Is it what they are looking for? Should I just completely scrap it and start new considering it has a depressing feel? Thanks for reading it.

andrea31

Sep 17, 2012

Undergraduate / Why should I consider becoming a CPA? [2]

I would consider pursuing a career in accounting. ~~I think~~ the main reason why I would consider becoming an CPA is because of the respect and prestige they receive. They're respected by their peers and social clients and I mean who wouldn't want to be respected by just about everyone they interact with?

~~Another reason why I would consider becoming a CPA is because CPA's are paid well~~Another benefit of becoming a CPA is that they are well paid. . CPA's can earn from 40000 to 70000 dollars a year, depending on ~~how long they've been an accountant~~how much experience they have . CPA's who have been working for a year or less can make about 47,000 dollars a year, while those who have been working 4 years earn about 50,000 dollars and those with 5-9 can earn about 60,000 a year.

~~The last and final reason why I would consider becoming a CPA is because it widens your career path~~Becoming a CPA also widens your career path . As financial issues began to worsen, there is a greater chance for criminal activity. Forensic accountants working with firms, local & state police, the IRS & FBI work on fraud and are often asked to testify during criminal trials as a witness.

Once again, I would love to become a CPA because I love counting money and being in charge of things ~~and making people do things~~ . The money, power, and respect CPA's receive is what interests me the most and I also think I would be great with public speaking.

andrea31

Sep 17, 2012

Undergraduate / Novels as Lyrics. College Essay (UF Undergraduate Admissions) [2]

I find solace in the way words turn into music. Not literally, yet almost. There is a flow. A certain rhythmic reading pattern. Words join together or are strewn apart with punctuation.

I see a girl. She sits alone but smiles to herself, nose deep in worn pages. Here but not really~~...~~(the ... is not needed) here. She laughs a little out loud, stops, and looks around to see if she's been caught. If somewhere, someone noticed and smiled too, understanding the power of a good story.

I believe, a novel, written correctly, can change someone's life or even save it. The good ones have a way of making you feel like you're not alone. That someone understands and has possibly written your biography down for you. A novel is especially perfect for those who think with imagery. I like to create the scenes that I read of in my thoughtsthis part is a worded a little weird maybe tryI like to create the scenes that I have read inside my head , and revisit them when I feel lonely or disappointment by the mundane. A novel is great for the closet adventurer. A person of whom may never dream of sky diving or climbing Mt. Everest yet feels as bold as ever when she turns the page. A novel is great for the reader who understands the art of literature; the talent that is needed to transform an account into a fairytale. A novel is great for the investigative mind that can draw out the message of the story apart from it's obvious connotation.

I remember how I learned how to read. I spent my evenings after school at a house down the street from my grandmother's with a woman named Nancy. She was the same age as my grandmother and I had met her through her grandchildren. I remember how nice her house was; how good the cookies she made tasted and how she treated me like family. She believed in literacy and language. She believed in nourishing a youth that would go on to do great things in the future.

She began by taking me to her book shelf one day and asking me to pick out a book, any book. I don't remember what I chose but I know that she took me out to the front porch, poured us some water and sat down with me on the porch swing. We continued like this for quite a while every day, either chapters or short stories. In fact, I don't think we stopped until I moved away in the third grade. I don't remember titles but I do remember snippets. I remember reading a book about thanksgiving and a book about otters. I remember reading Junie B. Jones and how she would help me through the words but never read it herself.

Now, today, I have often take for granted my free education or my ability to understand concepts in class. However, I try to look back on Mrs. Nancy and feel thankful that there was someone around who cared enough to invest in my future. In my life.

I like your essay. I appreciate your love for reading.
I'm also applying to UF this year. Good luck with your application!