INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you are not currently in a baccalaureate program or if it has been many years since you have been an undergraduate, you may demonstrate that your work experience makes you qualified for the program. While you may still be required to submit transcripts, prepare a thorough CV that demonstrates your experience. In your personal statement or statement of interest, you can explain how your work experience makes you uniquely qualified for the program. Many universities will ask for your job history. This is a good place to demonstrate how your experience outside of university has made you a competitive applicant. Typically, you will need at least three references, although this number can vary by university. Never list a faculty member as a reference until s/he gives you permission to do so. Always ask first. Give the faculty member at least two months of advance notice. Provide a copy of your CV and statement of research interests to help the writer craft the letter appropriately. To ask someone to write you a letter of recommendation, you can say, "I am applying to graduate school this fall. I was wondering if you would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation. I really value your good word." If they agree, don't forget to thank them. If it has been a few years since you graduated your baccalaureate program, you may want to ask recent employers or coworkers to write references for you. Choose people who can testify to your hard work and the skills needed for the graduate program. Graduate programs will often require not just a personal statement but also statements about your research interests, interest in the graduate school, and plans for the future. The length and requirements vary from university to university. While it may be tempting to write one statement and send it to all schools, it is best to tailor your personal statement to each school that you are attending. State why you are interested in each university and how it will help you achieve your goals. A personal statement is a short essay about your skills, experience, and unique characteristics that make you a strong applicant. A statement of research interests explores what you want to research and why. You may also state how you are qualified to begin this research. A statement of interest details why you are interested in that particular university. Here you might explain which faculty members you want to work with, classes you want to take, or opportunities that will be available to you. Many universities have writing centers where you can have a consultant read over your statements. They can not only proofread the statement but also give you suggestions as to things that you should include. It can take a few weeks for your current or former university to process requests for transcripts, and it can take a few more weeks after that for the transcript to reach the other school. Make sure that you submit your transcripts as early as possible so that they reach the schools you are applying to. If you are applying in the fall, you should request your transcripts around October. Graduate school applications will include many pages asking for details. They may ask you for personal information, job history, course history, a CV, writing sample, portfolio, and other personal details. Each application can take several hours, in addition to writing the statements and ordering the transcripts. Do not procrastinate, or leave it until the night before the deadline. Most applications charge a fee. You may be eligible to waive the fee if you are unable to pay. Contact the graduate school, and ask them about fee waivers. Read the application policies carefully. If the university wants all of your files in a PDF, make sure that you convert your files to PDF before you submit. Before you submit your application, double-check it to make sure that you filled everything out correctly and attached the proper documents.

SUMMARY: Demonstrate your work experience. Ask current faculty members to write letters of reference for you. Write strong statements of support. Submit transcripts and other documentation early. Fill out the application.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: At this traditional ceremony celebrated by Native Americans, a totem pole was erected and blessed as attendants danced and sang. The host of the ceremony gave a gift to all in attendance, knowing that someday the favor would be returned. The pole-raising is followed by a big feast and party. If you want to celebrate the meaning of your totem pole, you can have a ceremony of your own. Using the symbols on your totem pole as illustrations, tell the story of the person, family or event for whom you made the totem pole. Describe the meaning behind each symbol, and how it relates to the story you're telling. Keep the totem pole as a reminder of the little piece of history it represents.

SUMMARY: Hold your version of a Potlatch ceremony. Tell the story of your totem pole.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Before you can freeze your cake for later consumption, you must let it cool. So if you've just baked a cake, put it aside for about three hours. Lightly place your hand on it to make sure it's cool to the touch. If you're freezing a store-bought cake, or a cake that has already cooled, skip this first step. Most cakes will freeze well due to the high fat content in them. If your cake doesn't have fat (like fat-free cakes), it won't freeze well and you should avoid putting it in the freezer. Your cake has to be protected from freezer condensation, so using a moisture-proof wrapping is key to preserve your cake's flavor and texture. You have a few options: Plastic wrap: this wrapping material is always well suited, but might require multiple layers as moisture might get in. Plastic wrap is easy to wrap and fairly durable. Aluminum foil: this wrapping foil is probably one of the best barrier films as it's impervious to light, moisture and bacteria. One major disadvantage is that it tears very easily. Place the wrapped cake into a metallic tin, if desired. This protects the cakes from being knocked by other items, makes it very easy to find and provides added protection from moisture and freezer odors, such as seafood. Then, take the pan with your cake in it, and flip it upside down. Your cake should come out of the pan without much work on your end. If the cake doesn't come out right away, get a knife and slide along the edges of your pan (between the pan and the actual cake). If you previously removed your cake from its baking pan, skip this step. Now, simply use your wrapping to envelop the cake. Make sure you're wrapping your cake tightly, without much room for air between the cake and the wrapping. You're now ready to freeze your cake for storage. Make sure you have enough space and try not to position your cake next to foods with strong flavors and odors (like seafood). Your cake could well absorb some odors, and even flavors, so you should ideally have a spot where your cake won't be around other food items. You might even consider cleaning your freezer before placing your cake in it. This will greatly improve your cake's flavor and odor retention. A cake will generally freeze well for a few months, but not more than that. Whilst freezing initially retains the moisture of a pre-baked cake, cakes will tend to dry out after two months of freezing and you can expect the flavor to change at around four months. Once you're ready to frost your cake, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw for about 40 minutes. Then, frost it to your liking.

SUMMARY:
Let your cake cool. Determine what kind of cake you're freezing. Select the right wrapping to freeze it in. Extend the wrapping of your choice onto a flat surface, preferably in your kitchen. Wrap your cake. Place your wrapped cake into the freezer. Keep your cake in the freezer within certain time limits.