Category II: Experiential Learning and Global Literacy
Briefly list achievements that demonstrate your application of knowledge in a practical, global context. Concentrate on experiences outside of EMS, the University, and local communities and focus on those that have given you GLOBAL experience and interaction. You should list the achievements in order of significance. The first two entries may be used in the Laureate Awards ceremony. (Again, do NOT write a mini essay; you may expand on the information in your Laureate essay.)
Some examples are as follows:
- Participation in International Internship and/or Study Abroad programs
- Participation in Cooperative Education and/or Internship programs
- Participation in a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program or equivalent participation in undergraduate research
- Participation in CAUSE projects or an academic project with an international travel component
- Participation in extended field studies (beyond degree requirements)
- Presentation at a professional forum (not research related, for research see Scholarship)
- Work experience relevant to your EMS major (Ex. Course Learning Assistant for pay or credit)
- Unique life experiences (Examples: military service, Peace Corps, extensive travel, living abroad, etc.)
For each achievement indicate the key engagement competency this achievement helped you increase the most.
Category III - Service
Briefly list achievements that demonstrate service to EMS, Penn State, and the communities in which you live. You should list the achievements in order of significance. The first two entries may be used in the Laureate Awards ceremony. (Again, do NOT write a mini essay; you may expand on the information in your Laureate essay.)
Some examples are as follows:
- Participation as a mentor in TEEMS
- Participation in recruitment efforts (EMS Ambassador or departmental equivalent, EMS Connect)
- Active participation in professional societies
- Educational outreach (Examples: mentor in SEEMS, ASM Camp, WISE Camp, Weather Outreach and Education (WOE), school visitations, EMEX, EMS Museum Docent, etc.)
- Participation and service in student organizations or commissions (Examples: EMS Student Council, Irvin Interest House LLC, Campus Weather Service IFC/Panhellenic Council, UPUA, Faculty Senate, FISE, etc.)
- Participation in local, state, or federal government (Examples: Congressional Fellow, Volunteer helper with voter registration, etc.)
- Civic and volunteer service (Examples: Habitat for Humanity, Food Bank, Big Brother/Sister, Red Cross Blood Drive, Meals on Wheels, etc.)
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity (Examples: World in Conversation discussion facilitator, LGBTQA; Commission on Racial/Ethnic Diversity.)
- Peer mentoring
- Tutoring (unpaid)
- Resident Assistant
- Demonstrated leadership in the organizations of which you are a member
For each achievement indicate the key engagement competency this achievement helped you increase the most.
Laureate Essay
Write a Laureate Essay (two typed pages, double-spaced; 12-pt font; 1 inch margins) explaining, detailing, and personalizing your experiences and achievements. This is your opportunity to tell the committee how your Penn State experiences contributed to why you are an EMSAGE Laureate. It should be creative, logically organized, and use specific examples to provide a convincing argument. Make sure to avoid simply listing your achievements (as you did for the first part of the application). Your narrative should link your achievements in a cohesive fashion guiding your audience to appreciate the unique path you’ve taken to increase your skills in at least three of the five key engagement competencies across the EMSAGE categories.
Keep in mind the essay is a crucial part of your EMSAGE application and editing and proofreading is essential to a successful submission. Make use of resources available to you such as the EMS writing support in the Ryan Family Student Center (14 Deike).
EMSAGE Application Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I include my high school experience?
A: Generally, do not include high school experiences in the list of your achievements. The assumption is that you have been an undergraduate for several years, and your more recent experiences are a better indication of why you are an EMSAGE Laureate. In your essay, if you feel it is necessary to your story, then you may refer to a high school or earlier experience, but for the most part, the committee wants to know what you have done with your time since you have been an undergraduate.
Q: I feel as if there is an overlap among the three categories. In other words, one of my experiences could fit into one or more categories. Should I list it twice?
A: No. Do not list it twice. It is true that there may be an experience that could fit in more than one category. Try to establish a balance among all three categories. An EMSAGE Laureate should have demonstrated achievements in all three.
Q: To whom may I direct general questions regarding my application?
A: Direct general questions to Karen Marosi.
Q: How long should the essay be?
A: Keep the essay to two typed pages, double-spaced with 1-inch margins and use a 12-point font. It should be concise, well developed with specific examples, and proofread carefully. Sloppy sentences, ineffective phrasing, mixed-up words, careless punctuation, and unsophisticated language will make it less likely that others will take you seriously, whether you are writing to a professor, potential employer, or a selection committee.
