Do's and Dont's

Common mistakes that you should avoid when preparing your concentration for faculty review

Do

• read about concentration/essay requirements in the Student Handbook. Make sure to utilize the checklist - it's there to help you!
  
  
• send your concentration proposal (essay and concentration form) to Charter Oak State College at least 2-3 weeks before your concentration is scheduled to be sent to the faculty. Concentration proposals are mailed to the faculty mid-month.
  
  
• identify ALL courses that will be used to complete your concentration even if you haven't enrolled in all of the courses yet.
  
  
• write about how the courses in your concentration "inter-relate"; providing examples of how you have used the knowledge you acquired or will acquire in your coursework.
  
  
• refer to the courses in your concentration by title throughout your essay.
  
  
• explain how the courses in your concentration "fit together."
  
  
• ask someone to proofread your essay before you submit it to Charter Oak State College.
  
  
• remember to look at the back side of your concentration form. It tells you the criteria the faculty is using to evaluate your concentration.
  
  
• take this seriously. Construct your essay carefully; it should be typed and double-spaced. Complete all forms accurately.

Don't

• wait until the last minute. Your graduation will be delayed if you "save" your concentration for the "last thing to do. " There is no guarantee that the proposed credits will apply toward your concentration until you receive faculty approval.
  
  
• submit your essay without the typed concentration form; it will NOT be reviewed until all documents have been submitted.
  
  
• send your academic counselor a rough draft of your essay; it should be your final product.
  
  
• write about courses that are not listed on your concentration form.
  
  
• overload your concentration. Your concentration should consist of 36-45 credits.
  
  
• write an autobiography. You must discuss the courses in your concentration.
  
  
• refer to your concentration as your major. Charter Oak offers concentrations, not majors.
  
  
• expect your academic counselor to respond to you the same day that you e-mail, fax or snail-mail it to Charter Oak.
  
  
• expect the faculty to respond to you immediately. The faculty have 3-4 weeks to review your concentration and essay (3-4 weeks from the time Charter Oak mailed your proposal to the faculty, not from the time you mailed your proposal to Charter Oak).