The College Essay How Can I Stand Out?

Where Can I Find Help? October is College Essay Month in The Write Place I will write passes starting this week. When can you realistically have a draft prepared? When you walk into The Write Place: You need a draft of your essay You need specific information about your college’s application process (if applicable) You need to have 2-4 focus points…what do you really need help with? Websites to Visit (we will look at these briefly) Teen Ink College Board NY Times: The Envelope, Please

Typical College Essay Topics Although I will offer many suggestions, this essay needs to be representative of who you are. Most colleges want to know: 1. WHO ARE YOU? Colleges may ask you to tell a story from your life or to write about something that demonstrates your character. They may ask you to describe your family’s history or your dreams for the future. The key to answer this type of question is to focus on a few examples that describe you well. Don’t try to tell everything about yourself. Instead, pick one or two examples and then write your essay on just those points. Don’t exaggerate. But do show off your interests and personality. 2. WHY US? Colleges may want to know why you have chosen to apply or why you are interested in a certain career or a major. The college wants to know how committed you are to their school. To answer, start with your goals. What do you dream of doing? Why do you have this dream? Then tie your goals to the college and the major. HINT: Do your homework! Don’t write an essay about your interest in marine biology for a college that does not offer marine biology! 3. HOW DO YOU THINK? Colleges often ask your opinion about a famous person or something in the news. Colleges want to find out how aware you are and to see how creatively and originally you can respond. To answer this type of question, start with a little research. If you are writing about a global challenge, what do experts say about it? If you are describing a famous novelist, what books did he write? Once you know the facts, though, let your own opinions shine through. Don’t just quote other people. Instead, share your ideas and your opinions.

You Need to Think About Yourself Start with your This I Believe Essay If you feel that this essay answers one of the questions on the previous slide, then use it to write your college essay Ask yourself these questions: Do I have a strength that doesn’t sound cliché? Do I have a story that doesn’t sound cliché? How do I learn? How am I unique outside of academics, athletics, and the arts? Why would I be an asset to the college environment?

Thinking about Your Online Presence Be careful what you post online! Your online presence can affect your college and career choices Admissions directors and employers routinely check online when making decisions; you need to protect your online image!

Steps to Online Self-Assessment: 1. Google yourself to see what information pops up. It’s helpful to include your school name or your hometown to narrow down results 2. Delete any inappropriate photos posted online. Be sure to check Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. 3. Request that your friends or any internet site remove any damaging material (but remember: once it’s online, it’s archived FOREVER!) 4. Check often for inappropriate posts or picture tags 5. Create a new email address that is not racy, humorous, or ridiculous. 6. Be careful about anything you post or opinions that you may share in a blog (or anywhere else online) that could be damaging to your image or offensive to someone else.

Top 10 Essay Tips (from an actual dean of admissions) Write about yourself Use your OWN voice Focus on one aspect of yourself Be genuine Consider a mundane/simple topic Don’t rely on “how to” books Share your opinions, but avoid anything too risky or controversial Tell a good story Don’t repeat what is already in your application Don’t forget about the supplement questions!