essay on general studies

Is General Studies a Good Major? Find Out If It’s Worth It for You!

Many students start college knowing exactly what they want to study and what they want their careers to be. However, there are just as many students who struggle with determining their major and future career.

Whether you have a variety of interests and passions, or simply want to explore multiple career paths, you (like many incoming students) might be considering a General Studies degree.

Yet, is a General Studies degree worth it? What is a General Studies degree good for really?

Below, we’ll answer both questions to discover why general studies is a worthy and worthwhile major.

What is a General Studies degree?

General studies is an area of study that embraces a broad-based education, covering general skills needed to be successful in any given career.

General Studies degree programs teach students how to think critically, communicate effectively, and gain knowledge from a variety of subjects, including the arts, sciences, psychology, human services, and humanities.

Common general education courses in these degree programs are:

Computer Literacy: This course gives students the technological skills necessary to navigate the digital world. They learn essential applications like word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Additionally, students explore topics like computer security and ethical use of technology.
English: These courses develop and strengthen student’s writing and reading comprehension skills. Students learn how to analyze texts, craft clear arguments, and express themselves effectively in written and oral communication. Humanities: Humanities courses cover different cultures, historical periods, and philosophical ideas and teach critical thinking and analysis. Students also learn how to see the world from different and unique perspectives.
Mathematics: Math courses develop problem-solving skills and analytical thinking. Depending on the program, students could encounter foundational courses in algebra, statistics, or calculus. These skills are valuable in scientific fields as well as in business, finance, and data analysis.
Public Speaking: Public speaking courses help students gain the confidence and skills to speak in front of an audience. They learn how to structure their arguments, deliver presentations with clarity, and overcome stage fright. These skills help students no matter what career path they pursue.
Science: General Studies degrees offer introductory science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. These courses provide a basic understanding of scientific concepts and methods.
Social Science: Social science courses explore human behavior and how societies function. Students often take courses in psychology, sociology, economics, and political science. These courses teach students how to analyze social trends, understand human interactions, and think critically about current events.

Who is a General Studies degree best for?

General Studies degrees are not simply a collection of courses covering a variety of subjects. Instead, they are carefully curated, flexible programs that can be specifically tailored to each student.

These programs are often best suited for students looking to learn about many different disciplines and subjects. Or for students who want to take specific courses that align with their career goals.

Additional reasons to pursue a general studies major include:

Launch your education and career: Students leave general studies programs with their associate degree, which can lead to many entry-level careers in business, advertising and marketing, law, sociology, library science, teaching, and more.
Create a custom academic path: General Studies degrees can be customized to meet a student’s evolving needs. Many programs, like ours at Goodwin University, offer students a variety of elective credits so that they can explore whatever field interests them the most.

Download our General Studies degree info-sheet to learn more about how Goodwin can help you achieve your personal and professional goals!

What is a general studies degree good for.

What is a General Studies degree good for? We’re glad you asked.

General Studies degrees foster students’ skills in:

Communication: Articulating your thoughts and ideas clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
Critical thinking: Analyzing information, questioning assumptions, and forming independent conclusions.
Leadership: Inspiring and motivating others to achieve common goals.
Problem-solving: Approaching challenges creatively and devising effective solutions.
Research: Gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information to support your ideas.

Furthermore, by majoring in general studies, students can pursue careers in a variety of industries and roles. Below are examples of career outcomes you can achieve with a General Studies degree, with median annual salaries as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Advertising sales agents – $58,450
Human resource specialists – $64,240
Public safety telecommunicators – $46,900
Teaching and educational instruction – $57,490

General Studies degrees translate well across many industries, from healthcare and government work to hospitality and non-profit organizations. Students gain professional skills and knowledge that are valuable in a number of sectors.

Is a General Studies degree worth it for you?

When determining which major to pursue, students often beg the question, “Is a General Studies degree right for me?” To answer this best, you must think about your needs, interests, and goals. Consider the following to determine if a General Studies degree is worth the time and effort:

Interests and Goals: Does a general studies program allow you to explore your options while also equipping you with valuable skills.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Do you thrive in an environment that allows you to study a variety of disciplines? If so, a general studies program can provide a stimulating and enriching academic experience.
Skillset Development: Are you looking to develop a broad range of transferable skills applicable to diverse careers?

Additionally, General Studies is a great choice for anyone who wants to earn a college degree and show employers they are disciplined and committed to their success. Plus, these programs are a great fit for someone looking to build versatility and explore different career paths, as they are not limited to a specialized education or program right away.

Explore Goodwin University’s General Studies Major

By now, we hope you’ll answer the questions: “Is general studies a good major?” and “Is a General Studies degree worth it?” with a resounding YES!

However, if you have more questions about General Studies degrees, especially our flexible program at Goodwin University , our admissions team and comprehensive support services would love to offer support.

Contact us today for more information about our associate degree in General Studies.

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How to Write the Columbia University Essays 2023-2024

Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia University is one of the world’s leading institutions for research and commitment towards education. With its 265 years of history and ideal location, Columbia has had a major influence in history and continues to be at the forefront of innovation to this day. Offering both a rigorous curriculum as well as ample opportunities to explore one of the largest cities in the world, Columbia attracts thousands of top-performing students from all over the world.

Columbia University requires all applicants to answer one short question about the books and media that have piqued their interest. All applicants have to answer three short essay prompts as well. If you’re applying to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering, you’ll have an additional prompt. And finally, Dual BA, School of General Studies, and Postbac Premed Program applicants have to submit an essay for their respective program.

Columbia receives tens of thousands of applications from strong students each year. To stand out among the crowd and showcase your individuality, you’ll want to develop authentic supplemental essays. In this post, we’ll discuss how you can write a stellar supplemental essay for the various prompts below.

Check out these Columbia essay examples from real students to inspire your writing!

Columbia University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Short answer list prompt for all applicants.

For the list question that follows, there is a 100-word maximum. Please refer to the below guidance when answering this question:

– Your response should be a list of items separated by commas or semicolons. – Items do not have to be numbered or in any specific order. – It is not necessary to italicize or underline titles of books or other publications. – No author names, subtitles or explanatory remarks are needed.

List Prompt: List the titles of the books, essays, poetry, short stories or plays you read outside of academic courses that you enjoyed most during secondary/high school. (100 words)

Essay Prompts for All Applicants

Prompt 1: A hallmark of the Columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. Tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (150 words)

Prompt 2: In college/university, students are often challenged in ways that they could not predict or anticipate. It is important to us, therefore, to understand an applicant’s ability to navigate through adversity. Please describe a barrier or obstacle you have faced and discuss the personal qualities, skills or insights you have developed as a result. (150 words)

Prompt 3: Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (150 words)

Columbia College and Columbia Engineering Applicants

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at columbia college/columbia engineering (150 words), trinity college dublin and sciences po dual ba applicants only, describe how your experiences, both personal and academic, have shaped your decision to pursue the dual ba program. why is an international academic experience important to you as you consider the ways in which it may influence your future, successful essays should not only identify and describe specific elements of the dual ba program that meet your needs as a student, but should also explain why the academic courses you have chosen for your time at trinity college dublin and columbia university are compatible with your aspirations, academic or otherwise. (750-1000 words), school of general studies applicants, tell us about your educational history, work experience, present situation, and plans for the future. please make sure to reflect on why you consider yourself a nontraditional student and have chosen to pursue your education at the school of general studies of columbia university. successful essays should identify and describe specific elements of the program, academic or otherwise, that meet your needs as a nontraditional student. the admissions committee is particularly interested in situations in your life from which you have learned and grown. this may include past academic experiences, professional accomplishments, or turning points and transformative events: new beginnings and personal achievements, but also events that may have affected your education, such as health and family challenges, personal obstacles or even issues with the justice system. our expectation is that your reflection on your experiences will demonstrate your potential to add a unique perspective to the columbia classroom. (1500-2000 words), postbac premed program applicants, please submit an essay of approximately 500 words discussing your decision to pursue a career in medicine or an allied health profession. a successful essay will not only describe the factors that contributed to your decision, but will give us a sense of you as an individual by discussing why you want to pursue this career and how you feel you will contribute to the profession. (500 words), list prompt, list a selection of texts, resources and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses, including but not limited to books, journals, websites, podcasts, essays, plays, presentations, videos, museums and other content that you enjoy. (100 words).

Don’t worry! There’s no preset list of right and wrong answers. Columbia isn’t going to automatically reject you if you don’t include The Grapes of Wrath (or any other specific work for that matter) in your list. Instead, they’re curious about your interests, your intellectual development, the way you think, and the ways in which you’ve challenged yourself in your media consumption. So be honest about the stuff you’ve read and watched while selecting your examples judiciously.

Here’s a helpful hint: think of the list as a “capsule wardrobe.” In a capsule wardrobe, each piece of clothing is distinct and cool on its own: you can have a graphic tee, a leather jacket, a white tank, and a few pairs of jeans. And while each has its own character, each also contributes to the cohesive whole – your style. Putting two items together into an outfit can bring out interesting elements and commonalities in both.

The same goes for the books or movies in a list. Each should be interesting on its own, but should also contribute to the overall picture of your intellectual style. A great list includes items that illuminate each other and communicate with each other – like matching a hat with your socks. Some more style tips:

1. List items that build on each other. Key word: synergy . In the same way that wearing two matching items together can say a lot about your fashion taste, including two similar items in your list can communicate a sustained interest in a topic. For example, if I include both Macbeth and Throne of Blood in my list of films, I’m showing my readers: “Hey! I’m interested in exploring how the same story has been adapted by different cultures and artists!” Neither Macbeth nor Throne of Blood could demonstrate this on its own – but together, they become greater than the sum of their parts. Synergy!

2. Show multidimensionality. Beware! You can potentially demonstrate a sustained interest in a topic without indicating growth. For example, a litany of true-crime podcasts will feel a bit one-dimensional and start to lose its impact if they’re all too similar. Instead, pick works that indicate how you’re interested in the multiple facets and intellectual levels of a subject. If you combine the true-crime podcast Serial and Criminal Perspective with the journal Psychological Review and a blog on forensic psychology, you can paint yourself as someone with layered interests who wants to learn more about the world and a particular field.

3. Don’t overdress. It’s tempting to include the most impressive, arduous books you’ve read in an attempt to show you are a Serious Person. But too many straight-laced tomes can make you look like you’re overdoing it – kind of like showing up to a coffee shop in a suit. Instead, balance your hefty items with some more easygoing ones. Euclid’s Elements of Geometry and Russell’s Principles of Mathematics are going to look a lot more palatable if you sprinkle some Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy in there. You want to balance your intellectual pursuits with your distinctive personality.

4. Don’t underdress. A pinch of fluff can add a little flavor and dimension to your lists. Nobody’s going to fault you, for instance, if you include It’s Always Sunny or The Da Vinci Code on your lists of favorite things. However, you should make a point not to include items that are too juvenile, and not to overload on items of questionable intellectual merit.

5. Recognizable brands can be effective. Hitting on a few respected “pop culture” items makes it more likely that you and the person reading your application will have something in common. And, psychologically speaking , similarities on paper can often go a long way in non-personal interactions. Just make sure to pick an item that has both critical and popular merit , like Pink Floyd’s The Wall or Avatar: The Last Airbender – something about which you and your potential interviewer could have an intellectual debate.

6. Dress for the job you want. Certain shoes can be impressive, but bad for dancing. Similarly, you should be careful not to confuse an “impressive” piece of media with a “relevant” one. War and Peace, Don Quixote, A Brief History of Time , and Ulysses are definitely impressive books, and you may have loved them, but if you’re interested in studying marine biology, they might not be all that relevant to your application. Include enough to show you’re diverse in your interests, but conserve the most space for items that speak to your personal academic and career interests.

7. Moderation. You’ve probably figured this out by now, but creating your lists is going to be a delicate game. You have to find the happy medium between intellectual and casual, specialized and well-rounded, fiction and nonfiction, differing types of media, and so on. Don’t throw together these lists last-minute simply because they’re not full-blown essays. It’s a different format, but you should be as careful with these as you are with essays. The lists can be just as revealing of you as a person and just as important to the admissions process as a full essay is.

8. Also… be honest! If you get an interview, you’ll probably be asked about some items on your lists. You don’t want to be caught off guard by something that you yourself wrote . There are few things more detrimental to an interview than not knowing anything about something you purported to have read/seen.

All Applicants, Prompt 1

A hallmark of the columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (150 words).

This is a good example of a “Diversity” essay . Columbia wants not only students who will contribute to campus diversity because of their unique backgrounds, but also students who will be inclusive and benefit from a community of diverse people and perspectives. Your essay needs to convey how you will contribute to diversity and benefit from it. There are four questions implied by this prompt, and answering each of them in turn will create a strong and thorough answer.

1. What makes you diverse?

The first step is to figure out what makes you a diverse applicant. You might talk about more classic examples of background like your race/ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, or country of origin. However, diversity comes in all shapes and sizes, so you can also demonstrate a unique background in things like your hometown, socioeconomic status, an illness/disability, or even an interest or hobby.

For example, a student who has a lot of food allergies might joke that he won’t be able to enjoy the dining halls like his peers, but because of his allergies he has learned to cook for himself and to find unique food substitutions other people would never think about.

2. How has your background impacted your development?

In order to establish the emotional connection that will strengthen your essay, you need to show admissions officers how you have been impacted by the community or background that makes you diverse. Including how you have been impacted will demonstrate how you previously benefited from being part of a community, how your new perspective will allow you to contribute to Columbia’s community, and how you evolved as a result of your background.

For example, maybe you were really shy until you started participating in a community theater where you came out of your shell and let your voice be heard. At Columbia, you will not only encourage others to join theater so they can gain confidence, but you will also use your newfound confidence in public speaking to call fellow students to action regarding issues you are passionate about, like raising the minimum wage.

3. How will you contribute to diversity on campus?

Here, you need to explain how the background or community that has shaped your identity will make you an addition to diversity on campus. This is where you convince admissions officers that they want you to enrich their university.

For example, you might talk about how you wish to start your own on-campus Spanish-language publication, so students like you can read the news in their native language. Or maybe as a first-gen student, your family and culture instilled in you the value of a college education, so you will form study groups to help enrich your classmates’ educational experience. Providing concrete examples of how you will contribute to campus will really show admissions officers how you’ll fit within the campus community.

4. How will being surrounded by diversity on campus help you?

The last thing you should address is what you will personally gain from being part of a diverse community. If you’ve already discussed what you gained from your previous engagement with diversity, you should choose a different trait or skill you hope to acquire at Columbia. For example, a student who’s never left the state he was born in might describe how he wants to meet people from other countries to learn about cultural differences and gain a better understanding of other nationalities without the stereotypes found in movies and TV.

Keep in mind that this essay should exemplify your positive traits and qualities you’ve either developed, hope to develop, or hope to share with others. With that in mind, there are a few things you should avoid in your writing:

Don’t just list all the facets of your identity/background. If you make a laundry list of things that contribute to your identity without elaborating on any of them, you risk running out of space before saying anything substantive.
Avoid writing solely about negative experiences. Your background may have led to some adversity in your life, which is normal, but college essay prompts generally aim to identify experiences that had positive outcomes or lessons. Not everything has a “happy ending,” but keep in mind that writing a negative essay is harder to execute well.
Avoid cliché topics. There’s nothing wrong with having moved across the United States or having emigrated from another country; however, the problem is that these are very common topics, which makes it harder for you to write a unique standout essay. If you write about a more common experience because it was integral to your growth, make sure to share your specific emotions and stories to help your essay stand out, rather than discussing the general challenges you (and others) have faced.

A truly focused essay that addresses the four aforementioned questions while steering clear of the things we recommend avoiding will allow you to go into more depth and elicit a far stronger reaction to your writing!

All Applicants, Prompt 2

In college/university, students are often challenged in ways that they could not predict or anticipate. it is important to us, therefore, to understand an applicant’s ability to navigate through adversity. please describe a barrier or obstacle you have faced and discuss the personal qualities, skills or insights you have developed as a result. (150 words).

This is the classic Overcoming Challenges essay , which is common for a reason—colleges want to admit students who can push through adversity, just as Columbia explains in the prompt.

Picking your topic:

This is probably the hardest part of this essay, as students sometimes think they need to write about a tragedy, and many will not have experienced tragedy.

You want the barrier or obstacle you write about to be significant (i.e. more than getting a bad grade), but it doesn’t need to be completely life-altering (though, of course, it can be).

To help you brainstorm a topic, consider these questions:

What experiences have changed your perspective or your day-to-day life?
In which situations did you initially struggle, but that struggle helped you build confidence? (Keep in mind though that your topic doesn’t ultimately need to have been “successful”. You can write about an ongoing challenge or a failure if you have learned something from it).

Some example of good Overcoming Challenges topics that we’ve seen in the past include:

Persuading the school board to dedicate the high school track to a coach
Taking care of a sick parent
Getting your position switched last-minute in Model UN

Tips for writing your essay:

This topic lends itself well to creative storytelling. To start your essay, bring us into the moment(s) you were experiencing the barrier/obstacle. Show us your emotions and thoughts.

In the next part of the essay, make sure to explain why the challenge was important to you, and then outline the steps you took to manage the situation. Were you ultimately successful? Why or why not?

Finally, the last third of the essay should focus on how the barrier/obstacle allowed you to grow and mature.

Your essay doesn’t need to follow this exact format or space allotment, but it should include these basic elements.

Mistakes to avoid:

This is a tricky essay because it’s easy to make mistakes in topic selection and writing. Here’s what you should look out for:

Focusing too much on the story and not enough on the lessons you learned. Because you’re writing about a significant challenge, it can be easy to focus the whole essay on what happened and not cover how you responded and how it helped you grow. Those last two points are the most key, and you should make sure to allot enough space for them.
Being too negative in the essay. You do not have to have ultimately succeeded in face of the barrier/obstacle, but you should ultimately have gained something positive from the situation (a new value, perspective, skill, etc.). If you find a positive impact to talk about, then you may want to choose a new topic.
Writing about a cliche topic . Admissions officers have seen too many essays about sports injuries, and they’ve also seen a lot of essays about tragedies like death and divorce. You can still write good essays on these topics, but it’s easier to stand out if the essay has a different angle (i.e. a sports injury helping you discover a new passion vs. the typical storyline of working hard to overcoming the injury and getting back on the field).

All Applicants, Prompt 3

Why are you interested in attending columbia university we encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about columbia. (150 words).

This is a question that a lot of schools ask; in fact, it’s so common that we’ve put together a whole guide on how to answer it. Check out CollegeVine’s guide to writing the “Why This College?” essay for some in-depth tips and examples! As you sit down to write this essay, you should definitely have Columbia’s website and any other materials you might possess open.

Specificity is crucial here. Vague platitudes about Columbia’s virtues – such as “Ivy League academics,” “shared classes with Barnard,” and “location in the heart of New York City” – aren’t going to cut it here. Instead, such superficial phrases signify that you did inadequate research. To set yourself apart from everyone else, you need to clearly delineate your academic interests and values, as well as the exact resources and programs at Columbia that will help you thrive. Proper nouns, concrete goals, precise examples. Specificity.

1. Provide a tangible connection to Columbia.

A “tangible connection” comprises specific elements of the university that appeal to you, and you should set aside ample time to research this. Look on Columbia’s different websites, and carefully explore the links that pertain to particular majors ( Columbia College (CC) ; Columbia Engineering (CE) , research centers , courses, and professors ( CC ; CE ). Hint: it may be worth your while to read Columbia’s magazine , which contains updates on its educators’ most recent work. Many departments also put out their own e-newsletters, so be sure to sign up to those that pique your interest.

Don’t do a small or moderate amount of research and decide it’s “good enough.” For example, it’s tempting to list a few things you like about a program based on the first couple of blurbs you read on its webpage. A student might concoct a passage like this:

“As someone interested in studying Mideast politics as well as literature, Columbia’s Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies program sounds like a great place to blend my interests and study from renowned professors like [insert name].”

This example looks fine at first glance, but it’s pretty superficial and definitely not the best response. Instead of just name-dropping professors and programs, you should articulate your future with them like you’re fantasizing about your wedding, down to the last beautiful detail. A much more specific passage about Columbia’s MESAAS would sound like:

“When reading about the last Adab Colloquium, I was intrigued by how Columbia’s Middle East Institute recruits authorities from other universities, like [Name], to better immerse Columbia students in the diverse voices of Middle Eastern literary studies. The frequency of colloquia provided by the MEI shows that Columbia is dedicated to expanding Middle Eastern studies in the U.S., and that I would find ample guidance as an MESAAS student there.”

It’s immediately evident that crafting the second statement required much more probing, revision, and familiarity than the first.

2. Describe your intangible connection as well.

How is Columbia a place that aligns with your values, dreams, and goals? How do you vibe with it? For example, if our hypothetical student continued to write about MESAAS and MEI, he would state explicitly how it draws him in, and how it aligns with his philosophical and societal intentions:

“Additionally, I’m impressed by how the MEI provides students with the opportunity to volunteer with talks and activities at local high schools. As someone who grew up in a small town in Illinois, my grade school education about culture in the Middle East was misinformed and sometimes dangerous. I would love to study and volunteer in a department dedicated to combating misinformation and offering resources to underprivileged teachers.”

A clearly outlined path and a strong personal philosophy will indicate to admissions officers that you’re likely to succeed at Columbia.

3. Engage with faculty and students, if possible.

Your response to this “Why This College?” prompt is the perfect place to talk about specific interactions, like sitting in on an awe-inspiring seminar during a campus visit, hearing a professor speak, or seeing how Columbia has prepared a friend for his career.

However, always be sure to tie these experiences into your own goals and interests! Don’t just name-drop a certain Professor Smith. Instead, take the opportunity to find a personal connection to Prof. Smith’s research and to mention how great Columbia is for supporting people like her. Your format should be:

Program/Individual/Major -> Columbia’s Values -> My values

If you want to learn more about a specific professor or their subject/research/work, don’t be afraid to politely email them or contact their department. Many professors love to talk about their work and their interests, or would at least be happy to put you in touch with current students you could talk to. You might also want to look for online colloquia or talks, which are (Fortunately? Unfortunately?) more widely available due to the pandemic. Doing this will better inform you about the school and give you a great edge for this prompt. And more importantly, you’ll probably get great advice for your higher education journey in general.

Note: the earlier you prepare for this prompt, the more time you will have to do deep research – and the more research you do, the better your essay will be!

Columbia College and Engineering Applicants

This is an example of the common “Why This Major?” essay that you may have already seen during the application process. Columbia wants to know about your interest in the majors you will have listed earlier in the application. They also want to see how your previous experiences contribute to this interest and how you may use your major in the future. This type of prompt isn’t the hardest to answer as long as you hit on some important points.

Before writing, there are a few things you should think about:

1. What genuinely draws you to this field of study? Don’t be disingenuous here. Writing answers you think the admissions committee wants to see will not benefit you in the long run.

2. What are things you enjoy specifically about the field you want to study? Saying that you love reading is a superficial statement. Instead, aim for specificity: “I enjoy reading novels that explore themes of power and corruption.”

3. How do you think this field of study/major will help you fulfill your life and career goals?

4. What did you enjoy most about this subject both in school and in your own free time?

5. Is there any emotional state or mindset that you experience every time you explore this field? If so, what draws you to this state of mind?

Think particularly hard about questions 4 and 5, as these two questions will remind you of anecdotes that can elevate your explanation of your connection to the major.

It’s fine if you haven’t totally decided on a major yet. Columbia gives you space on its application to provide three majors you might be interested in; you can pick some things you’re really fascinated by so you’ll have plenty to write about.

You only have 150 words to work with, so you shouldn’t be too flowery or elaborate in your writing right at the start. You don’t want to spend 100 words writing a beautifully crafted introduction to the major just to be left with 50 words to answer the actual prompt.

There’s no need to set up an elaborate preface like: “I was in eighth grade, and it was a cloudy day in mid-March. I wasn’t very confident or skilled in computers.” Instead, try starting in medias res , diving right into the middle of an emotional moment: “The screen glared blue. My program crashed. I buried my face in my arms and sobbed.” This structure is better for immediately grabbing your reader – a necessity in short essays like these. CollegeVine’s guidelines for college essay writing include a great primer (or refresher!) on in medias res storytelling.

Load up on your knowledge and expertise. Just because you’re weaving an engaging narrative doesn’t mean you should neglect the “area of study” part of this prompt. It’s crucial to demonstrate to Columbia that you’re not just passionate about your interest – you’re a seasoned expert. This means being specific about a certain subtopic, technique, operation, phenomenon, or term that you find fascinating. Don’t just say “programming encourages me to think in creative ways.” A better proof of this assertion would be a time you used a specific programming technique to creatively solve a specific quandary:

“Frustrated and desperate, I looked at all the data I still had to sort. Hadn’t Archimedes said that he could lift the whole world with a finger, if he just had the right lever? THINK, I told myself. And then I realized I had a lever – a processing array.”

Try to incorporate something about Columbia’s specific take on the major. For example, maybe you love psychology and you’re more interested in cognitive behavioral perspectives than psychoanalytic ones. Columbia College’s psychology major has a greater focus on cognition and behavior than on psychoanalysis, so this is something you’d definitely want to mention.

Be sure to avoid writing the following things in your writing:

Empty flattery about a subject – Anyone can call a field “cool” without saying anything substantive about it.
Disagreeable reasons for picking a major – Admissions don’t want to hear that you only want to study a major for money, prestige, or due to parental pressures. They want people who are dedicated to their respective fields, who want to realize their potential, and who want to contribute to the betterment of the world.
Starting the essay with an irrelevant anecdote – Don’t try to write an enticing introduction that doesn’t cleanly transition into the “Why This Major?” part of the essay. Stories are engaging and effective, but only when relevant.

Finally, note Columbia’s timeframe: “past,” “current,” and an implicit “future.” Although they explicitly ask about your past and current experiences, you should definitely conclude with a trajectory towards future pursuits. Present yourself as someone with a firm philosophy of developed beliefs and mature interests you want to explore in college and beyond. Anticipate future problems you’re eager to tackle – state them explicitly. You don’t need to mention Columbia explicitly in this “future” portion of your essay – you’ve already discussed it enough – but Columbia should be your unspoken future setting. The admissions committee should see this essay as foreshadowing what you will accomplish at Columbia.

Dual BA Applicants

This prompt is asked of students who are applying for Columbia’s prestigious dual degree programs , either with Trinity College in Dublin or Sciences Po (Paris Institute of Political Sciences) in various regions of France. The prompts for both programs are the same, with only the name of the partner university differing, so they can be approached in a similar way (scroll down for distinct tips for each).

Note: this prompt is similar to the previous prompt discussed, which inquires after applicants’ interest in areas of study, so feel free to read through that previous section for additional insight and tips.

It’s a marathon essay, not a sprint. Note that the length – 750 to 1000 words – allows you a lot of space. It’s better to fall on the longer end of this range than the shorter end, because Columbia wants you to delve into as much detail as you can, and feel less pressure to be pithy. The onus is a little less on vivid storytelling, and much more on thoughtful analysis and complex intellectual engagement. Demonstrate your proficiency by being thorough, considering multiple angles, and utilizing specific terms. You can be a bit more technical, logical, and sophisticated, especially since these programs have a broad, international focus.

The same rules apply here as the rest of your Columbia essays: be specific, be active, and conduct a high degree of research. Studying abroad appeals to a lot of people – 10-16% of all undergraduates do it. Consequently, stating simply a “desire to explore other perspectives” or “passion for international cooperation in research” isn’t going to set you apart from the pack. You should concentrate your efforts in identifying key elements of your specific program and how they fit with your concrete goals and higher moral callings. You should hit on both the “tangible” and “intangible” items we mentioned earlier in the “Why Columbia?” prompt.

Brainstorm with a T-chart. Well, you don’t have to, but we recommend it. It will be a great way to sharpen your thoughts before writing, so that you can plunge into your essay with a much clearer idea of what you want to include. It could look something like this:

It’s a lot of work, but break it down and tackle it bit-by-bit.

Tips for Dublin Applicants:

Attend one of the several online information sessions about this program in the fall . Check back to see if any more are added. These sessions would be a prime opportunity to have your questions answered. You can also use them to get in touch with current students and alumni. If you can procure an insight that benefits your essay, even better. Mentioning something you learned via an information session will also demonstrate your committed interest in the program.
Research your major at both Trinity and Columbia. The Dublin program allows for a wide variety of majors, so you should look at the webpages and publications of your target departments. Cite research projects or department mission statements that appeal to you. A super strong essay will identify a common thread between departments on both sides of the Atlantic.
Is there a cultural factor? For example, do both New York and Dublin have strong local theatre communities that would allow you to explore your love of Shakespeare outside your academic setting? This is the kind of goal-oriented specificity readers are looking for. It’s so much easier for them to admit a student who already has a strong blueprint going forward. If they can envision you already as a member of the program, then half your battle is already won.

Tips for Sciences Po Applicants:

Attend one of the several online information sessions about this program in the fall. Check back to see if any more are added. These sessions would be a prime opportunity to have your questions answered. You can also use them to get in touch with current students and alumni. If you can procure an insight that benefits your essay, even better. Mentioning something you learned via an information session will also demonstrate your committed interest in the program.
Pick a French campus program . Based on the geographic region of your political interests, you’ll have to select a certain Sciences Po campus . Be specific in your application: you could be studying Indonesian policy at the Havre campus in Normandy, or North African societies at the Riviera campus. Look at the sample programs on the Columbia webpage above. It’s also worth it to delve into the websites for each campus, and subscribe to e-news from each. That will give you the most recent updates about exciting research going on there.
Mention any language goals , such as taking classes in Arabic and French in addition to English. The Sciences Po program places a firm emphasis on international cooperation through learned languages.
Have a global focus. The Sciences Po program is aimed at forming the next generation of international leaders, so you should really lean into a goal or issue with a broad provenance. “Tax law” is broad, but not necessarily global or targeted. “Americans need to work with Mideast countries to streamline cross-border taxations, which will ease tensions and encourage economic development in struggling border communities” is better.
Don’t forget your personal connections. Just because the Sciences Po program is so vast doesn’t mean you should neglect your own story in favor of large-scale discussions. Tie them both together by talking about what experiences led you to your path of study. If I was the student interested in tax law above, I might describe family struggles with complicated tax codes, or volunteer work with a local business.

The School of General Studies exists to afford nontraditional students the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degree with flexibility. The typical GS student falls into one of three categories:

People who have interrupted their education with a gap of a year or more.
People who have never attended college and are older than typical beginning undergraduate students.
People who, for personal or professional reasons, can only attend college part-time.

If one of these (or another nontraditional path) describes you, this essay is your chance to tell your story.

Before you begin writing, we strongly recommend that you organize your thoughts and outline your essay. Unlike typical college essays, this prompt is essentially asking you for a condensed autobiography. It has a very large word count for a college essay, but this is because you need a lot of space to hit every point the prompt mentions.

You’re asked about your educational history, work experience, present situation, and future plans – this order isn’t accidental. Typically, even for nontraditional college students, early education precedes work experience, both of which lead to the present situation, which then leads into the future. The prompt lends itself very well to a collection format in which multiple chronologically ordered anecdotes will tell your story.

You can’t talk about everything meaningful that has happened during your entire life, so you’re going to have to choose anecdotes judiciously. A good idea is to choose anecdotes that are related or that naturally transition into each other to establish a theme. This theme will vary greatly between applicants depending on the trajectory of their individual lives.

For example, one student may have had an unconventional education due to travel for high-level athletic competitions. This student may write an essay with a positive tone, filled with anecdotes about her competitions and accomplishments. Another student may have had an unconventional education due to recurring hospitalizations for an illness. This student may write an essay with a serious tone that emphasizes how he has grown to overcome adversity.

Even though your essay will have an overarching mood, you should aim to keep a balance between accomplishments and adversity. Writing an essay with too many positive achievements may come off as a bit arrogant whereas writing an essay with too many negative events may seem like it’s trying to elicit pity. Besides, the prompt specifically asks you for both personal achievements and educational challenges. Your essay should reflect how your highs and lows both had a profound impact on your values, beliefs, lifestyle, and/or worldview.

To begin, unless it was truly unconventional, don’t spend too much time talking about your early education (kindergarten to middle school). These are formative years that generally follow the same kind of trajectory for most people. Of course, if you were homeschooled, changed schools multiple times, or something of that nontraditional nature, feel free to mention how these circumstances changed who you have become.

With respect to educational history, what you should focus on is your high school years and any experience with college you may have already had. Write about factors that make you an nontraditional student. Maybe your grades weren’t ideal because you had to work a job while attending high school to support an ailing family member. Admissions committees understand that everyone comes from a different walk of life with different circumstances. Don’t be afraid to be sincere about complications you may have faced, but be careful not to make hollow excuses. You have to take responsibility for things that are within your control.

The same idea applies to work experience. Any experiences that have contributed to your growth while simultaneously altering what would have otherwise been a traditional experience are fair game. Perhaps you already finished college and began working in a field related to your major, but decided that it isn’t what you want to do. Explain why you’ve switched gears and elaborate on your plans for the future.

Once you’ve gone over the events that have informed who you are today, it’s time to write about what you’re doing and where you want to go. The prompt asks you to delineate how “specific elements of the program, academic or otherwise, […] meet your needs as a nontraditional student.” This is where a huge amount of research will be helpful. Look into Columbia’s webpage for your desired major to see how you can work specificity into your essay. Also consult the course search tool to find program features that appeal to you (you can pick a department to see all the courses it offers).

For example, an applicant who has already worked for two years as a pharmacy assistant might want to pivot to a different scientific field. An excerpt from her essay might look like this:

I had always loved chemistry, so I jumped at the chance to work a chemistry-related job right out of high school. I became a pharmacy assistant, which mostly involved filling prescriptions but not actually doing any of the chemistry itself. I didn’t mind it, especially because I needed to provide for my young son, but one recent experience opened my eyes to a whole new world of chemistry. One night, someone tried to break into the pharmacy, but couldn’t get in because of our specialized glass. I was fascinated by this glass’s ability to withstand a lot of force, which inspired me to pursue chemistry and physics more rigorously.

Materials science quickly became my new favorite thing. I would love to secure a job in this field so I can fulfill my passion while creating a more stable future for my son. The Chemical Physics major at Columbia’s School of General Studies will allow me to pursue employment in materials science. Courses like Quantum Chemistry and Materials Chemistry IIA are essential to learning how to craft high-density glass. Additionally, the flexibility of scheduling at the school lets me continue working at the pharmacy, so I can keep paying my expenses…

Be sure to provide as much detail as possible about your current situation and about how you got there. Columbia wants to know who you are, where you wish to go, and how your life experience will add to the GS community.

This is a slightly more specific version of the academic interest or “Why This Major?” prompt. The admissions committee wants to understand your interest in the medicine and allied health fields, how your background supports that interest, and what you intend to do on this career path.

Before you begin writing, ask yourself a few questions to guide your response:

1. What are your authentic reasons for wanting to pursue a career in medicine or allied health?

If you’re applying to this program, you should have a genuine interest in medicine to some degree. If your reasons are primarily money, prestige, and/or pressure from your parents, this is already a bad sign, and you should really consider if this decision is right for you.

2. What are specific examples of things you enjoy about medicine or allied health?

Instead of thinking “orthodontics” or “audiology” generically, think “treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders” or “diagnosis of presbycusis.” Specificity is key to a successful essay.

3. How might a career in medicine or allied health help you achieve your life and/or career goals?

Figuring this part out will give Columbia a clearer picture of what motivates you and will show the admissions committee that you have a career plan (or at least an idea of where you’re going). Again, avoid writing about things like money or status. Universities want students with deep academic interests, people who wish to realize their potential and to improve the world or their community in some way. Saying that you want to make a lot of money is too one-dimensional and self-serving, especially for an aspiring medical professional.

4. What has been the best part of your experience in a health field, both within and outside the classroom?

You don’t want to just tell Columbia that you want to pursue a career in healthcare. You also want to show them that your experiences thus far have prepared you to thrive in a field that’s known for being intense, emotionally as well as intellectually.

5. Do you experience a particular emotional state or frame of mind every time you explore this field of study? What about this state of mind appeals to you?

Your answers to questions 4 and 5 should help you recall relevant anecdotes, which will be your greatest asset in writing this essay. Bear in mind that medicine and allied health are very broad fields, so your personal motivations and your essay can take shape in vastly different ways.

Consider the following hypothetical applicants:

Lucy spent a lot of her childhood sitting in her mother’s medical office. For years she would see kids come and go, each treated by her mother. After graduating college and working for a few years in the field she got a degree in, Lucy realized that she truly wants to be a pediatrician like her mother.
James was a civil engineer for a year and a half before he had an accident on the job. His jaw and teeth were damaged, but an oral surgeon was able to restore them so well that the damage was nearly unnoticeable. Grateful for modern surgery and now deeply interested in the field, James now wants to become an oral surgeon to pay it forward.
Michael got a bachelor’s degree in data science and ended up working in a medical office. His job mainly consisted of creating predictive models to identify people at greater risk for adverse health outcomes, but having worked with so many medical professionals gave him a change of heart. Michael admires how the doctors he worked with improve patients’ lives in a very direct way, so he now wants to become a doctor himself.

Treat this prompt as an opportunity to tell your story. Show the admissions committee where you’ve been, where you are now, and where you want to go. You may have heard the old writing trope “Show, don’t tell.” Rather than saying that you like the medical field, use anecdotes to showcase your specific passions and motivations.

Where to Get Your Columbia University Essays Edited

Want feedback on your Columbia essays to improve your chances at admission? After rereading your essays over and over again, it can be difficult to find where your writing can be improved. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also sharpen your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

How to write a general studies essay

Introduction.

A general studies essay is an essay mostly written by first year students who have just been admitted at the pre-university level upon completion of high school.

A degree in general studies offers students with a well-formed education, which covers distinct aspects of a college degree. It is designed is in such a way as to make students coalesce courses from various disciplines. An Es course is one that requires a college student to take despite his/her major. Usually, they comprise of art history, English, math, philosophy,religious studies (in case of a religious university) and others. A general studies courses enable students to take part in some disciplines that are offered in universities with the aim of providing a general feel over the discipline. This will help their decision making process with respect to the course they will handle upon completion of the general studies degree. Consequently, general studies essays are essays which over multiple topics, depending on the discipline of study. Most general studies essays touch on social topics and require the student to reflect an in-depth knowledge of most social issues, as well as form a social perspective with which to write the general essay.

The following sections offer fundamental guidelines on how to write a general studies essay .

Introductory paragraph

This is the initial stage of a general studies essay and acts as its introduction. It introduces the essay and should reflect a good tone for the introduction. The introductory paragraph should summarize the purpose of the essay in a few words. It should present a brief overview (synopsis) of what the paper aims to achieve, as well as the order of discussion/argument. The introductory paragraph should present the tone of the paper, and its stand with respect to the topic. It should clearly state the essay’s position with regards to the topic of the essay. This section should mount strong arguments and a strong position. One way to do this is to pre-determine the right words for the job. A strong introductory paragraph introduces the flow and tone of the essay.

The flow of an introductory paragraph should start at a high pitch going down. The concluding paragraph captures the lowest tone of the essay, as I signifies the end of the essay. Likewise, an introductory paragraph should have a strong start to signify the beginning of the essay. One of the most vital components of an introductory paragraph is the thesis statement. A thesis statement is a statement/sentence which shows the position of the essay with respect to two sides/ two relational variables. It appears at or near the introductory paragraph, and it presents a concise option to the issue at hand. Its other function is to offer a brief summary of all arguments presented in the paper. The statement is normally a single sentence. Nevertheless, a good general studies essay should have a thesis statement that appears more than once, in the entire essay. This helps to connect the whole essay to the initial position assumed by the paper.

The introductory paragraph of a general studies essay should commence with a statement that captivates the interest of the readers. In a well-structured first paragraph, the first sentence should lead into four or five sentences that offer detailed information over the subject. It should also present some details regarding the process that you will use while addressing the essay. The statements’ flow should work to set the stage for the thesis statement.

Learning how to write a general studies essay is not about knowing about all the facts in the world. In fact it’s quite the opposite. You just need to know how to structure your essay correctly. This takes us on the body of the essay.

In most essays, body paragraphs are crucial as these are where you offer supporting arguments to the thesis statement. The body paragraph is also where you express your rebuttals or refutations against the challenges of your claim(s). This section offers guides on how to construct well structured body paragraphs.

Before writing a general studies essay, it is crucial to provide an outline of the main points. This offers a sense of direction in the course of the actual writing process, and also helps in time management. An outline helps to determine the approximate length of writing the essay. It also enhances your focus because there is a ready map for you to follow. Outlines are also a good way of coming up with topic sentences.

When writing the body of the essay, each outlined point represents a particular claim, stand, argument or evidence. As such, provide outlines that you can offer an in-depth explanation.stick to the topic sentence, as it contains the idea that you plan to develop within the paragraph. The topic sentence should be used as a guide in the course of writing the sentence. After completing every sentence, it is advisable to make periodic referrals to the topic sentence to help enhance the focus of your content. Avoid the confusion brought about by drifting away from the topic sentence. This can make your readers lose coherence of the general studies essay.

When writing the essay, always take note of key words. This will aid in developing the rest of the essay.

Every sentence in the essay should start with a topic sentence. The first sentence should be strong enough and should possess a tone that conforms to the general tone in the essay. A good general studies essay should have a combination of short, medium, and long sentences. This also contributes in forming the tone and flow of the essay. Always ensure that your sentences reflect a logical flow. Since the first sentence of every paragraph is a topic sentence, the next sentence should show a continuation with the first one. This can be done by developing the idea of the first sentence in the second one. Carry on with the same sequence for the rest of the sentence till you reach a transition sentence. For instance, if the topic sentence is “Blue is more attractive than red,” the next statement should develop that statement by insinuating “Blue has admirable imagery traits, which red does not have. Having a logic flow enables readers to follow the arguments closely and have a clear picture of what you are talking about.

In reference to the structure of the essay, you should follow the instructor’s guidelines on the length of the essay, size of the fonts, formatting style, size of the paragraphs, as well as margin implications. The most used font for formal writing is the times new roman, size 12, unless stated otherwise. Most general studies essay requires APA and MLA formatting styles, thus the format should strictly adhere to one of the format styles, unless stated otherwise. It is highly advisable to include in-text citations in the paragraphs. Statements , facts, and claims made by individual(s) should always be cited. This works to show that the essay has been subjected to a thorough research before the writing process.

Another crucial provision, with respect to sentence structure, is the length of each paragraph.you should maintain the paragraphs within 6 to8 lines/sentences. Most readers always lose interest in reading long sentences, thus an ideal length is compulsory to sustain your reader’s interests. This calls for a general studies student to focus on writing the most important detail, as opposed to writing everything concerning the topic.

The last section of a general studies essay is the concluding paragraph. It appears at the end of the essay and works to consolidate the main points presented in the essay. It shows the end of the essay and should possess the right tone. The section is also used to confirm if the essay has achieved its objectiveness, and also confirms if the data and evidence provided in the essay conform to the thesis statement. The section should not introduce new ideas but should just consolidate what has already been presented.

Click here to view our miscellaneous essays .

'Of Studies' by Francis Bacon

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An Introduction to Punctuation
Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

Francis Bacon, the first major English essayist , comments forcefully in Of Studies on the value of reading, writing, and learning.

Notice Bacon's reliance on parallel structures (in particular, tricolons ) throughout this concise, aphoristic essay. Then, compare the essay to Samuel Johnson 's treatment of the same theme more than a century later in On Studies .

The Life of Francis Bacon

Francis Bacon is considered a Renaissance man. He worked as a lawyer and scientist throughout his life (1561-1626.)

Bacon's most valuable work surrounded philosophical and Aristotelian concepts that supported the scientific method. Bacon served as an attorney general as well as lord chancellor of England and received his education from several universities including Trinity College and the University of Cambridge.

Bacon wrote over 50 essays beginning with "Of" in the title and following the concept, such as Of Truth , Of Atheism and Of Discourse .

Bacon Facts

Bacon's uncle was the lord keeper for Queen Elizabeth I. He helped symbolize the approvals for key documents. Additionally:

Bacon is known as the father of the scientific method which was influenced by his own Baconian method based on reason and observation.
There are rumors that Bacon was mostly attracted to men, due to his late marriage in life, among other theories.

Interpretations of 'Of Studies'

Bacon's essay expresses several comments in Of Studies that can be interpreted as the following:

Studying is helpful for better understanding and provides a knowledge that develops experience, as well as a character that grows.
Reading provides delight and fun, ornament and showing off, and the ability for success.
Bacon expanded upon different fields of study depending on one's goal; for example, to master clarity with language, study poetry.

'Of Studies' Excerpt

"Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability. Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgment and disposition of business. For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned. To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament, is affectation; to make judgment wholly by their rules, is the humor of a scholar. They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience: for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need pruning, by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience. Crafty men condemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them; for they teach not their own use; but that is a wisdom without them, and above them, won by observation. Read not to contradict and confute; nor to believe and take for granted; nor to find talk and discourse; but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention. Some books also may be read by deputy, and extracts made of them by others; but that would be only in the less important arguments, and the meaner sort of books, else distilled books are like common distilled waters, flashy things. Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man. And therefore, if a man write little, he had need have a great memory; if he confer little, he had need have a present wit: and if he read little, he had need have much cunning, to seem to know that he doth not. Histories make men wise; poets witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend. Abeunt studia in mores [Studies pass into and influence manners]. Nay, there is no stone or impediment in the wit but may be wrought out by fit studies; like as diseases of the body may have appropriate exercises. Bowling is good for the stone and reins; shooting for the lungs and breast; gentle walking for the stomach; riding for the head; and the like. So if a man’s wit be wandering, let him study the mathematics; for in demonstrations, if his wit be called away never so little, he must begin again. If his wit be not apt to distinguish or find differences, let him study the Schoolmen; for they are cymini sectores [splitters of hairs]. If he be not apt to beat over matters, and to call up one thing to prove and illustrate another, let him study the lawyers’ cases. So every defect of the mind may have a special receipt."

Bacon published three editions of his essays (in 1597, 1612, and 1625) and the last two were marked by the addition of more essays. In many cases, they became expanded works from earlier editions. This is the best-known version of the essay Of Studies , taken from the 1625 edition of Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral.

Version From the First Edition (1597)

"Studies serve for pastimes, for ornaments, for abilities; their chief use for pastimes is in privateness and retiring; for ornaments in discourse; and for ability in judgment; for expert men can execute, but learned men are more fit to judge and censure. To spend too much time in them is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgment wholly by their rules is the humor of a scholar; they perfect nature, and are themselves perfected by experience; crafty men contemn them, wise men use them, simple men admire them; for they teach not their use, but that there is a wisdom without them and above them won by observation. Read not to contradict nor to believe, but to weigh and consider. Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some are to be read only in parts, others to be read but curiously, and some few to be read wholly with diligence and attention. Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready, and writing an exact man; therefore, if a man write little, he had need of a great memory; if he confer little, he had need of a present wit; and if he read little, he had need have much cunning to seem to know that he doth not know. Histories make wise men; poets witty; the mathematics subtle; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend."

Thinking About Reading
Rhetoric: Definitions and Observations
Quotes About Time
Of Discourse by Francis Bacon
Of Truth, by Francis Bacon
Of Travel by Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon on Youth and Age
Francis Bacon: "Of Parents and Children"
Definition and Examples of Formal Essays
On Rhetoric, or the Art of Eloquence, by Francis Bacon
On Laziness by Christopher Morley
What is a Familiar Essay in Composition?
What Are the Different Types and Characteristics of Essays?
style (rhetoric and composition)
5 Themes in the Works of John Ruskin
What Is Enlightenment Rhetoric?

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Here’s a brief but on-point “Of Studies Summary and Analysis” for you from LitPriest.

Of Studies by Francis Bacon Summary

“Studies serve for delight, ornament, and for ability”.

Francis Bacon gives account of three chief uses of studies. The first use is that they serve for delight. This delight may come in solitude or in leisure after retirement from active life. Secondly, they serve for ornament in communication, conversation and discourse. A person who is well read can talk more attractively than an uneducated person. The third use of studies is they help in the judgement, and disposition of business.

An expert man can judge matters one by one when they come face by face to him and he executes them according to his experience. However, this is not the case with an educated man. He can give counsels at any situation according to his knowledge and thus, learned men are best at marshalling of affairs.

Studies, however, have their limitations. If too much time is spent at studies it nothing more than sloth. If they are used excessively in conversation, they show exaggeration and posing of a person. And if a scholar makes each and every judgement of his life with the help of his knowledge, it is just foolish and humorous behavior of the scholar.

Studies perfect nature. Furthermore, they are perfected by experience. Bacon compares natural abilities of a man with a natural tree that needs proyning that comes by study. Studies have a vast scope, it is icing on the cake if experience is also added with them.

Bacon says,

“Crafty men contemn studies, simple men admire them, and wise men use them”.

The men who are hard workers or primitive men hate or contemn studies. However, the men who have simple wits admire them. Moreover, the men who are wise use them practically. Studies do not teach their own use. It is the wisdom of a person that teaches him their usage. Bacon is of the view that a man should not read to contradict and confute others; he should not believe and rely wholly on words; nor to find a point of discussion in conversation; but he should read to weigh them their value and use them. The writer further supports this argument in the following statement,

“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested”.

There are some books that are to be read only in parts because they are useful for a person only at some places. It is not worthy to read them word by word. On contrary, there are some books that are to be read not with curiosity; and some are to be read completely with attention and diligence because they require the full attention of the reader. Moreover, this category of books has treasures hidden in them that can be found only by reader’s diligence. There is another category ‘like common distilled waters’ i.e ‘distilled books’, these books are extracts made from other books and compiled in another book. These are the meaner sort of books.

Bacon says a million dollars verses,

“Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man”.

It is reading that adds to the knowledge of a man and makes him complete in a sense of his wit. Undoubtedly, it is conversation with others that makes a man ready for any sort of step to be taken practically on behalf of his knowledge. Furthermore, it is the skill of comprehensive or innovative writing that makes a full man because man is created to do wonders, make innovations and generate new ideas.

Moreover, the writer describes some facts about studies. He says if a man writes little than he needs to have a great memory to remember all the learned things. If a man interacts little he needs to have a present and sharp wit; and if a man read little, he should be cunning to know what he does not.

Bacon impresses reader through his comprehensive and great sayings. He says,

“Histories make men wise; pots witty; the mathematics subtile; natural philosophy deep; moral grave; logic and rhetoric able to contend”.

The about stated couple of lines contains an ocean of meaning in it. Bacon says that it is history of ancients that makes new generations wise and witty. These are rules and laws stated by the ancients that make mathematics subtile in its nature. It is because of histories that philosophy has deeper meanings and logic and rhetoric are able to defend through arguments.

Bacon is of the view that any impediment or stond in the wit can be wrought out by fit studies. If a person considers oneself dull, he can make him better through studies. Clearly, ‘bowling is good for the stone and reins; shooting for the lungs and breast; gentle walking for the stomach; riding for the head’, similarly, studies also have a physical role in mortals’ life. If a man’s wit is unable to focus at a point and it keeps wandering, let him study mathematics so that he may learn to demonstrate rationally. If his wit is unable to find differences let him study the schoolmen. If a man is not able to call up one thing to prove and illustrate another, he should study the lawyers’ cases.

Bacon encloses the essay by saying,

“So every defect of the mind may have a special receipt”.

Of Studies Frequently Asked Questions

What are the views of francis bacon regarding studies in his essay “of studies”.

Bacon’s view regarding studies is that it “serve for Delight, for Ornament, and for Ability”. Here Delight refers to the personal and private education, similarly, Ornament refers to the conversation among people that Bacon tags as Discourse. Whereas, studies for Ability tips and individual for the better interpretation of trade and commercial pursuit. According to Bacon, the worldly experience can lead men to carry out plans and interpret particular circumstances, however, the study makes men to better recognize the various dogmatic matters and how to act in various circumstances realizing its severity i.e. rationalizing of affairs.

Bacon also encourages studies and warns the readers that sometimes too much studying may lead to the sluggishness; moreover, the excessive and irrelevant use of knowledge by men in conversation indicates the showing off of knowledge; likewise, if one only takes guidance from studies disregard of practical experiences, he only becomes a scholar. Bacon argues that the only way to use studies appropriately is to modernize it i.e. studies are only effective if it is influenced by experience as this will enhance the natural abilities of a man; however, studies without the influence of experience may lead to a great misperception in communication with the world around.

Bacon illustrates that corrupt men denounce education; imprudent men approve education; however the wise men utilize education according to the command of the real-world. He also warns the educated men not to indulge himself in an unnecessarily argument with people, likewise, educated men must not suppose that education can always cause the correct conduct or interpretation; moreover, educated men should not use purely to emphasize on their conversation with others. Rather, Bacon illustrates, some books must only be read, some must be ignored completely, while few books must be “Chewed and digested”, i.e. should be understood and interpreted completely. Furthermore, he advises that some books are read by other and they take notes out of it, and these notes are good enough substitute of a book to be read, however, this category mustn’t include the books with sublime subject matters.

Bacon, by returning to the previous argument, addresses the consequences of reading, writing, and conversation by illustrating the reading crafts an all-rounder man; conversation makes a man sharp and fast thinker; while writing makes a man rational. Furthermore, Bacon says that if an individual doesn’t write must, he must have a good memory to compensate for his writing; similarly, if he doesn’t have a good conversation, he should compensate it with a wit; and an individual has to pretend that he knows more than he does in order to fake his reading that he never does much.

Bacon, by pointing out the various subject, argues that the studying history makes men wise; mathematics makes them intellectually sharp, while logic and rhetoric skilled men in arguments. Moreover, thinking is not problematic if it cannot be established by the proper study. Every mind disorder has a treatment just like every physical illness. For instance, a man should study law, if he cannot utilizes the proofs to demonstrate the certainty of unrelated facts. By studying other forms, any defect in the brain can be cured.

Explain the line “Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested” in reference to the context of Bacon’s essay “Of Studies”?

The notion with which Bacon opens his essay “Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability” parallels the line quoted in the question. The simplest interpretation of the statement implies that the studies which delight are intended for personal observation, pleasure, and understanding; the studies which are for ornament are intended to improve discourse, communication, and inscription; those that are intended for ability are meant for the “argument and judgment of business”. However, one may also assume that one by reading, for amusement or pleasure, can also grasp a thoughtful understanding that could be utilized in serious learning.

Hence, among the books that delight are tend to be the ones that are only to be tasted. As one doesn’t surely take in the philosophical knowledge, so one simple tastes it. The books that contain some wisdom and deep thoughts need to be swallowed. However, the books that contain a real sociological, philosophical, or psychological perception, and that necessarily becomes a part of one’s mental being, are to be chewed and digested. Nutrients are absorbed when one chew and digest the food and these nutrients become a part of the body. Similarly, the books that are useful, truthful, and worthier, Bacon says, must be chewed and digested. However, if they lack truth and wisdom, they must only be tasted.

What are the three main benefits of studies did Bacon mention in his essay Of Studies? And what are dangers associated with each benefit?

Bacon’s essays contain practical, religious, and moral subjects that, according to him, would direct a man to a valuable and successful life in both business and politics. Most of his essay deals with the manners, behavior, and conduct of a man and guides him how should one act and to adopt moderation in everything. In simple words, one should neither exceed nor fall short of anything as it can lead to an unstable life, with devastating results.

Bacon, in the essay Of Studies, illustrates both the benefits and the drawbacks of studying and reading books. 1st of all he argues that “studies serve for Delight, for Ornament, and for Ability. Delight is intended for private and personal affairs; Ornament for communication; the ability for logical judgment and outlook for the business.

He argues that one study for delight as it allows an individual to be contented in himself. In short, studies make a man relax when he is away from social life. Studies also make one skillful to analyze and discuss a variety of topics in a prudent way and allow him to convince other with strong facts and arguments. Moreover, in business life that also includes politics, one’s judgmental qualities increases by thorough study.

Bacon, however, simultaneously discuss the pitfall of excessive studying, more importantly, if one is studying with wrong intentions. He says that spending time only on studying makes man idle; moreover, studying for ornament is showing-off; and a scholar seems to be silly if he makes his judgment solely by rules.

Bacon depicts his practical nature in the essay when he argues that a man should have concerns for both public and private business. He mustn’t only spend his time in studying as by this he may neglect his business. Similarly, if the purpose of study for a man is only to show-off his articulating skill, then he is embarrassed with affectation. For Bacon, showing-off is not merely a waste of time but also a moral degradation. The last disadvantage of only acquiring bookish knowledge and neglecting real world experience is it may make a person “book smart” but not “street smart”. In short, study without experience is useless.

The main purpose of Bacon’s essay is to guide people in experiences they might come across as they live in the world. He encourages the readers to bring their bookish knowledge in practical use.

Explain Francis Bacon’s perspective in the line “Writing makes an exact man” with reference to the essay “Of Studies”?

This line is extracted from Bacon’s essay “Of Studies”. The whole statement reads “Reading makes a full man; Conference a ready man; and Writing an exact man.” Through this line, Bacon argues that writing makes man perfect. This statement is immediately followed by another statement in which he states that if a man doesn’t write much, he must have a good memory to remember. Inscription aids a person to understand various composite problems as it is inclined to stamp on the mind.

Bacon also links writing with compactness and preciseness. It is well said that if a person is unable to write about a subject clearly, his thinking is about the subject is also vague.

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Autobiographical Essay (1500-2000 words): Tell us about your educational history, work experience, present situation, and plans for the future. Please make sure to address why you consider yourself a nontraditional student, and have chosen to pursue your education at the School of General Studies of Columbia University.

Successful essays should not only identify and describe specific elements of the program, academic or otherwise, that meet your needs as a nontraditional student, but should also explain why GS is the place for you.

In my first year at Case, I was placed on probation after the first semester and separated from the university after the second. My strikingly poor performance occurred when, faced with a series of disappointments, I responded less than constructively.

Ravenous to commence my formal study of computer engineering (one of my intended majors), I was seemingly inexplicably assigned an advisor from the music department who attempted to persuade me to load up on music courses in case I ever wanted a music major. By the time I convinced him that this was not a goal of mine, the introductory computer science course was full, and I'd have to wait at least a semester to take it. I placed out of the introductory course in English (my other intended major) and enrolled in the next one in sequence, only to find the teaching plodding and uncreative. I traded some AP credit for the right to enroll in an advanced physics course, soon discovering that the sole difference between it and the ordinary course was a topic I'd studied on my own, in greater depth, early in high school. My would-be piano instructor at the Cleveland Institute of Music taught in an authoritarian style I couldn't abide; as a non-major, unable to select another teacher, I ceased my lessons. A litany of frustrations.

I might have overcome them but for this last: upon my arrival at a top university, I'd hoped to be one of many intellectual peers. I found precious few. It seemed most students were closed-minded, uncultured, interested solely in the one subject they came to study, and then only as far as the studies required. Having sought academic inspiration from my surroundings, I'd instead found an atmosphere that was intellectually stifling, even suffocating.

I was an idealistic 18-year-old boy who saw each small dream methodically dashed. I grew bitter. Finally, unable to see a worthwhile outcome, I stopped attending class altogether.

Believe it or not, this childish reaction proved not wholly unconstructive. I used the free time to study computers on my own. The knowledge I gained, fortuitously, was enough to land my first full-time job shortly after I left Case. And that job, fortuitously, led me along a career path I could not have foreseen, a path along which I slowly grew into an adult who knows of disappointment and how to live with it.

Tracing the arc of my brief career, each job has required some skills I had (thus making me immediately useful and helping me feel productive) and some I needed and wanted to acquire (increasing my value over time while holding my interest). Upon leaving school, I knew I wanted to write software but didn't have the training or know-how. In the interim, I took any technical work I could get, mastered it, then stepped up. At OhioOnline, my first full-time job, I started as an expert in the comparatively small areas of HTML and the Macintosh, then moved into running their Unix servers and writing complex web scripts. The prospect of being the general-purpose lead geek brought me to a dot-com in Boston; in my year there, I learned of necessity how to develop and maintain large-scale production software. Shortly after The Daily Jolt jettisoned most of its personnel, Noteworthy offered me a post as a bona fide software developer. I'd grown to love Boston and didn't relish leaving, but there was never any question whether to accept. This was the job I'd wanted for years.

Late in high school, I began idly wondering what it'd be like to be “the dumbest guy in the room.” Yes, that's exactly how my brain phrased it. The more I wondered, the more wonderful it seemed: it'd be an intellectual thrill ride, struggling to keep up, understanding only a fraction of what I saw and heard — but oh, what a precious fraction! The idea, grand though it seemed in my head, sounded arrogant or impolite when I thought about how to express it. Meekly, then, I didn't, and contented myself with the hope that college might provide an approximation.

This hypothesis remained purely theoretical for many years. I'd begun to doubt that an opportunity to test it would ever arise when, within days of my arrival at Noteworthy, I knew I'd found it. Surrounding me were software developers simultaneously more experienced and more clever than I. They knew techniques that could only be derived by dangerously bright people who'd been paying close attention to their own work for years on end. I did struggle to keep up. It was a thrill ride. Every day, as it expanded yet again, my mind sang with joy. Hypothesis exhilaratingly proven.

Of course, having had to go without this kind of stimulation and expecting none, I'd long since learned to grow on my own. Knowing that it exists, however, has emboldened me to seek more. I believe there are universities that cultivate this spirit, this quality, and I want as much of it as I can get for the rest of my life.

After Noteworthy, I found my way to Case. While the job responsibilities appeared unambitious for my taste, my contacts at Case spoke of my would-be manager very highly, the position afforded a great many conveniences, and I needed the work. Six months later, it had become clear that working there was a great choice. In the course of diagnosing and solving computer problems for all sorts of people, I'd gotten lots of practice at communicating effectively and getting on well with anyone and everyone. I'd done so well at it, apparently, that when the type of service we were offering outgrew its status as a pilot project and threatened to expand into a half-dozen more campus departments and offices, I was asked to assume a managerial role.

Two years previously, I'd reached my goal of being a software developer; at that time, the idea of being a manager was laughable to me. I was doing precisely what I'd always wanted to be doing. I reveled in it. Managing was an interesting discipline, and something I might like to try someday, but for the time being it was for other people, not for me.

At Case, when I was asked in a real and immediate way whether I'd like to supervise a group of people, I realized it was exactly the type of work I wanted to learn how to do well. My reaction pleasantly amused me, because it made plain that I'd achieved one goal, outgrown it, and found a new one. (By the time I left Case, I'd gotten fairly competent at managing. Of course, there's always more to learn about how to effectively get things done with people, for people. That's a fundamental life skill and I expect to keep improving until my time runs out.)

It was sobering, too, in that I couldn't think of many more achievements I wanted to make in my field. Building a successful company sounds like a worthy challenge, but that only has a chance of succeeding if I'm so passionate about it that I'm willing to make it the center of my life. I don't feel that way about company-building. Computers no longer inspire me as they once did.

I want to use my brain to its absolute fullest. I've played many roles in the world of software and IT, and I don't expect to achieve this on my current career path. So I've taken to thinking about all the fascinations of my youth: which of them still hold, which would mean most to me, which would demand most of me, which would carry me furthest. It didn't take much thinking. I'm passionate about doing and teaching physics and music. If it means setting everything else aside, I happily will. I have a vision of myself at 50: a charmingly offbeat absent-minded professor who in his spare time writes for the piano in a style heavily influenced by the late Russian Romantics. I've done plenty of piano improvisation over the years. I've got a head start on the gray hair I'll need for full effect in the classroom.

I'm a freshman applicant to two other top universities. I'm far from their typical applicant and, while I could be happy and successful in those environments, neither is a natural fit. I'm 26. I've attended college before, joined a fraternity, played intramural and club sports. I've lived and learned, grown older and wiser, tested my independence and freedom, determined my priorities and values in life. I've had a career, compressed into a handful of years, that's been satisfying (but not satisfying enough, hence this application!). I'm no longer a kid and I don't need the “college experience”; I've already had it, and then some. What I need now: challenging coursework in challenging subjects, a bevy of resources at my disposal, the latitude to adjust my work and class schedule as needed each semester, and in general an institution that's cognizant and organizationally supportive of people in situations like mine. Other schools don't begin to match the package offered by Columbia's General Studies.

It excites me to think that my path to GS might be one of the most ordinary, if the word can be applied to anything about GS. My experiences have been endlessly valuable to me and, while I enjoy sharing my insights with others, my life has been in many ways charmed and easy. I look eagerly forward to the stories my peers will tell, the hard-won wisdom they'll reveal.

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Home / Prose / Of Studies by Sir Francis Bacon | Complete Summary and Analysis

Of Studies by Sir Francis Bacon | Complete Summary and Analysis

“Of Studies” is one of the most quoted essays of Sir Francis Bacon. He has analyzed the importance of studies; therefore, in this essay, he convinces his readers to know its vitality. He does not only talk about bookish knowledge but also demonstrates the importance of experience; without experience, the studies cannot help a person, means Sir Francis Bacon. Moreover, in his eyes, studies and education are two separate things. However, he agrees that education is the name of studying books and experiences of life. He answers some common questions that arise in every common mind. For instance, he answers why we should read books; what are the impacts of studies in one’s life; why study without experience is useless; and many other such like questions.

He elaborates each assertion through either reference or example. Style of the author is simple but his arguments are much effective. Further, he uses concise sentences, similes , and Latin phrases to strengthen his stance.

Three Types of studies in the Eyes of Sir Francis Bacon:

From the very beginning of the essay, Sir Francis Bacon divides studies into three categories; in fact, these three types are benefits of studies. Studies serve three purposes, says Sir Francis Bacon, “delight”, “ornament” and “ability”. In Bacon’s times, the drama was banned; drama may have a moral purpose but it is certainly a source of entertainment. It was forbidden in that era; therefore, people had no other option except to rely upon books; thus, books replaced stage. From that point of view, if we think, then books are the source of entertainment. It may be the reason that Bacon has used the word “delight”. From modern views, there are still people in the world, who find delight in books instead of movies and plays.

However, in next lines, he has explained the word “delight” while saying, “their chief use for delight, is in privateness and retiring”. Hence, only words are different but the purpose is same i.e. entertainment.

The second purpose that studies serve is “ornaments”. A person, after learning from books, can present himself in a good manner. Studies also help a person learn etiquettes. His societal impression is improved and he becomes wise in the eyes of people. However, Bacon has used only one word to explain, “ornament” i.e. “discourse”. Thereby, studies increase the speaking power of a person but the word “discourse” also needs explanation. It has many meanings; discourse has different types; romantic, professional, religious, motivational, debate etc. Nevertheless, considering in view the worldly approach of the author, he may have used it as a professional speaking power or perhaps, he is talking about impressive discourse in every field of life whether it is profession, religion or romance.

Elaboration of the third purpose of studies, according to Sir Francis Bacon is “judgment and disposition of business”. It is somewhat professional. Studies can help a person in dealing with business matters. Thereby, studies support a person in professional life. Sir Francis Bacon has also used the word “judgment” to infer that studies enhance mental eyesight of a person. His vision becomes strong and he takes quick as well as accurate decisions in business matters.

Experience is the Key Factor:

All three purposes are useless without experience, says Bacon. Too much study for “delight” makes a person lazy; ornamentation makes him showcase; similarly, cramming bundle of rules from books does not increase his ability nor does it help him enhancing his thinking capacity. Everyone has natural abilities and studies make them perfect but along with studies, the experience is also required to gain perfection. It actually improves the mentality of a person. In order to elaborate it further, Bacon uses similes , which are worth mentioning:-

“the natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.” Sir Francis Bacon

Hence, studies show a person thousands of paths to walk but experience helps choosing the right one. Additionally, different types of men see studies differently; some people do not give studies any value; some appreciate them; but wise are those, who perfectly use them.

Why and What Kind of Books should We Study?

After describing the importance of study, Francis Bacon gives his own opinions, “read….to weigh and consider”. A person should not read books to win over a debate or to oppose arguments of others; nor should he read to believe on each and everything written in the book; rather he should study books to know the difference between right and wrong. Moreover, not every book is worth reading. He divides books, too, into three categories; “tasted”, “swallowed”, and “chewed and digested”. “Tasted” books are those, which require no special attention. A reader just needs to go through them; books that come in the category of “swallowed” need a little attention. Category, “Chewed and digested” is self-explanatory. These kinds of books need the full concentration of the readers. Each word and every line should be chewed completely and then digested.

Some Subjects and Their Purposes:

If a person has a habit of reading books then Bacon guarantees improvement in his temperament. If he is used to exchanging dialogues then his wit is going to be enhanced. Above all, if he reads books and then writes down every important suggestion or advice then this method will definitely increase his intellectuality. Francis Bacon, at the end of the essay, creates a list of different subjects and sorts them by their benefits. Here is the list of books and their benefits:-

History increases wisdom.
Poetry enhances imagination.
Mathematics makes a person subtle.
Philosophy deepens thinking.
Logic and rhetoric help to contend.

Thus, a person needs to study the relevant subject as per his choice or requirement. If he wants wisdom, history can help him. If he wants imaginative powers, his concern should be poetry. Similarly, mathematics, philosophy, and logic serve their specific purposes. In Bacon’s eyes, a person can improve himself as much as he can; he just needs to focus. He actually wants to say that, “reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body”. With body, the mind also needs exercise; therefore, every person needs to do an exercise of the mind; he can do it by studying books.

Conclusion of “Of Studies” by Sir Francis Bacon:

The whole essay proves the intellectuality of Sir Francis Bacon. It is full of wisdom. Every line, written by the author, is philosophically rich. His philosophy is definitely praiseworthy. Moreover, he is called the father of English prose not only because of his deep philosophy but also because of his writing style. He uses exact words to summarize his viewpoint. He tries to demonstrate his thinking in concise words. This essay is well knitted. There is no denying the fact that “Of Studies” is the pure creation of Sir Francis Bacon . In short, this essay is enough to regard him as the father of English prose.

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Trinity College Dublin and Sciences Po Dual BA Essay

Describe how your experiences, both personal and academic, have shaped your decision to pursue the Dual BA Program. Why is an international academic experience important to you as you consider the ways in which it may influence your future?

Successful essays should not only identify and describe specific elements of the Dual BA Program that meet your needs as a student, but should also explain why the academic courses you have chosen for your time at Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University are compatible with your aspirations, academic or otherwise.

School of General Studies Essay

Tell us about your educational history, work experience, present situation, and plans for the future. Please make sure to reflect on why you consider yourself a nontraditional student and have chosen to pursue your education at the School of General Studies of Columbia University. Successful essays should identify and describe specific elements of the program, academic or otherwise, that meet your needs as a nontraditional student. The admissions committee is particularly interested in situations in your life from which you have learned and grown. This may include past academic experiences, professional accomplishments, or turning points and transformative events: new beginnings and personal achievements, but also events that may have affected your education, such as health and family challenges, personal obstacles or even issues with the justice system. Our expectation is that your reflection on your experiences will demonstrate your potential to add a unique perspective to the Columbia classroom.

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Please submit an essay of approximately 500 words discussing your decision to pursue a career in medicine or an allied health profession. A successful essay will not only describe the factors that contributed to your decision, but will give us a sense of you as an individual by discussing why you want to pursue this career and how you feel you will contribute to the profession.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

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General Studies A-Level: What Was it & What's Replaced it?

April 25, 2022

When did General Studies A-Level finish?

What is general studies, what kinds of questions were on a general studies a-level past paper, is general studies a good a-level, what is taught in general studies, what replaced the general studies a-level, what are applied general qualifications.

The Department for Education and the exams regulator, Ofqual, decided to stop offering General Studies in 2017. As well as cancelling A-Level General Studies other subjects such as Citizenship Studies, Communication and Culture, Humanities, Leisure Studies, Pure Mathematics, Statistics, and World Development were also dropped .

In 2010, 46,916 students sat the General Studies A-Level. By 2019 only 40 people were entered for the exam, a shocking decline of 99.9%! In 2020, the General Studies A-Level was no longer available. 🚫

Although General Studies was first introduced as an A-Level option way back in the 1950s, it was never really very well understood. In job interviews graduates with the qualification were often asked “So, what are General Studies A-Level?” or “What does General Studies mean?”.

In a nutshell, A-Level General Studies was designed to give UK students a well-rounded education and a broad knowledge of how British society and politics worked. The idea was to produce better-informed citizens. Typical lessons involved debates and discussions about current events or other topics on the syllabus. Students were expected to learn critical thinking skills, develop arguments, analyse information and come up with conclusions.

The A-Level was made compulsory by some schools who wanted to boast that all their pupils did at least four A-Levels or as a way to fill in the timetable, adding extra unnecessary study to the already heavy workloads of their students. Other more sceptical schools saw the subject as fairly worthless and refused to offer it as an option. 🙅

It’s usually a hard task to predict what topics will be on any A-Level exam but with General Studies A-Level, it was almost impossible! You could get asked questions about road tax, GM crops, religious beliefs, or any number of other topics. One paper even started off by asking students to compare kitchens !

The important thing was that you had the thinking skills to analyse the given information and put forward good arguments. There were science and maths papers, but essay questions were the biggest part of most General Studies exams.

General Studies A-Level may have been meant to give students a broad education to prepare for life outside school, but unfortunately, many universities didn’t agree. They often didn’t see it as a worthwhile qualification. Either they only counted it as a fourth or fifth A-Level or refused to consider it worth any UCAS points at all like most of the 24 Russell group universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh.

Universities weren’t the only ones sceptical about the value of the General Studies A-Level. While some students who chose the subject saw it as an easy way to get an extra A-Level, others were often disappointed at the lack of academic challenge and often wondered: "Is General Studies a waste of time?". ⌛

Hayley Molley, who went on to study at the University of Northampton, told the Guardian that she didn’t feel like she learned anything from General Studies.

“I don’t think there was any point in the lessons – I never revised and I still passed,” she said.

According to Oliver Brown , 17, who studied at Wickersley school and sports college, all the universities he had applied to “specifically say they don’t accept General Studies as an A-Level”.

He complained that this made it “more of a hindrance – with a low grade – than a help to make a competitive application”.

Ryan Hamilton , who went on to become a pharmacist said he “would have found it more useful to have taken another A-Level”.

“At my college, we did the whole A-Level in one year, which shows how easy it is to pass. It would be better to replace it with a more useful subject such as English , Maths or one of the core sciences.”

The list of A-Level General Studies subjects is quite varied. Students were introduced to ideas in topics from areas including Culture, Ethics, Literature, Language, Mathematics, Politics, Science, And Technology. Homework often involved reading newspapers, writing essays and preparing for debates.

While the General Studies A-Level is no longer available, in many schools and colleges you can choose to do A-Level-equivalent Applied General qualifications instead. ♻

Applied General qualifications are advanced level qualifications that allow you to learn knowledge and skills that are valued by universities and companies. Unlike most A-Levels, they focus less on theory and more on practical knowledge and a wide range of skills useful for different careers, for example in Law, Creative and Media industries, and Business.

Applied General qualifications include:

AQA Level 3 Extended Certificates
CISI Level 3 Diplomas
IFS Level 3 Certificates
OCR Cambridge Technicals
TLM Level 3 Certificate
WJEC Level 3 Certificates and Diplomas

Available subjects differ depending on the exact qualification you choose but there is a wide choice, including:

Agriculture
Art and Design
Business & Law
Commercial Enterprise
Construction
Engineering
Environmental Conservation & Animal Care
Health & Social Care and Child Development & Wellbeing
Horticulture
Hospitality
Information & Communication Technology
Manufacturing Technologies & Transport Operations
Mathematics
Media & Publishing
Performing Arts
Planning & the Built Environment
Sociology & Social Policy
Travel & Tourism

The courses are planned with teachers, higher education institutions and professional associations working together. Companies such as IBM, Jaguar Land Rover, Kings College Hospital, Siemens and Fujitsu, and UK Athletics have also helped design Applied General Qualifications.

Some Applied General qualifications can be used to apply for university or higher education courses at other institutions on their own and others can be used as a supplement to your A-Levels. The top grade in many Applied General qualifications is equivalent to an A* at A-Level or 56 UCAS points. 🎓

If you’re interested in Applied General qualifications, you can check out how many UCAS points a course is worth using this points calculator and look up the admissions requirements for different university courses here .

Applied General qualifications are also a good path toward employment and higher-level training, such as apprenticeships if you’re not necessarily focused on going to university .

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Crafting an Effective Strategy to Master General Studies for the UPSC CSE 2024

Gateway to India’s most prestigious jobs such as IAS, IPS, etc, the UPSC Civil Services Exam consists of three stages. The UPSC provides a detailed syllabus for the Prelims as well as Mains Examinations. A detailed analysis of the syllabus tells that preparing General Studies lies at the heart of preparation for the UPSC CSE.

Given its vast syllabus, preparing for General Studies becomes a daunting task. Hence, it is pertinent to have a comprehensive and smart strategy to navigate through the syllabus with precision and confidence. This article of NEXT IAS discusses some of the key components of such a strategy.

Strategies and Tips to Prepare General Studies for UPSC

Analyse the syllabus thoroughly.

The first step to begin your preparation for the General Studies is to read and analyze in detail the syllabus for the UPSC Prelims as well as the Mains Exams.

The syllabus for the General Studies papers of the Prelims and Mains Exams, as provided by the UPSC, consists of a list of topics that are only indicative in nature. To be able to prepare a topic comprehensively, one needs to understand what all are to be covered under a particular topic i.e. detailed break-ups of the topic. This requires an in-depth analysis of the General Studies syllabus.

Going through this detailed discussion of the UPSC CSE Syllabus is advisable for the same.

Analyze Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Once you have analyzed the syllabus, you should go through the Previous Year’s Questions (PYQs) of the UPSC Prelims as well as the Mains Exam. They act like a compass and help in your General Studies preparation in the following ways:

Prioritize the topics by identifying the topics that have higher weightage.
Identify the overall themes that have been recurring in a particular topic.
Understand what types of questions are being asked from a particular topic.
Get acquainted with the present trends of questions and their difficulty levels.

Prepare an Effective Study Plan

Now that you have an understanding of the syllabus as well as the priority areas, it’s time to chalk out a smart study plan. The following are some tips to help you prepare a realistic and good study plan:

Break your study plan into weekly and monthly targets having a list of topics to be covered during each period. Keep track of daily progress on these plans.
Join a good General Studies Course such as the NEXT IAS GS Pre-cum-Main Foundation Course to ensure a guided and comprehensive preparation for General Studies.
Divide and distribute your daily study hours in such a way that more hours are allocated to your weaker areas.
Make sure that your distribution of study hours has a fine and weighted balance between static topics and current affairs.

Here, it is important to mention that:

Refrain from preparing an over-ambitious and non-realistic study as such a plant is liable to fail. Hence, it is advisable to develop a study plan which is realistic.
One good way of ensuring this is to adopt the “Pomodoro Technique” – breaking down your study sessions into 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between.

Focus on Conceptual Clarity

The UPSC Civil Services Examination intends to assess the overall intellectual traits and depth of understanding rather than merely the range of information and memory. It goes on to mean that preparing the General Studies requires one to integrate knowledge with analytical skills. Thus, while preparing a General Studies topic, one should focus on building clarity of concepts.

Here are some tips that can help you achieve this objective:

Follow standard and authentic books such as NCERTs for covering a topic.
Focus on understanding the topics rather than going for rote learning.
Joining a good Mentorship Program such as the NEXT IAS Advanced Integrated Mentorship (AIM) program can help you clarify your doubts and gain more clarity on syllabus topics.
Prepare concise notes for each topic so that you can revise them periodically.

Special Strategy for Current Affairs

It is a well-established fact that most of the questions of General Studies in the UPSC Civil Services Examination are motivated by current affairs. Hence, one needs to factor in special attention to prepare for current affairs.

The following tips can help you master this section of your General Studies Preparation:

Read a good newspaper regularly. As a smart alternative to reading newspapers, you can follow a good monthly current affairs magazine such as NEXT IAS Current Affairs Magazine .
Prepare concise notes on a news and place them under different categories such as Indian Polity, Governance, Indian Economy, etc.
Notes on any news, that is related to a topic of the General Studies syllabus, should be placed along with notes on the related topic. This will ensure a seamless integration of your static concepts with knowledge of current developments thereon.

Revise Regularly

The syllabus for General Studies is very vast. While covering this vast syllabus, as one goes on studying new topics, one tends to lose a grasp of the topics already covered. Thus, it is of supreme importance to factor in revisions within one’s study plan.

Here are some tips and strategies to ensure periodic revisions:

As soon as you cover a topic, prepare concise notes on that topic. This will enable you to do a quick revision of that topic.
Devote some study hours specifically to revision as part of your daily study schedule.
15-20 days immediately before the exam (Prelims or Mains) should be devoted only to revision.

Practice Questions

Your preparation for a topic is not complete unless you solve a sufficient number of questions on that topic. Practicing questions helps one in the following ways:

Judge if the topic is prepared comprehensively.
Identify any dimension of a topic that you might have missed studying.
Develop exam temperament by developing a habit of solving questions/writing answers.
Improve speed and accuracy

Here, it is important to mention that the way of practicing questions for the Prelims Exam is different from that for the Mains Exam:

Prelims Mock Tests: For the Prelims Exam, one needs to solve a sufficient number of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs). The best way to do this is to join a good Prelims Test Series such as the NEXT IAS Prelims Test Series .
Mains Answer Writing: For the Mains Exam, one needs to write answers to as many Mains questions as one can. Along with, getting them evaluated by the experts and incorporating their feedback into your answer writing is of supreme importance. Joining the NEXT IAS Mains Test Series Program can help you do this in a guided manner.
While traversing through the long journey of General Studies preparation, pay adequate attention to maintaining physical and mental well-being. This will help you give your best for the preparation.
It is very important to stay positive throughout the long journey of preparation. Believe in yourself and keep reminding yourself that the reward coming after the challenging journey is worth it.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach for General Studies preparation. So, tailor the strategy to your individual strengths and weaknesses.

Preparing the General Studies syllabus for the UPSC CSE requires smartly tailored hard work. Tips and strategies discussed above can help one achieve this objective.

We wish you good luck in your preparation journey!

Featured Post

Sustainability students Jarod Kline (left) and Jade Lantz (bottom) work on a garden project at the St. Vincent de Paul Urban Farm with Associate Professor Rimjhim Aggarwal in 2019. ASU's new General Studies Gold requirement will include three credits in sustainability. Photo by Deanna Dent/ASU

Arizona State University has revamped its general studies requirements — the courses required of all students, regardless of major — to better reflect the interdisciplinary knowledge that students need to be successful in a rapidly evolving world.

The updated curriculum, called General Studies Gold, goes into effect in fall 2024 for newly admitted students. To ensure the change does not impact progress students have already made toward their degree, the previous requirements, now called General Studies Maroon, remains unchanged for current students.

Major maps and course catalogs have been updated to reflect the change, and students can check their MyASU to see which version is required for them.

Nancy Gonzales, executive vice president and university provost, said that the General Studies Gold framework is a university-wide undertaking, with the ASU Charter guiding its design.

“Over 500 faculty members participated in the process of designing the new general studies requirements,” said Gonzales. “This group of experts from across academic disciplines came together to identify the most significant questions of the 21st century and the methods that scholars are using to address questions and explore possibilities. What resulted is an interdisciplinary and flexible set of courses designed to teach students the foundational knowledge and skills they need to succeed now and in the future. The new requirements reflect ASU’s particular commitment to sustainability and ASU’s strength as an interdisciplinary, mission-guided institution.”

The updated requirements are also designed to be more straightforward.

“Another reason for the revision is that students were put off by the complexity of the previous system,” said Anne Jones, vice provost for undergraduate education. “True to our design aspiration of 'enable student success,' a goal of this change is to make requirements clear and subjects relevant to our students.”

Graphic illustrating new General Studies requirements

General Studies Gold has 35 credits that are organized into nine categories: Humanities, Arts and Design (6 credits); Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 credits); Scientific Thinking in the Natural Sciences (8 credits); Quantitative Reasoning (3 credits); Mathematics (3 credits); American Institutions (3 credits); Governance and Civic Engagement (3 credits); Global Communities, Societies and Individuals (3 credits); and Sustainability (3 credits).

Additionally, all students — current and future — must complete first-year composition.

“We’re quite excited about the new governance and civic engagement requirement because it’s emphasizing the importance of how informed citizens can engage in society and solve problems; how to be part of a group and participate in collective decision-making; and how to develop the skills to engage in civic society constructively,” said Jones.

ASU is one of the first major research universities to require all students to take a course in sustainability, said Jones, who led the three-year revision project.

“We’re excited to have that requirement, which aligns with ASU’s strengths,” she said. “We were the first to have a School of Sustainability, and now tens of thousands of students will take sustainability courses.”

READ MORE: With new general studies curriculum, 'sustainability thinking' to become part of of every undergraduate student's education

While ASU is continuously updating and adding courses, this is the first overhaul of the entire set of general studies requirements since the 1980s. The process took more than three years, starting with a faculty group in 2020, in charge of reviewing the requirements of other institutions and multiple rounds of feedback from more than 10% of the ASU faculty, and ending with final approval by the faculty senate.

“We had a pilot project in 2020–21 to see what was working and what was not working,” she said.

“What we learned is that ASU needs things to be scalable and accessible to a diverse group of students — first-year students, transfer students, students who are returning to college — ASU has a far more diverse population of students than it did when our previous general studies requirements were introduced.

“We wanted to facilitate success and have people be able to navigate the system without barriers.”

The General Studies Gold curriculum is interdisciplinary and flexible, allowing students to select from a variety of courses to fulfill a requirement. For example, courses that fulfill the sustainability requirement include The Sustainable Plate, in the College of Global Futures; Wilderness and Parks in America, in the Watts College of Public Service and Community; and Society, Supply Chains and You, in the W. P. Carey School of Business.

José Lobo, a clinical associate professor in the School of Sustainability who was involved in the revision process, said that the sustainability requirement is monumental and timely as society grapples with the effects of climate change.

“It’s not just abstract: ‘Sustainability is good for the planet, therefore take a course on it.’

“ASU is saying, in effect, ‘An undergraduate education in the 21st century in the United States must include an appreciation of the challenges and opportunities of sustainable development.’ It’s pretty substantial.”

Each General Studies Gold category has several goals for what students should learn, and faculty spent a lot of time on those, Lobo said.

One outcome for mathematics is that students should be able to apply mathematical skills in the solution of real-life problems.

Governance and Civic Engagement has this outcome: Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively in the presence of dissenting opinions and experiences.

Students who complete a General Studies Gold sustainability course should be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the earth and its ecosphere, including the measures that indicate their capacities and limits.
Trace historical impacts of a range of socio-economic, political or cultural choices on integrated human-environmental well-being.
Envision pathways toward futures characterized by integrated human-environmental well-being.
Articulate an approach to addressing contemporary questions or challenges that employs concepts or practices of sustainability.

“It’s an emphasis on preparing the student to articulate, explain and describe what they have learned. ‘What do you agree with?’ ‘What do you disagree with?’” he said.

“It’s the ability to articulate possible solutions and opportunities, so sustainability is not just a burden that’s imposed on society.”

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IAS Preparation
UPSC Syllabus
Syllabus - UPSC Mains General Studies Paper Syllabus

General Studies

Upsc mains 2022 general studies paper syllabus (i, ii, iii, and iv ).

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2022:- Download PDF Here

The Civil Services Main examination is designed to check the scholastic skills of the aspirants and also his/her ability to present his/her knowledge in a comprehensible, consistent and descriptive manner. The IAS Mains Exam intents to evaluate the intellectual quality in whole and candidates’ insights on diverse issues rather than just their memory.

Revised UPSC Exam Pattern

The Civil Services Examination pattern for Mains has been revised by UPSC since 2015. Now, the mains examination has 9 papers (7+2) and all of them require descriptive answering. There are two qualifying papers each for 300 marks:

Any modern Indian language
English language

However, the marks secured by candidates in the two language papers are not counted for merit-ranking in the UPSC Mains. According to the new pattern, there are 4 General Studies papers each totalling 250 marks giving a total of 1000 Marks. The standard of the General Studies subjects is of graduate degree level.

Check IAS Notification for more details on the exam pattern, syllabus and eligibility criteria for the exam.

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper Syllabus (I, II, III, and IV )

Below is a detailed list of the topics to be studied for the GS papers I, II, III and IV:-

UPSC Exam General Studies- PAPER I

Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society:

Indian culture covers the salient features of Literature, Art Forms, and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Modern Indian history include significant events, personalities, issues during the middle of the eighteenth century until the present
Various stages and important contributors and contributions from different parts of the country in ‘The Freedom Struggle’
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country
History of the world includes events, forms and effect on the society from 18th century like world wars, industrial revolution, colonization, redrawal of national boundaries, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc
Salient aspects of Diversity of India and Indian Society
Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and remedies
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism
Distribution of key natural resources across the world including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent; factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world including India
Effects of globalization on Indian society
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes
Salient features of world’s physical geography

Candidates can get UPSC GS 1 Strategy and Structure in the linked article.

UPSC Exam General Studies- PAPER II

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations:

Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections
Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures
Issues relating to poverty and hunger
Role of civil services in a democracy
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
India and its neighbourhood- relations
Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora

Candidates can check UPSC Mains GS 2 Strategy and Structure in the linked article.

UPSC Exam General Studies- PAPER III

Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management:

Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.
Government Budgeting.
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers
Economics of animal-rearing.
Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions
Land reforms in India.
Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Investment models.
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology;
Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
Disaster and disaster management.
Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention
Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate
Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism

Candidates can check the UPSC Mains GS 3 Strategy and Structure in the linked article.

UPSC Exam General Studies- Paper IV

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude: This paper includes questions to check the candidate’s attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his/her problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him/her while dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects and covers area:

Ethics and Human Interface- Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships
Human Values- lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values
Attitude- content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections
Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration- Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance
Probity in Governance- Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information; sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption
Case Studies on above issues

Candidates can check the UPSC Mains GS 4 Strategy and Structure in the linked article.

The nature of questions in General Studies in civil services mains exam need answers that are relevant, consequential and synoptic and will impress the examiner. These questions are to test the candidate’s skill on assessing and taking a view on the diverging socio-economic goals and objectives.

UPSC Syllabus:- Download PDF Here

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OPSC OAS Mains: General Studies (GS) and Essay Syllabus (New Pattern)

The main Examination is intended to assess the overall intellectual traits and depth of understanding of candidates rather than merely the range of their information and memory. The nature and standard of questions in the General Studies papers (Paper II to Paper V) will be such that a well-educated person will be able to answer them without any specialized study. The questions will be such as to test a candidate’s general awareness of a variety of subjects, which will have relevance for a career in Civil Services. The questions are likely to test the candidate’s basic understanding of all relevant issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio-economic goals, objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answers.

Syllabi of the General Studies papers included in the scheme of Civil Services (Main) Examination are given as follows:

Paper-I: Essay

Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.

Paper-II: General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.)

Heritage and culture.

Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Temple Architecture of Odisha
Socio-cultural Development in Odisha
Bhakti Movement in Odisha and its impact on the Society of Odisha
Evolution and Growth of odia language and literature and development of Odia literature
Regional Tradition of Odisha Festivals
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
Kalinga War and Its significance
Dynastic History of odisha: Mahameghavahana Kharavela, The Bhaumakaras and the Somavamsis, The Gangas and the Gajapatis
Early Resistance Movements in Odisha- Paik Rebellion, Vir Surendra Sai and the Revolt of 1857
Creation of Odisha Province
Freedom Movement and Praja Mandal Movements in Odisha; Social Bases of Odia Nationalism, Integration of Princely States in Odisha; Social Reform Movements in Odisha

Indian Society

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India and Odisha.
Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Effects of globalization on Indian society as a whole and Odisha.
Distribution and growth of tribes and tribal population in Odisha; Urbanization- Growth of urban population and urban centres in Odisha
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

Geography of India with Special Reference to Odisha

Physical, Economic and Social Geography of Odisha
Salient features of world’s physical geography.
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
Odisha’s Natural Resources: Water, Forests and Minerals
Odisha’s Physiography and Riverine System

Paper-III: General Studies- II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and Inter-State relations.

Governance, constitution, polity and inter-state relations.

Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act, Odisha Right to Public Services Act and Odisha Lokayukta Act
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
Role of Central and State civil services in a democracy.
Panchayati Raj Institution (PRIs) in Odisha
Odisha and its neighbourhood-relations

Social Justice

Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation- India and Odisha
Development processes and the development industry —the role of MSMEs & Women SHGs
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections- India and Odisha
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources- India and odisha
Issues relating to poverty and hunger- Sustainable Development Goals

Paper-IV: General Studies-III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

Science and technology.

Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio- technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Economic Development

Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Government Budgeting- India and Odisha.
Land reforms in India and Odisha.
Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways in the Country and Odisha.
Industrialization in Odisha- Issues and Prospects

Agriculture

Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers in India and Odisha.
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security;
Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing in India and Odisha.
Food processing and related industries in India and Odisha- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.

Biodiversity and Environment

Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Disaster and disaster management in the Country and Odisha- State Institutions and Policies on Disaster Management.

Security and Disaster Management

Linkages between development and spread of extremism, Left-wing Extremism in Odisha
Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money- laundering and its prevention. Acts and Policies relating to Cyber Security and Money Laundering
Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism.
Various Security forces and agencies of the Country and Odisha and their mandate.

Paper-V: General Studies- IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered :

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in- human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non- partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

Emotional intelligence- concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.

Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

Case Studies on above issues.

Opsc oas english literature syllabus.

OPSC OAS 2023: Notification | Exam Pattern | Prelims Syllabus

Edexcel A Level General Studies Past Papers

Course Name: General Studies Course Code:6GS01

Specifications (current): General Studies 6GS01 Course Specification (current) Sample Assessment : General Studies Sample Assessment

6GS01 : Question Paper Solution: Mark Scheme

6GS02 : Question Paper Solution: Mark Scheme

6GS03 : Question Paper Solution: Mark Scheme

6GS04 : Question Paper Solution: Mark Scheme

January 2013

January 2012, january 2011, january 2010, january 2009.

6GS01 : Question Paper Solution Unit 1 & 2: Mark Scheme

6GS02 : Question Paper

IMAGES

Benefits Of Higher Education Essay Free Essay Example
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GENERAL ESSAY CLASSES BILINGUAL FOR AP & TS G 1 (8522961609)
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General Essay- Impact of Literature on Society- Appsc- Group-1 and Group-2
UPSC Mains 2023 || Essay Paper Discussion || By Dharmendra Kr. Sir #upsc2023 #khansir #livestream
write a summary of essay Of Studies written by Francis Bacon
10 Important Modern Essays |BA Part 2|University of Gujrat

COMMENTS

How to Apply
The School of General Studies (GS) is the undergraduate college at Columbia University created specifically for students pursuing a nontraditional path to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree. GS is also the college at Columbia for students seeking to complete a second BA degree. ... One typed, double-spaced essay of approximately 1,500-2,000 ...
Is General Studies a Good Major? Is It Worth it?
General studies is an area of study that embraces a broad-based education, covering general skills needed to be successful in any given career. General Studies degree programs teach students how to think critically, communicate effectively, and gain knowledge from a variety of subjects, including the arts, sciences, psychology, human services ...
How to Write the Columbia University Essays 2023-2024
Each should be interesting on its own, but should also contribute to the overall picture of your intellectual style. A great list includes items that illuminate each other and communicate with each other - like matching a hat with your socks. Some more style tips: 1. List items that build on each other.
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 1 Syllabus, Strategy & Structure
UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 1 Syllabus, Strategy & Structure. GS Paper 1 of UPSC Mains is one of the four general studies papers. It is a subjective type of paper consisting of subjects like History, Geography, Art and Culture, and Indian Society. Along with GS Paper 1, there are eight other papers in the Mains stage of the IAS Exam.
How to write a general studies essay
A general studies essay is an essay mostly written by first year students who have just been admitted at the pre-university level upon completion of high school. A degree in general studies offers students with a well-formed education, which covers distinct aspects of a college degree. It is designed is in such a way as to make students ...
School of General Studies
We recommend that prospective students register for an information session and student-led campus tour to get the most of their visit to Columbia's undergraduate college for nontraditional students. [email protected]. Phone: +1 (212) 854-2772. Toll Free: (800) 895-1169. Columbia University School of General Studies. 408 Lewisohn Hall, MC 4101.
Francis Bacon's Classic Essay of Studies
Francis Bacon, the first major English essayist, comments forcefully in Of Studies on the value of reading, writing, and learning. Notice Bacon's reliance on parallel structures (in particular, tricolons) throughout this concise, aphoristic essay. Then, compare the essay to Samuel Johnson 's treatment of the same theme more than a century later ...
Of Studies by Francis Bacon Summary & Analysis
Francis Bacon gives account of three chief uses of studies. The first use is that they serve for delight. This delight may come in solitude or in leisure after retirement from active life. Secondly, they serve for ornament in communication, conversation and discourse. A person who is well read can talk more attractively than an uneducated person.
GS Application: Autobiographical Essay
Autobiographical Essay (1500-2000 words): Tell us about your educational history, work experience, present situation, and plans for the future. Please make sure to address why you consider yourself a nontraditional student, and have chosen to pursue your education at the School of General Studies of Columbia University.
A Review Essay: General and Liberal Studies
Ironically but fittingly, this review essay of recent literature on general and liberal studies which began by summarizing the Redbook turns now, thirty years later, to Dean Rosovsky's report at Harvard entitled Undergraduate Education: Defining the Issues. A perusal of this report forces one to conclude that little.
General Studies Essays
General Studies Essays. The essays below were written by students to help you with your own studies. If you are looking for help with your essay then we offer a comprehensive writing service, provided by fully qualified academics in your field of study. Essay Writing Service.
Of Studies by Sir Francis Bacon
Studies serve three purposes, says Sir Francis Bacon, "delight", "ornament" and "ability". In Bacon's times, the drama was banned; drama may have a moral purpose but it is certainly a source of entertainment. It was forbidden in that era; therefore, people had no other option except to rely upon books; thus, books replaced stage.
Columbia University's 2023-24 Essay Prompts
School of General Studies Essay. Required. 2000 Words. Tell us about your educational history, work experience, present situation, and plans for the future. Please make sure to reflect on why you consider yourself a nontraditional student and have chosen to pursue your education at the School of General Studies of Columbia University.
General Studies A-Level: What Was it & What's Replaced it?
The General Studies A-Level was aimed at increasing students' understanding of cultural, social, and scientific topics. However, the popularity of the General Studies A-Level declined throughout the 2010s and it is now no longer an option in the UK. Read on to find out more about General Studies A-Level and what has replaced it today.
Welcome to the Purdue Online Writing Lab
The Online Writing Lab at Purdue University houses writing resources and instructional material, and we provide these as a free service of the Writing Lab at Purdue.
Essay on General Studies: Self-Reflection Assessment of Academic
Growth mindset was something that I really didn't begin to have until the end of Spring 2018 semester to the Fall 2018 semester. This course most definitely progressed me from moving out of a fixed and into a growth mindset.
How to Prepare for UPSC General Studies
The syllabus for the General Studies papers of the Prelims and Mains Exams, as provided by the UPSC, consists of a list of topics that are only indicative in nature. To be able to prepare a topic comprehensively, one needs to understand what all are to be covered under a particular topic i.e. detailed break-ups of the topic. This requires an in ...
New general studies requirements to better prepare ASU ...
Arizona State University has revamped its general studies requirements — the courses required of all students, regardless of major — to better reflect the interdisciplinary knowledge that students need to be successful in a rapidly evolving world. The updated curriculum, called General Studies Gold, goes into effect in fall 2024 for newly admitted students.
UPSC Mains Syllabus; UPSC Mains General Studies Syllabus 2023
According to the new pattern, there are 4 General Studies papers each totalling 250 marks giving a total of 1000 Marks. The standard of the General Studies subjects is of graduate degree level. Check IAS Notification for more details on the exam pattern, syllabus and eligibility criteria for the exam.
OPSC OAS Mains: General Studies (GS) and Essay Syllabus (New Pattern
OPSC OAS Mains: General Studies (GS) and Essay Syllabus (New Pattern) By OBJECTIVE IAS / November 2, 2022. The main Examination is intended to assess the overall intellectual traits and depth of understanding of candidates rather than merely the range of their information and memory. The nature and standard of questions in the General Studies ...
International Students
The Online ALP Essay Exam will be administered online and is designed to measure a test-taker's ability in writing; no speaking portion is included. ... Columbia University School of General Studies 408 Lewisohn Hall, MC 4101 2970 Broadway New York, NY 10027. Phone: +1 (212) 854-2772 Toll Free: (800) 895-1169 [email protected]
Edexcel A Level General Studies Past Papers
June 2009. 6GS01 : Question Paper. Solution Unit 1 & 2: Mark Scheme. 6GS02 : Question Paper. Find Edexcel A Level General Studies Past Papers and Mark Scheme Download Past exam papers for Edexcel General Studies GCE A Level.
General Studies
Get KNEC past papers for General Studies. November 2022 KNEC paper. July 2022 KNEC paper. November 2021 KNEC paper. July 2021 KNEC paper. July 2020 KNEC paper. July 2019 KNEC paper. November 2018 KNEC paper. November 2016 KNEC paper.
"Don't Limit Yourself to Who You Can Become:" GS Graduate Makes the
The same qualities which have made Liu such a strong student advocate have also propelled him forward in his academic pursuits. Although he was always sure of his pre-health goals, Liu approached his Core and elective classes with an open mind, leading him to an unexpected yet fulfilling major: medical humanities.
Exploring Digital Entrepreneurship and the Development of
The results show that the students' experience reflects a partial knowledge of what is meant by digital entrepreneurship, and it is concluded that the learning experiences of general studies students about their entrepreneurial skills are very important in vocational training. In a changing and complex world, the university is no stranger to the incursion of the digital world and the ...