Essay Writing for College Applications Class 2016 Presented by: Ms. Gilbert & Dr. Morrison Highland Park High School Counseling Department

Are essays important? Why?

Categories of College Essays Personal statement – tell us about yourself “Use the space below to provide a brief personal statement (up to 300 words), sharing information about your background or experience that may not be readily available from the application or supporting documents.”

Show us the imaginative side of your personality “Orange is the new black, fifty’s the new thirty, comedy is the new rock ‘n’ roll, ____ is the new ____. What’s in, what’s out, and why is it being replaced?”

Why do you want to come to our college? “”What are the unique qualities of [name of school] - and of the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying - that make you want to attend the University? In what ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified?” (300 word maximum)

Tell us about your academic or extracurricular interests/work experiences “Please discuss one of your extracurricular activities [or work experiences] that has required a particularly significant time commitment or that has played a meaningful role in your personal development. (Please limit your response to no more than 150 words.)

Common Application Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again? 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.? Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. ( words)

Steps to Writing a College Essay Getting started Writing first drafts Revisions

Final tidbits of advice Don’t procrastinate – this cannot be done in one night. Check spelling, grammar, and sentence structure Use specifics not gimmicks to help you stand out Show, describe, and focus on you When in doubt throw it out!

Final tidbits of advice Humor and satire are powerful tools if used right Use language that is appropriate for you Don’t be wordy – it takes away from the story The best essays won’t say, “I grew”, but they will leave the reader saying, “wow, she/he grew.” Write an application essay that’s so true to you that you’ll want to read it again in ten years as a snapshot of where you were at age 18.

Resources for essay help REMEMBER to always include the question and the school(s) where the essay will be sent English Teachers College Counselors  Dr. Morrison – a Word document  Ms. Gilbert – a Word document or share a Google doc College Counseling Assistant  Contact Mr. Becker to set up an appointment and bring a hard copy of your essay Counselors Parents Friends

Good Luck!!!