1. College Essays
How to write them

2. 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”.

3. 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.)

4. Common App Qs

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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!!!

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.