#mertinawriting

[mertinawriting]

This week, a lot of people have started a new routine of working remotely or from home. But for the past few years, my life has been a 60/40 split between working (teaching) in the outside world and working from home on my research and business.

Here's what works for me:

1. Understanding my most naturally productive time of day. For me, this is the morning! I like to wake up, eat breakfast, make a cup of tea, and get straight to work. I am more sluggish and unfocused in the afternoon and evening.

2. Understanding where I like to work. All places in your home aren't created equal. Avoid distractions and be comfortable (but not too comfortable if you know that'll distract you!). I'm an oddball because I like to do all my work in the corner seat of my sectional. I hate desks. 🙅🏿‍♀️

3. Having accountability. Just because you're working from home doesn't mean you can't check in with your coworkers or peers!

4. Making a schedule/ daily goals. Every day, I know what I intend to accomplish and I figure out how much time that'll take.

5. Lastly, don't overwork! Just because there may be no office hours doesn't mean it's time to go crazy. If anything, it's the time to be more intentional and cut down the time spent working by focusing on what matters most.

What are your tips for working from home?

Since 2015, MWS has helped students and professionals with graduate school applications, academic life coaching, dissertation editing, resumes and cover letters and so much more. Text [phone] or visit www.mertinawriting.com/contact for help today!

[mertinawriting]

Follow us on IG for tips geared to grad students and millennial professionals! Today I gave out tips for 1st year grad students in IG Stories.

Check us out and enter our personal statement revision giveaway! 😊

www.instagram.com/mertinawriting

[mertinawriting]

Check out our newest video that goes in more detail about our IG post on why your personal statement should explain your low GPA.

Need application help? Start out with a free 15-minute consultation.

Visit www.mertinawriting.com/app-help

[mertinawriting]

Hey you! You can win a free personal statement revision!

It's that time of year again! It's application season!

One lucky winner will get a free Mertina Smart personal statement revision. It's for students applying to either college or graduate school.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

How can you win? It's simple! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

1. Follow us on Instagram @mertinawriting⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

2. Repost this on your Instagram, tag 3 friends, and @mertinawriting! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

That's it! The winner will be selected on October 15th.

And even if you don't win the free revision you'll be a winner because we're offering 15% off to everyone who enters. 😁⠀⠀⠀

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Are you currently applying to college, graduate school, or scholarships? If so, Mertina Writing Services can help you to up your chances this application season!

Our Mertina Smart™ Personal Statements will help you to shine in a stack of hundreds of applications by helping you to show your genuine, amazing self to admission committees.

To learn more visit: www.mertinawriting.com/app-help

[mertinawriting]

5 Statements to NEVER put in your Personal Statement

"I don't have much experience or knowledge of this, but..."

"I want to pursue this degree because I really want to make a lot of money."

"I had bad grades, but..."

"I want to change the world."

"I am not really sure about what to do but I think this is a good next step."

There’s always exceptions, but as a general rule never admit any fault or inadequacies in your personal statement. If you have bad grades, admissions will see your transcript. So instead of dwelling on it in the personal statement take the space to talk about your accomplishments!

Avoid cliche’s like “I want to change the world” or “I love to help people!” Cliche’s are boring and say nothing about you. They give the impression that you don’t really know what you want or why you’re applying to the program. 

Don’t act unsure. You should give off the impression that you know exactly why you’re applying, what you’ll benefit from the program, and what they’ll benefit from adding you to the roster. You should also act like you know what you want to do after the program. By acting like you have a plan you look more favorable during the application cycle. 

DM us if you need help with your personal statement! 

[mertinawriting]

Study tip - Get out of your room

Your room is full of temptations and distractions -- try studying in other places, such as the library, a coffeeshop, or a study room if your school has them. Being in a different environment will bring you out of your comfort zone and help you be on your game.

[mertinawriting]

What are you doing this summer to prepare for the next school year?

Summer is definitely a great time to finally chill and take a break. But even though things have slowed down, you should still be working to accomplish goals and prepare for the next steps.

Here’s some ideas:

1. Read books that you didn’t have time to read while you were in coursework.

2. Update your resume to reflect everything you did in the school year.

3. Find a summer internship/ job.

4. Apply for scholarships.

5. Do a paid summer fellowship such as a research fellowship with a faculty member.

6. Practice a new language.

7. Take a relevant summer class to get ahead.

8. Start thinking about what you want to do post-high school/ college. For fun, find any relevant job postings and pretend you’re applying!

9. Spend time with friends who motivate you and are also being productive this summer.

10. Have fun! Catch up on sleep, Netflix, and your social life and be refreshed and ready to start the school year strong!

[mertinawriting]

Student tip - School is a resource

At the end of the day, it’s what you want to do with yourself and your life that really matters. School is a resource to help you achieve what you want to do, not the end-all-be-all of who you are. Study with a purpose to get the most out of it.