Example One

I love physics. It interests me to no end. I make up physics problems to solve while I'm talking on the phone, my reading list usually includes a few non-fiction physics books, and I visit physics web sites online for fun. I even wrote a program on my calculator that calculates time relative to my velocity. Given that physics fills much of my free time already, it makes sense that I would pursue a career in the field of physics.

After high school, I will be attending the Ohio State University and majoring in physics. I believe this is an excellent field for me, not only because I love the subject, but also because I have an aptitude for science and math. On my ACT, my highest scoring section was on the science section, on which I missed one question. A later review of my answer revealed that I missed that question because I misread it, not because I didn't understand it. Every interest assessment I have ever taken has pointed me toward science and research. During the summer of 1998, I worked at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in a physics lab, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. In school, I almost always tutor in math or science (usually, in the one I'm taking at the moment), and if I'm not actually tutoring, I'm helping classmates with homework assignments. In fact, people have gotten into the habit of looking to me as an "answer key" when the answers isn't available.

All this leads me to believe that I could do preety well in the field of physics. I would love to do research, and to do what I know I will need to get a Ph.D. in physics, at the very least. Most research jobs, I've learned, are either in universities or the government, and I would prefer to work at a university, so my goal is to become a professor eventually.

Of course, there is a possibility, however slim, that I might get to college and discover that I hate physics with a passion. In that case, I will remain in college and fall back onto one of my other passions. I'm heavily interested in philosophy, music, computer science, and I can see myself in a career in any of those fields should physics fail me. I would just switch my major and try a new path. It makes sense for me to remain in college for a bit because, as of now, I have enough scholarships to pay for at least four years, so there's no sense in dropping out if physics doesn't work. Overall, this not only gives me a Plan B, but a Plan C and D as well.

I definitely have a college oriented future. I intend to stay with physics, but, as I have shown, I have quite a few other majors I could switch to and still pursue an enjoyable, interesting, and personally satisfying career after college.

Example Two

When I graduate from Trimble High School, I plan to obtain a bachelors degree in accounting at Ohio University's college of business. I have always enjoyed filling out forms and completing computations. When I established myself in the working world I want to be in an office, perferably my own. I am a person who would rather work alone than with others, this way I know what I'm doing is going to get done. When my family's life insurance or car insurance form have to be completed, I am usually the one who does them. I do this partly because I like to do that kind of work, but mostly because my parents do not have the time.

As of now I have taken steps that will help me to obtain my goals. I have taken classes such as General Business, Pre-calculus and other advanced college preparatory math classes. I have interned at Larry Conrath Realty and the Athens County Treasurer's office. Throughout my internship with Larry Conrath Realty I was exposed to many different sides of the business. I helped with the payroll, and spent many hours on data entry and updating files. During my interning period at the treasurer's office I learned many valuable skills. I balanced real estate and trailer payments on a regular basis, and also completed data entry. My highest ASVAB scores were in Mathematics Knowledge(97) and Arithmetic Reasoning(91). My second CDM assessment shows that my capabilities are mathematical, leadership and computational. It also shows that I am most interested in business and office operations. This very same assessment also shows my career cluster to be Management, Sales, and Data Analysis. On my first testing experience, I scored a 24 on my ACT.

If I should not find the accounting program at Ohio University to be what I wnat, I will persue something in the range of business administrations or financing. I consider myself to be a good, hard worker. I am also able to work well with other people. I can do just about anything I put my mind to. I have always been interested in accounting and thought, and I plan on achieving my first goal, to be an accountant.