1. Aim: How can we write an effective college essay? DO NOW: Write the worst pick up line you have ever heard (or used). If you finish, write more. HW: HW: Bring college essay materials to class tomorrow. College Essay due FRIDAY!!!!

2. Procedure: step 1 Brainstorm ideas for your essay –Use the autobiography and the essay task to begin –Ask others what they think about you (strengths/weaknesses, etc.) –Write down the ideas on paper in some kind of list or graphic organizer. How might they flow together – form a rough outline. –This entire prewriting/brainstorming should take less than 20 minutes – don’t get hung up on any one thing.

3. Procedure step 2 Write your essay –The introductory section should grab (no mechanical grabbers) and give an idea of the essay theme –Body – show, don’t tell this idea –Conclude briefly by explaining the meaning of the evidence in answering the task

4. Procedure step 3 Editing –STEP AWAY FROM THE ESSAY!!! Let your head have a break before you edit and proofread. –Get feedback (ask me or someone you trust). –Get rid of unnecessary words. If it can be said in 2 words rather than 10, use 2 words. –Proofread again for typos, errors, punctuation (form/from the/teh then/than affect/effect). –Proofread one more time to enjoy your piece.

5. What not to do: Don’t write the essay that anyone could. At the end of your essay, read and ask yourself if anyone could have written it. Do this by: –Using voice, the quality of writing that lets your personality enter the piece. –Avoid robotic recitations, or forcing lots of words into something that needs only a few. –If you write about a common experience, write about it in an uncommon way. –AVOID CLICHES!!!

6. Avoid these 1. I always learn from my mistakes. 2. I know my dreams will come true. 3. I can make a difference. 4. _________ is my passion. 5. I no longer take my loved ones for granted. 6. These lessons are useful both on and off the field (or other sporting arena). 7. I realized the value of hard work and perseverance. 8. _________ was the greatest lesson of all. 9. I know what it is to triumph over adversity. 10. _________ opened my eyes to a whole new world.

7. Personal, but not too personal Don’t embarrass the reader. You want to get personal, but you don’t want the reader to be shocked or embarrassed by personal things that are best left personal. Don’t let pity be the tone of your essay. If you have had struggles, challenges or hardships that you want to discuss, talk about them in a way that shows your strength and resilience.

8. Don’t try to end world hunger. Unless forced to address a big political issue, try to steer clear of an “hot” topic. You don’t want to risk creating hostility between you and your audience. –For example, you wouldn’t voice pro-choice views while applying to a Catholic school.

9. Perfection in imperfection Don’t aim for the perfect college essay. They are rare, especially the knock-your- socks-off ones. Instead, give them a slice of yourself – honest, positive, but honest.