The College Essay – Class of 2015 Created by: Jeff Busch Last Updated: Fall 2014

Essential Questions  What will I be graded on?  What is the purpose of the college essay and how important is it?  What types of college essays might I have to write?  What are mistakes I should avoid?  What should I do?  How can I tell if my essay is great?  How do I prepare a great college essay?

What will I be graded on?  First Draft/Class Participation Prep – 25 points  5 pts. Name and Date  5 pts. For an outline with a minimum of intro, body and wrap-up (use outline provided) – Due 12/16  5 pts. Class Participation  5 pts. at least 50% of final draft. (500 words)  5 pts. Deadlines met  Second/Final Draft – 75 points  Focus  Organization  Narrative Techniques  Language  Other – Name, On Time, Formatting, Word Count  Total 100 points

What is the purpose of the college essay and how important is it?  To help schools look at the whole student.  Remember, what sets you apart here at ODY is what is guiding you to apply to a particular college.  Colleges don’t see what you put into that resume and they know some have lots of filler.  The essay lets a college know who you really are as a person.  The more selective the school, the more important the college essay is.  Will the 4 to 5 minutes the admissions officer spends on your essay be memorable or not?

What types of college essays might I have to write?  Optional – don’t be fooled  Personal Statements (creatively share your background, preparation, and goals)  Essay and Supplemental prompts ( usually a bit more flexible since the prompts are wide ranging)  4 types of statements/prompts/essays 4 types of statements/prompts/essays  Personal Statement  Favorite Activities  Why (Insert school name)?  Intellectual Curiosity

What are some essay mistakes I should avoid?  Don’t be offensive or share about something unethical  Don’t google the topic, plagiarism will be caught  Avoid controversial political topics  Don’t be negative or arrogant.  Beware of over share  Don’t disparage the school you are applying to  Don’t be “too” creative (such as writing a sonnet or poem)  Don’t write too little  Don’t write about fifty things, pick one and take a stand  Remember what your English teacher taught you.  Don’t spell the name of the college incorrectly.  Don’t submit the essay to the wrong college.  If your entire resume is about band camp, don’t talk about band camp in your personal statement/essay.

What should I do?  Be yourself  Make an impression  Use appropriate, colorful, vivid language  Be Descriptive  Share new information  Have a strong opening and closing  Write a rough draft  Read it out loud  Pay attention to word limits  Do not rely on spellcheck  Kasey Urquidez – Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at U of Arizona

How can I tell if an essay is great?  You probably can’t, you are biased.  You can read it out loud to parent, friend, etc. If it sounds awkward, then it is.  Give your essay to someone else with admissions experience and ask them if it does the following…  Go back to the do’s and do not’s on this presentation.  Practice:  Two Sample Essays (groups of three)

What options do I have for the assignment?  Class Options  Common Application Personal Statement  650 words or less, minimum 250 (new length this year)  5 prompts (see printout)  Any prompt from an actual college.  Handout Option  500 words or less, use anything from the prompt list on the “Topics to Consider” worksheet.

Review  Homework  Write five sentences about three of the prompts.  Pick one to write your outline on  Start Outline  Tomorrow  Complete Outline  Essay Critique  Begin Rough Draft (Due Three Days later)  Review Do’s and Don’ts

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Lesson 2: Critique and Outline  Essay #1 Be the judge (5 min)  Read comments of admissions  Essay #2 (10 min – 5/5)  Group Review  Group Present / Admissions Comment  Outline Review (10 min)  Choose an essay or statement: (10 min)  Choose Common App, Sample Essay Topic or College of Choice  Homework (due Monday 12/16)  Start your outline in Keyboarding, finish Lib?  You must note your topic/question at start of outline