1. One of the Most Important Essays you will ever write in your life!
Your College Essay
One of the Most Important Essays you will ever write in your life!

2. Many Universities and Colleges Require it!
The majority of the schools use a common application and also require an essay!
Many of the prompts have something to do writing about a life changing experience.
Unfortunately a lot of students make a common mistake with how they tell their story…and it could be a costly mistake.

3. Tell a little about the event and a lot about how it changed you…
Life Changing Event 10-15%
How it impacted
your life/changed you
85-90%

4. Choosing the Right Prompt

5. Remember how important this is!?
It is worth it to take your time with this (good grade and $$$)
We will be working on this for the next 2 ½ weeks – will be due Friday, Oct. 14th
You will be required to submit multiple drafts before submitting a final draft
You will be required to visit the PORTAL

6. Every Word Counts!!
Essays need to be words
“650 words is your limit, not your goal”

7. Choose your words wisely
Use some of your vocabulary skills and words you’ve learned through Membean! But don’t go over the top; you do not want to sound like you used a thesaurus for every word in your essay.
Use some figurative language, maybe an extended metaphor throughout the essay. But don’t go over the top; you do not want to sound cheesy.
Use some persuasive techniques/rhetoric to convince your audience; But don’t go over the top; you do not want to sound like you’re trying too hard.

8. Here are 5 important things to know:
1. Students can create an account now at apply.commonapp.org. Accounts created this year will roll over. Any student who is not planning to enroll in college in the next 12 months should select “Other student” on the registration page.

9. Important Things to Know
2. The student’s user name and Common App ID will all be preserved. This means they will be able to sign in to next year’s application system using the same address they used this year.

10. Important Things to Know
3. All Common App data will be preserved.

11. Important Things to Know
4. Counselors can introduce their students to the Common App and the college application process at a time that makes the most sense for their needs.

12. Important Things to Know
5.  When paired with Common App Ready, rollover provides you with a flexible, powerful advising tool.

13. Prompt #1
1. 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.

14. Prompt #2
2. 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?

15. Prompt #3
3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

16. Prompt #4
4. 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.

17. Prompt #5
5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.