College Application Essays HELP!!!

Some Basics Many colleges and universities now either require or accept the Common App. We will examine the Common App questions in this presentation, but I encourage you to use specific questions from your top schools if they are different. Stick to the word requirement. The Common App is 650 words. Your school may have a different word count. Answer the prompt the way it is asked, and answer ALL parts of the prompt.

Before we begin, let’s take a look at what the experts say…

Let’s get started….

PROMPT #1: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Works as “Topic of Choice” Special memory? Personality trait? Hobby? Accomplishment? Unique family? Unique life circumstances? Influences? Funny story about your life. Who or what do you love and why? This topic can be something small, like a favorite TV show or as big as a move to a new country. Must be specific to YOU and no one else! How does your story identify who YOU are?

PROMPT #2: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

This is actually about “success” Showcase both a sense of humility and resilience. How do you deal with hardship? Are you the kind of person who can rebound and turn every experience, good and bad into a lesson learned? Be careful not to choose a failure that can seem trite. (i.e. not getting an A on an exam) No lapses of good judgment that will reflect badly on you Try to keep your story as positive as possible. The theme should be “overcoming obstacles and growing from the experience.”

PROMPT #3: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome

Speaks to your passion about beliefs and your ideology Keep the essay positive. Be sure to consider your audience when discussing very controversial topics that could offend. Try not to preach at your audience. If this prompt speaks strongly to you, consider it! When has your opinion been unpopular? Are you the kind of person who is willing to stand up for your beliefs? What is important to you on a fundamental level of morals and values?

PROMPT #4: Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

Similar to #2, but more creative This prompt considers more traditional obstacles to small predicaments that inspired you to think about what you really value. What kind of change would you like to make in the world? Detail the steps! How do you think you can positively contribute to a cause that’s important to you? If you had the power to make a lasting impact on the world, what would it be? Whatever you write about, make sure it is linked to your life in some positive way.

PROMPT #5: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

2-pronged prompt! What was the moment and what did you learn from it? You need both parts to succeed here. This one needs an original, unique, personal twist. Examples: birthdays, graduations, winning awards, receiving a promotion, meeting a special person, learning to ride a bike, eating a memorable meal.

Critical Points for All Write about yourself (how you felt, how you reacted, what you learned, what you believe) Answer “how” and “why.” (It’s not enough to SAY you did something, you need to show how and why something happened with good examples.) This essay needs to show the college reader and the admission committee who you are as a person, aside from the facts and data on your application. The impression you make with this essay can differentiate you from other applicants.

More Critical Points for All Make sure your writing is your absolute best. An interesting introduction that will interest the reader immediately A good thesis statement that will offer a clear idea of where the rest of your essay is headed Good details that will bring your ideas to life An interesting conclusion that will bring your essay full-circle without simply repeating your introduction Great grammar, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure and flow.

Final Thoughts If you don’t care enough to do your very best on the application essay, the acceptance committee will question whether you will be successful once you get to their school. Your first impression should be a good one! If you need help, I’m always here after school. Make an appointment if you want to make sure I have time. I’m really good at brainstorming! Finally, if you want more complete information, Google “2017-2018 Common Application Essay Prompts: A Guide”