Scary Tails and College Essays

Scary Tails and College Essays Introducing the worlds first-ever* joint MIT admissions blog post! Brought to you by bloggers Canna H. and Am T. and a pair of mouse ears. *Backed by absolutely no research or factual evidence. Also, Happy Halloween, everybody! Cam: First, we have a Halloween story. There are two things scary on Halloween: college applications and cats. College application cats. Also, last night we discovered a new qualification for becoming an MIT admissions blogger: you must be scared of the dark. Bold, courageous students need not apply. Last night, after the requisite parties, pumpkin drop (pumpkins falling from the tallest building in Cambridge always a fun event), and various other shenanigans, I met up with Anna and the aforementioned Lucy to go for a drive. Driving by muscle memory led us to Wayland, my small, moderately nowhere-ish hometown. Surprise discovery: nostalgia isnt nearly as enjoyable when youre talking about scary movies on a cold, dark Halloween night. Anna: Now, picture this: Cam and I, in a car, in your stereotypical scary movie setting. An intersection in middle-of-nowhere suburbia, at 3am. Power lines and a small rickety corner store. The headlights fell on a cute little kitty who jumped off the front porch and padded down the sidewalk â€" so, appropriately, I squealed “CUTE KITTY” and pointed. As Cam glanced over, the cute little kitty snapped its head around and two evil, glowing orange eyes fell on us. I am not making this up. Glowing orange. There was no doubt that they were pure evil. Cue the following dialogue: Cam: GAAAAHHHHHHHHHH Anna: BWAAAHHHHH AHHHHHHHHH Cam: GYEAAAAAHHHHH Anna: WAHHHH AHHH AHHHHH We were out of there like a shot. Being adventurous and exploring the outskirts of civilization suddenly seemed much less appealing when there were clearly demon cats out and about. Cam: I think that if it were just a tiny bit colder, I wouldve burned rubber. We peeled out of there like the city-slickers we apparently are, and decided to head for warmer climates for the summe er, to more well-lit, people-filled places for the night. Youll have to excuse me; sometimes I mix up bloggers with migrating birds. Anyway, the rest of the night saw us to IHOP, with apparently half of MIT and various drunken partygoers, back to campus, briefly to Wellesley College, and then home safe by the gentle hour of 6:30AM. All this, dear readers, to bring you entertainment and distraction in your final hours. Look at what we do for you. We almost fell prey to a demon-cat. moving on. Anna: I would like to mention that all of the rest of the night activities Cam listed were carried out with much shivering (about 90% terror and 10% cold), much laughter (90% terror and 10% our own jokes), and much appreciation for the company of other people (Cam: especially 1) the state trooper at IHOP and 2) friends we ran into there). I would also like to add to that list of rest of the night activities by saying that, at 5:55am, I turned 18. Last year, my first post-birthday act was to hit the submit button on my Early Action applications. Cam: INTERRUPTING BLOGGER WHO? Wait, I messed up that joke. Whatever. So, at the start of this post (which we are writing using VNC computer screen and keyboard/mouse sharing), Anna and I were debating how to transition from college stories to cat applications, or some amalgamation of those, and she suggested using the cheesy segway: Speaking of scary things, to which I responded with much glee, mostly because I wanted to use a cheesy pun (double-pun intended). However, I see now that Anna is committing the crime of writing well and with smooth transitions, which deprives me of my basic right to punnery. Curse you, Anna (kidding). [Retroactive edit] Disclaimer: Were about to launch into a long-ish section on college applications; what weve written below is just the perspective of two long-winded MIT students, and not of the MIT admissions office. Please take it with several moles of salt, and maybe some pepper (that is to say: its just our opinion, and we have no bearing on the admissions process). Anna: Now that my brainstorming process has been exposed, Im going to continue off my final choice of segue. In case you were distracted by the seg(ue/way), cheesy, and pun pictures, let me redirect your attention to what this post was actually supposed to be about. You have a little over 24 hours to submit your application, which probably means that you either a) have submitted it, or b) are fervently re-reading every word, making sure its all perfect, and double-checking that you did, in fact, tick the right gender (thats the last thing I checked on mine). Theres something Id like to say about editing, which is that I think its possible to over-edit. By over-edit I mean edit out your natural voice, for the sake of producing a piece of grammatical, spellastic* perfection. *adjectival version of spelling provided by Daniel 12, a fellow French House-er. Thats not to say that you shouldnt check for typos, or careless basic grammatical mistakes. It is to say that your tone of voice is what makes the essay sound like you, and I think that the three-dimensional you, quirks and all, is a lot more precious than a two-dimensional, flawless piece of paper. Towards the end of the essay-editing process, I asked some pairs of fresh eyes (in the form of family and close friends) to take a look at my essays, taking care to stay away from people who might know a great deal about writing essays but not much at all about me. I didn’t ask them whether my writing was “perfect”, or whether it sounded particularly intellectual, but rather whether it sounded like me. The best feelings came from the “haha! Yes! This sounds exactly like you!” comments. As the clock ticked to 10:55am (London time) I scanned over the essays once more, feeling satisfied that I had genuinely gotten the essence of myself across. At 10:55, I turned 17, and hit the “submit” button. I then went outside, hung out with some friends, and relaxed. And was lucky enough not to run into any demon cats. Cam: Id like to take a second here to talk about something along similar lines. This summer, a friend from my high school was texting me (hello 21st century kids: try calling, sometime text messages are not as good for conversation. grumble, grumble, grumble) asking about MIT, and I suggested she come into the city and we talk about it / do a short tour of the campus, my dormitory, etc. She came with a list of questions that her parents wanted her to ask an MIT student, but also some that she had for me personally. I think what bothered me most not about her questions specifically, but about the larger attitude that many people have towards college applications, of which her questions reminded me was that the questions were in large part about what an application should be. There is no should be college application. You dont need to be writing about your 4.0 GPA, your cure for the common cold, or the impressive roles youve held in your long list of significant extracurricular activities. There is no must-join club for college applications, there is no must-have GPA; what matters is that you had passions, you followed them, and in them you found success or failure. My last-minute advice would be: do not focus your application on what you think it should have if you think MIT cares a lot about math, and you spent a week on the math team in sophomore year (cough, cough, me), dont prioritize that on your application over the many hours you spent reading and writing science fiction (or whatever you may have done) after school. If youre deciding what to prune from a too-long application, or choosing what goes on which list, then: focus your application on the things that matter most to you, whether theyre conventionally impressive or not, and through that you will shine. I guess how this applies to early action applicants right now is how it applied to me when I was finishing up my application; Id written four different big essays for the essay question, on two or three different topics (there was some overlap); in the end, I chose the one that I cared most about, and I think that was the most important choice. The choice wasnt the essay with the best sentence structure and variation, or the most spellastic essay, but rather the one that I was most driven to write. Anna: A final word from us: good luck, don’t stress too much, and Happy Halloween! Wild blogger, hard at work in its natural habitat.

Ethics And The Criminal Justice System - 1805 Words

What are ethics? How are ethics analyzed in the criminal justice system? The importance of ethics in the criminal justice system and society with be addressed. The meaning of ethics is defined as what is good for the individual and for the society in which he or she is serving and establishes the nature of obligation what is expected by the officer, correctional officer or judge within the court because each professional holds a very important duty to society which is protect and serve. Also, people in general owe themselves and others the outmost respect integrity and honesty. As children ethics is a value in which a child parent teach as a person to be honest tell the truth and always do the right thing make right choices not the wrong one analyze yourself and think about the consequences to your action. Furthermore, the law can be neutral on the ethical matter. The law enforcement department has ethical code of conduct that must be fallowed which courses are provided to employees to ensure that the proper understanding of the word ethics is understood because as an officer he or she has the liability to enforce the law protect and serve society. Officers are the first respondent on a crime scene or incident which the proper report must be processes because the report is the word or evidence and if false statements are provided that officer’s credential will be question and no longer be trusted. The study and research of ethics in the criminal justice system has beenShow MoreRelatedEthics And The Criminal Justice System961 Words   |  4 Pagescompass, our ethics. Personal ethics are applied to every aspect of life from daily interactions with others, to the work force, in every profession. This paper will define the use of ethics in the criminal justice system. As well as the difference between ethics in life and law, why the need for equal treatment of all people in the criminal justice system, and what safeguards are provided by the criminal pro cedure to ensure there are ethics in the criminal justice system. The term ethics has a moreRead MoreThe Ethics Of The Criminal Justice System1342 Words   |  6 Pages20/20.† It is easy to look back on the history of criminal justice and scoff at the sometimes crude and barbaric methods of correcting criminal behavior. From speaking to village elders to burning those who were deemed witches, human-kind’s endeavor to seek out and punish bad behavior has been littered with what many could consider to be downright silly behavior. Luckily though, all of that is in the past now, with our society and criminal justice system moving in a scientific direction more-so everyRead MoreA Review of the Literature: Plea Bargaining and Ethics in the Criminal Justice System1913 Words   |  8 Pages| A Review of the Literature: Plea Bargaining and Ethics in the Criminal Justice System | | | Plea bargaining is a significant portion of today’s criminal justice system. As Chief Justice Burger stated, â€Å"The disposition of criminal charges by agreement between the prosecutor and the accused, sometimes loosely called ‘plea bargaining,’ is an essential component of the administration of justice. Properly administered, it is to be encouraged† (Santobello v. New York, 1971). The practiceRead MorePolicing1068 Words   |  5 PagesEthics in Criminal Justice Administration Analysis Perla M. Flores CJA/484 Criminal Justice Administration Capstone March 10, 2014 Fran Hart Ethics in Criminal Justice Administration Analysis Ethics in criminal justice administration is a very important aspect because professionals within the criminal justice system make important decisions every day that involves critical thinking, and the choices they make will have an impact in society;Read MoreEssay Ethics in Criminal Justice1263 Words   |  6 PagesETHICS IN CRIMINAL PROCEDURE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE CRJ 306 – INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE KRISTA L. JONES PROFESSOR COURTNEY SEVERINO July 29, 2013 Ethics in Criminal Procedure and Criminal Justice Actions and inactions all have moral implications; they are either right or wrong depending on the individual and what s/he believes or feels is right or wrong. Each person’s conduct can and does have implications and ramifications. 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The first chapters of Cyndi Banks (2008) Criminal Justice Ethics, however, make it clear that the issues of right and wrong in the criminal justice system are far more complex, specific, and subtle thanRead MoreEthics in Criminal Justice Administration1433 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿ Ethics in Criminal Justice Administration CJA 484 Lori Madison Nowhere is ethical behavior more important than the administration of criminal justice. Lack of ethical behavior undermines the purpose of the criminal justice system. The cost of unethical behavior will be the downfall of the criminal justice system and only by gaining a true understanding of what ethical behavior is and how to maintain it will the system continue to flourish. While the ethical standard individualsRead MoreEthics And Law Enforcement Law995 Words   |  4 PagesEthics are an important aspects of criminal law and procedure, by providing integrity and morals to law enforcement and law are ways to reduce crime. Certain behaviors reflect characteristics of morality for law enfacement as well as law makers. â€Å"Morals, ethics, and other values also inform how most people behave and interact with each other. It is clear that lawmakers attempt to deter people from committing crimes by drafting criminal laws with appropriate penalties; it is less clear whether thisRead M orePhilosophical And Practical Approach For Balancing Issues1209 Words   |  5 PagesUniversity CRJ 220: Ethics and Leadership Professor: Judy Tompkins, JD LLM September 9, 2015 Law enforcement officers deal with criminal offenders, some who are more dangerous than others . Officers may be sometimes assigned to field work that has a high crime ratio or even assigned to institutional settings, where there may be a high risk of violence. Results of working as a law enforcement agent can be very stressful and risky at times. Ethics in criminal justice provides us with the

Genetically Modified Food For Organic Food - 882 Words

I ve never heard of the term genetically modified food before I take this course. Maybe I did, but I just never paid attention to it until now due to lack of interest on the topic. I ve heard of inorganic and organic food all the time though. I thought that farmers or manufacturers apply some sort of chemicals on the product to make them better in inorganic food. So to me, it was not a big of a deal because not only they try to make the product better but I also notice that inorganic food are way cheaper than organic food. Everytime I go to the grocery store, organic food are twice or more expensive than the popular inorganic products. When I heard of genetically modified food(GMF), the first thing that comes to my mind is mutated food. I did not know that GMF and inorganic products are the same. If I would have not known about GMF right now and somebody ask me if I would eat a GMF, the answer would be a persuasive no. But, now that I know that they are the same, I would not mind at all. According to www.who.int, genetically modified ornanisms is defined as organisms in which the DNA has been altered without mating and/or natural recombination. The technology is often referred to as biotechnology or genetic engineering. It transfers selected genes from organism into another even between nonrelated species. Foods that are made from genetically modified organisms such as plants and vegetables are called genetically modified foods. Although Frankenstein and theShow MoreRelatedGenetically Modified Foods And Organic Foods Essay1605 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) were first introduced over 20 years ago, but that doesn’t mean consumers know what GMO’s are and the benefits and drawbacks of them are. This study was conducted in order to appropriately justify an answer to the questions: Do South African consumers know what genetically modified and organically grown foods are? Are they making informed choices about what they eat? These questions must be answered as it is important to determine whether consumersRead MoreGenetically Modified Foods And Organic Foods1637 Words   |  7 Pagessubject of genetically modified foods and organic foods. I leaned towards this topic because I firmly believe that genetically modified foods may affect the public’s health; as well as, believe that this process involves animal cruelty. Although food is tested for safety before it goes out in the market, there is no solid proof of a long-term study. It is possible that health risks may arise, although not immediately, but over time. From my current understanding, genetically modified food is artificiallyRead MoreEssay about Genetically Modified Foods vs. Organic Foods1938 Words   |  8 PagesA new kind of foods called the genetically modified foods has been creating a quiet revolution in the American market for the past several years. Scientists are able to produce these new foods by transferring genes from one organism into another across species boundaries. This new technique has been developed to improve the shelf life, nutritional content, flavor, color, and texture of foods. Since 1994, about 45 genetically modified foods such as tomato, corn, soybeans, canola, and potatoes haveRead MoreGenetically Modified Food Supply Essays1107 Words   |  5 Pagesproliferating food supply to meet the demands of an exponentially propagating population has led many scientists and civilians to believe that a genetically modified food supply would be more than ideal. While genetically modified foods have proven to yiel d more food under cheaper costs, it has also yielded many problems. Concerned researchers believe that a â€Å"Pandora’s lunchbox† has been opened at the dawn of genetic modification technology. (PBS, par 33) Since genetically modified foods are foreignRead MoreGentically Modified Organisms are the Topic of Conversation718 Words   |  3 Pagesdecade or so, genetically modified foods and genetically modified organisms, also known as GM Foods and GMO’s, have been a never ending topic of discussion. GM Foods and GMO’s have adversely affected people’s health all over the world. GMO’s are developed through taking genes of different species, then combining them through genetic engineering. Neither of those things can happen naturally or out in nature. That should raise lots of red flags to our society already. Adding these altered foods into ourRead MoreMandatory Labeling Of Genetically Modified Foods1726 Words   |  7 PagesMandatory Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods The late nineteenth century brought forth some of the most breakthrough scientific discoveries. One such breakthrough were Genetically Engineered (Modified) Organisms which were initially meant to reduce world hunger by being able to mass produce crops and also allow the produce to have a longer shelf life and be more ripe. However, the increasing methods of germinating crops and new, more compelling evidence from thorough scientific research has ledRead MoreOutline Of The Gmo Of Gmo Foods Essay1635 Words   |  7 PagesNegligence GMO foods have become overpopulated inside of grocery stores. These foods that are against the natural way of producing food have been forced upon the shelves and consumed by most consumers. Consequently, the United States does not make it mandatory to label our food as a GMO or non-GMO. Our government continues to force the consumer to eat GMO foods that might possibly change the genetic and chemical makeup of humans. Since the government funds and controls these modified seeds, and becauseRead MoreThe Issue Of The Ukraine Crisis1127 Words   |  5 Pagesphenomenon that isn’t limited to U.S foreign policy. We’ve seen the same narrative play out in the ongoing debate regarding the use of genetically modified crops in the U.S food supplies. The number of voices on the subject is growing while the amount of knowledge stagnates. To address the issue, we must first locate the origin of myths surrounding genetically modified crops. Then, establish some borders on the deba te to ensure it remains educated and accurate. And finally, come to a decision regardingRead MoreEssay on GMO Labeling1697 Words   |  7 Pagestwo decades of the twentieth century, genetically modified organisms (often referred to as GMOs) have been getting mixed reviews from the public. Genetically modified consumer products (primarily food) have pushed the barriers of some peoples comfort levels. Born out of either a lack of knowledge or a sincere concern for public health or the environment, a consumer rights movement has been planted around the world pushing for labeling of genetically modified food products. This movement has maturedRead MoreBenefits Of Genetically Modified Foods1332 Words   |  6 PagesGenetically Modified Foods In the past few decades, a rise in the need for a cheaper food source has arisen. The world’s population was at six billion at the beginning of the 1990s, and it has increased rapidly. Not only that, but in just the United States, various studies have shown an increase to the population of the lower income level ranges. Genetic engineering of plants and animals has provided a solution to offering cheaper food sources, reducing such problems. Livestock could be given growth

Middle Eastern Views of Mental Illness Free Essays

There are many countries that are considered to be countries of the Middle East. Some of these include Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Yemen, and Isreal, just to name a few. Many of these countries have things in common, such as belief in Islam, use of the Arabic language, connections through the Arab League, historical ties, etc. We will write a custom essay sample on Middle Eastern Views of Mental Illness or any similar topic only for you Order Now The different countries form a chain of countries that are linked by culture and religion on the one hand and yet vary greatly in terms of dialect and history on the other. The Arabic language is a large common denominator between these countries; however, dialects can be so different from each other to a point where a person from Syria can hardly communicate with a person from Algeria. (1) Most landscape in the Middle East is either occupied by harsh desert conditions or mountains. This has made its people very tough in terms of living conditions. Lebanon, parts of Syria, Turkey, Iran and Iraq have mountainous areas while most of the other countries are flat and extremely arid. Those living in the desert traditionally used to move around in a perennial search for water, which resulted in unique eating behaviors and homes. A typical Arab house in the desert is built out of mud and has little furniture. The food is basic with little processing. However, in the mountains of Lebanon, Syria or Turkey one will encounter strong homes with heavy stones and arches that can last for generations. In addition, food in these areas is usually produced during summertime and stored in cellars for use when nature does not allow them to go out and work their snow covered fields. 1) Religions play a big role in the dynamics of the Middle Eastern society. They are considered to be one of the main pillars of the society and individuals are stereotyped based on religion. Islam, Judaism, and Christianity are the main religions practiced in the middle-east and people who practice these faiths only surround themselves with people of the same faith. Daily life is practiced on the ba sis of ones religion and others are expected to respect that. 1) The present day Middle East is a mixture of very old cultures and very young nations that were organized by European colonial powers after the defeat of the Central Powers which led to the end of World War One and fall of the Ottoman Empire. The culture of the Middle East is thus understood only by learning about the history of the region and the forces that have influenced the growth and demise of controlling powers. Since World War One, colonial countries such as France, Great Britain, and The United States have ignificantly influenced the Middle East. (1) Keeping in mind this very generalized description of the Middle Eastern culture we can now begin to look at the beliefs in terms of mental illness. In my research it is safe to say that most all opinions by middle easterners are based off of their religious beliefs. According to the SRA (Stigma Research and Action) people from non-Western cultures tend to attribute the cause of mental illness more frequently to the afflicted i ndividual. It is possible that discrimination against the mentally ill differs in an Islamic culture where mental illnesses and other ailments are, to some extent, considered to be due to the will of God, rather than evil forces, bad behavior, or other personally devaluating factors. According to the holy Koran, people with a mental disorder should be treated with respect, and this might result in a less stigmatizing attitude. Such a perception of causality would also reasonably apply to the individual, and might be a factor that reduces self-blame. One must bear one’s predicament and wait for the mercy of God! A study was done by SRA researchers and participants were asked a series of open-ended questions. Responses indicated feelings of alienation, sharing stereotypes about the mentally ill, experiences of discrimination, social withdrawal, and resistance to being stigmatized and discriminated against. For example, responses included: Yes, they discriminate against us; They don’t count on us; Our society has no capacity for us; I mean there is no cultural understanding in our society; They ridicule, insult and harm us; I wish they could understand that psychiatric patients are like other patients, like patients with cancer or cardiac disease and that they can live their lives. A recurring theme was the idea of the mentally ill as dangerous and aggressive: They all believe a mentally ill patient is a natural born killer and that’s why I try to keep myself to myself and not even claim what I’m entitled to; When the police came they were acting as if I was a criminal, but they ought to know that I’m a patient, not a criminal. (2) The International Journal of Mental health Systems has thoroughly researched the country of Iraq in terms of their views on Mental illness. According to their research public attitudes towards mental illness in Iraq has shown that community opinion about the aetiology of mental illness is broadly compatible with scientific evidence, but understanding of the nature of mental illness, its implications for social participation and management remains negative in general. (3) As nurses we have to remain unbiased, and educational towards our patients and their families. When faced with a patient with a mental illness whom is Middle eastern we need to stay mindful of the fact that they probably believe that they were afflicted by their God in some way, or in some way they deserved to be born with this illness. We need to simply educate them on the importance of medication Therapy and safety. We should treat all of our patients the same no matter what their cultural beliefs are and we should always treat each patient with respect. Active listening is an important skill to master as a nurse with all patients but with Middle Eastern patients especially it is a sign of respect to listen to them first, and allow them to finish completely prior to speaking. Giving this level of respect to all patients all the time will ensure that as nurses we never offend, and that we give the best quality care. How to cite Middle Eastern Views of Mental Illness, Papers

Since The Dawn Of Man, Fads Have Changed Periodically From The Lion Sk

Since the dawn of man, fads have changed periodically from the lion skin butt-flap, to eating dinner in front of the television. Some have been huge successes and then others have been eye-throbbing disasters. For an inquisitive person, creating a trend can lead to a profitable business like Tommy Hilfiger, still there are the few exceptions. However, it is because of a natural media driven entertainment industry that trends are created and manufactured. Humans follow fads for several reasons, but can that become a problem? Many consider fads as an important part of life and believe it is impossible to live without them. Perhaps by understanding the reasons humans copy ideas, the conspiracy that surrounds fads will be unveiled. The magazine "Self Esteem" published an article that rated the reasons why so many follow trends. Among the top rated reasons were the feelings of security, and popularity, but to make a statement was the number one reason that most of the people who were asked gave. Some of the top ranking psychiatric doctors around the world, attribute the well known success of fads to the confidence people gain when they are accepted by others. They stated that self-esteem is necessary to survive the pressures of the real world, and by just simply wearing the popular brand names, the emotional levels of fear decrease remarkably. Popularity plays a huge role with teenagers because by dying their hair and using Calvin Klein cologne, their friends double in number. Just recently, huge statements have been made by those whose popularity exceeds the common man. For example, when Bill Clinton brought the first dog into the White House, an enormous statement was made. In fact, according to the American S PCA, the after shock of that one event caused the dog versus cat ratio in homes to rise significantly. Nike has become the success they are today from just getting famous childhood idles to market their product on television and the basket-ball court for that instance. Whether or not Nike shoes make people soar through the air is still up for debate, but the fact that Michael Jordan wears the shoe makes all the difference. Industries with celebrities like Mike working for them could sell shoes with no laces and still make a profit. Another question asked frequently today is why do fads exist? The existence of fads has been pondered since many people started following weird or fascinating ideas just because their peers were. This leads to a common interpretation, the world is full of followers and leaders are hard to find. That conclusion has been altered a little and it is now known that fads help express certain points of view. Several corporations, especially those in Europe depend on the natural human instinct to express opinions. Peering into the textile's category of trends, there is no doubt that if trends didn't exist in fashion, economies throughout Europe would go bankrupt. This would add to a simple problem, thousands of gifted designers are suddenly begging for quarters with the rest of the guitar players on the sidewalk. Considering these facts, the quote "To live without fads, would make the world an undesirable place to live" made by Jonathan Peerson (a designer for the "Jessica" clothes line), makes those realize just how discontent this world would be with out fads. Although the problems that arise from those who want the fad but can't afford it, strengthens the point made by most of the critics of fads, "Fads are a serious problem invisible to the naked eye." Assuming the identity of a thief in the night, problems can arise almost unexpectedly into a serious uproar. The BCTV evening news reported that vicious gang beatings and robberies went up 35% in the months of July and August. However they neglected to acknowledge the fact that most of those beating occurred just because people who were less fortunate, went to desperate measures to obtain the popular object. In developed cities like New York and L.A., car robberies occur every day. According to CNN affiliates, "thieves no longer want to steal the Honda from John Smith, instead they'd rather steal the Mercedes from a rich business man." Police figure that it is due to

The Dangers of NaNoWriMo

The Dangers of NaNoWriMo The Dangers of NaNoWriMo This is the last week of one of the year’s most frenetic months for writers: National Novel Writing Month. Since its foundation in 1999, the now-universally-abbreviated NaNoWriMo has established itself as the best opportunity for aspiring writers to stop being just that.At the last New Generation Self-Publishing Summit (sponsored by Reedsy), Porter Anderson said something that really stuck with me (and apparently others – see tweets below): â€Å"‘E’ will obliterate territorial rights.†Exactly. ‘E’ has this extraordinary capacity to tear down physical or territorial barriers – and that’s true for everything from books to . In the case of NaNoWriMo, ‘e’ gives rise to a universal writers’ group where authors meet annually, exchange tips, support one another and update the community on their progress. The result is a global race where winning is accessible to everyone, because winning means finishing the ma nuscript. These kind of races always end up creating a strong sense of community.To the casual observer, NaNoWriMo might seem like the greatest thing to happen to writers since QWERTY. But the e-phenomenon might not be for everyone. Here’s why.1. The â€Å"New Year’s Resolution† EffectLet’s start with a mild accusation. To me, it sounds like â€Å"NaNoWriMo† is to authors what January is to non-authors: that time of year when you take on game-changing projects that you hold on to†¦ for a month.Writing over 1,000 words a day is something many authors do throughout the year (or at least several months a year), and many successful authors write in excess of 10,000 words per month. While NaNoWriMo creates the perfect incentive to *start* doing that, I think it is as important for authors to stick to the 1,667 words a day during NaNoWriMo as it is for them to keep writing regularly afterwards (at a slower pace, maybe). NaNo can create momentum, but it can also cause burnout for those unaccustomed to such a colossal creative effort.NaNo shouldn’t be the exception in an author’s life; it should be the ramp that launches a writing career.2. â€Å"In the end, it’s all about writing, you know?†There’s a Holy Trinity of generalized advice to authors out there that comes up regularly at conferences or in blog posts, forums and social media: 1. Writing is only half the job; reaching readers is the other half. 2. Writing your next book is your #1 marketing tool. 3. Present your book to readers only when it’s in the best possible shape.NaNoWriMo sets up authors to follow none of this advice.Think about it: You’re writing 1,667 words a day. You have a full-time job on the side. You spend the little spare time you have tweeting updates about your writing and contributing to a #nanowrimo hashtag feed that is already flooded by self-publishing companies trying to get participants’ att ention.In the meantime, not much is done for â€Å"the second half of the job† – marketing. It’s easy when all the focus is around #amwriting to forget about the occasional reader-directed tweet or Facebook post, the monthly newsletter, blogging, reader-mapping, etc. Not all authors forget about marketing during NaNo (the â€Å"big names† keep blogging heavily as a matter of fact), but there’s a certain detriment to everyone in the author community putting sole emphasis on â€Å"just writing† for a month.This brings us to item #3. Speed and precision are rarely bedfellows, and NaNo manuscripts are no exception. I’ll expand on this point below.3. â€Å"There! I’m done! Let’s publish now.†I’ve heard from several Reedsy editors that the months following Nano are usually super busy for them. Authors have their first drafts in hand and are so proud that they want to capitalise on the momentum and accelerate the â€Å"publishing process† so their book gets out there quickly. NaNoWriMo puts so much emphasis on speed that it invites authors to neglect the 3rd rule cited above, and accentuates an author’s biggest vice: impatience.Eagerness is perfectly understandable, especially in light of the massive effort it takes to write 50k words in 30 days. But that pace is challenging even for seasoned authors, and at best would result in a first draft – a starting point for editing and revision. Looking for an editor right after NaNo can be a good option, but only if you’re looking to get a quick manuscript assessment (most Reedsy editors offer that, and some will offer a discount in December/January for NaNo manuscripts). Doing a developmental edit, let alone a copyedit or proofread on your manuscript is a waste of time and money; you’re simply not ready – or at least, your NaNo manuscript isn’t.Even if you ARE the rare specimen ready for the next pha se of manuscript development come December 1, tens of thousands of other NaNoWriMo participants will be looking for a developmental editor during the same period of time. This means that all good, reputable editors are going to be fully booked for a couple of months. Have you ever tried finding a free treadmill at a gym in January? Well, it’s like that, but worse. Patience! Take December, or even January too, to edit your book, develop an early reader base (or look for beta-readers), pair up with other authors to prepare a common launch, or get started on your next book. Releasing several at a time can be an unexpected way to get noticed very quickly by the gremlins that power Amazon’s algorithms (aka, an indie author’s best friends*)†¦Like Christmas does for consumer capitalism, NaNoWriMo generates an incredible amount of enthusiasm and energy for creative writing. But it’s not without risk, and sometimes gives rise to misperceptions about what writ ing seriously involves. Impatience, burnout and neglect of the market are natural pitfalls for NaNo participants. So authors: tread carefully, and learn from your experienced peers. Use NaNoWriMo not as an end in itself, but as another tool in your kit. November comes but once a year, but writing your novel is a 24/7/365 commitment.*Next to self-doubt and caffeine, anyway.By Ricardo FayetEdited by the lovely Reedsy editor Becca Heyman–What do you personally think of NaNoWriMo? I’d love to know your thoughts on this so don’t hesitate to leave a comment!

How to Register for the SSAT 5 Simple Steps

How to Register for the SSAT 5 Simple Steps SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The SSAT can be an important test for students hoping to attend a private school, but how do you register for it?In this guide, we walk you step-by-step through the SSAT registration process and include screenshots from the SSAT website to makes things as simple as possible. At the end of the guide, we also include a chart with upcoming SSAT registration dates so you know exactly when you need to register for each exam date to avoid late fees. What to Know About the SSAT Before Registering If you’re planning on applying to a private school, you’ll likely need to take the SSAT and submit your scores as part of your application. There are three levels of the SSAT depending on the grade you’re in. (Students take the test based on their current grade, not the grade they’ll be entering next year, so make sure you register for the correct test.) Elementary for students in grades 3 and 4 Middle for students in grades 5 through 7 Upper for students in grades 8 through For more information on the SSAT, including an in-depth look at what topics it tests, check out our guide to the SSAT. The SSAT sign up process is pretty simple, but before you start, you should gather all the information and materials you’ll need for registration. This will make the registration process much easier and faster to complete. Here’s what you need for SSAT Registration: Your address and contact info The names of up to three schools where you’d like the results to be sent (you can also add these schools after the exam) A credit card for payment 5 Steps to Register for the SSAT Follow these five steps to register for the SSAT and get your choice of exam date and location. #1: Create an Account Before you can begin the registration process, you’ll need to visit the SSAT website and create an account. You’ll create both an account for the student taking the SSAT and a parent/guardian account so you can manage the student account. To create the accounts, you’ll need to enter some basic information such as your address and contact info and your child’s age and grade. Each student who’ll be taking the SSAT needs their own account, so if you have several children who’ll be taking the test, you’ll need to create separate accounts for each of them. You’ll only need one parent account. #2: Begin the Registration Process After you’ve created your account, click â€Å"Manage My SSAT† then â€Å"Register for SSAT.†You’ll see a page (below) outlining the steps you’ll need to take for SSAT test registration. #3: Choose a Test Location and Date After selecting whether the student needs additional accommodations or a Sunday exam due to religious reasons, you’ll select the grade of the student taking the exam. You’ll then see a page with the location and dates of upcoming SSAT exams, with the closest test center at the top of the list. Select the test that works best for you. #4: Add Score Recipients (Optional) You’ll next have the option of choosing the school(s) you want the SSAT scores to be sent to. You can send SSAT scores to up to three schools for no additional charge. If you’re not sure yet where you’d like the SSAT scores to be sent, you can also complete this step anytime before or after the exam date.SSAT score reports are sent about two weeks after the test date. #5: Select Add-Ons and Complete Payment The next step is choosing if you want to purchase any additional add-ons such as rush reporting or practice materials.The final step of SSAT test registration is payment. You’ll need a credit card to pay for the SSAT test fee (plus fees for any add-ons you chose). Below is a chart showing SSAT fees. Domestic tests refer to those administered in the US, Canada, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Saipan, or the US Virgin Islands. International exams are those administered in any countries other than those just listed. All fees are in USD. SSAT Exam Type Fee Elementary Level (Domestic) $80 Elementary Level (International) $157 Middle or Upper Level (Domestic) $132 Middle or Upper Level (International) $257 After you’ve paid, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and the SSAT registration process is complete! SSAT Test Dates and Registration Deadlines Below is a chart of recent and upcoming SSAT registration dates and deadlines.You should register for the SSAT at least three weeks before the exam date to avoid late fees. It’s possible to register for the SSAT up to three days before the exam, but you’ll end up paying $45 to $85 in late fees, depending on how late you register for the test. SSAT Exam Date Regular Registration Deadline Late Registration Begins ($45 fee) Rush Registration Begins ($85 fee) Last Day for Registration Oct. 14, 2017 Sep. 23, 2017 Sep. 24, 2017 Oct. 1, 2017 Oct. , 2017 Nov. , 2017 Oct. 21, 2017 Oct. 22, 2017 Oct. 29, 2017 Nov. 8, 2017 Dec. 9, 2017 Nov. 18, 2017 Nov. 19, 2017 Nov. 26, 2017 Dec. 6, 2017 Jan. 6, 2018 Dec. 16, 2017 Dec. 17, 2017 Dec. 24, 2017 Jan. 3, 2018 Feb. 3, 2018 Jan. 13, 2018 Jan. 14, 2018 Jan. 21, 2018 Jan. 31, 2018 March 3, 2018 Feb. 10, 2018 Feb. , 2018 Feb. 18, 2018 Feb. 28, 2018 April 21, 2018 March 31, 2018 April 1, 2018 April 8, 2018 April 18, 2018 June 9, 2018 May 19, 2018 May 20, 2018 May 27, 2018 June 6, 2018 If your student needs additional testing accommodations or needs to take the SSAT on a Sunday due to religious reasons, you’ll need to apply for testing accommodations.You’ll need to apply for testing accommodations at least four weeks before the desired test date and have any requested materials submitted at least two weeks before the test date. Summary: SSAT Registration The SSAT is an exam many students hoping to attend private schools take. There are versions of the SSAT available for elementary, middle, and high school students.SSAT test registration is a pretty simple process, but knowing what to expect ahead of time will make it easier and faster to complete. There are five main steps to SSAT registration: #1: Create an account #2: Begin the registration process #3: Choose a test location and date #4: Add score recipients #5: Choose add-ons and pay There are several SSAT registration dates throughout the year, and you should aim to register for the SSAT at least three weeks before the test date to avoid late fees. However, if you’re willing to pay late fees, you can register up to three days before the exam. What's Next? Want help with your SSAT prep? Check out our SSAT study tips and complete collection of SSAT practice tests. Vocab is an important part of the SSAT, but it can be hard to find high-quality practice materials. Our guide to SSAT vocabulary has done the hard work for you and compiled every top SSAT vocab resource in one place. Want to learn more about what's covered on the elementary, middle, and upper-level tests? Then be sure to read our complete guide to the SSAT. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: