I am filling out an application for college (I’m going back!) and this question is on my “essay” portion:
What are your longer-term professional and personal goals?
Professional goals are easy, but I don’t know what they’re looking for as far as “personal” goals. Any ideas of what I can BS and put down?
I don’t really intend on starting a family, so that’s out.
Zette
I found out the hard way that schools don’t look favorably at the phrase “house boy for the rich and famous.”
Don’t worry about being specific. If anyone thinks a person going into college has any idea what they really want to do and where they will end up, then that person is likely to have a screw loose.
Since these essay questions probably get skimmed and not read in detail (S.W.A.G.) I would say to pepper it with plenty of catch phrases like “make a difference”,“the betterment of society”, “global community” and other feel good lofty stuff.
That’s what I figured. I like the “global community”- I’ll use that. Should I slip a few millinium references in there? 
“I plan single-handedly save the world from poverty and hunger” ought to do it.
Or it would if I had remembered to include the ‘to.’ “I plan to” is the phrase.
Damn, I’m tired this morning.
Seriously, though, I think xizor is on to what they are really looking for.
** Zette ** if I’m not too late to suggest an addition?
since this is for college, it would probably be good to add in something about “continuing my quest for knowledge”.
Kim- I love the suggestion!!
Wring- I’m all over that- It’s in there! Only I used something like my “thirst for knowledge”.
Thanks Guys!
Zette
“Defeating the alien Mind control rays, and saving the Earth from the evil sprites that only I can see.”
Try that one. It is sure to get you into some sort of “school”
I’ve got yer “millenium reference” hangin’…
Or is the the “millenium bug”, Chiefie?
Millenium log, sweetie!
Somehow, I was expecting a “Zette’s personal goals include years of devoted sevice(s) to military men” with a definition of particular services from ChiefScott.
I’m almost disappointed.
This was the conclusion to my application essay when I was applying to the school I am now attending. While it doesn’t say anything as far as specific goals, this can kind of give you an idea of a successful essay.
“I am grateful that I have gained such a full appreciation of the value of knowledge and academic work. I have come to believe that earning a college degree is necessary for me in order to achieve my career and personal goals. I believe that a degree from [your college here] will prepare me for success in my life and give me the ability to use my knowledge to benefit others.”