As the transfer application deadline for various universities approaches, Moorpark College is giving students an opportunity to improve their applications during the upcoming transfer workshops.

Co-Director of the Writing Center, Beth Gillis Smith, says students will get assistance from tutors who have already completed the process and will receive the necessary preparation for the transfer essay process.

“Sometimes the pressure can be high, you think everything is riding on this essay and that may or may not be true,” said Smith. “But when you bring other people in to help you who have seen students through the process, it’s always a good thing.”

The beginning of the workshop series will consist of brainstorming ideas for the essay. Rubrics and UC guidelines will be provided to assist students. The second part of the series is when revision strategies will be tackled, leading students to develop the best first impression. In the last phrase, tutors will be available to read over the essay a final time before the entire application is submitted.

Starting on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 10 a.m. and concluding on Tuesday Nov. 24, at 10 a.m. the Transfer Essay Workshop Series will be held at the Writing Center, located in the Library Learning Resource building, room 318.

For at least five years, the workshop series has been held during the UC/CSU application time-lines. The workshops were well attended last year with 5 to 12 students coming to each workshop according to Smith.

“There probably some of the most popular workshops we have at the Writing Center,” said Smith.

Angie Hoover, a 29-year-old tutor, hopes students attend the workshop series as it is an opportunity for students to enhance skills they already acquired.

“They will gain more confidence because they will have a guide or road map of how to do it,” said Hoover. “It reassures them they are going to be rebuilding on skills they already have, and it gives them a specific outline and way to do things so they don’t feel lost.”

Samantha Smith, an 18-year-old nursing major, thinks that the workshop series is very beneficial.

“I don’t really know how to transfer out of one school to another, so it will definitely help,” said Smith.

Hoover recommends students meet with a tutor for an individual session at least once during the semester.

“It’s always good to get a second eye on what you have written,” said Hoover. “One on one your tutor can really pinpoint your individual strengths and weakness or places you need to improve.”

To schedule an appointment or for more information call (805) 553-4850 or visit moorparkcollege.edu/writingcenter.