College Essays and Personal Statements CCC Fall 2013

There are around 37,000 high schools in the US There are around 37,000 high schools in the US. There are at least 50,000 valedictorians graduating each year, and thousands more graduating with “good grades.” For each high school, there is at least one class president, at least one football captain, at least one drum major, at least one of everything—sometimes more. Approx. number of graduating seniors in the US: 3,342,250 students Average number of applicants to each institution: 15,000-20,000 Some scary numbers

So what are they looking for? Your passions Your ability to grow Your ability to reflect How you would “fit” with their school Your strength as a writer There are thousands of other applicants applying to your school. Many of them have the same grades and activities that you do. This is your chance to stand out and be more than a resume. Writing illustrates attention to detail, effort, ability to communicate effectively, etc

Type of Prompt: Influences/Personal Experiences Prompt: Tell us about a time when you’ve experienced a situation below and how it affected you Took a risk Faced a moral dilemma Encountered a setback Prompt: Identify a significant person or event that has influenced you What they want: write about things, people, places that are important to you. Relate these experiences to goals/how school can help reach those goals

Type of Prompt: Open-Ended Prompt: Personal Statement Prompt: Why is our college a good choice for you? Prompt: What are your goals? Prompt: What’s your passion? Prompt: Tell us something about yourself that isn’t covered elsewhere in the application What you should know: These prompts give little direction—so FOCUS!

Type of Prompt: “Creative” Questions Prompt: Quote-based Prompt: Beliefs on social issues Prompt: Pick your own topic What they’re looking for: looking at your thought process, voice, and character

Focusing on Prewriting College essays are often rambling, unfocused, or cliché. Prewriting helps avoid these problems before they’re even penned. What does the prompt ask for? How does the topic relate to my own experience and goals? How does the prompt relate to the college or program? What specific instructions are given in the prompt?

List as many personality traits as you can think of that apply to you. Brainstorming

Next to each personality trait, list at least 3 events or experiences that would substantiate this trait. Brainstorming

Brainstorming Identify: What are your goals for college/the future? Decide: How would going to college help you reach those goals? Brainstorming

Pick one trait/event. Spend 2 minutes listing as many details about that event as you can remember. Brainstorming

Organization Beginning—Catch reader’s interest Middle End Personal anecdote Quote—correctly incorporated! Fact or statistic—meaningful! Middle Develop focus of essay Include specific details general=generic Use transitional words/phrases End Revisit focus (“main point”) End positively and confidently

Key Reminders Answer the prompt Pay attention to word count Be specific and focused Connect your goals to the school Find an original angle—you’re trying to stand out! This is NOT a resume Be yourself, be authentic