Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer. Barbara Kingsolver

Undergraduate Admission Seventeen years. 650 words. One opportunity to impress and inspire the admission committee. Survey who is in the room: high school counselors, independent counselors, who has been on the other side of the desk Todd Hicks Assistant Director of Admission, Santa Clara University Catherine Waite www.scu.edu Undergraduate Admission

Applications within the Context of SCU 10 admission counselors You do the math

How Do We Decide? Admissible to Admitted GPA, rigor, rank: Transcript, test scores, writing, school profile, dual enrollment Don’t bury important information Provide context to GPA and academic rigor. If a learning disability has impacted test scores, ideally the reader learns that before reading a teacher evaluation. Give confidence that a student can advocate and overcome challenges. Essay Activities Transcript Academic Evaluation Writing supplements Additional information Required explanations Secondary School Report Demographic information Letters of Recommendation Writing samples and arts supplements Demonstrated Interest: visits, interviews, camps INTL: Financial resources, English proficiency, transcript evaluation Take us into - and beyond - the numbers Who is best able to speak to the applicant’s strengths and provide confidence ( student, employer, counselor, teacher, alumni, pastor, advisor) Essay or Additional information? Major First Gen Legacy Geographic Need Aware Multi-ethnic Under-represented (non-specified) Be thorough and accurate: Community service Family responsibilities Clubs and organizations Cultural and faith based activities Leadership positions Give us a sense of how you invest your time What matters to you, where do your passions lie? Will we see a connection to the university mission/community? Provide additional insights in writing supplements or additional information. Complete the activities section, even if uploading a resume! Giving context to time listed for activities: YouTube videos, online portfolios Auditions Demonstrated Interest Scholarship opportunities (different timelines)

Create a Mosaic There should be nothing “common” about a submitted Common App

Bringing the Prompts to Life Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn? Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again? Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you? Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. Follow Directions!

Develop an Image for the Reader Service, international, athletic, arts

Goalie Essay

Brainstorming Write down the 1-2 most memorable, notable moments each day, every day Journal Seek sources of inspiration How many teachers do essays in their classroom as part of the curriculum Perks of Being a Wall Flower Piece of art Song Quotes

Writing Process Mimic great college essays or authors Write to two or more prompts using your own style Content first Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it’s the only way you can do anything really good. - William Faulkner

Hook the Reader The morgue may scare most, but I can honestly say that I love it to death. (Excuse the pun; I’m fluent in sarcasm). When I was five years old, I discovered exactly how many bottles of food coloring it takes to dye a small person green. Some of my best days have been spent with devils. “Can’t you speak English?!” Draw us in Risk of opening with a quote

Hook the Reader This essay is expected to be 650 words, which is approximately how many people attended my little brother’s funeral. I can’t shake your hand. My religion prevents me from shaking the hand of someone from the opposite sex. Some rules of the road while driving in India: It doesn’t matter if it’s your lane, my lane, one way or two ways Holy cow(s)! Don’t hit ‘em! Honking is the only language

Conclusion Hardest part of the essay Easy to fall into cliché If you can’t come up with a good conclusion, conclude with your last paragraph Could someone pick this paper off the floor and know if was yours?

Editing Content first, then mechanics Feedback from 1-3 people Make sure the essay uses your voice Reflect on what the reader will take away from this essay: 1-2 adjectives Not that the story need be long, but it will take a long while to make it short. - Henry David Thoreau

Morgue Essay

Essay Pitfalls Common topic choices Essay should be about you, not someone else Adapting a class paper for a college essay Diction: choose words you know Community service, sports, role models Boyfriends/girlfriends, horses

Japanese School Essay

The Challenge Engage in the writing process alongside your students Make use of local college representatives to assist your students Start early Open it up to everyone…what are the other takeaways, advice?