Monday, February 11, 2013

Application and Essay

The requirements for the Legislative Page Program are simple:

A student needs to be in either Grade 7 or 8 at the time of applying; they need to be living or going to school in Ontario, and they need a Level 4 Academic Standing (80% average or higher). The difficult part comes next:

The essay.

When I first applied in November 2011, as well as now, applicants must answer a two part question in their 750-word essay:
"1. Tell us what experiences, achievements and activities you have been involved in, at school, outside of school or at home, that make you an ideal candidate for the Legislative Page Program?
2. What unique contributions could you make to the program and how would you benefit from this experience?" (Application Process, Legislative Page Program)

The first question was easy to answer; At the time of my application, I'd volunteered at a food bank several times. I was taking a lifesaving course at the community center, as well as part of 6 clubs and sport teams at school. I was also tutoring a family friend in Hebrew outside of school. In my standards, I'd consider that a good sized list. Would you agree?


The second question, that was what I needed to think about. In my essay, I spoke about my good memory, my organization skills, and my sociability skills. Another big thing I wrote about was this blog; I was writing another blog at the time that I was applying, and I had the idea to write a blog about my experiences at the page program while I was serving. Hopefully, writing here will benefit the page program; After all, other future pages could come across this site, and be inspired.


And for those of you considering applying for the page program; You should. Scratch that. You have to. I haven't even had my first day on the job, and I'm looking forward to it so much. You get to meet 20-something other kids just like you, with similar goals. You get to look all professional, in your fancy uniform. You get to be on TV! You get to meet your MPP, the Speaker of the House, the Clerks, the Leaders of each party... lots and lots of important people. In fact; on my orientation day I met Kathleen Wynne, whom was sworn in as the new Premier of the Legislature of Ontario today.  



45 comments:

  1. This blog has helped me a TON in my Page Program application. Thank you soooo much!!

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    1. Hey Katherine! I'm so glad to hear that ;D good luck, I really hope you get in! You're VERY welcome ;))

      -Daniella

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    2. Not quite. I'm almost done. You?

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    3. Would Air Cadets help in the application?

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    4. Hi Alexandr,
      I think it would! One of the other pages during my session was from Air Cadets. Pretty much everything that isn't a bad thing is good for the application. Mention it in your essay!!
      Good luck :)

      -Daniella

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  2. Thank you soooo much (from me as well)! You are sooooo kind to share you tips with everyone. I just started writing my essay though :( Am I too late?

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    1. Hey Bonnie!
      I'm glad I could help ;) the dates that they accept applications for the spring session are September 15- November 15, so no, you are not too late! And as long as you are still in grade 7, you can also apply from April 15- June 30. But as long as you complete your essay and submit your application by the 15th of November, you're good!
      I'll also admit, I put mine off for quite a while. Be sure to pace yourself and use the time you have to the best of your ability, so you have time to check your work and have an adult check it too.
      Good luck! :)
      -Daniella

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    2. Thanks Daniella! I'll try my best to manage my time. I was wondering if you could show me an example of the essay? I'm a bit confused of what the second question requires you to answer.
      Thanks again :D
      - Bonnie

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    3. Hi Bonnie!
      Sure! Perhaps you can send me a message (google+, or give me your twitter/email) and I'll get in contact with you?
      I hope I can help!

      -Daniella

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    8. Hey guys,
      I just emailed you. Let me know if there's any problem with the email :)

      -Daniella

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    10. Hi everyone,
      I'm going to delete all the comments above mentioning an email address. This is a public website, and I'm worried about other people finding your emails and emailing you.
      (Also, if any of you have heard from the page program I'd love to know!!)

      -Daniella

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    12. Please help me too. My email is ishra.tahmid@gmail.com. Thank you soo much in advance

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  4. Hey Daniella,
    Your blog is really helpful and informative.Do you mind telling me what your average was when you got accepted?

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    1. Hi daisy123!
      Glad to help! :D
      My average was a 93% at the time, but as long as you have an 80% average or higher you can apply. They don't actually ask for your average, they just ask that it's at a level 4.
      Also a little heads up: if you are a girl applying, it's a little more difficult to get into the Page Program because there are usually much more girls than boys applying.
      Good luck!!

      -Daniella

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    1. Hey there,
      I'm deleting this comment, as I don't want random people to find your email address ;)
      (also if you've heard from the page program, let me know! :D)

      -Daniella

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  6. Thank you so much, I had some ideas but I wasn't sure if they proved to be worth using, this site will help me a lot if i do become a page, but knock on wood right?

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    1. Hi Lola!
      Sorry it took so long to get back to you, I've been a little occupied with high school and exams coming up :)
      I wish you have the best of luck on your essay and getting into the program! It truly is an awesome experience :)
      It's my pleasure to help anybody who is applying for the page program. I hope you have as much fun as I did!

      -Daniella

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    1. Thanks for the email. I replied back do check it.

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    2. Hey Shanaya!
      I'm going to deleted your comment, as I don't want random people emailing you... but I hope your application went well!
      Let me know if you heard back from the page program, and what was the result!

      -Daniella

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    1. Hey Amy!
      I just emailed you, but I'm letting you know that I'm deleting this comment so you don't get random emails from people.
      I hope to hear from you soon!

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  10. Hi Daniella,
    This is pretty urgent seeing as the entry deadline's really soon... I've just finished my essay but I'm confused about the format I have to submit it in. It says double-spaced, but my double spacing and indents from my Word document don't show up when I copy paste it onto the submission form. How did you do yours---do you think it would be a big concern or anything??

    Thanks! :P

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    1. Okay so I wrote a reply but I don't think it went through? if it did just ignore this

      So I checked the print out of the time I applied, and my essay was doublespaced and indented.
      I also went to the submission form that's online now, and I noticed it's different than the one I submitted to. I copy-pasted a couple paragraphs into there, and the indents were there, but not the double-spacing. Did you indent by clicking the tab button, or by pressing space a bunch of times? If you did the latter, you may want to fix it and try again. As well, I did my 'test trial' from Word 2007. If you're using an earlier version, try it on a newer one?
      I hope this helps! If you're still having trouble, I'd email or call the Page Program. There's a secretary who spends her day doing things like answering your questions :)
      I really hope you get in! It's an amazing experience. I'll have my fingers crossed for you!

      -Daniella

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  11. Hi Daniella,

    This is kind of urgent because the deadline is nearing. I have my essay all typed up and checked, but I am missing on very important part, the topic sentence. I am getting very frustrated because I don't know what to say here or how to start it.

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    1. Hey Luke!

      I know, I've been noticing a lot more activity on this blog now that the deadline is approaching ;) So here's my suggestions on the opening sentence:

      If anyone has ever talked to you about a topic/opening statement, one thing is very important. You need to pack a punch into the sentence. Make it something memorable. If you make it something boring, like "I'm a good candidate for the page program..." then you essay will blend in with the hundreds of other essays that the Page Program reads every application session.

      I started my essay with a Thomas Edison quote about not giving up, because it was my second time applying for the page program, and I explained that the quote is a good motivator to help me rewrite my essay, and so on. A quote is a good way to go about the topic sentence, but sometimes it can get a little boring.

      Another tactic to take with this is to make it 'funny', while staying within the seriousness of the Page Program. If you make it to the program, you'll soon learn that maturity is very important, but you can still have fun. I was brainstorming a sentence that could work for this concept; perhapss..
      "Hi, my name is Luke, or as I like to call myself, a RAMP. I am Responsible, Adventurous, Mature, and most importantly, have a lot of Perseverance." (You see, each of those qualities spell RAMP?) I know it sounds SUPER cheesy, but perhaps you could think of a clever spin on that?

      Another (!) suggestion on your topic sentence is to talk about a metaphor, or a famous event in history, (or if you are religious, a biblical event or something) that you find inspiring/insightful, etc. Like, you can talk about how you look up to Lions- they're brave, strong, intelligent, responsible in the balance of the ecosystem, etc... and you can connect to it later in your essay (eg I led my basketball team to regional championships, presenting the leadership of an alpha lion) or something like that. You can compare yourself to Ghandi, Tesla, John A MacDonald... whoever floats your boat, I guess.

      You could also make the essay a little personal. Perhaps you have somebody in your family who means a lot to you and is a role model- a grandfather who faced hardships in the holocaust, a cousin who fought against the gender roles imposed on her, an autistic family friend who inspires you, etc... starting on a personal note of this person who means a lot to you will help the Essay reader connect with you better, as oppose to just hearing you quote some 1400s philosopher.

      I'm sorry for rambling on so much! I hope this helps, and isn't too much to digest. As well, if you want to email me privately, you can contact me at daniellaemik@gmail.com

      I know that the essay is a very annoying and difficult part of the application, but trust me, it's worth it!

      The best of luck on your application! I'll have my fingers crossed for you :)


      -Daniella

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    1. Glad to help! I just emailed you, but I'm deleting this comment because it has your email on it and this is a public website.
      Hope to hear from you soon!

      -Daniella

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  14. Hey, if you will have some problems with essay, i can recommend you this service First writing service it saves much time!

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  15. HI, I know im 3 years late, but do you mind reading my essay for some feedback, I know you must be really busy but I would really appreciate it.
    Thanks,

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  16. I know I am really late, but I am entering for the legislature page. I was wondering if both of them combined are 750 words or are each 750 words

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  17. Great article with excellent idea!Thank you for such a valuable article. I really appreciate for this great information..

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  18. i have a quick question regarding years. if u applied in grade 8 will you go in grade 9 and if so if i aply in grade 6 will i go for duty im accepted in grade 7 ?this question concerned me when my cousin applied in grade 7 summer and was going for page duty in grade 8 october

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