College Admission Essays Transcripts are dull. College essays shouldn’t be.

Types of Essays Common Application Essay Supplemental Essays Personal Statement Scholarship and Grant Essays Artist Statement

What is the Common App Essay? A 650 word (max) personal essay required by colleges that participate in the Common Application.

The Common App Essay is important because it . . . Reveals a student’s personality Showcases skills, strengths and qualities not found on a transcript Illustrates what a student can contribute to a college Gives admissions more than test scores to consider

Common App Prompts 2017/2018 background, identity, interest, or talent obstacles, challenges, setbacks, or failure  a time you’ve questioned or challenged a belief or idea a problem you've solved or you'd like to solve an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding 6. a topic, idea, or concept that makes you lose all track of time 7. an essay on a topic of your choice

Need help picking a topic? Ask yourself . . What are your strongest personality traits? When have you been out of your comfort zone?  What’s your favorite thing to do?  Who is important in your life? What motivates you to get out of bed?

Tip: Small stories are often the most powerful ones. Essay Writing Tips * Pick a topic that highlights your strengths and personality * Don’t write a report or resume – tell a story * Write in a conversational tone * Use dialogue, specific details and descriptive scenes * Include a great opening sentence and upbeat or unexpected ending * Omit fussy and formal words * Avoid subjects like divorce, depression or drug use and ”life-transforming” travel Tip: Small stories are often the most powerful ones. Writing Tips

What are Supplemental Essay Questions What are Supplemental Essay Questions? Additional questions asked by a college/university to learn more about an applicant and to gauge a student’s interest in their school. Tip: Answer all supplemental essays even if they are listed as optional.

Supplemental Essay Sample Questions “Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. Choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it.”- University of Michigan “Consider something in your life you think goes unnoticed and write about why it's important to you.”- University of Wisconsin ”Describe a time when you changed your opinion about an issue. What led you to hold this opinion in the first place and what led you to change your views?”- American University “Describe two or three of your current intellectual interests and why they are exciting to you. Why will Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences be the right environment in which to pursue your interests?”

Scholarship/Grant Sample Essay Questions Discuss a favorite movie, song or book that has influenced you. How will this scholarship help you reach your goals? How have you made a difference? How have you recovered from a mistake or disappointment? Tip: Personalize your essay to address the specific scholarship.

What is an Artist Statement What is an Artist Statement? An essay usually required when applying to art programs/schools. Students are asked to describe: -Artistic process -Influences -Goals -Experience

How Parents Can Help Remind students of their best qualities and the times when they’ve displayed them Try not to critique or over-edit Respect their desire to keep their essay private but enlist outside help to keep them on track Be patient - personal essay writing is challenging especially when the stakes are so high Remain calm

One last tip. Why procrastinate when you can gloat One last tip . . . Why procrastinate when you can gloat? Write your essays the summer before senior year. Early Action/Decision deadlines are typically 11/1/17.