Launch  What are colleges looking for in admissions essays?

 Writing a Successful College Essay Today we’re going to explore the types of questions colleges ask, how to read between the lines to figure out what they want, and how to write a successful admissions essay.

Today’s Objectives  Understand what components make up a successful admissions essay  This week, we’ll be writing our own admissions essays for you to use for your college applications

What do colleges want?  Generally, colleges use 3 types of essay questions.  Question Type 1: Who are you?  Question Type 2: Why us?  Question Type 3: How do you think?

Who are you?  Demonstrate your character by telling a story about your life  Describe your family’s history  What are you dreams for the future?  Focus on a few examples that describe you well  Pick one or two solid examples  Don’t exaggerate

Why us?  It’s basic: why do you want to go to this school?  Why are you interested in a certain career or major?  What drives you to that goal?  Share your goals and how committed to the school you are  Do your homework!

How do you think?  How aware are you?  How creatively and originally can you respond?  Again, do your homework!  Know the facts and then share your opinion  Don’t just quote experts on the subject, YOU’RE the one applying for college

How can you start an essay?  There are three basic steps to take when drafting a college admissions essay  Step 1: Plan your approach by thinking about yourself  Step 2: Describe yourself by sharing a story  Step 3: Review and revise  Now lets look at these steps more in depth

Think about yourself  What are your strengths and weaknesses?  What are your best qualities?  Are you hard working? Athletic? A fast learner?  Make a list of words that a friend or family member might use to describe you.  Which of those words seem to describe the “real” you?

Tell a story  How would you describe yourself? If you said “athletic,” tell them what that means  Be specific so you stand out  Don’t be merely “athletic” be “a dedicated athlete who has overcome injuries and persevered.”  What made you the way you are?

Review & Revise  This is so important!  Organize what you’ve got so far for an outline  Write your story, worry about mistakes later, just get it out  Go back to it and revise what you have  Now, you’ve got a draft!