The Transfer Connection
Greetings,
Record keeping may not be exciting, but certainly is necessary. Whether it is tracking the bills you pay or the classes you take, keeping records now will make your life easier later. When you start to write or update your resume, it will be so helpful to have your transcript, as well as notes about courses you have taken. If you think about how the courses and other experiences have helped you learn and grow, it will help shape your resume or application. Make sure you also track volunteer experiences, and assignments at work. Take some time periodically--maybe at semester break or the end of each semester to update the organizations in which you are involved, as well as you activities and volunteer hours. The format is up to you. Some like paper records, some use a spreadsheet or e-portfolio.
Journaling on paper or on-line will help you reflect on your experiences. It will also give you a source to draw on when you need to complete an application for a scholarship, program, or a job. It can also be a source of notes to give individuals who have agreed to write letter of reference for you. You should be building relationships with professionals (faculty, staff, supervisors) so that they will know you well enough to write about you. Whether you ask someone to write a specific letter for you or ask someone if you can use their name as a reference, provide them with information. These are busy people who are probably asked the same thing by a number of students, and you want them to remember you. Provide a resume and other information like a personal statement. If the application doesn't require one it is a good exercise to help you think about your goals and how you plan to reach them.
Other tips for completing applications
- Think about how you can set yourself apart from the stack of applications with similar majors, GPA, scores, etc.
- Briefly describe agencies, organizations, or honors. (i.e., Tau Sigma, national honor society for transfer students) Tell how you were involved and how they are important to you rather than just listing them.
- If you list volunteer service describe the type of service, frequency, and length. How did you make a difference to yourself and others?
- Carefully read and follow directions.
- Start early enough to allow time to edit and get comments from people you trust. Then get it in early.
EVENTS
Fall Break Enjoy! The cool weather will remind you to bring back jackets and gloves if you are headed home for break.
It is also time to think about getting a flu shot. Students spend a great deal of time in close proximity with many other people. Your insurance may pay for it. Here is the information: http://health.unl.edu/flu/index.shtml
Whatever you do with your days off, do it safely.
Cheers,
JoAnn
JoAnn Moseman, M.A.
Academic Transfer Coordinator
Office of Undergraduate Studies
www.unl.edu/ous/student_programs/transfer.shtml
http://transition.unl.edu/
jmoseman2@unl.edu
