College Essay Writing

Transcription

1 College Essay Writing Tips and Techniques Getting Started

2 Advice from Those Already Accepted: Start working on your essays now!

3 Why are essays important? The essay is the only subjective part of the application Tell the reader something they can t find anywhere else in the application. Talk about something you are passionate about. The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice.

4 Types of Essays Personal Statement- Writing your personal statement can be one of the most satisfying--or frustrating--writing experiences you'll ever have. HOW the essay provides evidence of your achievements that isn't reflected in other parts of your application HOW and WHY the events that you describe have shaped your attitude, focus, and, most of all, your intellectual vitality

5 Types of Essays Leadership Essay - give your definition of leadership - describe situations in which you have been a leader - show how each situation fits your definition of leadership

6 Types of Essays Professional Statement - tell your aspirations and relevant personal experience - be sure that your aspirations match the school to which you are applying - Give details: tell why you have those aspirations and details - be clear about your intentions

7 Essay Tips Answer the Question! Write a rough draft and have others read it Be descriptive; use specific examples Don t make a list, tell a story. PROOFREED!!!!!

8 Deal Breakers Don t mention the wrong school in your essay. Keep to the word limit. Good grades, good ACT, short, weak essay = LAZY. UK- Honors Be very careful about touchy subjects. The D s DON T: ramble; make your essay true confession time; forget the purpose.

9 What do I write about? Start with a concept map Gives you many ideas Shows your passion Allows for deep thought and reflection on your feelings toward your activities and goals.

10 Goals: Where do you see yourself in the future? 3 adjectives/personality traits you would use to describe yourself. 3 traits others would use to describe you Extracurricular activities/volunteer experience/jobs NAME 2 times that you failed. 2 times you were successful 2-4 things which you consider yourself very knowledgeable about 5 people you admire (dead or alive) an Why

11 Teach daughters Stay healthy Pass on recipes Basketball Fun! Please family Show off Hip-Hop Dancing Cooking Extracurricular activities, volunteer experience, jobs Reading

12 So now what? Fill out the concept map If you need help, come see a counselor Start your personal statement and let someone read it- counselors like to Check out schools websites for essay topics- U of I posts in late June early July START SOMETHING NOW!!!!!!

13 Common Application Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

14 Common Application (cont) Describe a problem you ve solved or a problem you d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need to but do not feel obligated to do so. The application will not accept a response shorter than 250 words.

15 U of Illinois Prompts Essay 1: Explain your interest in the major you selected. You may describe a related experience you ve had to that area of study and/or your future career goals. If you are applying to the Division of General Studies, explain your academic interests and strengths or your future career goals. You may include any majors or areas of study you are currently considering. Essay 2: Tell us about one interest or experience of yours that allows us to get to know you better as an individual.

16 Un-Common Essays How do you feel about Wednesday? So where is Waldo, really? Find x. Little pigs, french hens, a family of bears. Blind mice, musketeers, the Fates. Parts of an atom, laws of thought, a guideline for composition. Omne trium perfectum? Create your own group of threes, and describe why and how they fit together. What is so odd about odd numbers?

17 Writing Advice From Stacey Kostell, Assistant Provost and Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University OF Vermont: When writing your application essays, it is vital that you answer the question asked and address any specific criteria noted. I ve read thousands of essays and have realized that there are the five factors shared by all successful applicants.

18 Five Factors Be prepared. Slow down and fully consider the questions and your answers. You should then create an outline, write a first draft, and edit multiple times. Be personal. Provide specific examples of your experiences and goals. Generalizations do not help the admissions committee get a sense of who you are and why you ll make the most of your time at the university. But be careful!

19 Five Factors, cont. Be direct. Choose your words wisely in order to clearly state your message. Many universities have a word limit on responses, which means there is no room for fluff. Be focused. There is no need to repeat your transcript. Instead, share how your qualifications will be a benefit to you at the university.

20 Five Factors, cont. Be professional. Submit the best possible essays, free of spelling and grammatical errors. You should proofread and edit them yourself; however, request critiques from counselors, teachers, and your parents. It s always helpful to have feedback from readers. More advice: 78/04/

21 Be on the look out in the fall for. COLLEGE ESSAY WORKSHOPS FOR SENIORS. October 7 and 8 in the College/Career Center during ALL lunch hours. You DON T HAVE TO WAIT!! Bring in an already started essay for the counselors to edit/critique. Bring in the essay prompt and get help with starting the essay. Thank you for attending! Questions?