Maritime Academy Applicant - Personal Statement?

[Whitter1252]

Hello,

I am planning on applying to a few Maritime Academies for the Fall of 2012, Cal Maritime being my first choice, and I am wondering if anyone has any advice as to suggested content for a personal statement or essay to accompany my application... I already have a Bachelor's Degree in another field and graduated with high honors so my application and trnascript should make me a solid candidate, but I am very eager to get into the Marine Transportation program and I want to do whatever it takes to make myself stand out as a top notch applicant.

Any suggestions would be highly appreciated! Thanks,

Mike

[PR-9]

It should not be too hard for you at all!! The fact that you have a degree already will get you in. Also Maritime Academies are not that well known so you shouldn't have that much competition.

Good luck!

[jdcavo]

Hello, I am planning on applying to a few Maritime Academies for the Fall of 2012, Cal Maritime being my first choice, and I am wondering if anyone has any advice as to suggested content for a personal statement or essay to accompany my application... I already have a Bachelor's Degree in another field and graduated with high honors so my application and trnascript should make me a solid candidate, but I am very eager to get into the Marine Transportation program and I want to do whatever it takes to make myself stand out as a top notch applicant. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated! Thanks, Mike

http://cfcl.com/vlb/Cuute/f/college.essay.txt

[DeckApe]

Try writing your essay as if you are applying to a job. Instead of saying why you want to go to that school, why you think the school is great, blah blah blah... sell yourself as someone who will help them do their job of educating. As an older and experienced student you will look out for their students, be a positive roll model and mentor while bringing your life experiences to class and sea to enhance everyone's education and safety.

It worked for me when I applied to TMA (Texas).

[Whitter1252]

Thanks for the advice. My first draft was more focused on what I've done professionally and academically, with a little bit about why I want to get into the maritime industry, but I will add a paragraph about how I would benefit the school. Did you graduate from TMA or are you still there?