Writing Your College Essay: tips from the people who read them

It’s time to sit down and write your college essay. Hopefully, you are not in a state of last minute panic, but you are probably a bit nervous and wondering how you can make your essay different from all the rest. Don’t be nervous! The college essay is a great way to show the admissions committee who you are and what you can bring to their school.

College essay questions come in many forms, but they can generally be broken down into 3 categories:

1. The Why You Essay
2. The Why Us Essay
3. The Creative Essay

The Why You essay is exactly what it sounds like, why would you be a great asset to the college? An example of a Why You essay question, taken from the Common Application, is: “Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.” Think about what you would like us to know that can’t be found on your transcript or resume.

The Why Us essay is about the college to which you are applying. Make sure to research the college before writing this type of essay. An essay about your desire to study at a major research university in the heart of a metropolitan city will make an admissions counselor from a small, rural, liberal arts college wonder why you are applying to their school.

The Creative essay allows you to show yourself off in a unique way. An example of a creative essay question, taken from the Common Application, is: “Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.” A writer can have a lot of fun with this type of question.

As you are writing and editing your essay, please keep the following in mind:

1. Answer the question. Applicants tend to write what they think the colleges want to read or may use one essay for several applications. Make sure the essay you are submitting reflects the essay question of the college to which you are applying.

2. Make it interesting. Admissions counselors can read 30 to 50 applications a day. Make your essay the one we pass around the office.

3. The admissions committee can learn a lot about you in 1-2 pages. We know you want to share a lot, but a 10 page autobiography isn’t necessary.

4. Have your essay read by a few people whose opinions you value. Your school counselor, English teacher, parents or even an older sibling are great choices. This also requires having plenty of time for editing, so don't wait until the last minute!

5. Remember that spell check does not catch everything. Keep your eyes open for typos and grammatical errors.

6. If referring to the college to which you are applying, make sure to send the right essay to the right college! We understand that you are applying to many schools, but we never like to see a competitor's name in one of our essays.

Most importantly, have fun! Writing your college essay is not as daunting as it seems. Just remember to start early, write thoughtfully, and never hesitate to ask for help.

Happy Writing!

We All Scream for Ice Cream

- surviving (and enjoying) the college admissions process -

Completing the college admissions process is a lot like making an ice cream sundae... yes, it can be fun!

The Ice Cream:

For your base, you have numerous resources (or flavors) to choose from:

Your School Counselor: Be sure to talk about…

1. what you’re looking for in a college (How far from home do you wish to be? Do you prefer urban, suburban, or rural? Do you want a big school? Or small? What do you want to study?)
2. your senior courses
3. who will write your recommendations
4. important deadlines

College Guides & Websites:

U.S. News and World Report: Best Colleges
Princeton Review: 368 Best Colleges
College Board
http://www.siena.edu/
http://www.rusiena.com/

The Hot Fudge:

College Visits: Just like hot fudge visits should be fun!
1. Make appointments with different schools. We recommend that you start during the spring of your junior year. Remember, in the summer, college students are on break. So plan spring and fall visits for an accurate impression of the school.
2. Set aside three hours per visit: One hour for an interview with an admissions counselor, one hour for a tour of campus, and one hour to visit the bookstore, have lunch in the cafeteria or visit something further.
3. Pick up materials and take notes of things you want to remember.

For more tips, see Nikki’s last blog, “The College Visit”.

The Whipped Cream:

1. Keep gathering information, like whipped cream, the more you have the better.
2. Start working on your college essay.
3. Attend college fairs and make contacts with admissions counselors (always ask for their business card).
4. E-mail or call the colleges if you have questions.
5. Keep an eye on all application, financial aid, and scholarship deadlines.

The Sprinkles:

1. Start filling out applications and requesting letters of recommendation. Give them plenty of notice along with your resume or activity sheet.
2. In November/December, request your high school transcript and your SAT or ACT scores from the respective testing sites to be sent to all of the college you are applying to.
3. Make sure to fill out any additional components required by that college to complete your application. If you use the Common Application, you may have to fill out a school-specific Supplement.

At the end of the sprinkle process your applications are completed and submitted!

The Candy Toppings:

1. Follow-up with the colleges you applied to. Make sure your application is complete.
2. Continue to still work hard in school. Senior year counts!!

And finally… The Cherry!

1. Your acceptance letters arrive as early as November and through March. Congratulations!
2. Re- visit the schools you’ve been accepted to.
3. Complete the FAFSA and any other financial aid paperwork. The FAFSA should be filed between January 1 and February 15 of your senior year.
4. Take advantage of online chats, accepted student web pages and read your mail.
5. Keep working hard – your grades still count!

6. Prepare for a great four years ahead!

Need help staying organized? Print our College Planning Calendar & Checklist:

Conducting a College Search: Timing is Everything.

The College Interview: It's a Breeze!

You’re in the car, listening to your iPod, daydreaming about the day on the beach you were suppose to have with your friends. Instead, you are on your way to visit a college where you will be interviewing with an admissions counselor.

A college interview has the potential to be a dreaded experience. That’s why we’ve created this guide to ease your fears and excite you for the journey ahead.

Why Interview?
The college interview is a great avenue to show that you are more than your test scores and grades. It is an opportunity to:

· To show your personality
· To explain any glitches
· To get the answers to your specific questions
· To show interest in the college

Types of Interviews:
Interviews vary depending on the school. You may be interviewed by an admissions counselor, alumnus or current student. The interview may take place on or off campus. If you plan to pursue a specific area of study such as art, medicine or theatre, an interview may be mandatory. When you schedule an interview, take the opportunity to ask questions about how the interview works so you’ll know what to expect and how to prepare.

Good Things to Share in an Interview:
Admissions committees will learn about you through a variety of papers: your transcript, test scores, recommendations and essays, but an interview lets us meet the person behind all the paper. Some things we would love to know about you:

· Leadership positions within your activities
· Community service projects
· Awards or honors that you've received

It is also a good time to explain any glitches in your transcript or discuss any personal circumstances that may have occurred during your high school years. For example:

· You are not the best math student, but you chose to take an honors or AP course. Explain why you chose to challenge yourself.

· Unfortunate circumstances: divorce, illness, or a death during high school. Notifying us of these circumstances allows us to take them into consideration when reviewing your application.

· You have a learning disability. Let us know how you work with it. How has it made you a better student?

Prepare for the interview:
Research the college before the interview. Make sure it offers the majors you are interested in, and its size, location, and other characteristics are in line with what you are looking for in a college. Write down notes about why you want to attend the school. Bring along your transcript and resume for the counselor to reference during the interview.

Prepare Questions! Asking questions shows interest in the college as well as specific programs and opportunities it may offer. Take time prior to the interview to think about what you would really like to know about the school. For example: study aboard programs, internship opportunities, athletics, science facilities, etc.

Some Insider Tips:
Now that you are ready to interview, here are some tips from the interviewers themselves:

· Be on time. If you're late, call the admissions office to let them know.

· Wear neat, comfortable clothing. No need for a business suit, but avoid wrinkled clothes, clothes with holes or anything that might be considered inappropriate.

· Stay away from using slang, swear words, or expressing strong political/religious beliefs. You do not want to offend the interviewer.

· Do not respond to questions with only "yes" or "no". Have thoughtful responses prepared, and don't stretch the truth. If you apply to the college, it will come back to haunt you.

· After the interview ask for the counselor's business card and follow up with a thank you note.

The interview is a great way to gain an advocate on the admissions committee. Remember, it's a conversation; relax, smile, be prepared, and you will be on your way to a successful application process!

Choosing Your Major

Pop Quiz!

True or False? Your major dictates exactly what your career will be when you graduate.
Answer: False

True or False? Majors must be declared freshman year and may never change.
Answer: False

Did you know…?

· Before entering the NBA, Michael Jordan majored in geography.
· Jay Leno majored in speech therapy.
· Before being a Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts focused on pre- veterinarian studies.
· Golf professional Tiger Woods majored in economics.

The truth is, approximately 80% of college graduates have a job unrelated to their major. Majors are meant to be fun and interesting. They are not meant to narrow down your career path or keep you from exploring your passions. In fact, at Siena, 43% of last year’s freshman class came in undeclared. To help students find their interests, all students are required to take core courses as part of Siena’s core curriculum. These courses develop a well-rounded individual, competent in many disciplines and skills. Examples of core courses include:

· Literary Perspectives
· The Shaping of the Contemporary World
· Philosophy and the Human Being
· Religion in Western Culture
· Introduction to Theatre
· Issues in Contemporary American Education
· The Sociological Perspective
· Environmental Science
· Introduction to Programming

In addition to the core courses, below are some tips and guidelines to help you navigate ways to choose a major:

· Look at your high school transcript. What classes did you enjoy and what classes did you struggle with? This is a good starting point to help you determine which areas of study you can excel in.

· Talk to your school counselor, family and friends. It is often the thoughts and conversations with others that will help spark an idea.

· Check out liberal arts schools. A liberal arts school will give you the opportunity to take courses in different fields of study, broaden your view, and help develop you as a person. Explore the options and keep an open mind!

· Are there any majors that directly relate to the clubs and activities you enjoy?

· Utilize your faculty advisor. At Siena, all students are given a faculty advisor within their school of study. The experienced mentors offer you advice, help you navigate the curriculum and discover your course of study.

It is not your major that will determine if you will be successful. It is the knowledge, skills and experiences you obtain from college that matter most. Individuals with strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as a team player and possess a strong work ethic are highly sought after by employers.

Here are some examples of successful Siena graduates who came in with undeclared majors or majors unrelated to their eventual career:

· Ed Henry ’96, English major, CNN’s senior White House correspondent
· Jim Barba ’66, History major, CEO of Albany Medical Center
· James Scully ’87, English major, CFO of J. Crew
· Jim Nolan ’75, Physics major, Dean of the School of Business at Siena College

Through your experiences inside and outside the classroom, your interactions with others, and patience, you will discover the major for you. Remember, it’s the journey that matters most!

The Value of a Siena Education:

Siena College is committed to providing access to our undergraduate liberal arts education. Siena’s tuition, on average, is $7,000 less per year than our top 10 private college competitors. In addition, at Siena, 91% of students receive financial aid.

Keeping it Simple:

Applying for aid is the first step. At Siena, we try to keep it simple – you only need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). I recommend that you complete this application on-line for two reasons:

1. Timing – electronic applications are processed faster and your information will be sent to the colleges sooner

2. Edit Checks – there are built in edits that review your application for illogical responses, which dramatically reduce the number of errors on applications.

You can complete the FAFSA after January 1 of your senior year in high school. You should try to file as close to February 15 as you can. This will allow us to put together your aid package and send it to you by the first week in April.

Find the FAFSA here: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

Considering the Bottom Line:

Once we receive your FAFSA, we will determine your eligibility for federal and state aid as well as aid from Siena College. These sources in combination will make up your financial aid package. A few things to keep in mind when reviewing your aid offers – pay careful attention to what you are going to have to pay – after your aid – to attend your college. This is often called the “net cost”. It is also important to be aware of what each of the sources of aid in the package are – grants and scholarships vs. loans and work options.

Staying in Contact:

If you have circumstances that cannot be reflected on the FAFSA, make sure you let us know. We will take into account changes in your family’s financial circumstances that may impact your ability to attend Siena. It’s best to notify us in writing; an e-mail or letter to the financial aid office describing the circumstances is the best place to start.

Keep up the good work:

As your approach the next academic year – keep up the good work! The classes you take and the grades you receive in those classes can increase the options available to you.

Other Resources for Financial Aid:

· Use your guidance office as a resource for local scholarship
opportunities.
· Use the Internet to search for private scholarships to apply for.
Try the links below:

http://www.finaid.org/
http://www.fastweb.com/
http://www.hesc.com/ (for New York State residents)

Finally, stay in touch with us – we are here to help throughout the process!

To contact Financial Aid at Siena:
Call 1-888-AT-SIENA
or email aid@siena.edu

For another look at Financial Aid at Siena, meet our Associate Director, Priscilla Armsby, and learn just how easy the financial aid process can be.

The Mini Marathon: Taking the right strides now, for a strong finish later.

.
The college search and selection process is like a "mini marathon"; a concentrated effort to reach the finish line - enrolling in the college that fits you best. You should begin to prepare now, because the choices you make now will matter in the "long run".


We encourage you to engage and be active in this process. By doing so, you will not only learn about yourself, but you will inevitably find the college that meets your needs - both academically and socially. The quality of your academic and personal experience is dependent on an organized, thorough and committed college search.

Here are good choices to make early in the race:

· Meet with your school counselor / college advisor to discuss your curriculum, strengths and activities. Be active in this process and select challenging classes which will show colleges you are ready to take the next step. Keep your options open, ask: where are you now and where do you need to be?

· Discuss your standardized testing plan early with your school counselor/college advisor. College requirements vary; some want SAT's and/or some will want ACT's and, in addition, some will expect SAT II subject tests.

· Meet with admissions representatives when they visit your high school, attend college fairs, and above all, ask questions. Admissions representatives want to help. Follow up with emails or call the admissions office if you have questions.

· Start college visits early - this will help you discover what type of college fits your needs. Tour, interview, and attend open house programs. You will be amazed at what you learn!

· Balance your extracurricular activities/community service with academics. Keep in mind that your high school transcript will be the most important document that will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Therefore, don't let one activity get in the way of your academic achievement.

· Demonstrated interest in the college you wish to attend is important. By taking the time to tour, interview, and attend programs will let the college know - "I want to be here."

So – want to set a great pace in the race to college? Follow these suggestions for a steady ready… set… go!

Junior Jump-Start

Did you attend Siena's Junior Jump-Start Program on April 5? If you left wishing you could have attended all of the information sessions, you can view the presentations from each session below.

Did you miss the program? Below are the presentations our admissions and financial aid experts presented on the college search and application process.

Still have questions? Email us at admit@siena.edu or call 1-888-AT-SIENA.

Making Your Application a WOW!

Publish at Scribd or explore others: web development

Admissions Committees: What are they looking for?

Publish at Scribd or explore others: School Work Business & Law tax foundation

Financial Aid 101

Publish at Scribd or explore others: School Work Non-fiction review financial

Does Major Really Matter?

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Books Science Literature-Literatur Religion-Islam

The College Interview: Putting Your Best Foot Forward.

Publish at Scribd or explore others:

Finding the Right College and Athletic Program

Publish at Scribd or explore others: School Work How-to-Guides & Manu programming college

Conducting a College Search: Timing is Everything.

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Education Other time information