College? Advice appreciated

Ktc178 · 27-01-2009, 08:07 PM

Hello Everyone!

I am finishing college applications for some schools in the United States, and I just have one essay left. The reason that it's left to the last is because the question has left me weighing my options. I want to study psychology and plan on finishing my PhD after the four years (obviously).

The question is:

What led you to choose the area(s) of academic interest that you have listed in your application to the University.

I do not know if it is acceptable to be honest. In short, I want to study psychology because I not only find that I am good at helping people, but I know from personal experience how important psychologists are for young people. I do not know if I am supposed to be honest about my past which led me to want this career? If I'm not honest, I can't really think of another reason for wanting such a career?

Any input??

eyes.wide.open · 27-01-2009, 08:09 PM

Hi !
I think if thats the reason your interested then you should write about it. It will be better writing because it comes from the heart.
I mean you dont have to be really detailed and graphic or anything, just simply state the facts about why you think its important through personal experience !
Good Luck :)

spiffykt · 27-01-2009, 08:24 PM

Yeah, with college essays, honesty is always best. You don't need to, like, spill the deep dark details, but the essay will stand out more if you give a personal reason and show them you're really interested!

Twisted Fate · 27-01-2009, 10:26 PM

For me I try to never bring up my past on those kind of things only because to me it almost seems like advertising my self injury. I also don't really think it's very professional. But that's just my view and of corse it really depends on what you plan to say and how you plan to word it. Another thing is most of the time in the four years before grad school you really don't do much with helping people. It's mostly classes about experiments and other things.

Alegria · 27-01-2009, 11:49 PM

I agree- be honest. Maybe try to avoid saying things like "I've been SIing for x amount of years" but just be more general and say that you struggled with some problems for a while and learned the value of the people who were there to help you.

Good luck!