Moving Forward

Sent an email to a professor at #5.

Next week I am going to try to schedule a meeting with my potential final recommender. I hope all goes well, but who knows if he'll even really remember me.

I have like seven drafts of my statement of purpose. They all say basically the same thing in varying degrees of earnestness. All my applications are started except two. One opens Monday and one the following Monday. I think once they're all open and worked on, I will be able to focus on my SOP and what I really want from it.

I feel like I should be nervous but I'm not yet. I'm sure I will be when I push that submit button.

Graduate Schools Update

I am dropping #4 and adding another Northeast school in its place. The school rank is much higher and I figure if I am going to do this, I should do it right.

I took some time off work and really focused on the necessary writing. I wrote the analytical essay for #1 (in California) and got my boyfriend and a friend to read through it. I am sending it to someone else today for an opinion and then I will hold for a week, reread, and then submit to the student readers the school offers.

I am working on the four-page policy memo for the newest addition (new #4). It is a little short right now, but I am just adding ideas as I find them and find time to write.

My general statement of purpose is basically done. I just need to tailor it to the schools. My resume is looking good. My Personal History Essay for #1 is decent. I don't know how long it needs to be or anything, so I just wrote and then stopped when I reached the present.

My big problem is that my writing style, while technically correct is very bland. I have a decent vocabulary but it isn't extraordinary. I don't know what to do to pep up my writing some and make it really impressive.

Recommendation letters and online applications

As of today, I have arranged meetings and recommendation letters from everyone I plan to ask (two academic, one non-academic which is ideal). I also began the online applications for every school that has them available (#2, #3, and #6). The other two won't be available until September. I hope to have my applications done and sent by November 1.

I am determined to work on my SOP this week. I want a solid draft by mid-August so when I go requesting letters in September, I have something decent to show them. I have already worked on my resume, but I feel like it is lacking.

Here it is with personal information removed:

Education

University , - December 2006
Bachelors of Arts in English, magna cum laude
Minor: Mass Communications

Relevant Coursework

US government, international relations, microeconomics, macroeconomics, precalculus and trigonometry, survey of calculus, elementary statistics, technical writing

Relevant Experience

Research secretary and grant coordinator, ****************, *********, ** 2008-present
• Conducted database search for articles, reviewed academic literature
• Edited, formatted, and submitted manuscripts to leading pharmacy journals
• Reviewed, edited and submitted grant applications/proposals, renewals, and revisions to the National Institutes of Health
• Plan, organize and execute department seminar series – coordinating travel, lodging, and payment for visiting speakers, as well as promoting each session within the university

Peer Leader and Peer Leader Mentor, ***********, *******, ** 2004 and 2006
• Taught introductory class for new students alongside ** staff members
• Organized large community service project
• Led lecture of the important of community involvement
• Mentored other peer leaders during my second term of service

America Reads Tutor, **************, ********** 2005-2006
• Worked with minority and other underserved students in ****** County elementary schools, middle schools, and community centers to help them improve reading ability and comprehension
• Collaborated with other tutors to create a dynamic teaching environment utilizing the limited space provided
• Tailored program to meet school and community center needs while still meeting the goals and requirement of the America Reads program

Skills
Apple OSX, Microsoft Word, graphic presentations (PowerPoint), Excel. Dreamweaver. Adobe Suite (Designer, Acrobat, Photoshop). Strong analytical skills. Experience with scientific research and methodology.

Relevant Honors

Dean’s List 2004-2006
President’s Honor Roll – 2006
*********Scholarship for Academic Excellence – 2006
Magna Cum Laude honors including senior thesis – 2006
******* Member (Classics honor society)
***** Institute for Leadership Development – 2006