Yes, Sean it's the characters. I tried condensing my Essay in this rewrite.
1101 characters without spaces
with 1311.
Today, my vision in life is set to transfer and obtain my Bachelors of Science Degree at the University of California, Los Angeles. Without the financial assistance in living expenses, Tuition, books and supplies, transportation maintenance from the scholarship program I will not be able to continue with my educational goals especially in these hard economic times.
I'm very enthusiastic to continue studies in biomedical technology where one examines human cellular material in search of abnormalities that are the warning signs of cancer—a disease (bone marrow cancer) my mother currently suffers from. From my experience in managing care for all my family member's medical hardships over the years such as My Mom suffering from Bone Marrow Cancer is most recent, My Dad's terminal cancer, who died in November 1999, and My Son born with a disability, Cerebral Palsy. My increased curiosity intrigues me to learn more about how symptoms can change the body chemistry and body, mind, and spirit and how it can also motivate one to overcome such illnesses. From these difficult experiences, I will be able to contribute my research and studies to formulate a treatment so other people can benefit relieving overcome their medical hardship. I wonder how the environmental surroundings may be a common factor.
Should I leave out the bold print or is there a way to shorten. Will they want me to explain the field I am studying or would they assume that I already know from my experience?
2nd rewrite without explainations.
Today, my vision in life is set to transfer and obtain my Bachelors of Science Degree at the University of California, Los Angeles. Without the financial assistance in living expenses, Tuition, books and supplies, transportation maintenance from the scholarship program I will not be able to continue with my educational goals especially in these hard economic times. From my experience in managing care for all my family member's medical hardships, I wonder how the environmental surroundings may be a common factor. From these difficult experiences, I will be able to contribute my research and studies to formulate a treatment so other people can benefit overcoming their medical hardship.
Teri Jordin