Putting “YOU” in the University Application Process

“Without knowing the force of words, it is impossible to know men [or women].” --Confucius

 It provides information about you that test scores, grades, and extracurricular pursuits just cannot.  It presents a chance to tell the admissions committee about who you are as a person.  It can be an opportunity to cast some negatives (lack of extracurricular activities, low grades in early high school) in a more positive light.

Be yourself and start early! --The College Board

“Show us that you can write. We want to know that you have the thinking and writing skills necessary to be successful at our school.”  Expectations:  your essay should be flawless.  you can clearly communicate ideas  your writing will show thought and creativity.

“Tell us something different from what we'll read on your list of extracurricular activities or transcript” Examples from past students:  Youngest commercial pilot in the Philippines  Grew up in a missionary family in rural Ethiopia  Basketball is the preferred “addiction” of choice  Meeting Desmond Tutu

“Concentrate on topics of true significance to you. Don't be afraid to reveal yourself in your writing. We want to know who you are and how you think.” Examples from past students:  Overcoming divorce, drug abuse in the family, blindness, loss of a family member  Personal identity—who you see yourself as right now

“ Take the time to go beyond the obvious. Think about what most students might write in response to the question and then try something a little different.” Examples:  DESCRIBE what winning the state championship meant for you specifically, instead of STATING “It was SWEET!”  DESCRIBE how you were impacted by volunteering in Honduras, instead of STATING that you learned a lot.

 Brainstorm: Set a timer for 15 minutes and make a list of your strengths and outstanding characteristics. Focus on strengths of personality, not things you've done.  Discover Your Strengths: Do a little research about yourself: ask parents, friends, and teachers what your strengths are.  THINK CREATIVELY.

 Standard Essay: Take two or three points from your list, give a paragraph to each, and make sure you provide plenty of evidence. Choose things not apparent from the rest of your application or light up some of the activities and experiences listed there.  Less-Is-More Essay: In this format, you focus on a single interesting point about yourself. It works well for brief essays of a paragraph or half a page.  Narrative Essay: A narrative essay tells a short and vivid story. Omit the introduction, write one or two narrative paragraphs that grab and engage the reader's attention, then explain what this little tale reveals about you.

 Most likely you will ask a teacher to help you revise your essay, but some tips about asking:  Give teachers plenty of notice (at least a week)  Provide them the prompt or question.  If it’s just a general statement, give them a sentence or two about what your main idea or goal in the essay  Don’t ask a teacher who you also plan to ask to write a reference letter. Don’t overburden them.  Don’t overlook asking parents, older siblings, community members, etc. to help as well.

Some editing tips for yourself:  Leave time between drafts to let your brain rest. Fresh eyes will catch mistakes.  Consider using an online writing reviser ▪ SAS Online Writing Reviser

 Tips for Getting a Great Reference Letter:  Provide the teacher with a description of your achievements ▪ Handout on the weebly site.  Allow for plenty of time ▪ 1 week minimum, 2 weeks or more = better

 Provide the teacher with an addressed envelope and a stamp. ▪ Most reference letters cannot be submitted by you.  Give a gentle reminder a few days before it’s due.  Write a thank you note.

  Digital copies of everything from today, as well as helpful links and additional information.

“Essay Tips.” Carleton University, online. Collegeboard, online. Quintessential Careers, online. ml ml