sample college application essays

Alabama State University (ASU)

Alabama State University was established in 1867 as a historically black university in Montgomery, Alabama. The university is a member of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship fund and is composed of seven colleges and divisions. Offered courses in ASU include those under education, visual and performing arts, health sciences, business administration, and the arts and sciences. Students can also pursue graduate and doctorate degrees in disciplines like microbiology, educational leadership, policy and law, and physical therapy. More than six countries and 40 US States are represented in ASU, making it an alma mater for anyone. Visit the official ASU website to learn about admission procedures.

Cornell University

Cornell University was established by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickinson White in 1865 as a private, Ivy League higher learning institution. Getting into Cornell can be tough, considering it has high admission standards. Nevertheless, successful applicants can enroll for any undergraduate degree in agriculture and life sciences, art and planning, architecture, engineering, hotel administration, arts and sciences, human ecology and labor and industrial relations. In addition, students can pursue further studies or dual-degree programs after finishing college. To learn more about the school, its history, programs offered and application procedure, visit the official Cornell University website.

Purdue University

The flagship university of the six campuses of the Purdue University System is Purdue University. It was established in 1869 and is considered one of the largest university systems in the United States. What gives Purdue a prestigious title are the aviation and aerospace programs and the engineering curriculum offered at the Purdue University College of Engineering and School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Among the other 200 majors offered in the West Lafayette campus are the liberal arts, health sciences, management, nursing, education, science and technology, consumer and family sciences, agriculture and veterinary medicine. Check out the official Purdue University website to learn more about the admissions.

Samford University

Samford University stands in Homewood, Alabama as a private, Baptist-affiliated university. It was established in 1841 and offers eight schools and colleges to interested students. Specializations that students can pursue in Samford include business administration, education, nursing, and music education. Of course, the arts and sciences are among the choices for bachelor’s degrees. In addition, those who want to improve in their careers can pursue graduate and professional degrees in Samford University. Read more about offered programs in the school’s official website. Online application forms can also be downloaded from the site.

Santa Clara University

Jesuit Catholic students in and near Santa Clara, California can proceed to the Santa Clara University for private college education. Established in 1851, Santa Clara University is known as the oldest Catholic university in the American West. The university is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities and offers undergraduate degrees in commerce, engineering, and the arts and sciences. Students who wish to pursue graduate degrees can choose from areas of specialization including education, pastoral ministries, counseling psychology, law, business and engineering. Two of the graduates who give a prestigious reputation to Santa Clara University are Google’s Chief Financial Officer, George Reyes, and author Khaled Hosseini. Visit the official Santa Clara University website to know about the offered programs and application procedures.

The University of San Diego

Students looking for college education in San Diego, California can enroll at the University of San Diego, a private, Roman Catholic academic institution established in 1949. It has six colleges and schools offering undergraduate degrees in the arts and sciences, nursing and health science, law, leadership studies and education sciences, business administration, and peace studies. Graduate and doctorate programs, JD degrees and graduate law degrees are also offered in the University of San Diego. Well-known professionals who graduated from the institution are Betsy Myers, the Chief Operating Officer of Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, and Lowell McAdam, the President and CEO of Verizon Wireless. Check out the university’s website to get information on the admissions.

Seattle University

Established as the School of the Immaculate Conception in 1891, Seattle University was also called Seattle College. It is a Jesuit academic institution, a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, and was the first in 1931 to open its doors to female students. Seattle University has eight schools and colleges for the disciplines of business and economics, arts and sciences, education, law, nursing, science and engineering, humanities for teaching, and theology and ministry. Also, the university offers 24 graduate programs to interested applicants. Learn about the admission procedure, the school, and its course offerings by visiting the official Seattle University website.

Abilene Christian University (ACU)

Established in 1906, Abilene Christian University is a private academic institution in Abilene, Texas. The aim of the university is to train and educate its students to lead and to serve the world in a Christian manner. Offered undergraduate majors in ACU include engineering physics, nutrition, nursing, information technology, occupational therapy and international studies. In addition, students can enroll for advertising and public relations, criminal justice-sociology, and natural resource management courses. Visit the official ACU website to learn about application procedures.

Stephens College

Stephens College was established in 1833 in Columbia, Missouri as a private liberal arts women’s college. It is famous for being the second oldest women’s college as well as for its exceptional programs in fine arts, fashion design, theater and dance. Other than the said programs, Stephens also offers majors in filmmaking, human development (psychology and education), physical therapy, legal studies, equestrian instruction and training, accounting, and entrepreneurship and business management. Finally, to those interested, Stephens College offers minors in history, women’s studies, plus many other areas of specialization. To learn more about the course offerings and the application process of the college, visit the official Stephens College website.

Adelphi University

Established as a private and nationally accredited school in 1896, Adelphi University is one of the top schools students can go to attend college. Located in Garden City, Nassau County, New York, Adelphi University offers undergraduate courses in disciplines including the arts and sciences, business, education, social work and nursing. Adult students can take advantage of advanced psychological studies, adult academic programs and honors programs. Finally, those who wish to pursue joint or graduate degrees can choose from specializations like optometry, law, engineering, dentistry, environmental studies and physical therapy. Visit the official Adelphi University website to know more about the school, its course offerings, and application procedure.

Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University (AAMU or Alabama A&M University)

Located in Madison County, Alabama, the Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University was built as a public, historically black university. It prides of being one of such universities that offer a baccalaureate degree program in telecommunications. But aside from this program, AAMU has others in different disciplines: mechanical, civil and electrical engineering, food science, computer science, counseling psychology, engineering technologies, communicative sciences and disorders, urban and regional planning, clinical psychology, art education, social work, and forestry. Look into the programs offered in AAMU by visiting its official website.

Adrian College

Students who live in Michigan can just look to Adrian College for a baccalaureate degree. Established in 1859 as a private, Methodist-affiliated liberal arts college, Adrian offers more than 40 majors in different disciplines: earth and life sciences, history, music, social work and criminal justice, sociology, environmental studies, and accounting and business. In addition, those who want to be well-prepared for their careers can apply for pre-professional programs in architecture, health science, law, physical therapy, architecture, engineering, etc. Prestige is brought to Adrian College by numerous graduates who have become successful businessmen, executives, attorneys, educators, physicians and politicians including Congressman Mike Rogers. Learn more about the school through its official website.

Lebanon Valley College (LVC or The Valley)

Students from Lebanon County no longer have to look further to find a college where they can receive quality education. The Lebanon Valley College is an educational institution that has, since its establishment in 1866, been producing graduates who are well-prepared to enter the work force. Located particularly in Annville, LVC offers not just baccalaureate programs, but also graduate and doctorate programs. Students can choose from more than 35 specializations, among them Forestry, Religion, Philosophy and Digital Communication. Visit the official website of LVC to learn more about its admission procedure.

Robert Williams University (RWU)

Young students in Rhode Island can apply to the Roger Williams University to pursue an undergraduate degree. RWU was established in 1956 and took its name after a Rhode Island co-founder, Roger Williams. Although RWU is most known for its 36 specializations in the liberal arts, it is also an institution where students can work toward earning degrees in engineering, architecture, legal studies, graphic design communication, and the life sciences to name a few. In addition, students can apply to RWU to pursue graduate degrees. For more information on the courses offered in the university, visit its official website.

The University of Miami (UM)

Coral Gables, Florida is the place where the University of Miami is located. Founded in 1925, Miami of Florida, The U, or UM is a private university that accommodates students from varying social and cultural backgrounds. 50 US States and 100 countries are proudly said to be represented by the student body of UM. Offered courses and programs in the university include business administration, nursing and health studies, arts and sciences, communication, engineering and architecture. To learn more about the school, its programs, and the application procedure, visit the official website of UM.

Oxford College

The private residential Oxford College was established in 1836 as one of the divisions of Emory University in Oxford, Georgia. Oxford College has various liberal arts courses and programs that students can specialize in. The college, in addition, offers majors in the life sciences, nursing and business as well as joint degrees in engineering. Students in Oxford College are from diverse cultural and social backgrounds and they can pursue further, post-graduate studies in areas such as medicine, law, nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and business administration. Visit the college’s official website to learn more.

Humphreys College

Humphreys College is an independent academic institution founded in 1896 by John R. Humphreys, Sr. The school has two campuses, one in Stockton and another in Modesto. Offered in Humphreys are certificates, associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees in fields like the liberal arts, business, law, and human services. Students interested to pursue graduate programs and degrees can also apply to Humphreys for business, law, or management. Learn more about Humphreys, its course and program offerings, and the admission procedure in the official website.

Hofstra University

Hofstra University is a private, non-sectarian school established in 1935 as a college department of the New York University. The college later became the independent Hofstra College before having its name changed to Hofstra University in 1963. Among the 140 liberal arts specializations in Hofstra are communication, the liberal arts and the sciences, health and human services, business, honors studies and education. Students can also pursue premed or prelaw programs as well as a certificate program in Natural Sciences in preparation for advanced studies. To know more about Hofstra University and the programs and courses it offers, check out the official websites. Online application forms can also be downloaded from the admissions page. Read about the admissions procedure to secure a slot in the university.

College study group sessions are meant for college student who work best when they are with a group of other people who have the same goal, and that is, to understand a certain lecture or review for exams in school.

How can college students benefit from a study group?

* A study group provides a conducive atmosphere for studying, like a classroom but with a more relaxed mood. Students who are multi-sensor learners (those who learn best when using the eyes, ears, and when moving) benefit best from this kind of study sessions.

* A study group keeps a college student interested in his or her area of study. This motivation may have been brought about by seeing other people in the group who are focused on the same goal that a student is also focused on. This makes it easier to absorb what a student is studying or reviewing.

Now, if you are a college student, chances are, you might have been or will soon be involved in a study group. How to rev up your study group sessions? Following are some tips:

* Encourage the entire group to keep the focus by planning something fun after the session. The most common problem with a study group is that members sometimes shift discussions to other personal topics such as love lives, jokes, and all other sorts of stories that the study session turns out to be a mere aimless chitchat. Keep the focus by agreeing that you will reserve “non-related” stories after the study group session.

* Try this: elect a study group leader for every study group session. The leader will be in charge of arranging the program of study for the day. That way, the group follows a set program and would not be in a sort of quandary.

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Going to college is often associated with the fun of going to a college dorm for the entire time that you spend as a college student. Why is going to a college dorm supposed to be fun? That’s because, once and for all, you’ll be getting that dose of independence that you long desired to have when you were younger. However, you know that with this independence comes the responsibility of managing your time and your expenses, not to mention your laundry and cleaning the place. But nothing beats that one other frill that comes along with going to a college dorm–that of having dorm mates.

Dorm mates are cool because they have the potential to become good friends and study partners. But the catch is, having dorm mates that have irritating habits, who steal, or who don’t have good attitudes. How to survive? Here are some tips on how to get along with your college dorm mates and about dorm life in general:

* Establish spatial boundaries and respect them. Sometimes, petty fights with dorm mates happen when one dorm mate intrudes the other’s personal space, in matters of physical space in the dorm as well as emotional space. Every person is entitled to his or her own privacy. Be sure you know how to deal with that.

* Avoid having your things in the dorm lost by securing them. Make use of closets, drawers, or chests that have locks. Also, avoid going out of the dorm without securing your things and knowing where everything is located.

* Bond with your dorm mates whenever possible. Seek to know them more. Go out with them whenever possible. Sometimes, bonding may be just as simple as a game of chess or a movie marathon in the dorm room. Make your dorm mates feel that they have and they deserve your company.

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If you think loans are just for people who already have jobs, you ought to think twice. There is actually a loan package that is exclusively for students, otherwise known as student loans or college loans.

Question: what are college loans for? The most common reason why people, specifically college students, apply for college loans is to foot expenses for tuition as well as bills in the college dorm room.

Types of college loans

Some of the types of college loans are private college student loans, graduation loans, or Stafford loans. Each is defined as follows:

* Private college loans - These cover the total cost of your college fees, which include your tuition, dorm room expenses, and allowances.
* Stafford college loans - These loans are also referred to as federal Stafford college loans. These loans can be secured by the government and have the lowest interest rates among the college loan packages.
* Graduation loans - These refer to either loans that are intended to answer for your graduation expenses, or loans that are payable upon graduation.

Depending on the terms in the college loan agreement, a college loan can be issued to the college for tuition purposes, or in the form of a check to be given to the student. Because college loans are availed of by college students who do not really have an established source of income yet, college loan issuers give extra leeway for student borrowers in terms of lower interest rates or after-graduation grace periods.

To pay off college loans on his or her own, a student borrower has two options: to consolidate all his or her college loans (if the student applied for more than one, or he or she could consolidate with other bills his or her family might have), or to simply work out the after graduation repayment term. The student could also pay off the loan by means of a credit card account.

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Coursework, fights with your dorm roommate or lover, and still more coursework. These are problems that often plague college students. But if there’s something that really bothers college students the most, it is time management.

Time management is the act or system employed by a person to make sure that the 24 hours he or she has in a day is well spent. It is also the act of “squeezing in” all the duties and responsibilities as well as leisure time into your schedule. In other words, time management is the act of coming up with a schedule, or a plan as to what you need to do and when you are going to do them.

This is the dilemma of most college students: sometimes, it seems like 24 hours in a day are not enough for them to fulfill all the duties they need to fulfill in college. They complain of no longer being able to spend free time in leisure, because their free time is almost always spent now in doing backlog work. But actually, if you know how to manage your time effectively, you’ll find that 24 hours a day is enough for you to do all your coursework, have some leisure time, and yes, go to sleep. How to? Here are some tips:

* Get a planner, or at least a calendar that has wide spaces for each date. List all the things you need to do on a particular date. If you have a clear-cut view of the things that you need to fulfill and when, there won’t be any problem managing deadlines and getting to planned activities.

* Focus. Concentrate. If this time is supposed to be study time, then it should solely be study time. And, stick to your time allotment. When your schedule says you need to go to bed by 9 o’clock, start preparing for bed at least 15 minutes prior to the alloted time.

* If possible, multi-task. While waiting for the laundry, you can study for the big exam slated tomorrow. While you’re surfing the Internet for stuff you can buy on eBay, use this as an opportunity to do research work or autopay your bills as well.

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