S ENIOR A DVISORY Personal Statement Writing & Application Workshops October 14, 2012

Before we get started…  Where do you want to be next September?  …in 5 years?  What is within reach?  What have you done to plan for this?  Can/have you set aside time to plan for it?

How are you going to make it happen? C REATING S PECIFIC A CTION S TEPS  Example: Photography

1.) Occupational Outlook Handbook 2.) Explore your interests: Gallery 37 classes or After School Matters 3.) Shadowing opportunity – Steve Koo Photography 4.) Research & visit photography programs 5.) Save $$ for equipment while taking Gen. Ed. Classes to bring up G.P.A. & build résumé 6.) Create portfolio 7.) Enroll in Photoshop class through CTS 8.) Go to SAIC & pursue Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) A CTION S TEPS :

Must Haves:  A calm, peaceful environment—mental health!  A positive support system—people who will look out for your best interest  Patience  A routine

What’s a Personal Statement? o An essay you write about yourself to highlight your accomplishments, goals, and any major obstacles you’ve overcome o It is required by many colleges and professional schools as part of the admissions process

Why is it Necessary to Write one? o Your G.P.A. and ACT score alone do not tell your whole story…admissions reps and employers want to know more o Talking points during an interview o Self-reflection  Personal growth o Senior English requirement!

A ND NOW, FOR YOUR V IEWING P LEASURE … a skit!

Wait, what just happened? o What did you see? o What was the mood of the characters? o How would you have portrayed the story differently? o How easy is it to control how we are perceived?

Personal Statement Writing: W HERE DO I EVEN BEGIN ?  Option #1. Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.  Option #2. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.  Option #3. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.

Self-Reflection Time!  Life-changing experiences (hardship, immigration)  Extra-curricular activities, service learning projects, work obligations & other responsibilities  When have you pushed yourself to the max, physically, emotionally, or mentally, in an effort to succeed?  How/why did you do this?  What is your top accomplishment?  What would your friends/family say are your best qualities?  Describe your career goals.  What action steps have you taken to make sure these happen?

WEB Goal: Get into UIC’s Nursing Program Childhood Experiences Activities Specific Plans Soccer Injury

OUTLINE

OUTLINE: Part I  Think of a specific incident that you remember that has been important in making you the unique individual you are. What was the experience? When did it happen? Who was involved? Where did it occur? How did you feel?  PAINT A PICTURE!

OUTLINE: Part II  How did this experience influence you and make you who you are? How does it relate to your future plans?

OUTLINE: Part III  What are your future goals? What action steps have you taken to accomplish them?  Extra-curricular activities, service learning, career-related experiences?

OUTLINE: Part IV  Summarize your significant experience & specific plans, and outline your most striking, unique attributes. Wrap it up!

Personal Statement Example: Introduction  I came to the U.S. 4 years ago, an immigrant who didn’t speak any English, but in my mind I knew I wanted education, no matter what language it was in. At that time a lot of people bet I could not be successful in my life, because I lacked knowing the language they speak in schools. I started as an eighth grader who didn’t speak English, challenging my cousin who lives in Jordan but studies in his first language, English. Challenging him was one of the secrets of my success.

Sample Hook “In life, like in mathematics, one must first work through each step of a problem before reaching a solution.”

Write NOW! -Draw a web -Create an outline -Already finished? Make revisions! -OR practice communicating these experiences verbally (mock interview) -Come up with a great hook

Upcoming Events You Should Know About: o November 28 th Senior Parent Meeting o December 5 th & February 9 th ACT retakes o January 1 st —when you can officially begin the FAFSA

Before Attending a Workshop: - Have a rough draft of your personal statement ready to be revised -DO NOT request your transcripts until first completing an application!! -Understand how to apply and be able to justify why you’re applying to a specific program

How to Apply: