I am reapplying to my school from academic suspension, I would love some feedback about my essay, please help me make it as clear and articulate as possible.
thanks everyone.
PROMPT:
The statement of readiness must have the following information:
What major you want to pursue and why.
Explain causes for academic suspension and how you plan to remedy the situation.
Explain what you did during your time away from UH.
Explain what will be changed to make sure that academic success will occur in the future.
To Whom It May Concern:
Following the spring semester of 2011 I was placed on academic suspension. At the time I was enrolled as a full time student, in the Natural Science and Mathematics College with biology as my declared major. Over the past year I have made significant changes to better myself and will convey why I am prepared to return to the University of Houston.
When I first began attending U of H I was under the impression that it would be much like high school for me. I always chose the path of least resistance, and packed studying into a few short hours every Sunday night before the upcoming week of school. I was a habitual mediocre student, who thought he could coast through any class regardless of the amount of work assigned by the instructor. I was never too serious about having the perfect schedule setup for myself, always picking and choosing available classes that would eventually contribute to my overall degree. I never strove to create a schedule that utilized time properly, and usually constructed schedules that added to my laziness.
Over the two years that I attended classes at U of H I was working two retail jobs, one of which demanded an increasing amount of attention. Coming from a family that does not earn too much income, the money I earned blinded me from seeing my true priorities. I began working more and more, taking on a management position and twice as many hours as before. As I was the newest manager I felt I needed to prove myself, especially since I was only 19 years old at the time. This pushed my school work even further aside. I became a victim of a mentality I created that led me to think school could wait. What I did not realize at the time was school work held much more weight than my job.
I have since left the job that made me so nearsighted and have made many drastic changes in my life for the better. Over the past year I was away from U of H I attended classes at Houston Community College, and found a job that is tailored for my own needs. Upon being suspended from U of H I realized what mistakes I had made and sought to remedy them. Wasting no time, I spoke to Vilinh in the NSM advising center and informed her of my situation. We assessed what the damage was and sought out a path that would resolve my situation. With Vilinh's help I was able to choose a set of classes that I needed to take that would contribute to my degree as well as my own knowledge. One of the most important subjects we tackled was my own study habits. It was made clear that I must perform exceptionally from that day forward and continue to show my academic progression.
Over the past fall and spring semester I developed true study skills, time management skills, and have a clear step by step method to prioritize my short term and long term goals. School is always at the top of my list when it comes to priorities. I devote at least 3 hours a day to reviewing and study class materials, not including the 2.5 hours a day I spend at work most of which I spend studying as well. My new job is much less demanding, and my boss understands my goals and academic situation very well. She continues to keep my school in her thoughts and regularly asks me to make sure work is not conflicting with my studies. I have developed a studying technique that works very well for me, not only for long term learning but makes reviewing very quick and simple as well. The shift in my academic techniques is evident in the grades I earned.
I plan on continuing my current study methods and earning grades that will exemplify my success. Knowing that shift in my focus and my own actions helped me earn my grades, gave me such a great feeling of accomplishment. I know now that I must continue to strive to be a better student and the harder I work, the easier it will become. I plan on taking more classes over the summer so that I do not waste any time, and will maintain my academic drive.
I wish greatly to return to the University of Houston and continue my studies as a biology major with a minor in psychology. I wish to go on to medical school and pursue psychiatric medicine. A long academic career awaits me and returning to U of H is yet another significant step in my priorities to attain my long term goal. My time away from U of H had exemplified my pride in my school, and exponentially increased my desire to return. I wish to once again come back to my school and contribute to the student body by joining organizations such as the Pre-Med society Alpha Epsilon Delta. I want to prove not only to my peers, but myself as well that I am more than apt of earning a degree at U of H and will continue even further than just my bachelor's.
Over the past year I have learned a great deal about myself and my capabilities as both a person and a student. I am ecstatic about my future at U of H and even more excited about what waits beyond it. If I am allowed to return to University of Houston I will do everything in my power to be a better student. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be heard.
