From the Chancellor at UW-Whitewater

Megan Shalbrack Essay

12/11/06

UW-Whitewater Application

My name is Megan Shalbrack and I would like to share with you the reasons I wish to apply to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Over the last two years I have researched and had discussions with several teachers, business people, and family members about my future and as I probed, UW-Whitewater came up time and time again. I learned in my research of its standing as the top-ranked accounting program in the state. I also came to understand that the quality of a degree from this college is second to none. Those I spoke to convinced me that this type of background will open many doors.

Tim Shalbrack, my uncle, is a UW-Whitewater graduate. When I mentioned I was interested in it as a college, he was the first person to recommend the accounting program to me. Several of my teachers, including Mr. Priegel my English teacher, Mr. Brandt my marketing teacher, Mrs. Baron and Mrs. Blade my accounting teachers, were others who highly recommended Whitewater. They all commented that the accounting program is one of the nation’s best.

A second reason I am interested in a college education at UW-Whitewater is because it truly meets the needs of the students. I was amazed at the investment at the school, blend of new construction as well as the history on campus. The campus is growing substantially, yet it is not so expansive to make it hard to negotiate getting from one class to the next. Our tour guide, Andy, did a wonderful job illustrating this to our tour group. He was a member of the school’s accounting program, and he truly made us feel special and wanted. Statistically, I believe employers would be most likely to hire a candidate with a Whitewater accounting degree than from other colleges. As I see it, a degree from Whitewater gives students an advantage entering the competitive job market and a future based on the school’s history and reputation.

I would like to explain why I am a strong candidate for the accounting program.  First, I have been exposed to both accounting and marketing in high school and have a strong math background. I hope to continue to incorporate my skills to an even greater degree over the remainder of my senior year in our high school DECA program. I also believe the structured five year accounting program ending in a master’s degree ideally meets my goals.

In closing, I would like to reiterate my strong desire to become a student at UW-Whitewater and join its outstanding accounting program. I have the skills and drive to excel in this demanding program and I will continue to contribute to the excellence that others have come to expect from the program. To that end, I ask for your support. Thank you.