Its College time!!!!

This topic is locked from further discussion.

Avatar image for West-Coast-G
West-Coast-G

4414

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#1 West-Coast-G
Member since 2006 • 4414 Posts
Ok, so its college time. Yay. I have to write a personal statement. The only thing is, I know what to write, i just dont know how to start it. I also feel as if im wasting my time because I dont think i have what it takes to get into the colleges that Im applying to (UCLA, UCSB). I never joined any clubs, and i never had any extra curricular activities. I just did school, and worked at Target and now Bestbuy. There's nothing that Ive done that sets me apart, academically, than anyone else and Im afraid, despite my good grades, im "too ordinary" for college. The UC deadline is on friday and i dont know what to do. Try UC? Try State? I dont want to go to CSUN. Transfer from community? I just dont want to get stuck at community college for 6 years trying to transfer. this sucks... Hows everyone else doing, college wise?
Avatar image for RiSkyBiZ-13
RiSkyBiZ-13

1448

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

#2 RiSkyBiZ-13
Member since 2007 • 1448 Posts
Forget the normal route, join the military. I've been in the Air Force for 2 and a half years, so far I've been to the United Kingdom, Scotland, Texas, Michigan, New York, and now I'm in California. I'm making good money and getting paid to go to school. You won't regret it.
Avatar image for krazykarl0419
krazykarl0419

4057

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 9

User Lists: 0

#3 krazykarl0419
Member since 2004 • 4057 Posts
from what i hear, california schools don't require you to be a good student. it just requires you to pay for their outrageous prices of living in california. just put what you want to do, why you want to do it, and your motivation is greater to do it than anyone else's. i got into college fine without any superb academic standards. i got into my college with a 3.23 on a 4.0 scale. don't get too psyched out about the college search.
Avatar image for krazykarl0419
krazykarl0419

4057

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 9

User Lists: 0

#4 krazykarl0419
Member since 2004 • 4057 Posts

Forget the normal route, join the military. I've been in the Air Force for 2 and a half years, so far I've been to the United Kingdom, Scotland, Texas, Michigan, New York, and now I'm in California. I'm making good money and getting paid to go to school. You won't regret it.RiSkyBiZ-13

you sound like one of those recruiters that greet me when i'm trying to enter or leave a store. i'm not trying to be mean or anything, but he asked about school, not the military.

Avatar image for Arch_Angel_21
Arch_Angel_21

1493

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 2

User Lists: 0

#5 Arch_Angel_21
Member since 2006 • 1493 Posts

Forget the normal route, join the military. I've been in the Air Force for 2 and a half years, so far I've been to the United Kingdom, Scotland, Texas, Michigan, New York, and now I'm in California. I'm making good money and getting paid to go to school. You won't regret it.RiSkyBiZ-13

You do understand that Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, right? :?

Avatar image for RiSkyBiZ-13
RiSkyBiZ-13

1448

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

#6 RiSkyBiZ-13
Member since 2007 • 1448 Posts
85% of people join the military FOR school. I'm automatically enrolled in the community college of the air force, which is a school. So how did I not answer his question?
Avatar image for krazykarl0419
krazykarl0419

4057

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 9

User Lists: 0

#7 krazykarl0419
Member since 2004 • 4057 Posts

85% of people join the military FOR school. I'm automatically enrolled in the community college of the air force, which is a school. So how did I not answer his question? RiSkyBiZ-13

because he needs an essay, not a military application. if he was interested in the military, he would have joined. i realize many join the military FOR school...i have a friend that does it. but that doesn't solve the problem of writing an essay lol.

Avatar image for RiSkyBiZ-13
RiSkyBiZ-13

1448

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

#8 RiSkyBiZ-13
Member since 2007 • 1448 Posts

[QUOTE="RiSkyBiZ-13"]85% of people join the military FOR school. I'm automatically enrolled in the community college of the air force, which is a school. So how did I not answer his question? krazykarl0419

because he needs an essay, not a military application. if he was interested in the military, he would have joined. i realize many join the military FOR school...i have a friend that does it. but that doesn't solve the problem of writing an essay lol.

touche' salesman. Well played, sir.

Avatar image for West-Coast-G
West-Coast-G

4414

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#9 West-Coast-G
Member since 2006 • 4414 Posts
from what i hear, california schools don't require you to be a good student. it just requires you to pay for their outrageous prices of living in california. just put what you want to do, why you want to do it, and your motivation is greater to do it than anyone else's. i got into college fine without any superb academic standards. i got into my college with a 3.23 on a 4.0 scale. don't get too psyched out about the college search.krazykarl0419
Theres a lot of my friends who are real worried and overworked about their personal statement. Some have written it over 3 times or more. I look at them thinking "chill out, dont get so worked up about it." Now i find myself worried because I wasnt worried before.
Avatar image for Articuno76
Articuno76

19799

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 16

User Lists: 0

#10 Articuno76
Member since 2004 • 19799 Posts
Essay boils down to: why are you interested and what do you know about the subject? What good qualities do you have to carry over from your academic life and how are these relevant? What qualities do you have in your personal life that carry over and are relevant (for instance, responsibility in a part time job), then you wrap it up by going over hobbies or interests if they are relevant (try and avoid taking a particular religious/political angle with these, unless perhaps if you are planning to major is something like that). Finally wrap it up with a "hope to hear from you soon" or something of the like.
Avatar image for krazykarl0419
krazykarl0419

4057

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 9

User Lists: 0

#11 krazykarl0419
Member since 2004 • 4057 Posts

[QUOTE="krazykarl0419"]from what i hear, california schools don't require you to be a good student. it just requires you to pay for their outrageous prices of living in california. just put what you want to do, why you want to do it, and your motivation is greater to do it than anyone else's. i got into college fine without any superb academic standards. i got into my college with a 3.23 on a 4.0 scale. don't get too psyched out about the college search.West-Coast-G
Theres a lot of my friends who are real worried and overworked about their personal statement. Some have written it over 3 times or more. I look at them thinking "chill out, dont get so worked up about it." Now i find myself worried because I wasnt worried before.

worrying doesn't really help much. just tell them all about your strengths, and how you'll use them to succeed at (name of college).

Avatar image for West-Coast-G
West-Coast-G

4414

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#12 West-Coast-G
Member since 2006 • 4414 Posts

[QUOTE="West-Coast-G"][QUOTE="krazykarl0419"]from what i hear, california schools don't require you to be a good student. it just requires you to pay for their outrageous prices of living in california. just put what you want to do, why you want to do it, and your motivation is greater to do it than anyone else's. i got into college fine without any superb academic standards. i got into my college with a 3.23 on a 4.0 scale. don't get too psyched out about the college search.krazykarl0419

Theres a lot of my friends who are real worried and overworked about their personal statement. Some have written it over 3 times or more. I look at them thinking "chill out, dont get so worked up about it." Now i find myself worried because I wasnt worried before.

worrying doesn't really help much. just tell them all about your strengths, and how you'll use them to succeed at (name of college).

The thing is, I dont know what i want to major in and so Im thinking ill just be honest and write that "despite how cliche this sounds, i dont know what i want to do, but i know that i want it to mean something, not only to me, but to others around me. I look forward to spending time exploring the various courses that (insert college here) offers and am positive that they will help me achieve my goals." or something of that nature.
Avatar image for Roland1987
Roland1987

3038

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#13 Roland1987
Member since 2004 • 3038 Posts
So you apply, what's the worst that can happen, you don't get in...not applying because you don't think you can get in is dumb, just go for it, at the same time, apply to soem back up schools just in case.

Avatar image for LJS9502_basic
LJS9502_basic

180238

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#14 LJS9502_basic  Online
Member since 2003 • 180238 Posts

85% of people join the military FOR school. I'm automatically enrolled in the community college of the air force, which is a school. So how did I not answer his question? RiSkyBiZ-13

Dude....the military is not college.

Avatar image for CommanderShiro
CommanderShiro

21746

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#15 CommanderShiro
Member since 2005 • 21746 Posts
lol You should have started thinking about your personal statement a couple of weeks or even months ago. Applying this late isn't a very smart move.
Avatar image for hobbez
hobbez

737

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#16 hobbez
Member since 2003 • 737 Posts

Hm.. In my opinion, UCLA is over rated. To them, extracurricular activities (especially leadership positions) weigh more than academics. I know athletes with 2.0 gpa who got accepted and 4.0 students who got rejected, wtf right? Calstate LB has a good reputation too but if you really want to go to a UC, go to UC Berkeley or San Diego instead, or Irvine (safest city in the nation) even.

I got accepted in UCLA, Berkeley, SD and Irvine (many moons ago), but I chose to go to Irvine because their Chemistry department is awesome. But honestly, undergrad doesn't matter anymore, it's the grad school (or whatever school you go choose to apply to after college) that matters. Goodluck!

Avatar image for RiSkyBiZ-13
RiSkyBiZ-13

1448

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

#17 RiSkyBiZ-13
Member since 2007 • 1448 Posts

[QUOTE="RiSkyBiZ-13"]85% of people join the military FOR school. I'm automatically enrolled in the community college of the air force, which is a school. So how did I not answer his question? LJS9502_basic

Dude....the military is not college.

Yes, it is. Not many people realize it. When you sign up for the Air Force, you're automatically enrolled in the Community College of the Air Force. My job is an MP (military police), so simply by going through boot camp and tech training, I'm 5 college credits away from my Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice. Also, the credits are 100% transferable to hundreds of universities across the country.

Avatar image for West-Coast-G
West-Coast-G

4414

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#18 West-Coast-G
Member since 2006 • 4414 Posts

...I got accepted in UCLA, Berkeley, SD and Irvine (many moons ago), but I chose to go to Irvine because their Chemistry department is awesome. But honestly, undergrad doesn't matter anymore, it's the grad school (or whatever school you go choose to apply to after college) that matters. Goodluck!

hobbez
Wow, thats impressive. My English teacher was telling us the same exact thing about undergrad schools and how Berkeley is mostly known for its grad school than anything else.
Avatar image for B05T0N
B05T0N

7051

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#19 B05T0N
Member since 2007 • 7051 Posts

Hm.. In my opinion, UCLA is over rated. To them, extracurricular activities (especially leadership positions) weigh more than academics. I know athletes with 2.0 gpa who got accepted and 4.0 students who got rejected, wtf right? Calstate LB has a good reputation too but if you really want to go to a UC, go to UC Berkeley or San Diego instead, or Irvine (safest city in the nation) even.

I got accepted in UCLA, Berkeley, SD and Irvine (many moons ago), but I chose to go to Irvine because their Chemistry department is awesome. But honestly, undergrad doesn't matter anymore, it's the grad school (or whatever school you go choose to apply to after college) that matters. Goodluck!

hobbez

Considering you cant spell overrated...
UCLA is a top top school. ECs dont weigh more than academics, but they matter a ton. Same with Cal. Hell, most of the UCs are the same way. UCR, UCM and Cal Poly are all solid schools to look at too. As far as the athletes, I would think someone smart enough to get into Cal, UCLA, UCSD and Irvine would know that 1) it's commonplace for athletes to have lower admission standards and 2) WHY
Avatar image for West-Coast-G
West-Coast-G

4414

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#20 West-Coast-G
Member since 2006 • 4414 Posts
I'm just gonna apply, write the best personal statement I can, and if that doesn't work, then Ill just have to use my time machine to go back in time and re-do high school. Seriously though, ill just do what I have to do and make the best of what I've done and just hope for the best. Wish me luck guys. :)
Avatar image for RiSkyBiZ-13
RiSkyBiZ-13

1448

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 5

User Lists: 0

#21 RiSkyBiZ-13
Member since 2007 • 1448 Posts
If you blow it like I did, see your nearest Air Force recruiter ;)
Avatar image for Solid_Link22
Solid_Link22

5698

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

#22 Solid_Link22
Member since 2006 • 5698 Posts
Good thing I applied to Cal State universities
Avatar image for bluezy
bluezy

29297

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 9

User Lists: 0

#23 bluezy
Member since 2004 • 29297 Posts
I never had to write anything to apply to university. Then again, i'm Canadian, going to a Canadian university.
Avatar image for hobbez
hobbez

737

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#24 hobbez
Member since 2003 • 737 Posts
[QUOTE="hobbez"]

Hm.. In my opinion, UCLA is over rated. To them, extracurricular activities (especially leadership positions) weigh more than academics. I know athletes with 2.0 gpa who got accepted and 4.0 students who got rejected, wtf right? Calstate LB has a good reputation too but if you really want to go to a UC, go to UC Berkeley or San Diego instead, or Irvine (safest city in the nation) even.

I got accepted in UCLA, Berkeley, SD and Irvine (many moons ago), but I chose to go to Irvine because their Chemistry department is awesome. But honestly, undergrad doesn't matter anymore, it's the grad school (or whatever school you go choose to apply to after college) that matters. Goodluck!

B05T0N


Considering you cant spell overrated...
UCLA is a top top school. ECs dont weigh more than academics, but they matter a ton. Same with Cal. Hell, most of the UCs are the same way. UCR, UCM and Cal Poly are all solid schools to look at too. As far as the athletes, I would think someone smart enough to get into Cal, UCLA, UCSD and Irvine would know that 1) it's commonplace for athletes to have lower admission standards and 2) WHY

I didn't say UCLA is not a top school, but they have lowered their standards. Believe it or not, ECs weigh more than academics. I know quite a few people with less than 3.0 who got in, and guess what they all had in common? Leadership positionS, ie. Editor-in-Chief, president of Key Club, President of National Honor Society, Secretary of whatever club. 4.0 gpa is no longer impressive. Unless you have an exceptional academic record, it's almost impossible to get in without EC's.

Avatar image for Bio_Sm0g
Bio_Sm0g

404

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 3

User Lists: 0

#25 Bio_Sm0g
Member since 2007 • 404 Posts

from what i hear, california schools don't require you to be a good student. it just requires you to pay for their outrageous prices of living in california. just put what you want to do, why you want to do it, and your motivation is greater to do it than anyone else's. i got into college fine without any superb academic standards. i got into my college with a 3.23 on a 4.0 scale. don't get too psyched out about the college search.krazykarl0419

What college?