College Essays How to write them

Autobiography Organizer School Work Hobbies Influences PEOPLE/EVENTS Volunteer Work *Classes taken & Specific things you liked about that class *Activities/Clubs & Length of Involvement: positions held, what you did/ learned from it *Sports Same as above *Job title, responsibilities, length of time, skills acquired What you learned *Things you like to do, *Why you like them, *What skills you’ve learned from these *Who/what has influenced/affected you/your life *Explanation of how you have changed OR grown as a result of the person/event *Name of organization *Why you became involved *What you like about it *What you have learned from your experiences *You can use this chart when you ask teachers for recommendation letters. *You can also use this chart to write your autobiography which is a requirement for the course. *The information you use in your autobio. can be used again when you write your college application essay. The more detailed this is, the easier your future college apps essays will be. The most useful one from this chart seems to be “influences”.

Common App Essay Instructions. The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don’t feel obligated to do so. (The application won’t accept a response shorter than 250 words.)

Common App Qs

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.

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

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

Don’t try to end world hunger. Unless forced to address a big political issue, try to steer clear of any “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.

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.