College/Narrative Essay Doing it right!

UC Prompts: Prompt #1 (freshman applicants) Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations. Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?

Requirements for UC Respond to both prompts, using a maximum of 1,000 words total. You may allocate the word count as you wish. If you choose to respond to one prompt at greater length, we suggest your shorter answer be no less than 250 words. Stay within the word limit as closely as you can. A little over — 1,012 words, for example — is fine.

Other Prompts to Choose 1. "Do you believe there's a generation gap? Describe the differences between your generation and others." 2. "Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence." (Common Application) 3. If you could choose to be anyone for an entire day, fictional or non-fictional, who would you choose and how would this choice affect who you are as a person?

What makes a great essay? Stand out by being yourself: tell about a trip, describe a community service project, a political issue or the significance of the sport you like. Details: use concrete evidence-show not tell Tell a story-use adjectives! Think metaphorically

How long should it be? The main idea here is that it should be long enough to be good. They can range from words, but they must be good. One to two pages is standard Brevity is good, but make sure the reader can get a feeling of who you are.

Qualities to emphasize Have a sense of humor Value diversity Notice little things Committed to an activity or idea Can overcome adversity Have initiative Colleges want people who are passionate about life and learning.

Turn-offs Cynicism Think you are a finished product Depressed Self-destructive Lack integrity Tend to blame others

Write about NOTHING! Sometimes something small can reveal a lot. Like “Seinfeld” or “Friends”-not a lot happens, but we learn so much about each character. –Remembering a letter the author wrote to the president when she was six –Buying a bottle of shampoo. –Why the author likes bowling –Bringing underwear to college

Five ways to shoot yourself in the foot A phony life-changing experience Making everything peachy keen Social problem of the year bandwagon Melodrama Quoting pop-lyrics

Favorite Things An article of clothing The groups in your school and where you fit in A family gathering or tradition Your walk or ride to school Your favorite things

The introduction An anecdote: the most tried and true way to begin is to describe an incident or event that relates to your main point A Zinger: Some excellent writers don’t need and anecdote. They may begin with humor, wordplay, or some other creative twist to grab the reader. Straightforward Statement: A simple beginning is preferable to a failed attempt at either of the former.

Dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s Lack of main idea Weak verbs Failure to use “I” Double-Dipping adjectives Too many simple sentences Wordiness Tense Trusting Spell Check Unwillingness to start over