Writing a Dynamic Essay Tips and tricks to help with your admission application and scholarship essays Samantha pelkey-flock Delehoy college counseling samantha@delehoycc.com

Scholarships Much of the money you will be awarded for college will be from the specific institutions you are applying to.

Oregon State University Academic Achievement Award In addition to your application, if you are an Oregon resident, entering freshman, and have a minimum gpa of 3.85 and at least a 26 on the act you are in consideration for this scholarship.

Knox College Lincoln and Presidential Scholarships The Lincoln Scholarship offers awards of up to $20,000 per year. The Lincoln Scholarship honors the special relationship between Knox and Abraham Lincoln. Knox hosted one of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858, and in 1860 Lincoln was the first person to receive an honorary degree from Knox. Research into Lincoln's pre-presidential years, and publications about Lincoln, done by the Lincoln Studies Center at Knox College, have been featured on the History channel and have won numerous national awards. 5 Lincoln Scholars will be named in the spring as Presidential Scholars.

Creating a Dynamic College Essay Don’t write to the prompt – unless the college is asking you to! Start in the middle of the action! Use your voice – it’s hard for students to talk about themselves, but colleges want to learn about YOU! Leave the reader wanting more! Steer clear of judgmental writing.

Writing to a Prompt: Explain the importance of (your major) in today’s society. Pick a controversial problem on college campuses and suggest a solution. Describe how you have demonstrated leadership ability both in and out of school. Who in your life has been your biggest influence and why? Why do you want to get a college education? Why does education matter to your community?

Answering College Specific Questions: Why Knox?  Students choose to attend Knox based on many factors, including our academic reputation, distinguished faculty, intimate class sizes, and diverse campus community, as well as the success of our graduates. How did you become interested in Knox and why do you think Knox might be a good match for you? (100-300 words) As part of Gonzaga’s Presidential Speaker Series, the University brings to campus individuals whose scholarly research and commitment to social justices inspire students to action. Who would you choose to speak at Gonzaga and why? (word limit 50-300)

Finishing Touches: Less is more… but don’t skimp on the details! Avoid slang and use of derogatory words. Don’t use $100 words Read your essay aloud Revice! Revize! Revise!

Questions?