overview about educational and life experiences

Hi

Ok so basically I need to know if they say my essay should be double spaced and between 2 to 5 pages long and I have to talk about the following things, how long should the essay be?

- overview of educational and life experiences
- Why I wish to return or not to my home country
- any special financial circumstances that I would like the college to consider when diciding how much financial aid if any I will recieve.
- What I want to do upon completing my studies

I already wrote it and it is three pages long so do you think I should cut it down more?

I was also wondering is there any chance that I can contact via email one of the contributers so he/she reads my essay and tells me what they think about it?. My college says that I can not have anyone helping wirte or edit my essay (which I don't want) but I don't have anyone I can show it to.

Thanks is advance and please someone let me contact you via email, it is very important.

Did you get a outline of what the essay should be? Or how long it should be? If not, just write as much as it takes to get your point across.

I don't get it. If it is supposed to be 2-5 pages, and you have 3, what is wrong with that?

Also, if you are choosing a college that discourages collaboration in the 21st century, it might not be the best college to prepare you for your future. I know it is important that kids write their own essays, but for an academic institution to discourage scholarly collaboration seems. hypocritical! Part of the process of writing is rewriting after getting feedback from readers.

Oh thanks for actually answering my questions!

Well since I have read admissions people get thousands of essays every year, then we should write quick and easy to read essays, but I think that for what they ask three pages long enough.

In regards about assistance with the essay they say: As this essay may be used to assist in course placement, students should receive no assistance in writing or editing the essay. What should I do, my family does not speak english?

I see what you mean about asking about the 3 pages. Well, it is great to give them an amount that is consistent with what they ask for, obviously, and... instead of being courteous by making it quick and to-the-point, you can be courteous by writing something that will be a real pleasure to read!


If a school does not believe in allowing learners to seek assistance, it is a sorry excuse for a learning institution. However, the mistake being made by this school is an understandable one! It is not surprising that they would make this mistake, because obviously you are supposed to be being judged by your essay.

It is the same way we judge presidential candidates by their speeches. We watch their speeches so that we can judge what they say, so it would be ridiculous for politicians to get help with their speeches... :-)

But it is indeed a mistake. Schools should understand the admissions essay as a learning process with its own absolute value. Schools should not be merely concerned with weeding out the struggling writers.

This forum is an example of a place where all people -- not just people with language barriers -- can come to collaborate.

It is no good to resort to, for example, paying someone to write your paper, because that is the lazy way. But on the other hand, it is foolish for school representatives to think anyone would EVER submit an admission essay without seeking some help, even if it is just for a proofread and some feedback.

Anyway use these forums in any way that will help you, even if you don't want to post what you write. I understand your concern!

:-)

Thank you kevin, I completely agree with you. For instance, I am from an spanish speaking country and for what I've noticed, they way americans write essays is different from my country. I've found many difficulties and I've gotten a little confused when writing an essay in english and though I do have the right level of english to have classes in the previous language, I also still struggle with grammar. Therefore, I believe that they should let us get come assistance. Even more when you don't have anyone that can read your peace and give you their opinion.

Honestly, for me writing this college application essay has been a momorable experience. I am the one who wants to study in the U.S. So I should be the one giving the most effort to make that occur. I do not seek for somebody to rewrite my essay I just want the words I wrote to be written correctly.

Kevin, I feel embarrass to ask you this but would it be possible for you to check my essay and give some feedback to the last arrangement?

Thanks for answering!

Yes, education is moving away from high stakes scrutiny and toward a new paradigm of performance-based assessment and collaboration. The institution of education is racing to keep up with technological advances so that the curricula don't become obsolete. SO... it is important to collaborate.

Additionally, like you mentioned, cultural barriers are hard to cross, and requiring people not to get writing help (is unrealistic and) promotes a sort of cultural hegemony when serious students like you are trying to improve your skill.

Anyway, I should not have said before that I think the school is making a mistake. They just want to assert that students should not have other people write their essays, which is obviously important.

About your other question... you don't have to be embarassed! But what do you mean? What is the "last arrangement?" Is it posted here in the forums somewhere? I'll look through your essays. but please link me to it or tell me what you mean. :-)

Hi kevin,

Well I have to submit my application, the complete package by February 5th and I think that I am going to submit everything by the end of this week so I don't really have much time left. I am finishing to make some edits to my essay and I was wondering if I could send it to you via email so that you comment on it. I don't want to post it here because I am afraid that it might get me in trouble.

Thank you again.

Yeah, February 5th is coming up soon... About using email, people have asked for that from time to time, but I always have to tell them that they need to post their work in the forum if they want my help. The idea is to have the correspondence here so that other people can see the process of improving writing. I hope you understand!

OK Kevin do not worry, I understand... Thanks anyway.