K Fisher

How to Write the Perfect Letter of Recommendation

K Fisher3 Comments

Now, this article is about the individuals who will be writing a ‘Letters of Recommendation for a student. Nevertheless, writing a letter of recommendation does follow a few strict codes of conduct to ensure that the student is not simply receiving a letter written by a family member.

As a matter of fact, that is the first rule, no family members can write a ‘Letter of Recommendation for a student. This means we will be covering the top tips and tricks needed to write a successful recommendation for a student that needs a college admissions recommendation.

Also, it should be known that all students who want to go to college will need a letter of recommendation and typically, no less than two.

The stages needed to properly write a letter of recommendation will be shown below:

  • Start off with a formal salutation – No one should ever start off a letter of recommendation with ‘hey’ or ‘what’s up.’
  • This type of ‘letter’ is in need of a business format. That means the letter needs to be typed out and printed. The 3 different business formats available are block, modified block, and semi-block styles.
  • Understand the type of letterhead needed, font size (11 or 12), and a typical font type like Arial or Time New Roman.

After knowing what entails a business letter structure, the individual who is writing the letter will need to use the first paragraph to introduce the student. It will need to be stated in the first 3 to 4 sentences about who the student is, what grade, and the connection between the individual writing the letter and the student.

The What Not To Do

A family member can not write a letter of recommendation for a family member who is a student. That goes against all college admission rules. If a family member who is a professor does submit a letter of recommendation for a child or family member, that letter will be rejected by the higher education institution.

There should never be any abbreviations when it comes to general language. There should be no form of ‘text chat abbreviation’ within the writing.

When it comes to detailing the student’s expectations, the letter should be proof as to why this student is considered exceptional and deserves to be enrolled within a particular university. With that in mind, if a teacher only details a student’s routine or basic expectations (like they turn in their work on time)… this is not what admissions look for in students. Admissions are expecting to read a harrowing description about a student’s vibrant leadership or community skills that simply seemed revolutionary.

For professors or teachers writing about a student’s achievements, this should not be the sole focus. Instead, there should be about a 20% mention of achievements and an 80% about that person’s character. When it comes to college admissions and a letter of recommendation, that institution wants to know from the perspective of a colleague or professor, why this student may in fact be a great fit for their university. Writing about a student’s character is a guaranteed admission entrance.

False praise or lack thereof would be considered not a contribution but in fact, would play against the student when it comes to college admissions. If a professor/teacher provides faint praise and instead adds much more criticism than there needs to be, the letter of recommendation will most likely be revoked. Because a letter of recommendation is about highlighting why a specific student would be the right fit for this college opportunity. Providing too much criticism would allow admissions to instead insist that the student is not the right fit for their educational institution.

What Should Be Written

The second paragraph and even the third should be dedicated to introducing the student and their character traits. This would mean, what makes the student stand out from the rest, or why is the student exceptional and deserves to achieve their higher education dream. Whether it’s for engineering, science, mathematics, linguistics, or another field study subject… this information matters.

The dication of the relationship to the student, a simple sentence like “current professor or past level 1 college professor in this specific class” is enough of an introduction on how the two individuals do know each other. There is no need to dedicate a whole paragraph to this teacher/student professional relationship.

Offering enthusiastic support is the right amount of intent that should be put into a letter of recommendation. This means a professor or teacher would need to provide the right reasonings as to why this student deserves this college opportunity. Also, the writer of the letter of recommendation should look into the requirements that are needed and the rules that should be followed depending on the college the student is applying to.

Each higher education institution has a different set of guidelines. Some request a two-page letter of recommendation, or some request a minimum of 3 letters of recommendation. It just depends on the college.

A few examples of what Universities expect when it comes to a ‘letter of recommendation:’

  • For the University of Seattle – Washington, United States: The required list includes mentioning a students G.P.A., grade, rank, intellectual engagement, work ethic, study habits, effort, enjoyment, curiosity, course content and concepts. Along with social maturity with other classmates, leadership skills, helpful intent, personality traits, mastery of technical skills, mastery of analytical skills, and writing ability.
  • The American University of Paris: Required two letters of recommendation
  • The University of Toronto: One letter of recommendation most have information on academics. This would be considered a professional academic letter. The second letter of recommendation would come from an employer of the student, this can be current or previous employement.
  • The University of Tasmania: At this university instead of a letter of recommendation, they are called: A Personal Competency Statement.
  • Stanford University: At Stanford, two academic letters of recommedation are required from two separate academic professors. Only one optional letter can be submitted, this is a letter of recommendation from someone who is not a teacher or teaching assistant. Stanford asks that the individual who writes the letter of recommendation to submit the letter directly to a single use email. The recommender will need to list the students full legal name, birth date, and school name from which the writer is writing from. Standford does have an available letter of recommendation checklist on their university website.
  • The University of Edinburgh: There is a difference for this univerfsity when it comes to recommendation letters, instead, the difference falls on reference requirements. These requirements will vary between degree programs that are happneing within the current year or the next. In fact, only some programs ask for specific references, while others require either one or two references. Find the specific reference requirements for the chosen program that is within a bachelor, master’s or Ph.D. degree level for that univeristy. However, the normal ratio is two letters of recommendation.
  • The University of Leeds: The university asks for students to submit only two letters of reference. Letters of reference can be from any lecturer or professor. From here only the professor or lecturer can submit their letters to a desired email that is given on the univeristy guideline website. From there, if there is any indication that information is needed or needed to be detailed further, the univeristy will only contact the individual that wrote the letter of recommendation.
  • The University of Barcelona: Part of the university of Barcelona’s application procedure involves a letter of recommendation. A provisional letter of acceptance which will need to be written by a professor will need to be submitted. Also, this is considered a personal letter of recommendation that will need to be from a student. A letter of introduction from the student, signed by a member of staff from your home university will be needed.
  • The University of Amsterdam: The university asks all applicants to inform the referee about the procedure before the introduction. The institution will need to receive the recommendation letters within a three week time period after a student has fully submitted their application. It is not possible to upload recommendation letters from the student themselves, this is against the rules. Only one referee is sufficient for the application process. So one letter of recommedation that lists the student academic abilites is needed. However, for a Ph.D. a separate letter detailing information from a lecturer will be needed which would fall under informed letter of recommendation.
  • The University of Melbourne: First off, the university of Melbourne does require a personal statement that does not exceed 500 words. Followed by that, a teacher or professor will need to write one letter of recommendation and a short follow up statement about the students English proficency.
  • The University of Vermont: All applicants will need to provide the school with at least a minimum of one letter of recommendation written by a previous teacher.
  • The University of Houston: A minimum of three letters of recommedation are required, A recommender (employer, faculty member, work associate, etc.) should comment on an applicant’s academic potential for graduate work in the College of Education. Applicants must provide email addresses for the recommenders.
  • Yale University: This university requires two letters of recommendation from teachers who have taught a student within credit-bearing classes during the academic year in core academic subjects (English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies). This means either 11th or 12th grade high school teachers should be the individuals who write the letter of recommendation.
  • The University of Madrid: At least one letter will be needed and required, and a letter of acceptance will be needed. There will be mroe documentation needed and that means the writer of the letter of recommendation will need to send in through their own email to the university.
  • The Univeristy of Tokyo: A minimum of two letters of recommendations are needed. Japan tends to have a strict requirement list that is for there academic students. Especially for international students, these students will need to provide no less than three letters of recommendation.
  • The University of Georgia: They require only one letter of recommendation but it must come from a teacher that teaches in Georgia.
  • The University of Richmond: Richmond requires a recommendation letter from the secondary school Guidance/College Counselor or Principal/Head Master. Although they only require one recommendation from the counselor or principal, students may choose to send an additional one or two teacher recommendation letters. But it is better to send two letters instead of one. Students have had more success in doing so.
  • The University of Padua: A reference letter is needed for this universitiy, espeically if it’s an international student who is applying. And an academic letter will be needed from a professor.
  • The University of Portland: This college requires at least an essay and only one letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor are required for first-year applicants. Second-year applicants do not need a letter of recommednation, even transfer students.
  • The University of the Pacific: An admission letter of recommendation is needed, this college has an admission reference form that can be filled out on their website by a teacher. However, it is stated that if the teacher wishes to not fill out the form they can write a traditional letter of recommendation. Two letters of recommendation at the required amount.
  • The University of Hawaii: Possible individuals from whom to request a letter of recommendation for students should be only professors who have previously taught the student. Advisors and other staff who ythe student have worked closely with on campus can write the reference letters. Also, employers, coordinators or individuals who are familiar with that students possible work ethic and volunteer service may write one letter of recommendation. However, one letter of recommendation must be based on academic terms. There is a requirement of no more than three letters of recommendation.
  • The University of Miami: There is a requirement for only one recommendation from either a school counselor or a teacher in an academic subject. This recommendation can be in the form of a letter; the Common Application School Report (preferred), completed by the student’s school counselor; or the Common Application Teacher Evaluation, completed by an academic teacher.
  • The University of Florida: For new freshmen students this in one of the only univeristies that do not need a letter of recommendation. But they are needed for second-year through fourth0year students.
  • The University of Louisville: Ironically enough the application process has mulitple steps, but a letter of recommendation is not one of them. That’s right no letters of recommendation are needed. Also, there are no need for any personal essays. The university only asks for optional ACT/SAT score submission. However automatic scholarship consideration is available as well as student’s being adminstered a quick admission decision.

Students should first conduct the needed research when it comes to applying to a university. No matter, how many places the students wish to apply to, they should always double-check to see how many letters of recommendation are expected and required. This happens to be a huge flaw with new students who are applying for college. They will either send in only one required recommendation letter or none at all. This is actually a huge disappointment for universities and a waste of time for their admissions office. Because admissions offices go through applications and will toss out which ones do not have all of the appropriate and needed entry requirement documents and materials.

This will just lead the student to nowhere and without any steady course where they eventually will end up studying, that is at a university or technical school.

All professional schools will need some form of a letter of recommendation. It’s just a fact and a requirement. But the biggest step that can be missed when a professor is writing a recommendation letter is detailing why that student has the qualifications to study at that higher education institution. Without a doubt, every individual who intends to write a recommendation letter should understand why that student wants to attend that university and what that university expects out of new exceptionally bright students.

If a student has not really applied themselves but shows a certain quality that may in fact be catered to in college, this could be a winning promise and written about in a letter of recommendation. We all hear about the ‘underdog’ and how those students go on to simply surprise the rest of the world with outstanding skill sets. It will be these defining moments about a student that should be focused on in a letter of recommendation.

The first rule of thumb for students who may be reading this article is to research their intended university of choice. Research the requirements and entry requirements. Look for the mention of ‘letters of recommendations’ they will always be listed, however, if a student is looking to attend an international school… they will be listed under a different title. Simply contact that website given information email to ask about that school’s letter of recommendation and what requirements would be needed to successfully fill out the correct entry requirements.

No matter what, it is always better to follow a university website’s guidelines, instead of making them up on the spot.

How To Be Accepted at The University of Groningen

K Fisher2 Comments

Studying at one of the world’s leading universities can be daunting. But learning from the best and taking advantage of exciting research opportunities is a once-in-a-lifetime treat. Why not live in a vibrant city where over a quarter of the population is students or professors. Along with being able to seek from your university experience, you’ll find it at the University of Groningen.

From art history to the art of international business, the University of Groningen is the place to be. With over 45 world-class Bachelor’s programs and 160 highly-ranked Master’s programs, we have a field of study for you, And, if you’re an exceptionally motivated and talented student, you could be eligible to join their Honours College and get even more from your time at the University of Groningen. This university is located in Groningen, the Netherlands.

As a student, you will be actively involved in research at one of Europe’s top research institutions from the get-go. The University of Groningen carries out ground-breaking and socially relevant research that builds bridges between disciplines and closes the gap between science and society. With research focused on Energy, Healthy Ageing, and a Sustainable Society, recent topics have included finding ‘greener’ plastics, ways to exercise more consciously, and the effects of climate change on birds.

The University of Groningen is the second oldest university in the Netherlands and has built a reputation for excellence. Many talented people have passed through the university during its rich 400-year history, including Nobel Prize winners like Ben Feringa and Frits Zernike. Some have been pioneers in their respective fields, such as the first female University student and the first female lecturer in the Netherlands, the first Dutch astronaut, and the first president of the European Bank.

In Groningen, you’ll see students everywhere: studying in the pretty Noorderplantsoen park, working various part-time jobs, and partying the night away. And, because it’s relatively affordable here, students live across the city, making all of Groningen your campus. Groningen is also a safe and green city to live in, with the quiet countryside only a short bike ride away. No wonder the city’s marketing slogan is #NothingTopsGroningen

However, How Can Students Be Accepted To The University of Groningen?

Great question! As a matter of fact, we can break down a subtle set of hints and tips as to what a student can do when applying for admission at the University of Groningen.

Let’s start with the highest level – Ph.D.:

All Ph.D. students need to seek admission to Graduate School before they can start their Ph.D. project. The Graduate School of Science and Engineering does not have fixed application deadlines but rather works on a ‘rolling admission’ system. This means that interested students can apply and be admitted to a Ph.D. program at any time.

When it comes to the enrollment for a student who is looking to acquire their Ph.D., this is what they must do:

  • The applicant must meet all admission requirements necessary
  • Without a doubt, the applicant will need to obtain any funding that is intended for the research and project duration
  • It will be the job of the applicant to find a suitable supervisor
  • And all in all the applicant will need to apply for the admission for a specific Ph.D. program that is available through the university

Let’s go through Bachelor and Master’s available programs:

Bachelor Programs:

  • American studies
  • Art History
  • Arts, Culture and Media
  • Communication and Information Studies
  • English Language and Culture
  • European Languages and Cultures
  • History
  • International relations and international organization
  • Media Studies
  • Minorities & Multilingualism
  • Econometrics and operations research
  • Economics and business economics
  • International business
  • Applied mathematics
  • Applied physics
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Astronomy
  • Biology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemical engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Computing science
  • Industrial engineering and management
  • Life Science and Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Pharmacy
  • Physics
  • Medicine
  • Human Geography and Planning
  • Spatial Planning and Design
  • Psychology
  • Philosophy of a specific discipline
  • International and European law
  • Religious Studies
  • Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Global Responsibility and Leadership

Master’s Programs that are available:

Archeology (research)

  • Arts and Culture
    • Arts, Cognition and Criticism
    • Arts, Policy and Cultural Entrepreneurship
    • Art History
    • Curatorial Studies
    • Film and Contemporary Audiovisual Media
    • History of Architecture and Town Planning
    • Music, Theater and Performance Studies
  • Arts and Culture (research)
    • Cultural Leadership (research)
    • Arts, Media and Literary Studies (research)
  • Classics and Ancient Civilizations
    • Ancient History
    • Classics
  • Communication and Information Science
    • Digital Humanities
    • Information Science
  • European Studies
    • Euroculture (erasmus mundus)
  • History
    • History Today
  • History (research)
    • Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies (research)
  • International Relations
    • East Asian Studies
    • European Politics in a Global Perspective
    • Geopolitics & Connectivity
    • International Relations and International Organization
    • International Political Economy
    • International Security
  • International Relations 120 ECTS
    • International Humanitarian Action (NOHA)
  • International Relations (research)
    • Modern History and International Relations (research)
  • Linguistics
    • Applied Linguistics
    • Theoretical and Empirical Linguistics
    • Multilingualism
  • Linguistics (research)
    • Clinical Linguistics / EMCL+ (research, Erasmus Mundus)
    • Language and Cognition (research)
    • Language and Communication Technologies (LCT) (research) erasmus mundus
  • Literary Studies
    • English Literature and Culture
    • European Literatures and Interculturality
    • Writing Editing and Mediating
  • Media Studies 90 ECTS
    • Datafication and Digital Literacy
    • Journalism
    • Media Creation and Innovation
    • Social Media and Society
  • Middle Eastern Studies
  • North American Studies
    • American Studies
  • Behavioral and Social Sciences (research)
  • Educational Sciences:
    • Learning in Interaction
  • Pedagogical Sciences:
    • Deafblindness
    • Ethics of education: history, philosophy and law
    • Youth 0-21, Society and Policy
  • Psychology
    • Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology
    • Applied Social Psychology
    • Clinical Psychology
    • Clinical Neuropsychology
    • DDM Sustainability and Environmental Psychology
    • Applied Cognitive Neuroscience
    • Clinical Forensic Psychology and Victimology
    • Environmental Psychology
    • Theory and History of Psychology
    • Talent Development and Creativity
  • Accountancy and Controlling
    • DDM Chinese Economy and Finance
  • Business Administration
    • Change Management
    • Management Accounting and Control
    • Small Business and Entrepreneurship
    • Strategic Innovation Management
    • Health
  • Econometrics, Operations Research and Actuarial Studies
    • DDM Chinese Economy and Finance
  • Economic Development and Globalization
    • DDM Chinese Economy and Finance
    • DDM Central-East European Economies
    • DDM International Development Economics
    • DDM Economic Development and Growth (MEDEG)
  • Economics
    • DDM Chinese Economy and Finance
    • DDM Economics and Economic Analysis
  • Finance
    • DDM Finance
    • DDM Chinese Economy and Finance
  • Human Resource Management
  • International Business and Management
    • DDM Advanced International Business Management and Marketing
    • DDM Chinese Economy and Finance
  • International Financial Management
    • DDM Chinese Economy and Finance
    • DDM International Financial Management
  • Marketing
    • DDM Strategic Marketing Intelligence
    • DDM Marketing and finance
    • DDM Chinese Economy and Finance
    • DDM Marketing Information Systems
    • Marketing Analytics and Data Science profile
    • Marketing Management profile
  • Research Master in Economics and Business
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Technology and Operations Management
    • DDM Operations Management
  • Climate Adaptation Governance
  • Tourism Geography and Planning
  • Sustainable Entrepreneurship
  • Voice Technology
  • Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences (research)
  • Behavioral and Social Sciences – Research
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Biomolecular Sciences (selective)
  • Clinical and Psychosocial Epidemiology (research)
    • Health Systems and Prevention (research)
  • Clinical Neuropsychology
  • Ecology and Evolution (selective)
  • Energy and Environmental Sciences
  • Human Movement Sciences
  • Molecular Medicine and Innovative Treatment (research)
    • Innovative Medicine
  • Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Sport Sciences
  • Energy and Climate Law
  • European Law in a Global Context
  • Global Criminal Law
  • Governance and Law in Digital Society
  • International Commercial Law
  • International Human Rights Law
  • Public International Law
  • Philosophy
  • Philosophy (research)
  • Philosophy, Politics and Economics
  • Philosophy, Science and Humanities
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Applied Physics
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Astronomy
  • Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences (research)
  • Biology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomolecular Sciences (selective)
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Computing Science
  • Computational Cognitive Science 
  • Energy and Environmental Sciences
  • Industrial Engineering and Management
  • Marine Biology (selective)
  • Mathematics
  • Science Education and Communication
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Molecular Medicine and Innovative Treatment (research) 
  • Nanoscience (top master)
  • Physics
  • Water Technology
  • Economic Geography
    • Economic Geography: Regional Competitiveness and Trade
  • Environmental and Infrastructure Planning
    • DDM Development Planning and Infrastructure Planning
    • DDM Water and Coastal management
    • DDM Urban Governance within a Global Environment
    • DDM Urban Planning, Environment and Infrastructure
  • Population Studies
    • DDM Social demography
    • DDM Demography and Social Inequality
  • Real estate studies
  • Society, Sustainability and Planning
    • DDM Urban Planning, Society and Sustainability
  • Spatial Sciences (research)
    • Islands and Sustainability (Erasmus Mundus)
  • Theology and Religious Studies
    • Religion and Pluralism, Ancient & Modern
    • Religion and Cultural Heritage
    • Religion, Conflict and Globalization
    • Religion, Health and Wellbeing
  • Theology and Religious Studies (research)

The Full Assessment

The only officially and correct way to end up as part of the student population percentage that is granted admissions is to be academically excellent. This means that a student who has an average grade point average (United States Grading Scale Technique) that is equal to or above 89% or a standard B+. The majority of the time students who receive a 92% or an A- equivalent are more sought after as the particular academically inclined student.

Another indication is if the student who is wishing and has sent in their admissions application plus letters of recommendation and personal statement… fits in with the criteria or “what the school wishes to see from their diverse student population.”

The financial aspect does not quite matter to any extent as long as the student knows how they will eventually pay back student loans or will be able to pay off their tuition. That is unless they have acquired a heft and rewardful scholarship that covers all tuition fees and excess fees. And in this respect, any student signing up to be accepted to any university should be applying for scholarships, no matter what.

For example, if a student from a developing country wishes to attend this university they should seek out research that covers the topic of fully-funded scholarships that will cover every aspect of their higher education career.

Let’s check out what scholarships are available from the University of Groningen:

  • Faculty-funded PhD position scholarship
  • Ph.D. Scholarship Program
  • University of Groningen Grantfinder Scholarship
  • Doctoral Grant for Teachers (NWO)
  • Netherlands Student Grantfinder
  • Wessel Ganzefoort Fund
  • Holland Scholarship
  • Van der Veen-Schenkeveld scholarship for promising female African theologians
  • Protestant Theological University Scholarship

Just to name a few. However, the university works with a number of private funds and public to help students to achieve a scholarship that can help to some advantage. There are several Netherlands scholarships available for international and domestic students as well.

Further Research

While the university caters to multiple areas of field study, it should be stated that the university generally accepts students who wish to study for 4-years. And as a full-time student. There is no judgment based on students who wish to have a shorter educational career and work as part-time students. However, with this university being on the top 100 list for several years now, it goes to show that full-time students will be accepted at a higher capacity than part-time applicants.

All applicants must show interest in gearing up and putting in the research work for that Ph.D. As you’ve already read through the top section, Ph.D. programs exist on a higher basis within this university. And probably because the university is known as one of the better research institutes in the world. So that means they are constantly looking for alumni who wish to achieve and secure that Ph.D.

Why Is Integrating Into the Groningen Culture So Important?

Did you know that when students are so keen interest in a city where the university is located… this can lead to being accepted to that university? It shows desire and interest to understand that countries culture and language. This also shows that the university’s admissions council that the student is well-rounded enough that they could try attending school in a different country. This shows the student is serious about their education and about understanding another culture.

This is hugely important on a number of scales and this will show through an applicant’s admissions submission when they send it in. Showing avid curiosity for a new city and culture is exactly what a university looks for.

Ask Other Alumni

Sounds so simple, and yet we don’t take advantage enough when it comes to asking prior students what did they write down on the submission of their admission. This can be an excellent insight into what the university saw in that particular person. This also allows you as the student to see what you have to offer the university. Was the alumni priority accepted because of the obstacles they overcame? The 4-year field study they intend to succeed in? Did they show reassuring leadership skills? Did they describe how they have waited to be engrossed in a lifestyle that only the Netherlands can provide?

These are the right questions to ask and to see where you yourself fit into the university admissions equation.

Personal Statement Should Not Be Solely Me, Me, Me

How about reading example personal statements online for starters? This is a great tactic to use, because at times when it comes to writing about one’s self… what happens? Every sentence starts with ‘I’ or ‘me.’ In reality, this is a huge and big NO that will be streamed across the application form. Students should look up how to describe themselves without sounding overly conceited or narcissistic. Because admission judges do look for this tactic, it shows a lack of personal understanding and a lack of leadership skills.

Don’t Lie About Anything

The number one rule and guideline every university repeats again and again… do not to lie about any information. This means lying about a name, address, e-mail address, phone number, or anything is grounds for that application being ignored or tossed. So applicants should never write down anything that can be proven false. This is grounds for expulsion as well.

Don’t Lie About Acquiring A Student Visa

Any international student knows that if they are accepted to a foreign university that 100% they will need to acquire a student visa. And there is no other way around it. Student visas are government property that gives any student clearance to be in a country longer than what a typical passport may grant. Also, a student visa can grant some students within a different country certain rights and insurance. This is highly important and no student should ever skip this essential step.

It is also not the university’s responsibility the ensure that the student receives their student visa. That is entirely up to the individual who wishes to attend a different university in a different country. Nevertheless, a student should understand and contact their embassy or immigration center to ask about how to secure a student visa. There are guidelines to follow and paperwork that will be needed to fill out. This is the responsibility of the student, and no one else.

Also, a family member cannot fill out any paperwork for a student. By all means, they can help spell things out but they cannot be the ones to fill out anything.

Call or E-Mail Admissions

No student should ever be afraid to contact admissions about any questions. Although be sure to go through the questions and answers section that is on the university website. If there is a question that has not been answered or if a student would like to inquire further, they should use any contact information that is given on the university website. This is essential. Admissions will even give a set of guidelines to help students to submit all of the additional documents that may be needed for admissions.

This is the best way for a student to ask for help.

How to Be Accepted to Oxford University

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If anyone has said that it was easy being accepted by Oxford University, they are probably lying. Why? Oxford has such a high competive rate that even Harvard and Yale Universities don’t compare to the grueling and incredibly hardcore acceptance rates that Oxford holds to the minimum wait-list average.

First off, let’s see what Oxford University’s background story contains, shall we?

By all accounts, Oxford University is thee oldest teaching college in the world. And that’s not taken lightly… see their is actual evidence that Oxford was already in use in the 1000s. Which was still part of the Byzantine era, or the 2nd Millennium. And Oxford has kept to it’s original founding title as a research public college. Nevertheless, typically, students have to have prior family members that were alumni to approach the idea that attending their is an absolute possibility.

How Does A Student Apply to Oxford?

To apply to Oxford, students would need to have completed, or be studying for, at least 120 points at stage 1 or above, in appropriate subjects. We would expect students to be performing at the highest level, with at least pass grade 2. This is solely United Kingdom qualifications where the 120 points for a stage 1 or above is accepted. Now if students from a different country want to apply or wish to see if they qualify for a submissions opening to Oxford… what would that be?

Step 1. What Does An International Student Need to Qualify for Oxford

Applicants should know that they need to meet every exam requirement possible. From ACTs, SATs, top grade point average (United States equivalent would be a 4.0), and all AP exams. An applicant would need to pass each with incredible high scores.

The reason applicants need to such high exam scores is because Oxford’s acceptance rate can be under 15% of the thousands upon thousands of applications that flow in per year. Only 15% is accepted. That is such a strict amount that most students who apply may not even receive any notification that they have not been accepted.

If you think that’s low, better think again. The 15% acceptance rate applies to only United Kingdom residents. The number drops to 7% for international students, including the United States of America. However, half of the student population at Oxford consists of students from over 150 different countries. This is because Oxford receives many transfer students who have already completed 2+ years at a different college. This way, students would have been able to build the best academic profile to where Oxford would accept the transfer.

Step 2. Where Is the Oxford Application Online?

Well, it’s no where online since it’s such a highly respective higher learning education institution. This means for example, United States residents who wish to apply, they need to check out Colleges Admissions Services, because this is phyiscally used to apply to Oxford from the United States. This is the only way to ensure (with no scamming) that an applicant receives to real Oxford admissions application. The UCAS application would have to be accessed through the actual undergradute section.

The first steps a student would need to take when “applying to Oxford” would need to choose a course or program that is available at the university. And that list of programs involves:

  • Archaeology and Anthropology
  • Fine Art
  • Geography
  • Oriental Studies
  • Law (Jurisprudence)
  • Chemistry
  • Classical Archaeology and Ancient History
  • Classics
  • Classics and English
  • Classics and Modern Languages
  • Classics and Oriental Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Computer Science and Philosophy
  • Philosophy and Modern Languages
  • Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
  • Philosophy and Theology
  • Earth Sciences (Geology)
  • Engineering Science
  • History (Ancient and Modern)
  • History and Politics
  • History and Modern Languages
  • History and Economics
  • Theology and Religion
  • Medicine (graduate entry)
  • Materials Science
  • Mathematics and Computer Science
  • Modern Languages and Linguistics
  • Music
  • And many more programs are available on the Oxford University website

After a student picks a program, they would need to address the UCAS (for example if the applicant is a United States citizen) this is the steps they would need to take to fill out the UCAS:

  • Personal details
  • Additional information
  • Student finance
  • Course choices
  • Educational history
  • Employment history
  • Personal statement and reference

Step 3. Follow Deadlines and Fill-Out Everything

The more a student fills out the UCAS the better of an understanding they will have, when it comes to applying for a prestigious public college. This means students should address all projects that have been previously deemed academically excellent. As well as, showing a 4.0 grade point average (through the United States GPA scale, 4.0. is the highest) would be beneficial.

There is a section of the submission application about employement history. Students should not lie if they have not had prior work experience. First off, this is the college application that should not be exaggerated on or where lies have been made up. The council does go through each application and checks references and the individuals who have written the letters of recommendations that have been sent in separately from the applicant.

Step 4. A Personal Statement Will Be Needed and Part of the Application

  • The personal statement gives every applicant the ultimate opportunity to tell the admissions officers at the University of Oxford why they are the applicant that would make for an excellent addition to the school’s student body.
  • The complete length of an individual’s personal statement should be between 1,000 characters to 4,000 characters. It is best to never go too much beyond that amount or coming in way under the 1,000 characters. This amount of characters will only be about one side of an A4-size paper.
  • A student can choose up to five courses, however, a student can only submit one personal statement. This means to make a personal statement that is eye-catching, riveting, and worth the application.
  • Always spell check before submitting a personal statement because there will be no editing after a personal statement along with the admissions application is submitted.
  • It is specificed that anyone applying should have a guidance counsel or professor proof-read if the student is unsure about their grammar and puncuation.

Step 5. The Standard Grade Point Average is 3.7

However, a 3.7 may not be enough to get into Oxford. A 4.0 is more of the equivalent to an upper-second class honors in the United Kingdom, where Oxford originally holds it’s honors system.

When it comes to standardized testing, the minimum SAT score required is 1480. On the other hand, the minimum ACT score required is 33.

This is crucial because, students may not care too much about their ACT scores and worry more about scoring high on their SATs. Yes, the SATs are important, but so is scoring high on the ACTs… which tends to be forgotten about and students tend to let up on the studying when it comes to the ACTs. All in all, students should put the time in for their exams since this is the prime point that Oxford will look at.

Step 6. AP Classes Matter

Oxford University requires applicants from the United States of America to have at least four Advanced Placement exam scores of five. This is the AP college classes students can take in high schoool. This depends on the subjects required for the course students are applying to and their standardized test scores. If a student actually scored very low on their AP classes, then Oxford most likely will not accept that student in the following admissions year.

This is not uncommon for prestigious institutions in the United States to have a penchant for students who have taken challenging AP college classes and passed difficult AP exams.

Why? It’s because Oxford is looking for college ready students. And high AP exams demonstrates college readiness. However, applicants from high schools that do not offer college-level courses will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process.

It is crucial that students understand that they must be college-ready and that’s how students are really chosen by Oxford.

The good news is that the UK school finds AP exams more than enough — it doesn’t require applicants to complete AP courses, too, since it’s possible to take AP exams without taking AP courses beforehand.

When it comes to AP classes the highest score to have is a five. This means in reality a student should have 5 out of 4 AP classes. These top high scores show that they student performs incredible under pressure and shows presistance in higher education learning.

Step 7. Apply and then Apply for a Scholarship

Sometimes this is the route to take to ensure admission. There are many opportunities for students at Oxford to receive financial help during their studies. The Oxford Opportunity Bursaries, introduced in 2006, are university-wide means-based bursaries available to any British undergraduate, with a total possible grant of £10,235 over a 3-year degree.

In 2016, Oxford University announced that it is to run its first free online economics course as part of a massive open online program, in partnership with a United States of America online university network. The program is titled the ‘From Poverty to Prosperity: Understanding Economic Development’.

Available Scholarships:

  • £27,500 Crankstart Scholarships for UK students
  • Oxford Bursaries for students with Home fee status
  • Oxford Travel Supplement for UK bursary holders 
  • UK care experienced and UK estranged undergraduates studying without family support
  • UK students requiring financial assistance to meet funding shortfalls
  • Hill Foundation Scholarship
  • Ahmet Ertegun Memorial Scholarship
  • Palgrave Brown Scholarship
  • Palgrave Brown UK Scholarship
  • Reach Oxford Scholarship
  • Simon and June Li Undergraduate Scholarship
  • Oxford-Arlan Hamilton & Earline Butler Sims Scholarship
  • Dr. Ateh Jewel Foundation Awards 
  • Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Undergraduate Scholarship
  • Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Scholarships
  • Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Scholarships
  • British Council Mexico Scholarships
  • Canadian Bureau for International Education Scholarships
  • The Charles Wallace Trusts Scholarships
  • Google Europe Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
  • Indian Department of Higher Education Scholarships
  • King Abdullah Scholarships Program
  • Kwok Scholarships
  • Lanekassen Scholarship
  • The Leathersellers’ Company Scholarships
  • Open Society Foundations Scholarships
  • The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarships
  • The Oxford & Cambridge Society, Karachi Educational Trust (OCSKET) Scholarships
  • Public Service Commission Scholarships
  • Royal Television Society Bursary Program
  • Sleeknote Scholarship
  • US Department of Veterans Affairs Scholarship
  • Vincent’s Club Scholarships and Bursaries
  • The Westheimer Scholarships

There are more scholarships but students should go through their own countries governement website or actual university websites that talk about working in collaboration with the University of Oxford.

Why do students want to even apply to the University of Oxford in the first place? Is it even worth applying if the acceptance rate is so low?

First, if you are a student that has a destined career field in literature or English… Oxford should be one of the top universities you apply to. With over 100 libraries available through Oxford, only the best of the best when it comes to literature at least took one to two years to study at Oxford.

Another reason being that Oxford allows their students to use the institutions network connections to connect bright students with internships at some of the world’d best companies. Along with having some of the best science programs in the world, literally no one could do better than attending Oxford and being part of their S.T.E.M. program which is connected to over 100 different companies on the planet.

Another reason is that students should never accept the possibility of a “no acceptance letter.” Even if the acceptance rate is one of the hardest to break through, this just means students need to work harder to achieve their higher education dream. And the potential is their with attending Oxford. Multiple students who received “rejection letters” as incoming college freshmen, where able to attend two years at a different college just to transfer to Oxford to finish out their remaining college years, along with being able to nab a scholarship or two.

Essentially students need to have a backup plan when sending in their submission of acceptance to Oxford. And that, even if that student is not accepted within the first round, there are ways to build up one’s academic portfolio with other college programs to ensure a spot within the graduting class at one of the 39 colleges that makes up the prestigious Oxford University.

Oxford is Connected to Well Over 400 Other Universities

One of the many myths about Oxford is that there is no time to have fun. Alongside your college community you will be able to develop your interests, old or new, through over 400 clubs and societies, many of them University-wide. Taking part in extra-curricular activities is not only lots of fun and great for your social life but will help you build skills which will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life and help with your career goals.

For instance, let’s take the journalism route at Oxford. Did you know that Oxford’s student newspapers and radio stations have long been the training ground for some of Britain’s most successful journalists and broadcasters. Even if you don’t want to be a professional journalist, you can develop your skills and CV by honing your writing, publishing articles, or broadcasting across the airwaves.

Student’s can choose from this list:

  • Cherwell: Oxford’s independent student newspaper
  • Oxford Student
  • Isis Magazine: (2015 Guardian Student Best Website Media Awards)
  • The Oxford Scientist
  • ONYX: Showcases the voices of British students with African and Caribbean heritage
  • The Oxford Blue
  • Students can start their own Oxford blog
  • Students can also sign up to work with the University’s social media channels

Even the Art section of Oxford has incredible ways to allow students to particpate, the amount of clubs that students can join is astounding, but here are a handful:

  • Oxford Uni Arts Hub – Consists of art, poetry and drama events across the University. It features dozens of events, and opportunities are shared every week, especially calls for participation in zines, poetry and art competitions.
  • Oxford University Fine Arts Society – Events happen every week and a well organized and practical workshops are available. Such as oil painting sessions, watercolour, digital art and sketching outside.
  • Edgar Wind Society – The Edgar Wind Society is the Oxford History of Art society. They host guest artists or art historian lectures, organise visits to museums and hold art events.
  • Oxford University Photography Society – OUPS organises photography events every week, including socials, beginner-friendly sessions, tutored lessons, and photography sharing sessions.

As a matter of fact, most students can join these clubs even if they do not attend Oxford itself. Instead, these clubs are part of the 400 universities collection where collaboartion is a main part of campus life.

Nevertheless, any student can apply to Oxford University, just as long as they know what it takes. This means doing the research, creating an outstanding personal statement, having the academic grades to back up the 4.0 graed point average and high exam scores. Or try another route with attending Oxford after a student already has two years of a separate unviersity under their belt. Instead opt to be a transfer student who wishes to finish out their field study on a scholarship.

11 Reasons Why The University of Manitoba Has Successful Graduates

K Fisher1 Comment

Most students may not know about the University of Manitoba since Canada may not be on their radar when it comes to touring different potential university campuses. Let alone, a huge fact that the University of Manitoba is the only university that has the prestigious qualities in line throughout the entire country of Canada.

It only takes a simple click of the mousepad to move over to a section playfully titled “Distinguished Alumni Awards” where previous alumni of the University of Manitoba are chosen to give a bit of insight into how their successful careers were crafted so by attending the institution.

This is the first look into the 11 reasons why the University of Manitoba has successful graduate students.

1.) Has a separate faculty in charge of looking to the future…

This may sound more like the movie “Back to the Future” from the 1980s, however, the University of Manitoba actually has a separate division of individuals who are part of the university’s faculty that averages out to about 1,000 people who ask the tough questions. Each year some new trend, movement, or discovery comes into play and this “future division” has the job of planning out the next 5 years of this institution. It’s called the “Taking Our Place: University of Manitoba Strategic Plan 2015-2020.” In reality, this is a team process that looks to better the involvement of one-on-one teaching, what new career fields have come into focus, and how those career fields can be implemented into the school curriculum.

This forward-thinking environment looks to encourage students to look at cultural diversity, indigenous cultures, and to ask the tough questions that we necessarily don’t think about because it simply wasn’t a question that had been asked before.

This is such a huge forward-thinking step that a lot of students may feel hits a personal note with them. The University of Manitoba is considered an institution of free-thinking and free ability to find a way to change the world, one successful career at a time. This has created a platform for individuals to build their highest dreams upon and see to it that their goals are eventually reached.

2.) The university creates a worldly experience for everyone that attends

That’s not just to say that the University of Manitoba enhances the view of their school to entice and bring in the best of the best academically. Instead, Manitoba goes for a different approach…

The institution goes out of its way to find hundreds of students per year, who can take part within the massive 90 plus exchange, co-op, or internship programs. All so every student can discover the chance to and feeling of what it means to travel the world. The university offers this available and affordable advantage to over 35 countries.

The university is considered a global school where their diversity levels far exceed their domestic student levels. This is incredible considering that the University of Manitoba may be considered not necessary a “first choice” simply because no one thought that this was a possible choice.

3.) Ivy-league quality – affordable tuition

The biggest step back for all students is finding out that the school of their dreams happens to be an expensive “ivy league” expensive nightmare. Not the University of Manitoba, but they do offer that exclusive ivy league education that seems impossible to find anywhere else. One-on-one tutoring and teaching are incredibly hard to find but luckily, this university has it all.

Domestic tuition barely passes the $4,000 CAD mark. And international is around $13,000 CAD which is still a winning solution since most students spend an average of $20,000 per semester on tuition.

4.) Close to 30,000 Healthcare professionals have graduated with a Ph.D.

Highly impressive! With 30,000 Ph.D. graduates from one specific school, it goes to show that medicine happens to be this university’s strong point.

Within the campus, there are nine campuses strung together to help create a healthcare facility complex called the Bannatyne campus. This is where any health/medical students go to excel in their studies and receive hands-on experience with medical fields.

5.) Competitive with a good heart

The University of Manitoba has received a stellar reputation by continuing to stay on top of research-intensive post-secondary educational institutions. This university has conducted more research per year than any other university in Canada. The fact that this is a competitive, academic, and research-based school, the greater identity of all cultures and mental health have always been of first and great concern and praise amongst the institution. Essentially, this is a college that wants its students to succeed and will help in any way to ensure that each student has a destined road with set goals, that they will find the most success within.

6.) Innovation moves forward here

If the University of Manitoba has to be summed up into one word, that word would be “innovation.” The college has a supreme legacy in life-changing research that stems from HIV/AIDS, nanotechnology, biotechnology, climate change, environmental changes, nutraceuticals, biomedical, and so much more. So may have heard of Smartpark Research and Technology Park, which is one of the leading research centers that take up 100 acres of land. This mega research business center has introduced radical changes within the world that most have heard of or will hear about soon enough.

The Smartpak Research and Technology Park is not only reserved for world breakthrough technologies, instead, but the park is also combining local and global ideas that will revolutionize everything as we know it. Since this tech center exists, it goes to show that the University of Manitoba has a clear sight with science and technology programs. This huge sector of inventions, creations, and discoveries are where scientists and doctors find the best of the best solutions.

7.) Each student receives a curated path to help them succeed

Maybe the true vision of this university is how the system was built by students, for students. University 1 was created in hopes of providing a student-focused first-year program, where it allows new students to find the flexible routine they need. Not all first-year students know the exact major they want, and this University 1 year was designed to help everyone find their path towards greatness.

With this curated first year for each student who attends the University of Manitoba, that fear and stressful “typical college freshman year” stops existing. Instead, a peaceful and well-balanced way is crafted to fit the needs of each student. This nurturing environment offers the potential for excellence to grow and for leadership skills to expand.

This vision is the foundation for why the university has become so recognized amongst its alumni. So of their alumni is:

  • G. Michael Bancroft – Knows as a chemist and synchrotron scientist. Became the first director of the Canadian Light Source
  • Kathy Bardswick – CEO & President of The Co-operators
  • Yvonne Brill – Inventor/Scientist
  • Wilfred Buck – Is known as a scientific facilitator and Indigenous star lore expert
  • Steven Fletcher – Known as a politician; former Conservative MP in the House of Commons; former federal Cabinet Minister
  • John Alexander Hopps – Known as the inventor of the world’s first artificial pacemaker, as well as, the father of biomedical engineering
  • Guy Gavriel Kay – Poet & Novelist
  • Amanda Lang – CBC News Coorespondent & Journalist
  • Bill Mason – Filmmaker
  • Marshall McLuhan – Media scholar
  • Frank Pickersgill – World War II Special Operations Executive Agent
  • Barry Posner- Scientist on Diabetes
  • Clay Riddell – CEO of Paramount Resources
  • Miriam Toews – Novelist
  • Meaghan DeWarrenne-Waller – Fashion model
  • Svetlana Zylin – Film director
  • Iain Stewart – Known as a theoretical physicist
  • Frank Trafford Taylor – Former president of Kiwanis International
  • Mary Ann Steggles – Known as a Commonwealth history scholar
  • Mitchell Sharp – Liberal Minister of Finance
  • Harry Seidler – Architect
  • Edward Schreyer – Former Governor General of Canada
  • Patricia Alice Shaw – Known for phonology – First Nation Languages
  • Alexei Maxim Russell – International writer & novelist

As one could tell there are multiple previous graduates who entered politics, who became international best-selling novelists, historical professors, and more.

8.) The History of the university is astounding, let alone… inspiring

Sometimes the history of a place can allow students to feel a sense of pride. This pride can easily help students to want to do better in their studies because they are proud to be there, as a representative of this institution.

The University of Manitoba has survived and exceeded two world wars. While this university is not the only one to survive world-changing events, in World War II the army was stationed at the main campus. Between 1940-1941 all male students were required and willingly participated in military training, weekly military tasks were worked on and nearly all of the female population had taken a course that would aid in the war effort.

And after the war, nearly 4,000 veterans enrolled the following year for higher education. This easily bumped up the student population to over 10,000 students in attendance.

As the years progressed each decade brought new life to the university. Like in the 1970s this was the decade where drama and theater really came into play. Or how in the 1980s they worked to have the first Ukrainian-language college open. Which was a huge victory considering that one of the only ones to exist in North America.

To type out all of the historical accomplishments the university has gifted this world is far too expansive. However, hopefully, the above has shed a bit of light on how the university celebrates everyone and all of the goals that they hoped to reach.

9.) Well over 100 programs available

Just to give some perspective on what programs are available at the University of Manitoba, here is a huge list:

  • Aboriginal Governance
  • Accounting
  • Actuarial Mathematics – Business
  • Actuarial Mathematics – Science
  • Aging
  • Agribusiness
  • Agriculture
  • Agriculture Diploma
  • Agroecology
  • Agronomy
  • Animal Systems
  • Anthropology
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Architecture (Masters)
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Asian Studies
  • Astronomy
  • Athletic Therapy
  • Biochemistry
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biosystems Engineering
  • Biotechnology
  • Business
  • Canadian Studies
  • Catholic Studies
  • Central and East European Studies
  • Ceramics
  • Chemistry
  • City Planning (Masters)
  • Civil Engineering
  • Classics
  • Commerce
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Cree
  • Criminology
  • Economics
  • Education – Bachelor of Education
  • Education – Post Baccalaureate
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English
  • Entomology
  • Entrepreneurship/Small Business
  • Environmental Design
  • Environmental Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Genetics
  • Geography
  • Geological Sciences
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • German
  • Global Political Economy
  • Graphic Design
  • Greek

Above is not even a fraction of the programs available for students to choose from. There are literally several upon several more to go through, plus the sub-categories that exist within each subject. Like Computer Science, has information technology plus computer engineering that can be picked from. Also, the list above is only the Undergraduate section that is available on the university’s website.

No matter if a student decides to stick with their original choice or if they decide to change their major, the University of Manitoba is the place where students can make a choice. This very fact is different at other colleges where $40,000 goes towards a single year of tuition and it makes it seem impossible to switch majors unless that student wants to lose credits. Instead, the University of Manitoba works with students who want to change their field study course and will find ways to still use prior credits towards classes they would need to take instead.

10.) It’s easy to be accepted during admissions

This is a big deal for every person who has ever been on that wait-list for a college they had their whole futures planned out around.

At the University of Manitoba, students will receive an easy time with admissions. All that is needed is the basic information, an “about me” essay, and transcripts. While this can be a competitive university, it’s relatively incredible with accepting all students from anywhere. It doesn’t matter what native country a student is from, this university wants your individual vision and hopes to share that with everyone.

There are obviously guidelines that all students need to follow for admissions such as:

  • Instead of the standard basis requirements for Canada – this unviersity goes on the basis requirements of the country the student is from
  • Instead of the standard basis requirements for Canada, – they go on the general admission requirement based on a single students field of study or major
  • Students just have to pick the study they wish to move forward with and check those requirements
  • An english proficnecy test will be asked for but also, this university is willing to work with a student and provide english classes if they don’t pass the test

As anyone can see, Manitoba is all about working with students to see how well they do in certain subjects. Where will a student succeed versus what subject holds them back. This is so important for a university to notice in students because this acts as a “limitations guideline or outline.”

11.) Students can nominate each other for a Distinguished Alumni Award!

There is nothing better than when others pay respect to your accomplishments as well. This is a huge celebratory choice at the University of Manitoba. Really, this is how everyone can connect and reach out to one another by saying “your work inspired me” or “the reason I moved forward with S.T.E.M. was because of what you were able to share with the world.” Community is the number one rule at the University of Manitoba.

Extra! Never forget community

Community is one of the simplest outreach programs available, and all it takes is a nurturing environment that practices this very human element. On numerous research sites, statistics available for this university overstated again and again that this was the friendliest and most well-respected institution because students go there to help others.

Really, it’s a community that makes the college experience and why not research what the community brings out when it comes to looking up colleges? Right! Students should look into what the community has to say or if the community is represented when it comes to the university they have chosen as the one to attend.

According to reports, the number one reason a student changes colleges is the environment. If a student doesn’t feel like they can grow their study abilities or become the individual they hope to be in 5 years’ time… then why attend a college that stunts that growth? This is why the University of Manitoba shines above many others.

A university where this incredible history has been built upon but with student participation. Nothing changes the world like free-thinking and working together can. That’s why this university has one of the highest rates of doctors graduating at the top of their degree potential.

Final Thought

It comes down to the student and based on what they want to be at the end of their college career. The University of Manitoba creates a safe atmosphere and offers more than most universities ever could because they have changed with each passing decade. Whether it’s to accommodate changes or rest assured… kept a listening ear out for anything a student felt unsure about. The safety of students and the care for their natural well-being have become a huge part of the university’s focus. Students have the ability to take a wellness day or week if needed, all in return to help nurture the best outcome for each individual.